Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker

Product Description

, KitchenAid KP26M1XDP Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer, Dark Pewter ,Sunbeam 2560 Heritage Series 6-Speed 250-Watt Hand Mixer, Red , KitchenAid KHM9PWH 9-Speed Professional Hand Mixer, White , Cuisinart SM-55BC 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer, Brushed Chrome ,Black & Decker MX300 Power Pro Hand Mixer, White Color: Titanium Product Description Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker
Combining an ultra-urban, retro-modern design with exceptionally practical, user-friendly functionality, this automatic espresso maker not only functions as a beautiful accent piece to any kitchen counter, but it also brews up soothing, cafe-style coffee drinks quickly and easily. The single-serve machine features a unique extraction system designed specifically for coffee-filled capsules, which means perfect espresso every time. The appliance perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while its high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso, ensuring a thick golden crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. To begin, simply flip the power switch to "on", place a cup under the coffee outlet, open the lever, insert a capsule and close the lever, then press the Espresso or Lungo button. The flow of coffee depends on the coffee variety selected, and up to 11 used capsules collect in the capsule container for later disposal. The espresso maker also provides automatic and programmable volume control, an energy-saving mode, automatic flow stop, and automatic pump refilling. Other thoughtful design details include a removable 1-liter water tank, a removable drip tray, and folding cup support (one position for a cup and one position for a macchiato glass). With its small footprint, the 1260-watt espresso maker measures 14-3/5 by 5 by 11 inches.
Features

• Automatic flow stop
• Automatic pump refilling
• Power save mode
• Programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo
• Mini brewing unit
• 34 oz/1 L water tank
• Easy to remove drip tray
• Folding cup support
• Capsule container

This review is from: Nespresso CitiZ C110 Espresso Maker, Aluminum (Kitchen)
I wanted to purchase this machine a while ago, but couldn't find coffee capsules that I liked. That's changed.

I took a second look at Nespresso when the Pixie came out, but after using the Pixie in the store on multiple occasions, I wouldn't purchase it. (Please see my Pixie review). I instead purchased the Citiz.

It's a great machine, producing consistent quality coffee from cup to cup with a lovely crema at the top. When you test the coffees, read the descriptions, and look for the intensity numbers (which can be found in the descriptions and on the sleeve which contains the capsules). If you can get the brochure with a wheel on the back page, it gives you acidity and bitterness ratings for each blend. I found that I do not like the "citrus" and "flowery" blends, but prefer the more intense blends which are still not bitter.

A couple of tips:

if you want more of an Americano, brew as directed for the different varieties, then eject the capsule and do another shot of just water. If you attempt to put too much water through the capsules, you will increase bitterness of the coffee.

don't forget to preheat your cups.... run a shot of just hot water through the machine and use it to warm your cup. Doing this will also prime the pump of the machine which will give you a hotter first cup of coffee.

In case you are curious: my favorite blends: Roma, Arpeggio, Fortissimo Longo, Vivalto Longo, Capriccio (lighter for a change, and this was OK with a little more water).

*** Update 12/21/11 ***

The limited edition flavors for this season are: Vanilla Blossom, Dark Chocolate, and Cherry. To my surprise, I liked the Vanilla the best (and I thought it would be the Dark Chocolate). I purchased both the Cherry and Vanilla. They are all worth trying. They are produced in small quantities, so when they are gone, I don't believe they will be available any longer.

Also, if you haven't seen the videos which Nespresso has put on line to advertise the special flavors of the season, they are fabulous!

Enjoy!