Two Outstanding Pod-System Coffee Machines - Tassimo and Pixie

At the outset, let's put these machines in context. The mode of operation of a traditional espresso machine is simple - grind the beans, fill the holder and tamp down the grounds, then put the holder into the machine. Hot water is pumped through the grounds, giving you a cup of espresso from the outlet. An automated bean to cup machine can make the process simpler. It grinds the coffee automatically in the appropriate amount for you and then brews the coffee in the conventional way by pumping hot water through.There's no doubt that the results can be superb, but there's a problem in that you have to clean the machines out regularly. This can be sufficient to put many people off these machines altogether.A pod machine takes away this problem. The coffee - or tea, or chocolate in some machines - arrives ready-ground in sealed pods. It’s then a simple matter to place a pod of the desired flavour into the unit, which pierces the foil seal and forces hot water through the pod into your cup. Afterwards the pod is removed, or stored in a hopper for later disposal. Given that it's only water going through the pipes, they don't require cleaning out. Neither does the holder need emptying. Are there additional points in favour?* The choice of blends and varieties of coffee is very wide* Because the range is so big, you can choose a different blend for every cup you make. Both the Bosch Tassimo and the Nespresso Pixie have all these benefits, naturally, so why would you opt for one over the other?The Bosch TassimoThe Tassimo has a couple of points in its favour over the Pixie:-* You can select the features to fit your spending budget, as there are quite a few models in the range* The choice of pods is especially wide, uses well-known reputable brand names and includes tea and chocolate - it's possibly better seen as a drinks machine than a coffee maker.* The barcodes on the pods tell the unit the exact temperature and quantity to use.* The 1.5 or 1.7 litre water tank means that you can use the appliance all day without refillingThe Nespresso PixieWhat does the Pixie have to offer?* Extremely small footprint on the worktop* You actually get genuine espresso - the Tassimo gets a crema effect from additives* Cutting-edge style* The operation is incredibly easy* High quality constructionThe choice is, as usual, personal. You can get a basic Tassimo for about half the price of a Pixie; the higher models about the same. But the Pixie produces genuine espresso coffee, which for me is the most critical deciding factor.