Coffee is more than just a pick me up, it’s a ritual. But sometimes you don’t need a full pot. If you were the lone coffee drinker in your home or you just want a machine to make smaller amounts, you might be looking at Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker. The unique proposition of this machine is that it can make one cup at a time in two ways; you can use prepackaged Keurig pods or fill the included adaptor with your own favourite coffee and make your cup that way.

In this review I’m going to take a look at what this machine is like to use, how it works, what the coffee is like and what you might need to know before picking it up for your kitchen. I’ll wrap things up with the pros and the cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this coffee machine for you.

I’d like to thank Cuisinart for giving me a machine to review. Though they did provide it, they didn’t ask for nor receive permission to have any input into my review so you can consider these thoughts all mine.

Unboxing & Set-up

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker is the only thing in the box. There are just two other components that come with it… a removable drip tray, which you’ll place under the spout, and hidden inside a side door is your reusable filter cup.

To get ready to brew you do have a couple of tasks: the machine comes with a water filter, which pops into a small compartment at the bottom of a long holder that sits in the bottom of the water tank. It needs replacement about every 60 days or so. Then, fill the 48 ounce/1.4L water reservoir.

Watch my full VIDEO review of Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single Serve

Cuisinart recommends you follow the instructions to run some hot water through the system in order to give it a rinse before your first use.

Let’s get to know the rest of the machine…

Next up you can fill the small coffee beans hopper with fresh coffee beans and clip the lid into place which will help keep it fresh.

Underneath the beans hopper is a small clip which is where you will place your reusable filter cup when you want to use it. The filter cup is a small K-cup style basket which you’ll fill with your own ground coffee. I’ll get to exactly how to use it and how it works in just a moment.

On the right hand side of the machine is the brewing head. Whether you use your own reusable K-cups, or you purchase Keurig pods, they will get placed under the lid here.

Up top is your control and info panel. This allows you to choose three different sizes of coffee; 8 ounce, 10 ounce or 12 ounce cups. You can also opt to grind your own coffee here and you’ll get alerted if your water tank is low.

Making coffee with Cuisinart Grind & Brew: Fresh Ground Beans

I’ll go over making coffee with your own ground beans and using a K-cup, and let’s start with the ground coffee option.

You’ll have a hot cup of Joe in less than a couple of minutes. Start by opening up your reusable pod and sliding it underneath the grinder. Touch the grind button and wait for it to do its thing. The machine will measure the appropriate amount and also the appropriate grind size. There does not appear to be any way to change either the measurement or the grind size.

When the cup is full slide it out and close the lid. You’ll need to remove the K cup adaptor from the brew head and then set the reusable pod inside, close the brew head and choose the size of coffee you want. An 8 ounce cup brews up in less than about 90 seconds, which I think is quite quick.

Coffee temperature

I measured the coffee temperature just after brewing at about 149°F/65°C. This is quite hot but not scald your tongue hot. You could call it hot but quickly drinkable.

I did notice a rather common feature of grinders like this and that is that you can expect a sprinkling of ground coffee to spill out of the device. Most of it gets captured in the drip tray and shouldn’t be a major problem.

Making coffee with Cuisinart Grind & Brew: Using Keurig K-Cups

Making coffee with K-cups is even quicker and easier. Ensure the K-cup adaptor is in the brew head, then drop in your Keurig pod and close the lid. Choose your coffee size and again this brews up in about 90 seconds.

It does seem like it takes a long time, and the coffee tends to dribble out rather slowly, but given the amount we are brewing here, I think it’s actually a perfectly reasonable length of time.

If for some reason you need to stop the brewing process at any time, just push the brew size button again.

Cleanup

The parts including the filter basket and drip tray can go in the dishwasher but are safe for the top rack only. You can also rinse or hand wash under running water.

Overall review: Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve

Overall I am surprised at how convenient this machine is. It would be most ideal for occasional coffee drinkers as opposed to those who are downing a pot a day. Let’s go over the pros and the cons of this machine so you can see if it might be right for you.

On the pro side it’s incredibly convenient, while at the same time offering two options for brewing; either your own preferred coffee beans or the convenience of a pre-portioned Keurig cup.

The brewing process is incredibly quiet ensuring that if anyone is still sleeping they’re not going to be bothered. A cup brews up in about 90 seconds or so which is a reasonable timeframe.

The coffee is hot by my standards and you have the option of brewing three different sizes. The water tank holds 48 ounces which will make about six 8 ounce cups before it needs refilling.

The Conical Burr grinder does a very good job of grinding coffee extremely well and to an even consistency. You can also take it apart for cleaning.

So what are the downsides? There’s not a lot of deal breakers for me as far as this machine is concerned. I think the biggest standouts for some coffee lovers might be the sprinkling of coffee grounds from the grinder or perhaps the fact that you might have to refill the water tank more often if you’re making larger portions. And on that note, if you did want to insert a large travel mug, there’s not really enough room for that. The footprint of the machine may also be a little on the large size given it’s only producing a single cup, but since Cuisinart has doubled the brewing methods here, the size is understandable.

In short I think this is a great single serve coffee maker that gives you great options whether you want convenient K-cups or your own grounds. I can absolutely recommend the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker to you.

It sells for about $200CAD/ $149USD and you can get it directly from Cuisinart or from several retailers including Amazon.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single Serve Coffee Maker: FULL in-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Air fryers remain hugely popular, and it’s no wonder. They’re a great way to cook smaller amounts of food fast, or to cook for one or two without needing the whole oven. And with air fry cooking, you get crispy food without all the oil. But some folks find another appliance tough to justify and rightly so. I’m a huge proponent of making sure your appliances can do double or triple duty, and that’s the idea behind the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill (TOA-70C).

I recently received one of these ovens from Cuisinart to test and review in my home. While the company did provide it to me at no charge, it didn’t ask for or receive permission to approve or view my content so these thoughts are all my own.

