Two Models Competing In The Pod-Based Coffee Machine Market - Bosch Tassimo and Nespresso Pixie

There are two models of the increasingly popular pod-based espresso machines that seem to be taking over the marketplace at the moment. One is the Tassimo, from German producers Bosch and the other is the Pixie, by Nespresso. What are the features that might guide you to pick one over the other?


At the outset, let's put these machines in context. The mode of operation of a standard espresso machine is straightforward - grind the beans, fill the holder and tamp down the grounds, then put the holder into the machine. The machine then forces water at pressure through the grounds to give you your cup of espresso. A bean-to cup machine automates the process - it grinds the beans for you, measures out the correct quantity into the holder and pumps heated water through.


You get genuine espresso, but a lot of individuals find that trying to keep the machines clean is a problem - but it has to be done. This can turn out to be a significant chore.
A pod machine takes away this problem. You buy pods of ready-ground coffee - pre-packed in exactly the appropriate quantities. The pod of coffee is put into the machine, which does the rest, pumping hot water through the pod and into your cup. When finished, the pod is ejected. There's no holder to empty and clean and no coffee to rinse out of the pipes - only water. Are there additional points in favour?
* The choice of blends and varieties of coffee is very wide
* Since the range is so big, you can pick a different blend for each cup you make.
Both the Bosch Tassimo and the Nespresso Pixie have all these advantages, naturally, so why would you choose one over the other?

The Bosch Tassimo
The Tassimo has several things going for it over the Pixie:-
* You can select the features to fit your budget, as there are a number of models in the range
* You can stick with household-named manufacturers from the wide variety of available pods. Tea and chocolate are offered too - it's more a drinks system than a simple coffee machine.
* Clever bar codes on the pods are read by the unit for the perfect brew.
* The water tank is a very good size - 1.5 to 1.7 litre

The Nespresso Pixie
What about the Pixie?
* Very small footprint on the work top
* It can make genuine espresso coffee - the Tassimo uses additives to get a crema
* Cutting-edge design
* Operation is simplicity itself
* High quality construction

The choice is, as usual, individual. The basic Tassimo models come in about half the cost of a Pixie; the higher models about the same. But what swings it for me is that the Pixie produces genuine espresso - surely the most significant factor.
Stephen Bailey is a keen cook and contibutes extensively to online product review and information sites.

This article about the Nespresso Pixie and Bosch Tassimo systems is one of many articles on kitchen appliances and equipment that he has researched and written for Tern Kitchen Reviews.