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  #1 (permalink)   Report Post  
Levelwave©
 
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Default REVIEW: Senseo Coffee Machine

Welp, someone gave me the Senseo coffee pod system for Christmas. My
first thoughts after pulling the machine out of the box - it's very well
made. No flimsy parts to speak of. The stock resevoir holds enough water
for about 4 (8 ounce) cups of coffee. 8 ounces takes 2 pods so the
coffee definitely isn't cheap. But the convenience is more than worth it
as there is NO mess. You simply toss the pod in the trash and you're
good for another cup. No need to wipe a thing down. Now for the taste.
With the Senseo brand pods that came with the unit, it produced a coffee
that was definitely better than my parents fairly expensive 12 Cup Bunn
drip machine but no where near the body of a press pot. (But my parents
also use preground folgers [yuck]). I'm hoping with better quality pods
the unit will produce a bolder cup of joe. So in summary - if you're
used to the fairly mild office coffee and need a machine that is quick
and virtually mess free, then I do recommend the unit.

~john

  #2 (permalink)   Report Post  
Levelwave©
 
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Levelwave© wrote:

I forgot to mention... it produces a very rich layer of crema about 1/4
of an inch high. The coffee was also very hot.

~john

  #3 (permalink)   Report Post  
Levelwave©
 
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Bubbabob wrote:

> Not REAl crema, just foam. The coffee in the pods is far too stale (and
> made from the vilest of Vietnamese robusta beans) to create any crema
> worthy of the name. They contaminate the coffee with a percentage of
> instant coffee that causes the faux crema effect.



Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
press pot and burr mill.

~john

  #4 (permalink)   Report Post  
Levelwave©
 
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Bubbabob wrote:

> Not REAl crema, just foam. The coffee in the pods is far too stale (and
> made from the vilest of Vietnamese robusta beans) to create any crema
> worthy of the name. They contaminate the coffee with a percentage of
> instant coffee that causes the faux crema effect.



Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
press pot and burr mill.

~john

  #5 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article >,
Levelwave(C) > wrote:

> Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
> Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
> you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
> press pot and burr mill.



Which better quality pods? I thought the Senseo was limited to a three
or four choices of Douwe Egbert coffee?

--
to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>


  #6 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article >,
Bubbabob > wrote:

> Not REAl crema, just foam. The coffee in the pods is far too stale (and
> made from the vilest of Vietnamese robusta beans) to create any crema
> worthy of the name. They contaminate the coffee with a percentage of
> instant coffee that causes the faux crema effect.


The Mild Roast, Medium Roast and Decaffeinated are 100% Arabica beans.
The Dark Roast HAS some Robusta, but the origin isn't given.

And what is the source of your statement that it contains some instant
coffee? According to Philips, "The frothy coffee layer on top is a
result of the low pressure brewing method." They explicitly state that
"The SENSEO coffee is not the same as an espresso. Espresso is a strong
coffee brewed by quickly forcing hot water through darkly roasted,
finely ground, coffee beans."

--
to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>
  #7 (permalink)   Report Post  
Boron Elgar
 
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Default

On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 22:47:00 -0500, Levelwave© >
wrote:

>Welp, someone gave me the Senseo coffee pod system for Christmas. My
>first thoughts after pulling the machine out of the box - it's very well
>made. No flimsy parts to speak of. The stock resevoir holds enough water
>for about 4 (8 ounce) cups of coffee. 8 ounces takes 2 pods so the
>coffee definitely isn't cheap. But the convenience is more than worth it
>as there is NO mess. You simply toss the pod in the trash and you're
>good for another cup. No need to wipe a thing down. Now for the taste.
>With the Senseo brand pods that came with the unit, it produced a coffee
>that was definitely better than my parents fairly expensive 12 Cup Bunn
>drip machine but no where near the body of a press pot. (But my parents
>also use preground folgers [yuck]). I'm hoping with better quality pods
>the unit will produce a bolder cup of joe. So in summary - if you're
>used to the fairly mild office coffee and need a machine that is quick
>and virtually mess free, then I do recommend the unit.
>
>~john



You can buy a reusable pod to fill with the coffee of your choice.
When last I checked, you still had to buy them on eBay as there was no
one in the US selling them.

Makes a big diff in the coffee flavor when you choose your own brew.

Boron
  #8 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article >,
Boron Elgar > wrote:

> You can buy a reusable pod to fill with the coffee of your choice.
> When last I checked, you still had to buy them on eBay as there was no
> one in the US selling them.
>
> Makes a big diff in the coffee flavor when you choose your own brew.


And here's a review:
<http://www.quiknet.com/~frcn/Coffee/CafeFilter.html>

--
to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>
  #9 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article >,
Boron Elgar > wrote:

> You can buy a reusable pod to fill with the coffee of your choice.
> When last I checked, you still had to buy them on eBay as there was no
> one in the US selling them.
>
> Makes a big diff in the coffee flavor when you choose your own brew.


And here's a review:
<http://www.quiknet.com/~frcn/Coffee/CafeFilter.html>

--
to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>
  #10 (permalink)   Report Post  
Boron Elgar
 
Posts: n/a
Default

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:00:28 -0500, Scott >
wrote:

>In article >,
> Boron Elgar > wrote:
>
>> You can buy a reusable pod to fill with the coffee of your choice.
>> When last I checked, you still had to buy them on eBay as there was no
>> one in the US selling them.
>>
>> Makes a big diff in the coffee flavor when you choose your own brew.

>
>And here's a review:
><http://www.quiknet.com/~frcn/Coffee/CafeFilter.html>



Thanks for the link. I, myself, had seen the review. I did not notice
any water getting around the hand-packed filter as it mention in the
review, but for those who are seeking the speed & convenience of a pod
machine, that does disappear with the add'l filter.

It isn't an espresso machine, by any means, but it can be fun and
tasty for those who like to play around a bit.

Boron


  #11 (permalink)   Report Post  
Boron Elgar
 
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Default

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:00:28 -0500, Scott >
wrote:

>In article >,
> Boron Elgar > wrote:
>
>> You can buy a reusable pod to fill with the coffee of your choice.
>> When last I checked, you still had to buy them on eBay as there was no
>> one in the US selling them.
>>
>> Makes a big diff in the coffee flavor when you choose your own brew.

>
>And here's a review:
><http://www.quiknet.com/~frcn/Coffee/CafeFilter.html>



Thanks for the link. I, myself, had seen the review. I did not notice
any water getting around the hand-packed filter as it mention in the
review, but for those who are seeking the speed & convenience of a pod
machine, that does disappear with the add'l filter.

It isn't an espresso machine, by any means, but it can be fun and
tasty for those who like to play around a bit.

Boron
  #12 (permalink)   Report Post  
Blair P. Houghton
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Levelwave© > wrote:
>for about 4 (8 ounce) cups of coffee. 8 ounces takes 2 pods so the
>coffee definitely isn't cheap. But the convenience is more than worth it
>as there is NO mess.


Sounds fine, but I have a visceral problem with buying
coffee either made by an electronics company, or from J&R
Music World:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.proc...Code=PHI+00701

--Blair
"It's like buying socks at the bakery..."
  #13 (permalink)   Report Post  
Blair P. Houghton
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Scott > wrote:
>In article >,
> Levelwave(C) > wrote:
>
>> Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
>> Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
>> you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
>> press pot and burr mill.

>
>
>Which better quality pods? I thought the Senseo was limited to a three
>or four choices of Douwe Egbert coffee?


Froogle to the rescue:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...232634-1182534

--Blair
"Sales rank: 1."
  #14 (permalink)   Report Post  
Blair P. Houghton
 
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Default

Bubbabob > wrote:
>Not REAl crema, just foam. The coffee in the pods is far too stale (and
>made from the vilest of Vietnamese robusta beans) to create any crema
>worthy of the name. They contaminate the coffee with a percentage of
>instant coffee that causes the faux crema effect.


