(Russell writing...) A little mini-review on a self-purchased Xmas present now that we've had it a couple weeks.
CBTL is a relatively new thing in the states and only has limited distribution for the time being (can be found online, at Coffee Bean & Trea Leaf stores, or Bed Bath and Beyond). It's based on the evidently popular Caffitaly brewing system that can be found throughout Europe.
Do I recommend? Well, maybe. If you like espresso, it's worth looking at. Basically on par with Nespresso for less $$! If you're a coffee/tea person only, get a Keurig (although apparently they have widespread reliability issues). If you want it all so to speak, and don't mind "simulated espresso" (and I'm not convinced that I don't), get a Tassimo.
Incidentally, here are my favorite beverages thus far (*all CBTL espresso/coffee capsules are 100% Arabica):
- Italian Espresso: dark, intense, rich, and fairly smooth (least bitter of the espressos). definitely my favorite of all. the machine is worth having in my opinion for this capsule alone.
- Continental Espresso: slightly lighter espresso, but still smooth overall
- Premium Espresso: I was expecting to like this one the best, but it actually seemed quite bitter with an odd aftertaste in comparison to the other two
- Viennesse Coffee: Relatively rich bodied and smooth, but still a bit watery at the preprogrammed 8oz pulls for coffee (I've since adjusted the coffee setting to just over 6 oz...a little bit disappointing that I even have to do that, but oh well)
- Tropical Passion Tea: actually an extremely tasty tea that I have to say I'm a fan of. however, the teas in general suffer from having loose tea particles that get pushed through during the brew process. the word is that CBTL may be redesigning the capsules to improve this issue. i hope so!
Have to say after having several different brewing systems that you mentioned above, the CBTL beats them all by a long shot ; ) The inventory is much more diverse than people realize. Any Caffitaly capsule can be used in the CBTL Caffitaly system. For local availability, Target can now be added to the list. BBB has the best assortment. Since any Caffitaly capsule can be used in a Caffitaly brewer, this opens up the inventory you can actually have. There are Danesi espresso capsules sold in the states. Just put a search in for Danesi espresso and if you order make sure the capsules are for Caffitaly systems. Mienl in Austria has superb hot beverages. Not affordable? Wrong, check the direct Mienl site. The capsules are only $4 something a sleeve. They dropped the Vat system for U.S. Orders, and shipping is so reasonable, you are paying essentially what you pay here in the states for a sleeve of CBTL. Shipping to you from Austria can take less than a week. If that's not enough, there are about 3 places in Canada that carry Ecaffe Caffitaly capsules. I usually order from ECS Coffees. You have to call Kevin at the toll free number listed on ECS Coffees to place a U.S. order. The shipping is still doable, especially to NYS. There's a good assortment of beverages you can buy and ECS also carries those coveted milky froth capsules so many people want. As far as taste of coffees and teas, I love the CBTL Columbian and the CBTL Kona, as well as all the espressos. I've only had one coffee that was weaker than my taste, but that can be another person's preference. Teas, I think are excellent and I love Caffitaly Ecaffe Tea et Foglie and also the Ecaffe Chamomila from ECS Coffees. Both taste like those teas should. I have to say I disagree, considering the above, about the taste of the regular brews. Having had a Tassimo, Keurig, and other single serve machines, the CBTL more specifically the Caffitaly system, makes a superb espresso and has the freshest tasting coffees & teas with a wide assortment of beverages unbeknownest to most ; ) Yep, I wouldn't want to limit myself to just espressos, I want a single serve to brew up great tasting teas and coffees too. Having had 3 Tassimos in the past and having been an ardent Tassimo supporter "in the past", I have to disagree with your assessment, the Caffitaly systems, are in my opinion, far better.
ReplyDeleteBekka, thanks for your comment. If I have it right, I believe I've seen your name all over the internet and single-serve forums talking about espresso machines. You happened to be one of the datapoints I used in deciding to purchase the CBTL. That said, may I ask why so much enthusiasm? No kickbacks right? :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I wrote the review, but I have indeed tried to purchase a few of the Caffitaly capsules you mentioned to no avail. ECS refunded my order twice since I was in the US (even though their website says they deliver here). Same issue with Danesi via Boston King. I haven't ordered Meinl due to the cost, but per your comment perhaps that's changed.
That said, even if the selection is wider than the current CBTL portfolio, it's still not really comparable yet to the competition (although I hope that changes since the only other single serve I've ever owned is a Senseo). Plus, selection alone doesn't mean much (e.g. Keurig has better selection than anyone). Do you actually like the non-CBTL Caffitaly capsules you've tried? I've read pretty thorough reviews on them on forums where you've actually posted, and it seemed that the Ecaffe ones at least weren't that great.
For now, I still am mostly happy with my CBTL, but I actually do prefer my parents' Tassimo when I go home to visit (they also have a Keurig which they actually use more, but I don't care for it). As for coffee in the Contata, I don't care for it all using a pull greater than 6 oz or so. But that's certainly a smaller cup size than I find optimal!