Air fryers: we know them well, we covered a bunch of them here on the site and by now, most people in your neighborhood should likely have one. But if you’re either one of the odd ones out or hoping to replace or upgrade your existing oven, get ready for a headache as many manufacturers flooded the market with all sorts of models old and new. In fact, old models continue to sell well in 2024 like the Cuisinart TOA-70C. The oven-styled air fryer has been around for more than three years, which is more than enough time to think twice and consider something newer or more innovative. Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer still a contender in the modern kitchen? Read on for my thoughts!

Watch my FULL hands on review of  Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

What is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Oven resembles the traditional countertop oven, but the fry basket included in the package serves as a reminder of its function as an oil-free replacement for a deep fryer. It also offers a grill function as well on top of 7 other modes and some extra accessories that aid in its versatility. To see how that works, let’s unbox it.

What’s in the Box?

The Cuisinart TOA-70C Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill is the biggest thing in the box, and it is big; it’s just over half a cubic foot, weighs 23 pounds and measures about 16-inches wide, 14 inches high and 12 inches deep, so you are definitely going to want a dedicated space for this.

If you are going to opt to keep it out on the counter, it’s a good thing the oven is fairly streamlined and nice looking with its retro dials.

Also in the box, you get the air frying basket, a standard baking pan which doubles as a crumb or drip tray, and a grill plate. The grill plate features a two-sided design with one being a flat griddle and the other being a lined grill. The grill plate also has drip holes which help channel unwanted fats and oils into the drip tray below.

All of the trays and accessories will store inside the oven, or you can simply leave them on top.

Features

As an 8-in-1 oven, the Cuisinart TOA-70C lets you prepare all sorts of snacks and meals from main and side dishes to sweets and desserts. Learning its functions is key to making the most out of the air fryer.

The Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill will bake, grill, roast, toast, air fry and broil. It’s also got convection cooking options for both broil and bake too.

Four-dial Control Array

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Oven lacks a screen which might be a dealbreaker if you want to track time or the cooking mode at a glance. Fortunately, the four-dial control system is simple to use and since you don’t have to worry about a screen breaking or touch sensors potentially wearing out, the oven could last longer.

First, you set the third dial to the cooking method you want. Then you choose the temperature by rotating the second dial. Finally, you set the cooking time by turning the fourth knob if you picked the toast cooking method, or the first knob if you picked a different cooking method. Turning either the first or fourth knobs power on the oven and activates the cooking indicator light.

You can also press the button below the light to switch on the interior oven light.

Multifunction Powerhouse

The Cuisinart Air Fryer features 1,800 watts of power putting it in line with the Cosori Air Fryer Oven I reviewed last year. The 18-quart capacity makes the oven a bit smaller though which is nice if you didn’t like the Cosori’s larger footprint. The oven interior still measures about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep which is enough for 6 slices of bread or burger patties or a 12-inch pizza. The 3-inch interior height is okay for cooking flatter items, like pizza, fish or chicken pieces, but it’s completely unsuitable for any kind of larger meats or baking dishes. It’s also not large enough to hold multiple racks to cook different meals or dishes at once.

The oven supports a maximum temperature of 450°F (230°C) and can cook up to an hour straight before it will shut off automatically.

Cooking in Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven & Grill

I tried a variety of foods in this oven.

I decided to start by baking a tray of chocolate chip cookies…because I was both excited and hungry for something sweet. I laid out the cookies on a baking sheet and slid it inside. When my timer went off, the cookies were scorched and crispy. Hopefully this can be a lesson for you… the first time you try to use a new oven like this it’s probably best not to cook something you’re really looking forward to eating, because you will want to get accustomed to the temperature adjustments and changes your recipes may need due to the smaller size of this oven. While I was pretty choked that my snack was practically incinerated, I’ll chalk this up to my own learning experience.

Next I was a little more practical with my second meal choice. I decided to make a tray of french fries just on a regular baking pan. I opted to lower both the temperature and the cook time just a little bit and these turned out much better. They were cooked in less than 10 minutes.

Next step was a piece of chicken. As I noted earlier, this oven would be ideal for cooking smaller pieces of meat for one to four people, but there’s no possible way of getting a full bird in here if you might be inclined.

Again, owing to the smaller size of this oven I assumed it would cook both hotter and faster, and it did. My chicken was thoroughly cooked in about 30 minutes and nicely browned to boot.

Feeling a little more confident with the oven I decided to move onto baking some fresh salmon. Here, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven shines. My salmon was cooked quickly and evenly. And it was a fast and quick-heating way to cook dinner – no waiting for the big oven to heat up.

That brings me to another benefit of this oven and that’s that there’s no real pre-heating. Because this oven is so small and quick, I found there’s no need to preheat it. Just add your food and set the timer.

To test the air frying I inserted the basket and added some homemade spring rolls, cooked from frozen.

They cooked in about 20 minutes, and browned quite nicely and evenly. The air frying grill basket does allow air to circulate and cooks thoroughly.

Also worth pointing out is that the racks have a stop inside that prevents you from pulling them out too far. Depending on which rack you use it might be a bit of a struggle to get it pulled out as far as you need it, but I did find this was quite handy as a protective measure against accidentally dropping your food.

Because the Cuisinart Air Fryer has more of a classic oven form-factor, you can’t pull out the entire basket to serve food. However, checking the food while it is cooking is easy and safe as you can pull down the door to automatically power off the oven. Closing the door immediately resumes cooking.

One of the last few tests I tried was making toast. This oven is ideal for toasting for a crowd since you can do multiple slices at once. I found it did a very good job at toast and because you can dial in the level of darkness you prefer each time, it’s easy to get your bread just the way you want it.

