Tassimo vs Nespresso: Which Coffee Maker is Best?

25/09/2024

For some, finding the perfect coffee is an endless journey which sees them travel to far-flung destinations, like Brazil, Colombia, and Italy, or to Starbucks on the retail park in search of the best cup they can find.

Coffee's more than just a luxury to some. It's a necessity. This makes it all the more important to access good, if not great, coffee at home.

If you don't have time to grind your beans or use a moka pot every morning, help is here. Thanks to brands like Tassimo and Nespresso, we can now make exceptional brews quicker than you can say, 'Pop the kettle on, will you?' thanks to their uber-convenient coffee pod machines.

To streamline your daily java fix, both of these brands' coffee machines could be a worthwhile investment, but which of these hot drinks dispensers is best?

Well, if you've read a comparison guide from the Slingo Lifestyle Blog before, you should already know you're in the right place.

Here, we're putting Tassimo and Nespresso head-to-head to see which of these coffee machines is best.

Over the course of this guide, we'll compare the brands to see which offers the best prices, performance and features, and has the most diverse product range.

Before we do that, let's get to know these brands a little better by looking at their history and how they became two of the best-loved coffee machine brands around.

What is a Tassimo Coffee Maker?

Tassimo, a brand owned by Jacobs Douwe Egberts, burst onto the scene in 2004 with its innovative T-disc brewing system. Designed for convenience and variety, Tassimo quickly carved out its niche in the single-serve coffee market.

The first Tassimo machine burst onto the scene in 2004 with its innovative T-disc brewing system. Designed to be convenient, Tassimo has carved out its niche by offering various hot drinks to coffee connoisseurs, hot chocolate aficionados, and more.

Owned by Jacob Douwe Egberts, the machines read a barcode on the T-disc Tassimo pods and automatically adjust brewing settings accordingly. So, whether you're craving a milky latte, morning espresso or hot chocolate, Tassimo can deliver high-quality coffee and more at the press of a button.

What is a Nespresso Coffee Maker?

Nespresso, a division of Nestlé Group, has been synonymous with home-brewed coffee since its inception in 1986. Backed by Swiss innovation, Nespresso has continually refined its technology to bring the art of espresso-making into homes worldwide.

Using unique coffee pods, Nespresso machines are designed to extract maximum flavour and aroma from each blend, promising a cup that rivals those served in cafes. Fast-forward to today, and over 4.5 million people in the UK trust a Nespresso pod machine to make their morning coffee, whether they enjoy a rich double espresso or creamy cappuccino.

Tassimo vs Nespresso: Which Brand is Best?

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: which brand gives you the most bang for your buck and the best brew in your cup?

This section compares Nespresso and Tassimo over four categories, giving us a final score of 40. The brand with the highest score wins.

So, whether you're an espresso enthusiast or a latte lover, we'll help you determine which coffee maker brand deserves pride of place in your kitchen.

Performance: Tassimo vs Nespresso

Tassimo

Tassimo coffee makers are renowned for their versatility and ease of use. The barcode technology is at the heart of Tassimo's performance. Each T-disc contains a barcode that the machine reads to determine the optimal brewing parameters - water quantity, temperature, and brewing time - for each specific beverage.

This system ensures consistency across a wide range of drinks, from espressos and americanos to lattes and even non-coffee beverages like hot chocolate. The ability to create milk-based drinks without a separate milk frother is a significant advantage for those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos.

However, some coffee fans argue that this one-size-fits-all approach to different drinks can sometimes result in a less nuanced flavour profile than more specialised machines.

Nespresso

Nespresso coffee makers are celebrated for their ability to produce high-quality espresso with a rich crema—that coveted layer of foam that sits atop a well-made espresso. The machines use a high-pressure system (up to 19 bars in some models) to extract maximum flavour from each capsule.

Nespresso offers two distinct collections: the Original line, which focuses on espresso and lungo, and the Vertuo line, which can produce larger coffee drinks in addition to espresso. The Vertuo system uses Nespresso's Centrifusion™ technology, spinning the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute to achieve optimal extraction.

While Nespresso excels at espresso-based drinks, it requires a separate milk frother (either built-in or as an additional purchase) for milk-based beverages. This allows more control over milk texture but adds an extra step to the process.

Tassimo: 8.5/10

Nespresso: 9.5/10

Price

Tassimo

Tassimo machines are made by Bosch and generally fall into the mid-range price category, offering good value for money.

Tassimo models start at £25 for the Vivy 2, making them accessible to more customers. At the other end of the scale, you can expect to pay around £130 for machines like the My Way 2, but this machine boasts more features, like a BRITA filter and a 1.3-litre water tank.

The T-discs are priced competitively, usually ranging from about £3.50 to £5.50 per pack of 8-16 discs, depending on the brand and type of beverage.

Nespresso

Nespresso is a premium brand, and this is reflected in its pricing. The machines tend to be more expensive than Tassimo, but they're built to last and offer a high-end coffee experience.

