I've got a lovely Nespresso Ceatista machine and have a monthly subscription for coffee pods with them. I drink a lot of coffee....
However, I only drink decaf coffee these days, but still want a full-bodied, punchy brew and find that Nespresso's decaf pods are increasingly too mild for my taste.
My coffee's important to me - I rarely drink alcohol and don't drink tea, so I consider it my indulgent item. I'm seriously considering ditching the Nespresso machine and buying a bean-to-cup affair.
BUT, I'm not sure. I really only drink black coffee, and always a 'lungo' or Americano or whatever the proper word for a decent mugful is! I will have a latte on the odd occasion, certainly not daily, however I have family and friends who do drink cappuccinos and lattes and would be mighty miffed if I were to stop offering these as an option.
Can anyone offer any advice? If I went for a bean-to-cup machine, there seems a minefield of variations to consider. My criteria in order of importance:
- under £1k
- output capacity should be tweakable according to the size of cup being used (with the Nespresso machine, I currently have to top up my cup with hot water, even using the maximum lungo setting, and it annoys me!)
- must be able to froth milk for cappuccinos/lattes - but should be by way of a steam wand and milk in a jug, not a built-in milk storing tank.
- I don't mind a learning curve to adjust to using a new machine, but would like it to do 'some' of the work for me, ie. not sure I want to faff about with that tamping thing every time.
I'd appreciate any coffee lover's expertise, TIA.
And if anyone has any recommendations for decaf whole beans or the best place to buy them, that would be great too.