Of note, this air fryer oven doesn’t give off a lot of heat, and even the top surface, which on plenty of models can become scorching hot, here it is just warm.

In terms of noise, there is a fan that runs during most of the cooking processes but it runs very quietly and is not at all disturbing.

Cleaning

Cleaning an air fryer is usually the most demanding chore that no one wants to take on. The inside of this oven features what Cuisinart refers to as an easy clean surface. I can agree that it was relatively easy to wipe off. Racks are always a challenge to clean, but I was able to get these clean again with minimal effort.

Overall Thoughts: Cuisinart Air Fryer (TOA-70C)

Overall, while I like this oven and think it’s useful and versatile, whether it will be a winner for your home depends largely on what you intend to use it for and how much space you have to place it. Let’s go over both the pros and the cons so you can see if it’s right for you.

On the pro side, I like the looks and design as it’s both stylish and streamlined. With multiple settings and a handful of accessories and racks, this oven is certainly versatile in terms of how it cooks.

After an initial break-in period for me, I found I was better able to judge if temperature and cook time needed to be altered due to the smaller size of this oven compared to my full size.

I also appreciate the fact it comes with a handful of different racks and grills so that you can cook your food to your own preferences.

So what are the potential downsides? The overall footprint of this oven is quite large. In my home it takes up easily half of one of our counters, and I think it would be unsuitable for smaller kitchens. Also, because of its large size and heavy weight, moving it in and out of storage would also not be a pleasant chore.

And for some users this oven is just going to be too small to feed larger families or if you’re prone to using your air fryer for something like a whole chicken. In this case you could probably get a whole chicken inside but you would have to cut it into pieces first.

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Over with Grill sells for about $229 USD or $310 CAD and you can get it from a number of small appliance retailers including Amazon and I am becoming quite a Cuisinart fan.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Full in-home review: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill (TOA-70) appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Watch my full video review of Ninja Luxe Cafe

In this review, I’m going to try it out here in my home. I’ll make a variety of espresso drinks and try it out for making coffee too. I’ll show you what it is about this machine that sets it apart from more complex machines, and what kind of smarts it has. I’ll wrap things up with both the pros and the cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this automatic espresso machine for you.

I would like to say thank you to Ninja for supplying me with this machine. Though they have gifted it to me, they have not asked for nor received permission to have any input into this review and I got to test it out exactly as I wanted so you can consider these thoughts my own.

Unboxing

Unboxing this machine was no small task. There’s lots going on in here so let’s take a closer look.

First out of the gate is what Ninja refers to as the starter kit. These are some of your additional accessories which includes the portafilter, a larger basket, a tamper and a funnel. A special cleaning kit is also included here which you’ll need right away so don’t tuck it too far.

A cup riser is also  on top of the box.

Removing the machine there’s still more stuff in here. Inside a cardboard box under the nozzle is a special pitcher which we’ll get to.

Clever storage

Ninja has built clever storage into this machine. On the right hand side is a small swinging door where you can store the larger portafilter which is meant for making drip coffee or Americano style coffee. You can also stash the included cleaning brush in here too.

On the left-hand side of the machine are two circular openings which is where you’re going to store both the tamper and the included funnel. We’ll get to how all of this comes together in just a moment.

Set up

Before you can make your first coffee you need to run a water hardness test. Ninja includes water testing strips so that you can see what the mineral content of your water is and this will also let the machine know how often it needs to be descaled. Testing the water is simple; just swish the test strip around in a cup of ordinary tapwater and then wait about one minute for the result. Once you know your water hardness level, you’ll input it into the machine by twisting the dial.

With that reading locked in you’ll fill the very large water reservoir which sits at the back so you can flush the machine with water. Props to Ninja for creating it with an integrated handle so it’s ultra easy to move.

Configuration

The Ninja Luxe Cafe espresso machine has a big LED screen on the front which is where you can make your changes and adjustments.

The machine will instruct you here on how to flush the insides, and then you’re ready to configure the machine for your specific type of espresso beans, so now’s a good time to fill the beans.

I really love how smart this machine is and how it walks you through every step carefully and deliberately. The first two times you run the machine it will take note of the beans and help you choose the perfect grind, which is a little bit mind blowing.

To do this you’ll essentially prep your drink and brew two shots of espresso.

Start by placing the funnel on top of the portal filter with the double basket already installed. Push down on the funnel until it clicks into place, then slide the portafilter into the grinding cradle which is underneath the grinder.

When the portafilter is pushed in all the way, the machine recognizes it and will start to assess your beans.

The machine will assess your beans and display a recommended grind setting on the front of the LED display panel. These two numbers should match and if they don’t you’ll use a small dial on the left-hand side of the machine to make adjustments. Once they match press the start grind button and don’t touch the portafilter until it’s finished.

Remove the funnel and use the tamper to tamp the grounds. Tamping should be gentle but firm and then give it a little twist at the end then lock the portafilter into what’s called the group head, or the place where the coffee gets extracted by aligning the dots and then twisting to the right.

After it makes a shot, it may get you to change the grind but after two shots it should have things pretty much dialed in.

You can run this configuration every time you introduce a new type of beans for the machine.

Making espresso

To make espresso, you can choose between a couple different sizes. If you want a single shot, you place a cup under each spout on the portafilter and it will divide a double for you. If you’d like a double, just centre the cup. It will also make a quad shot if you pull out the bigger basket, and amazingly the machine is smart enough to know which size basket you have in so it will only offer you options for the drinks you can make with each size basket.

Turn the machine on and attach the funnel to the portafilter then slide it into place under the grinder. Touch the start grind button and let it do its thing.

When finished, remove the funnel and gently tamp the grounds and lock the portafilter into the group head.

Then press the start brew button.

The machine runs what’s called a pre-infusion first where it wets the grounds. After about 5 seconds, the basic double shot will start flowing and brews up in about 20 seconds.

The machine floored me with how good a shot it’s able to brew. The espresso is actually quite thick and there’s a beautiful creamy crema on top. At its factory setting the shot was quite hot but quickly drinkable. Of course most coffee lovers will already know by now you can tweak your results by the beans you choose and warming the cup too.

Milk

Latte and cappuccino lovers can take the next step which is to froth either dairy or plant-based milk. The milk jug has two lines for either of those drink settings so you’ll just fill it with as much milk as you need or want. Pull out the steam wand and then insert it into the jug and slide it into place on its metal platform. Next you’ll choose whether or not you’re going to be heating and frothing either dairy or plant-based milk like oat or almond. You can also choose how much foam you want which is kind of mind blowing.

Once your settings have been selected press the start froth button. A progress bar on the front will show you where it’s at. When the machine is finished it will beep. Slide the jug out and wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth right away, then add your milk to your drink—in my case a nice cappuccino.

To finish the cleaning process, push the steam wand back towards the machine where it will hover over a small hole in the base. Once it’s in place, the machine will automatically flush the inside of the wand.

One of the things I found cool about this machine is that the drink riser is adjustable to a couple of different heights, or you can remove it altogether for a big mug. If you want to go even larger than that, just slide out the drip tray to get full height access.

Hot water option

For those who might like to use their machine to extract hot water for tea or other hot drinks, it does not appear you can get hot water only from this machine. While there is a purge button it really only extracts an ounce or so of hot water.

Americano

If you’d like something more akin to a drip coffee or Americano, swap the double filter basket out for the large or quad basket. The machine is smart enough to know you’ve made the switch and will adjust its settings accordingly. Just follow the instructions on the panel to make your drink.

Cold press & over ice

I will admit before I talk about the cold brew and over ice options that I am not much of a cold coffee drinker. But for the purposes of this review I decided to give it a try. The cold press option is a bit of a misnomer since it’s not actually brewing espresso using cold water. It uses more of a lukewarm water setting that should cool down far quicker than a piping hot shot.

Drinks quality

Some of you who may have seen my previous reviews of coffee and espresso gadgets will know I’m a bit of a coffee snob. I am very specific about what I like, but at the same time I don’t generally have the time to fuss over and fawn over my morning espresso, so this machine is right up my alley.

I have to say the quality of the espresso in particular is just as good as almost any coffee shop espresso shot I’ve had. The temperature is bang on, the shot is thick and the crema is ultra creamy. I’ve been testing out a few different types of beans in this machine and the Ninja Luxe Café seems to be able to manage beautifully.

When paired with milk, the machine can make any number of drinks from cappuccino to lattes, flat white, Cafe Au lait, and even hot cocoa.

Removable Beans hopper

If you are going to be brewing different types of drinks you may want to have access to different types of beans and fortunately Ninja makes this a lot easier than most other espresso machines. The beans hopper can be pulled right out and removed so you can dump out any excess beans and swap them for something different at any time. Just twist the lock inside the hopper to release it.

Cleanup

The automatic steam wand cleaning on this machine is just the beginning. The drip tray will let you know when it gets full of water when the small floating indicator rises enough for the orange line to be visible. Just slide the drip tray forward and carry it carefully to the sink where you can dump it out and wash it.

The baskets can be pulled from the portafilter by lifting from the back and both these pieces should be hand washed only.

The funnel, water reservoir, beans hopper and drip tray are all dishwasher safe.

The machine will also let you know if you need to clean or descale it, in part based on the number of shots you pour and the hardness of your water.

Adjustable heat, strength and milk settings

Almost everything on this machine can be adjusted to your preference. You can choose a brewing temperature that suits you among three options which are labelled low, medium and high, and this is accessed with a button on the control panel. Low and medium temperature is made for darker roast coffees while lighter roasts can take medium or high temperature.

A brew strength adjustment can be made if you like stronger or weaker coffee. To adjust this you’ll hold the size button for three seconds then rotate the centre dial to setting H09, then choose how strong you want it and press the dial in words to confirm your selection.

You can also adjust the milk temperature button when you set the jug into place. Hold the size button for three seconds and then rotate the dial to Setting H07, then make your selection.

Overall review: Ninja Luxe Cafe automatic espresso machine

Overall I have to say I have been blown away by this machine. I gave up on a manual espresso machine several years ago after I retired my Rancillio Sylvia manual machine. I found the fussing and adjustments that were constantly required was just more work than I wanted to put into a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It was about that time I adapted to using Nespresso pods. This machine has turned that on its head again and I’m ready to go back to real espresso from real beans. Let’s go over the pros and the cons of this machine.

On the pro side, absolutely everything here is automated and smart and the machine can adapt to any drink. I love the fact it can do an assessment of your espresso beans to dial in the perfect grind, and it helps you extract the perfect shot.

I also think the addition of the funnel for the top of the portafilter is absolutely genius and unlike another machine I recently tested where I was forced to wipe up coffee grounds every single day, this configuration barely spills a grain.

I couldn’t ask for better results; the shots are beautiful, hot, and thick with a nice crema on top and are wonderful on their own or when used with milk drinks. And speaking of the milk, again this machine is smart enough to adapt to both dairy and plant milks to get the perfect amount of foam and heat. And with different quick measurements on the milk jug it makes it easy to pour correctly.

Plus you’re getting both heat and foam here unlike a lot of other automatic and semi automatic machines which can usually only handle one or the other.

The fact that it also cleans and purges the steam wand after is a great help, and all the pieces are easy to clean or dishwasher ready.

I also really appreciate the fact that pretty much every setting from heat to brew intensity and milk foaming and temperature is adjustable to my preferences.

And of course the wide variety of different drinks you can make from pretty much any milk based espresso drink to even a dedicated café Americano and colder drinks makes it really versatile.