Nespresso machines start at around £89.99 for the L'Or Barista Sublime, while top-of-the-line models, which include integrated milk frothers, can cost upwards of £400.

Buying the aluminium capsules for a Nespresso machine can also be pricier than a Tassimo, with pods costing about £3.50 to £6.00 for a pack of 10.

Tassimo: 8/10

Nespresso: 7.5/10

Product Range

Tassimo

Tassimo sells coffee makers to suit different needs and kitchen sizes. So, although their selection isn't as diverse as Nespresso's, they cover the bases well. The Tassimo range includes the following machines:

Tassimo My Way 2: This is Tassimo's flagship model, offering personalisation options for drink strength, temperature, and volume. It features a large 1.8L water tank and can remember up to four favourite drink settings.
Tassimo Happy: This affordable option is ideal for smaller kitchens or those new to the pod coffee world, thanks to its compact design and simple one-button operation.
Tassimo Suny: A mid-range option that balances features and affordability. It offers a 'Smart Start' feature for one-touch brewing and has a 0.8L water tank.

The real strength of Tassimo lies in its diverse range of T-discs. The brand has partnerships with Costa, Kenco, and Cadbury, offering over 40 different drinks, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Nespresso

While Tassimo machines are made by Bosch, several manufacturers offer Nespresso coffee makers, including Krups, Magimix Vertuo, De'Longhi and Phillips.

The Nespresso range includes the following coffee machines:

Original line:

Essenza Mini: Nespresso's most compact machine, perfect for small spaces.
Pixie: A slightly larger model with an industrial-chic design.
CitiZ: Offers a larger water tank and used capsule container.
Creatista: High-end model with an integrated milk frother for barista-style drinks.

Vertuo line:

Vertuo Next: Made with 54% recycled plastics.
Vertuo Plus: Features a motorised head that opens with a light touch.
Evoluo: Larger capacity for both water and used capsules.

Nespresso also sells a wide range of coffee pods, with over 30 permanent varieties, including limited-edition flavours. Their primary focus, however, is coffee, and compared to Tassimo, they offer less variety in other beverages.

Tassimo: 8.5/10

Nespresso: 9/10

Features: Tassimo vs Nespresso

Tassimo

One of Tassimo's standout features is its INTELLIBREW™ system. This barcode technology allows the machine to automatically adjust brewing parameters for each specific drink, ensuring consistency and ease of use.

Tassimo machines also offer:

One-button operation for simplicity
Adjustable stands to accommodate different cup sizes
Auto-off function for energy saving
Some models offer drink personalisation (strength, temperature, volume)

Tassimo has a significant advantage over its competitors because it can make a wide variety of beverages, including milk-based drinks, without additional equipment.

Nespresso

Nespresso machines are known for their sophisticated and sleek designs, but the machines are as brainy as they are beautiful, boasting a whole host of different features, including:

High-pressure pumps (up to 19 bars) for perfect crema
Thermoblock heating elements for fast heat-up times
Programmable buttons for espresso and lungo volumes
Energy-saving modes
Used capsule storage

Meanwhile, higher-end models offer:

Integrated milk frothers
Bluetooth connectivity for easy reordering of capsules
Customisable drink recipes via smartphone apps

Tassimo: 8.5/10

Nespresso: 9.5/10

Tassimo vs Nespresso Coffee Makers: Final Scores

We've reached the end of our coffee maker comparison, and there's only one question left to ask: Which brand won?

Tassimo final score: 33.5/40

Nespresso final score: 35.5/40

In a close contest, Nespresso takes the victory thanks to its wider range of products and features. With this being said, it's clear that both Tassimo and Nespresso offer impressive coffee makers that cater to different preferences and lifestyles.

Tassimo machines excel in their versatility and ease of use, making them an excellent choice for households that enjoy a variety of high-quality hot beverages on the go.

On the other hand, Nespresso stands out for its premium coffee quality, plethora of features and sophisticated design. These factors make the brand an ideal choice for those who appreciate the finer nuances of coffee.

While Nespresso edges out Tassimo in our scoring, the best choice ultimately depends on your preferences and lifestyle.

Choose Tassimo if you:

Enjoy a wide variety of hot beverages beyond just coffee
Prefer a more budget-friendly option
Like the convenience of milk-based drinks without additional equipment
Are new to the world of pod coffee makers and want a simple, user-friendly system

Choose Nespresso if you:

Value espresso quality above all else
Appreciate sleek, stylish design in your kitchen appliances
Are keen to invest more in a premium coffee experience

Whichever you choose, both Tassimo and Nespresso offer a level of convenience and quality that can transform your morning routine or impress your dinner party guests.

At the end of the day, the best coffee machine is the one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and consistently delivers the coffee experience you crave.

So, whether you're rushing out the door for an early meeting or savouring a lazy Sunday morning, your perfect brew might only be a few steps away with a Nespresso or Tassimo machine.

Slingo’s Brewing Something

If this coffee comparison has whet your appetite for more homeware and cooking comparisons, the Slingo Lifestyle Blog is the place for you. Explore the guides below: