October 21, 2012

Newpresso U: Customize Your Espresso

The new Nespresso U is designed to fit you; customized and tailored to fit your needs. Nespresso has introduced its next generation espresso machine that brings personalized features, and features that can be customized for your tastes. With another tightly designed and compact machine to fit most kitchens in an espresso only format.

The nespresso U has several design features that make it for "U" - favorite brew size selection. I am not sure that this is a mind blowing feature, but you can get your favorite brew size whenever you need by using one of the three brew buttons - Ristretto, Espresso, and Lungo. This is up from the typical to - Espresso and Lungo. what is pretty cool though is that the Nespresso U memorizes your favorite brew size, and by simply sliding the top capsule door closed, it will brew that size. Great if you and your spouse agree, but what happens when they brew a few while you're away? "You got your Lungo in my ristretto?" On top of this, the capsule is ejected automatically after brewing into the used capsule bin (holds 11 capsules). In all, I like the features; just need to make sure my setting is the one setting it remembers; not anyone else's.

Swivel design on the Reservoir - I like this idea, as the whole reservoir piece swivels left and right so you can fit the thing into tight spaces. The other advantage is that the reservoir can be swiveled out to the side, and is not easily filled via carafe, versus pulling it off - preferable if you want to top it off while it's brewing your coffee. The reservoir swivels out to a full 90-degree angle on either side.

Above: Nespresso U with the reservoir swiveled out to the left of the maker.

Accessories - What's a coffee maker without accessories? Nespresso likes to build on this idea, and they have something I'd call sidecars that can attach to the sides of the Nespresso U by magnets, and offer a holder for new capsules in one and sugar sticks and stirrers in another. Functional, but maybe not needed.

The Nespresso U comes in four colors: Pure Cream, Pure Orange, Pure Grey and Pure Black. It will brew up any of the 16 Grand Crus plus the seasonal capsules that come out a few times a year. Capsules are available through Nespresso boutiques and via mail order with 2-day delivery all over the US.

At Amazon the Nespresso U is $199