So what are the potential downsides? I am really struggling to find anything that was a real sore spot for me or that felt like a major problem. I think that there might be some users who will lament the lack of a dedicated hot water dispenser in here, but for me that’s just not a dealbreaker or even a real downside.

In short I have found an amazing new espresso machine that not only makes great coffee but it looks good out on the counter too; just as good as any high-end machine.

I can absolutely recommend the Ninja Luxe Café automatic espresso machine for you. It sells for about $699CAD/$499USD which is actually quite a bit less than similar machines that don’t do as much for you, so I find that pretty impressive too.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The post Ninja Luxe Cafe automatic espresso machine: full in-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

OutIn Nano portable espresso press: full hands-on review

In this review I spent several weeks using the OutIn Nano, both at home, in the camper man, and on the go. I’ll show you how it works whether you choose to use pre-measured pods or your own coffee, and I’ll take a look at the pros and cons and let you know if I think I can recommend this device for you.

Watch my full hands-on video review to see it in action

 Unboxing

Taking a look at what you get with this device it’s a pretty cool and attractive package, and OutIn does a nice job of making the packaging feel luxe.

Let’s take a look at the parts…

You get the OutIn Nano which has your power and battery, along with a few parts; there is a plastic espresso cup which fits over the bottom of the machine, a 2-piece portafilter that’s used for ground coffee, and a separate 2-piece portafilter for using Nespresso pods that has little metal claws inside.

There’s also a coffee scoop which can double as a tamper, and a USB-C power cord.

I had the idea that all of the pieces would fit conveniently back into the body of the espresso machine in some way… But after experimenting with that in a couple of configurations it doesn’t quite fit back together. That was a disappointment that makes it a little less convenient to travel with. The way I found it fits best together is to put the coffee scoop inside the cup of the ground coffee port filter and to set that in the water tank up top. Put the top part of the ground coffee port filter into the bottom of the espresso cup and then attach the capsule port filter into the machine. It mostly fits together, the lid on top never fully closes, nor does the cup fit right. OutIn says it is actually not meant to fit together at all, which I think is a bit of a mist design opportunity.

Using OutIn Nano

To use the machine you want to make sure it is fully charged.

Depending whether you’re using a coffee pod or ground coffee you’ll choose the portafilter you need.

I’m going to run both for you in just a sec…

You can use this machine with cold water and the machine can heat it, or you can pour in boiling water for extraction.

Depending which type of water you use this will change how you program the machine. If you want the machine to heat your water for you you’ll turn it on with a quick press then push and hold the button for two seconds to heat and extract your shot. If you want to skip the heating process turn the machine on and quickly double tap the button. Pressing the power button at any time will stop the extraction process.

The machine is going to use exactly as much water as you place in the tank and will drain it each time.

Let’s start with using ground espresso.

You’ll fill the ground coffee porta filter with finally ground espresso beans and then tamp it lightly using the scoop. Attach the lid and then use the bottom of the porta filter to screw the assembly tightly to the bottom. Then sit the machine into the espresso cup. Push the button quickly to turn the machine on then hold for two seconds to begin the heating and extraction process. While the company says the machine should heat in 2 to 3 minutes, I found that impact this was a lot closer to five or six minutes.

It does feel agonizingly long, yes. But given the parameters of this machine and the fact it’s relying on a battery, it’s possibly not surprising. And it may go without saying that you can always boil your water separately first and then run the shot using boiled water, although of course you’ll still have to wait for that initial boil also.

When the machine is fully heated it will begin extracting your espresso shot on its own. The machine runs extremely quietly so it’s easy to miss this if you’ve turned your back and gone onto something else while waiting for the heating process. With the shot ready it’s time to drink.

Tasty? Hot? Thick?

Using Nespresso Pods

When it comes to using an espresso/Nespresso pod, this is really easy. Just push the pod, narrow side in, to the Nespresso adaptor and then attach the rest of the portafilter.

When using pods you’ll want to make sure the portafilter is screwed in tightly in order to generate enough pressure to do a proper extraction with crema. The first time I tried this I don’t think I tightened the port filter enough and my espresso came out on the watery side. The next time I was able to get a bit of a better result.

How hot is the shot?

You might be wondering how hot the espresso shots are when they are extracted. I measured the temperature immediately after brewing at ??

Of course if you are looking for a hotter shot you could simply use your own boiling water heated to your preferred temperature.

Battery Life & Charging

The company says that when the machine is required to heat the water for you you should get about 3 to 5 shots of espresso on a single charge. If you use already heated water, you can get dozens of uses. I can confirm from my own personal experience that I was only able to get about three shots on a single charge. That is definitely extremely low and may limit the devices usefulness depending on how much power you have access to. If the machine doesn’t have enough juice to complete an extraction it will beep and shut down automatically which happened to me on more than one occasion.

My recommendation for this device would be to charge it after each use so you can always keep it topped up and ready.

In case you’re wondering you cannot use the machine while it is plugged in to recharge.

Recharging takes approximately two to three hours which is actually quite reasonable.

Overall review: OutIn Nano portable espresso machine

Overall there’s a lot of plusses to this machine, but it does have some areas where I do hope the company can make improvements in a Gen 2. Let’s go over the pros and cons so you can evaluate them with me.

On the pro side, this machine is truly an all in one portable espresso maker; it can use either ground espresso beans or Nespresso pods making it very versatile. It uses either cold water and can heat the water for you, or you can add your own boiling water. And depending on how much water you measure and you can make a single shot or a double easily.

The machine is relatively compact and lightweight given all that’s going on. I like that it comes with clever accessories like a scoop/tamper and a drinking cup too. The two hour recharge time is reasonable too.

On the cons side, I found it does take quite a long time to heat up; about five or six minutes which is almost double with the company promises on its website.

The battery life is also extremely short if you want to have the machine heat your water for you. I was only ever able to get no more than three shots on a single charge. And given you cannot use the machine while it is charging that does feel a bit more limiting also.

The accessories don’t fit back into the machine to keep it slim for transport. And I do think some type of drip tray would be helpful so you have somewhere to put it after brewing.

I suppose the battery life would be the biggest dealbreaker since if you were going to take this off grid for a few days it’s usefulness would be quite limited. But if you are aware of the downsides and can work around them, I think this is a pretty clever machine that delivers on exactly what it promises; hot fresh espresso, anywhere, easily.

OutIn Nano sells for about $149US/$209CAD and you can get it from OutIn’s website or Amazon… and this is not the first gadget like this I’ve tried. Check out some other options when it comes to portable espresso….

**Contest is now closed**Win an OutIn Nano!

Congrats to Maritess S. who was the winner of the OutIn Nano.

To enter this contest, write a (preferably nice) comment on this blog in the comments section below.

The Fine Print

There is one (1) OutIn Nano device available to be won. We’ll pick one winner at random from among all website entries/comments. The contest is open to residents of Canada and USA only until 11:59pm MT November 11, 2024.

Only 1 entry per person, please; excess entries will be discarded. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Not valid in Quebec.

The winner will receive 1 prize. Prize will be shipped direct to the winner by OutIn, so winner is required to provide a Canadian or USA mailing address (PO Boxes not accepted). TechGadgetsCanada.com bears no responsibility for prizes not delivered, delayed or misdirected, or not claimed after 30 days, or misdirected due to incorrect address being provided. This prize has no cash value.

We’ll get in touch with the winner via the email address supplied on entry or via website comment registration. Winner must respond to an email naming them as the winner within 48 hours. Non-response within 48 hours means we’ll redraw under same  48 hour timeframe until we get a winner’s response.

Winner’s name(s) will be posted to this web page after the draw.

If for any reason the internet portion of the OutIn Nano Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of this website which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, TechGadgetsCanada.com reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Prize may not be exactly as show in accompanying photographs.

By entering this contest you agree you have read and accept the rules and are to abide by them.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the commission from the click which helps me keep the blog and YouTube channel running. If you choose to use an affiliate link I thank you greatly for supporting my content. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post OutIn Nano portable espresso press: full hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Wacaco Minipresso NS2 full hands-on review

In this review I’m going to try one out for myself, I’ll take a look at what’s new, improve and different from the original. I’ll talk about how exactly you use this device and what it can and can’t do. I’ll wrap things up with the pros and the cons and let you know if I think this new machine is worth it for you.

What is Wacaco Minipresso NS2?

Wacaco Minipresso is a small hand-held espresso press. It uses boiling water, and hand-pumped pressure to squeeze out a shot of espresso from its compact body (it weighs less than 300g and is about 5” long). This model I chose uses coffee capsules, AKA Nespresso pods, which means making your morning espresso is going to be even easier because the coffee is already ground, measured, and tamped in a sealed package. If you prefer to use your own ground coffee, there’s a different model you can choose instead.

Possibly worth underlining is that you need to boil the water somehow and pour it into the machine; this device does not heat the water for you.

What’s different from Nanopresso?

I’ll touch on what’s different between this new NS2 machine and my original Nanopresso. For starters the Nanopresso was sold as a single shot machine with additional add-on accessories that could allow you to use an espresso capsule, or to make double shots.

Original version with adapters, left, and new version at right.

Having spent a good many years with my Nanopresso, there are a few significant differences I’ve noticed right away. For one, this machine is almost an inch shorter than the original. It also appears to be made of a slightly nicer plastic composite and it has a few higher end details that make it look a little more rugged and elegant.

NS2 is also built upside down from the original: in this new model the water goes in the top, while the coffee capsule is inserted into the bottom. I will get into how this works in just a sec…

Original Nanopresso is still available, but between the NS2, and the Minipresso line, there appear to be multiple options and many improvements.

Unboxing Minipresso NS2

The Minipresso consists of several parts, which you’ll see the first time you unpack it. Some of them may be a bit mystifying:

• The press body
• The plastic drinking cup
• The filter head/portafilter
  On top is a removeable lid and inside is:
• A cleaning brush
• Drip tray

How to use Minipresso

To use Minipresso, you’ll take everything apart and insert a basic Nespresso capsule into the bottom, narrow end in, and then screw the top on.

You’ll need boiling water, so whether you start some in the microwave, get it from your water cooler-hot water tap, or put a kettle on, you’ll want to get that going.

Fill the reservoir on top with boiling water and twist the lid back on. At this point, twist the pump dial or piston so that it pops up from the body; this pump will be how you create the pressure inside the device.

Press the pump; it will take about xx squeezes until the pressure builds enough to pop the capsule, and you’ll hear that and then see the espresso flowing.
Keep pumping until no more liquid comes out.

What’s the pressure like on Minipresso NS2? Crema quality?

I was suitably impressed with the espresso and crema quality on the Minipresso. It seems like the machine puts out enough pressure to make a good shot and a decent crema (the coffee foam formed during extraction). Wacaco says, the pumping system reaches 18 bars o during extraction, which is comparable to what you might expect from the commercial espresso machine at your local cafe. I’ll note that is the same pressure as the original Nanopresso.

Coffee quality

Overall I found I got a pretty good shot using the Minipresso. I’ve done plenty of reviews of Nespresso machines and I’ve become a convert to them thanks to their quick work and good quality fresh coffees.

While getting that ultimate thick and creamy espresso that comes from professional machines is hard, Nanopresso does a good job at giving you a very drinkable espresso. If you’re not a fan of coffee pods, you could certainly opt for the Minipresso version which allows you to use your own ground coffee.

Cleaning

The Minipresso is very easy to clean. Take it apart when it’s done and use the brush to remove any stray grounds from in and around the portafilter. Depending on how your feel about soap and coffee oil build up, either rinse it out and let it dry or use a bit of soap to scrub it clean. Wacaco does not say that any of the components are dishwasher safe.

Adaptations and modifications

Unlike original Nanopresso it doesn’t appear you can customize this machine so much. If you want to use ground coffee, or Keurig pods, you would need to purchase different variations of the Minipresso that are specific to those use cases. I also did not see that there is a double shot adapter for the NS2, which is a small disappointment.

Since I do like a double shot, I experimented with simply refilling the water tank after the first shot was extracted… and that’s an okay option in a pinch.

Using Minipresso

I brought the Minipresso NS2 with me on a few trips; both camping and business travel, as well as a family birthday trip. This machine is so small it can literally fit into the tiniest backpack pockets and I only need to toss in a handful of Nespresso capsules to ensure I am ready to make my coffee. And let’s just say that my family found a quick espresso was just the thing after a night on the town in New Orleans…
I found for the most part getting boiling water is easy enough; either from a hotel coffee machine or kettle, or boiling some on the camp stove. So despite the fact there is no heating in this machine it’s not really a barrier to it use.

Overall review of Wacaco Minipresso

Overall I feel like this new version is a significant improvement over the original. Not only is it more compact, but the piston action is a lot smoother and easier to operate, and it seems like the water tank lid seals tighter and better. Let’s go over the pros and the cons.

On the pro side, I like the smaller size, lighter weight and increased portability of Minipresso NS2. Despite its multiple parts and accessories, it fits together easily the design is so clever. I love that this machine is specifically built to use Nespresso pods so that I don’t need to order extra adapters. I find the pressure it’s able to build up makes a thick and strong shot of espresso, and using these pods while travelling is extremely convenient and mess free.

So what are the downsides? So far I have to say this may be the perfect travel espresso machine. The only major complaint I could make is that I have to refill the water tank and re-run the water through a pod if I want a double shot. It would be great if there was a tank adapter.

In short, if you love your morning espresso as much as I do and you want a quick and tidy way to enjoy high-quality coffee on the go, the new Wacaco Minipresso NS2 is your new travel bestie. I can absolutely recommend it for you.

Minipresso NS2 sells for about $85CAD/ $60USD and you can get it from Wacaco’s website or get one fast from Amazon. The ground coffee version cost the same.

I get to review plenty of coffee gadgets and tech. You can check out… my review of the original Nanopresso device, the Handpresso plug-in portable espresso machine, or my favourite Nespresso machine, here.

***Contest now CLOSEDWin an Wacaco Minipresso NS2!

Congratulations to G. Corbett of Victoria BC who won this prize.

To enter this contest, write a (preferably nice) comment on this blog in the comments section below.

The Fine Print

There is one (1) Wacaco Minipresso NS2 device available to be won. We’ll pick one winner at random from among all website entries/comments. The contest is open to residents of Canada and USA only until 11:59pm MT November 11, 2024.

Only 1 entry per person, please; excess entries will be discarded. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Not valid in Quebec.

The winner will receive 1 prize. Prize will be shipped direct to the winner by Wacaco, so winner is required to provide a Canadian or USA mailing address (PO Boxes not accepted). TechGadgetsCanada.com bears no responsibility for prizes not delivered, delayed or misdirected, or not claimed after 30 days, or misdirected due to incorrect address being provided. This prize has no cash value.

We’ll get in touch with the winner via the email address supplied on entry or via website comment registration. Winner must respond to an email naming them as the winner within 48 hours. Non-response within 48 hours means we’ll redraw under same  48 hour timeframe until we get a winner’s response.

Winner’s name(s) will be posted to this web page after the draw.

If for any reason the internet portion of the Wacaco Minipresso NS2 Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of this website which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, TechGadgetsCanada.com reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Prize may not be exactly as show in accompanying photographs.

By entering this contest you agree you have read and accept the rules and are to abide by them.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the commission from the click which helps me keep the blog and YouTube channel running. If you choose to use an affiliate link I thank you greatly for supporting my content. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Wacaco Minipresso NS2 full hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Out of the many coffee machines we reviewed in the past, many of them are Nespresso machines. While these types of coffee machines adopt Nestle’s coffee capsule standard, the category is quite fragmented to the point that you must carefully examine the different models to ensure you get the machine that best fits your needs. You can check out my reviews of other Nespresso machines here:

Full review: Nespresso Essenza Mini (Original)

Full Review Vertuo NEXT

Full Review: Vertuo PLUS

Sound familiar? I actually reviewed the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi back in 2021 and found it to be a versatile, compact Nespresso machine. However, despite its name, Nespresso didn’t design the Next to replace the original Vertuo model which the company introduced way back in 2014 (known as the VertuoLine back then). In this review, I’ll explain what the Nespresso Vertuo is, who should buy it, and how it compares with other Vertuo models.

What is Nespresso Vertuo?

The Nespresso Vertuo is special kind of Nespresso machine designed for the coffee lovers who enjoy more variety in their coffee and may want larger cups.
The Vertuo machines are a bit more complex, so they tend to be bigger, in order to accommodate larger cup sizes without compromising on flavor. The difference in Vertuo machines lies in the Vertuo’s patented “Centrifusion” technology which works by spinning the coffee pod really fast, creating centrifugal force while injecting hot water to infuse it into the coffee grounds inside the pod. This creates more crema than the traditional method but it also allows for more different coffee types outside of the usual espressos. That means Vertuo coffee pods come in several different sizes, for making drinks from single and double espressos, to more traditional, large-cup brewed coffees, all from one machine.