Speaking of which, I tried Medaglia d'Oro Instant Espresso
the other day, because I'm an empiricist, and I have
conclusively falsified the hypothesis that instant espresso
will taste like shit, and codified the theory that it will
taste worse than shit.

--Blair
"I'd rather have one of Baldrick's specials."
  #15 (permalink)   Report Post  
Blair P. Houghton
 
Posts: n/a
Default

BTW, the best price online for Senseo coffee makers is
Wal-Mart, which may or may not match their in-store price.

And here's a link to all the froogle results for pods that don't
mention the word "douwe":

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?as...=0&safe=active

And a tinyurl for those of you like me with text browsers:

http://tinyurl.com/4qsw7

--Blair
"I may just buy one of these and
see how it stacks up to that
Medaglia d'Oro instant espresso..."


  #16 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article >,
Blair P. Houghton > wrote:

> BTW, the best price online for Senseo coffee makers is
> Wal-Mart, which may or may not match their in-store price.


Nope. Wally's has it for $58.47 plus $4.97 estimated shipping, so $63.44.

Amazon has it for $58.79, free shipping. I don't know if they still have
it, but before this weekend, you also got a $10 Amazon gift certificate
with the purchase.

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to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>
  #17 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Levelwave(C) > wrote:
>
>> Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
>> Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
>> you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
>> press pot and burr mill.

>
>
> Which better quality pods? I thought the Senseo was limited to a three
> or four choices of Douwe Egbert coffee?
>
> --
> to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"
>
> <http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>

=================

I recently did a search for a friend on how to make your own "pods" for use
it some of the "one cup at a time" machines... That would be my choice if
we were to do the one cupper thing... I've been spoiled. DH roasts green
coffee beans. Amazing stuff!

Cyndi


  #18 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
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In rec.food.cooking, Levelwave? > wrote:

> as there is NO mess. You simply toss the pod in the trash and you're
> good for another cup. No need to wipe a thing down. Now for the taste.


Wait a few weeks before you tell us about the taste. The built-up coffee
oils will have had a chance to get rancid by then. And the mineral
buildup on the heating element will make the already too-cool water even
less capable of the requisite selective solution of coffee solids.



--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the
acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought,
by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
-- Dwight David Eisenhower
  #19 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
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In rec.food.cooking, Levelwave? > wrote:

> Yeah, I'll prolly order the bettery quality pods when I get back home.
> Vile Vitenamese robusta beans or not, the machine is on to something if
> you're single an only want one cup and don't feel like breaking out the
> press pot and burr mill.


A single-cup drip, set on top of the mug, will allow you to make a single
cup easily. And you can use any kind of reasonably-priced, high quality
coffee that you desire.

Clean-up consists of tossing the filter down the disposal and giving the
cone a quick rinse with hot water.

Or, if you'd prefer, jsut throw away the plastic cone and use a fresh one
every time. For the price of a Senso and pods, you could do it for years
and still be ahead. And all that time, you'd be drinking delicious
coffee.

--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the
acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought,
by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
-- Dwight David Eisenhower
  #20 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
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In rec.food.cooking, Rick & Cyndi > wrote:

> I recently did a search for a friend on how to make your own "pods" for use
> it some of the "one cup at a time" machines... That would be my choice if
> we were to do the one cupper thing... I've been spoiled. DH roasts green
> coffee beans. Amazing stuff!


It is senseless to make your own pods. It is better, cheaper and easier
to just fill the portafilter and tamp.

Pods are for convenience. If they cease to be convenient, then they have
no function. They are the TV dinners of coffee.


--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the
acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought,
by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
-- Dwight David Eisenhower


  #24 (permalink)   Report Post  
Scott
 
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Default

In article <xY2Ad.8960$hc7.3649@trnddc06>,
"Rick & Cyndi" > wrote:

> I recently did a search for a friend on how to make your own "pods" for use
> it some of the "one cup at a time" machines... That would be my choice if
> we were to do the one cupper thing... I've been spoiled. DH roasts green
> coffee beans. Amazing stuff!


The problem there is that the whole point of the pod machines is their
convenience. If you're going to make pods one at a time, you might as
well not bother to get such a machine.

--
to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"

<http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>
  #25 (permalink)   Report Post  
Rick & Cyndi
 
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Default


"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> In article <xY2Ad.8960$hc7.3649@trnddc06>,
> "Rick & Cyndi" > wrote:
>
>> I recently did a search for a friend on how to make your own "pods" for
>> use
>> it some of the "one cup at a time" machines... That would be my choice
>> if
>> we were to do the one cupper thing... I've been spoiled. DH roasts
>> green
>> coffee beans. Amazing stuff!

>
> The problem there is that the whole point of the pod machines is their
> convenience. If you're going to make pods one at a time, you might as
> well not bother to get such a machine.
>
> --
> to respond (OT only), change "spamless.invalid" to "optonline.net"
>
> <http://www.thecoffeefaq.com/>

=============

True but my reasoning was that for those that prefer their own coffee they
could make several pods to be available when wanted/needed. Quite frankly,
I have no use for those type of machines anyway. I like to brew a whole
pot, put it in my vacuum thingy and then drink it... ALL. I do have the
older one cuppers that I used to take when traveling... but... well...
that's another topic by itself.

Cyndi




  #27 (permalink)   Report Post  
Carol In WI
 
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Default

My son bought one for me for Christmas and never got a chance to use it,
someone had returned it to the store used, there was coffee stains on the
booklet and you could see residue from them not cleaning it up before
returning. Can't wait for Wal-Mart to get more in so I can get it have and
a try at it. Carol In WI


  #28 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
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In rec.food.cooking, Susan Edkins > wrote:

> Ya know, I wondered about this the first time I saw it (the prediction of
> rancid oil buildup in the Senseo---not soap in the French press). Where on
> earth would coffee oil build up? I've got the Senseo (and am moderately
> pleased with the taste and convenience) and there's no place for oils to
> gather. The only parts that touch the coffee pod are easily removable and
> washable.


I was responding to Levelwave's comment that there was nothing to wipe
down. If you wash the pod holder, you may as well wash a portafilter. Or
the "brew basket". Or the french press.

But if a design feature that you especially like is that there is nothing
to wipe down, then ...

--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the
acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought,
by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
-- Dwight David Eisenhower
  #29 (permalink)   Report Post  
 
Posts: n/a
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In rec.food.cooking, Susan Edkins > wrote:

> Ya know, I wondered about this the first time I saw it (the prediction of
> rancid oil buildup in the Senseo---not soap in the French press). Where on
> earth would coffee oil build up? I've got the Senseo (and am moderately
> pleased with the taste and convenience) and there's no place for oils to
> gather. The only parts that touch the coffee pod are easily removable and
> washable.


I was responding to Levelwave's comment that there was nothing to wipe
down. If you wash the pod holder, you may as well wash a portafilter. Or
the "brew basket". Or the french press.

But if a design feature that you especially like is that there is nothing
to wipe down, then ...

--
In the councils of government, we must guard against the
acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought,
by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the
disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
-- Dwight David Eisenhower
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Susan Edkins
 
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> wrote in message
...
> In rec.food.cooking, Susan Edkins > wrote:
>
>> Ya know, I wondered about this the first time I saw it (the prediction of
>> rancid oil buildup in the Senseo---not soap in the French press). Where
>> on
>> earth would coffee oil build up? I've got the Senseo (and am moderately
>> pleased with the taste and convenience) and there's no place for oils to
>> gather. The only parts that touch the coffee pod are easily removable and
>> washable.

>
> I was responding to Levelwave's comment that there was nothing to wipe
> down. If you wash the pod holder, you may as well wash a portafilter. Or
> the "brew basket". Or the french press.
>
> But if a design feature that you especially like is that there is nothing
> to wipe down, then ...



Ah, I see. And I agree, just picking out the pod and leaving the holder to
'age' could get a little nasty. I vote for giving the holder at least a
quick rinse on your way back from the waste basket. And I still find it
easier and faster than heating water for/loading/cleaning a French press,
especially REALLY early in the morning. That said, the French press and
good, freshly roasted and ground coffee make a much better cup of coffee.

Regards,

Susan





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Susan Edkins
 
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> wrote in message
...
> In rec.food.cooking, Susan Edkins > wrote:
>
>> Ya know, I wondered about this the first time I saw it (the prediction of
>> rancid oil buildup in the Senseo---not soap in the French press). Where
>> on
>> earth would coffee oil build up? I've got the Senseo (and am moderately
>> pleased with the taste and convenience) and there's no place for oils to
>> gather. The only parts that touch the coffee pod are easily removable and
>> washable.

>
> I was responding to Levelwave's comment that there was nothing to wipe
> down. If you wash the pod holder, you may as well wash a portafilter. Or
> the "brew basket". Or the french press.
>
> But if a design feature that you especially like is that there is nothing
> to wipe down, then ...



Ah, I see. And I agree, just picking out the pod and leaving the holder to
'age' could get a little nasty. I vote for giving the holder at least a
quick rinse on your way back from the waste basket. And I still find it
easier and faster than heating water for/loading/cleaning a French press,
especially REALLY early in the morning. That said, the French press and
good, freshly roasted and ground coffee make a much better cup of coffee.

Regards,

Susan



  #32 (permalink)   Report Post  
Gaylord Gayheart
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Levelwave©" > wrote in message
...
> Welp, someone gave me the Senseo coffee pod system for Christmas. My first
> thoughts after pulling the machine out of the box - it's very well made.
> No flimsy parts to speak of. The stock resevoir holds enough water for
> about 4 (8 ounce) cups of coffee. 8 ounces takes 2 pods so the coffee
> definitely isn't cheap. But the convenience is more than worth it as there
> is NO mess. You simply toss the pod in the trash and you're good for
> another cup. No need to wipe a thing down. Now for the taste. With the
> Senseo brand pods that came with the unit, it produced a coffee that was
> definitely better than my parents fairly expensive 12 Cup Bunn drip
> machine but no where near the body of a press pot. (But my parents also
> use preground folgers [yuck]). I'm hoping with better quality pods the
> unit will produce a bolder cup of joe. So in summary - if you're used to
> the fairly mild office coffee and need a machine that is quick and
> virtually mess free, then I do recommend the unit.


Don't laugh -- the best pot of coffee I ever had was when the soft drink 7
Up was used instead of water. Carbonated coffee may sound weird, but it is
outstanding. Thanks for the post, for it reminded me of this. I believe I'll
try some again tomorrow.


  #33 (permalink)   Report Post  
Gaylord Gayheart
 
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Default


"Levelwave©" > wrote in message
...
> Welp, someone gave me the Senseo coffee pod system for Christmas. My first
> thoughts after pulling the machine out of the box - it's very well made.
> No flimsy parts to speak of. The stock resevoir holds enough water for
> about 4 (8 ounce) cups of coffee. 8 ounces takes 2 pods so the coffee
> definitely isn't cheap. But the convenience is more than worth it as there
> is NO mess. You simply toss the pod in the trash and you're good for
> another cup. No need to wipe a thing down. Now for the taste. With the
> Senseo brand pods that came with the unit, it produced a coffee that was
> definitely better than my parents fairly expensive 12 Cup Bunn drip
> machine but no where near the body of a press pot. (But my parents also
> use preground folgers [yuck]). I'm hoping with better quality pods the
> unit will produce a bolder cup of joe. So in summary - if you're used to
> the fairly mild office coffee and need a machine that is quick and
> virtually mess free, then I do recommend the unit.


Don't laugh -- the best pot of coffee I ever had was when the soft drink 7
Up was used instead of water. Carbonated coffee may sound weird, but it is
outstanding. Thanks for the post, for it reminded me of this. I believe I'll
try some again tomorrow.


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