Watch my hands-on review video of Nespresso Vertuo

What you get

First off, the Nespresso Vertuo is the original model released 3 years before the Vertuo Plus. The fact that Nespresso and its manufacturers continue to sell Vertuo nearly a decade later is a testament to its build quality.
Vertuo is what I’d call more of a manual operation machine. While the look of the top portion here may vary depending on the style you order, and my review model has a pretty chrome dome on top, Vertuo machines need you need to lock and unlock it yourself, and the lever, while it’s large, can be a challenge to grip correctly, depending on where you place it.

The machines use a single button on top to make coffee.

Nespresso Vertuo machines have an adjustable cup riser for accommodating different types of coffees.

The original Vertuo has a slightly powerful heating element that shaves a few seconds off the overall prep time and the waste container on the righ hand side is a bit larger being capable of storing up to 12 capsules. The water tank is on the left holds The overall dimensions of the original is slightly smaller and has a longer power cord.

Set up and priming: Defective units common?

Before you make your first coffee yo have homework to do. You need to prime the machine by running water through it.
While this sounds like it should be easy, there is a specific process you need to follow and it’s apparently common enough that the machine won’t initialize that Nespresso has laid out what to do in the manual.

The first Vertuo I bought was one of these defective models. I spent 30 minutes trying to get it to pump water to no avail. I contacted Nespresso customer service, as the manual recommends, and did get great help, but after nearly an hour of trial and error, I was told the machine was defective and to simply return it where I bought it from.
Fortunately my replacement worked and I had it primed in about 5 minutes, and ready to make the first coffee.

Using Nespresso Vertuo

Using this machine is very simple. Just fill the water tank, choose your pod, and ready a cup to match. There is that adjustable cup rack which just slips into place underneath the spout.
Twist the lock to open the lid and place the pod into the holder, round side down. Push the lid back down and lock it onto place with the locking lever.
When you’re ready, press the single button on top. You’ll hear the machine start to spin up and within about 15 seconds you should start to see coffee flowing. Depending on the size of your drink it will brew up in anywhere from about 30 seconds to about a minute.

I like the design of the machine since it uses a concave recess to allow you to get the cup in snugly; this is different from the Vertuo Plus, which bows out in front.

A removable drip tray sits underneath.

When you unlock and lift the lid to brew your next coffee, pod is automatically lifted and ejected into a discard bin around the back of the machine. This bin should hold about ??? 10?
If your municipal recycling program doesn’t accept coffee pods, Nespresso will send you a free return recycling bag so you can collect your used pods and ship them back.

Coffee taste & temp

So what’s the coffee like? When it comes to the espresso I found it extremely delicious. The coffee quality is high, the beverage is silky and never bitter, and it’s smooth with a beautiful crema on top. The shots brew up fast and they seem to be at just the right temperature.

Conversely I found the coffee pods were not as much to my taste. I found them kind of dull and a bit watery tasting. But with that said I’d like a big, bold, punch-you-in-the-mouth brew first thing in the morning so lighter coffees and gentler roasts are generally not for me.

Let’s touch on the Cost of Nespresso pods

The price of these Vertuo pods does vary a little more than the original; not surprising since you might be getting different sizes of beverage from them. For the most part you can expect to pay about 80 cents to $1.20 for espressos and up to about $1.50CAD for bigger coffees. Reasonable, considering what some coffee shops charge for fancy or large coffees.

Coffee types and sizes

The original Vertuo can make 5 different cup sizes of drink from ristretto and the usual 1.35-ounce espressos and 2.7-ounch double espressos as well as 5-ounce Gran Lungo and 8-ounce cups. Because of the extra flexibility, some of the Vertuo coffee pods are considerably larger. When you shop around for Vertuo pods, you will also notice how each one is tailored to a specific size.

This might seem a bit odd at first given the single-button operation of the Nespresso Vertuo. But one of the unique features exclusive to Vertuo machines is its ability to recognize the pod and automatically apply the cup setting so you get the brew as intended by the supplier. The Nespresso Vertuo detects this by scanning the barcode embedded on the rim of the pod.

Customizing Vertuo

Of course, the best brew is totally subjective and the Vertuo does offer a way to tweak the coffee size to your liking. Simply hold the top button when the machine is ready to brew and let go as soon as you want the machine to stop. The Nespresso Vertuo will then save that specific setting for that pod size until you revert the machine to factory settings.
Vertuo vs. Vertuo Plus vs Vertuo Next

Be careful when choosing your Nespresso Vertuo machine because their names do not tell the full story. As I noted, there are several Vertuo machines including Next and Plus, so what are you getting with this one?

In essence, the Vertuo is a more manual machine while Vertuop Plus offers some automation.
The key improvement of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus over the original model is the motorized head where you just gently touch a lever to open the pod chamber.

The design of the Vertuo Plus is also a bit sleeker with a redesigned water reservoir that you can swivel to the left or right which opens up more placement possibilities on your countertop.
These extra improvements don’t make the original Vertuo less appealing though as you might even notice the Vertuo model being more expensive than the Plus. Vertuo vs. Vertuo Next
Choosing between the Vertuo against the Vertuo Next is even more confusing because the Vertuo Next is often priced in between the original model and the Plus model. The Vertuo Next is the newest and slimmest model of the three, but least powerful in both heating and coffee extraction. It also has a slightly smaller reservoir which is forgivable given its focus on having a smaller footprint.

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider the Vertuo Next over the other models is if you want to brew the larger 12-ounce Alto and 18-ounce Carafe cups.

Overall Thoughts: Nespresso Vertuo

The Nespresso Vertuo is something of an icon in coffee pod machine space. Nespresso clearly didn’t want to mess with its original formula, making it a great choice if you want reliability and performance above all.

Let’s go over the pros and the cons.

On the pro side, Vertuo gives you more options for different sizes of espresso and different types and sizes of coffee depending on which pod you order. That alone may make it a major upgrade from Nespresso Original. This is ideal for a household where everybody likes their drink just so.
The large water tank is a good size if you stick to espressos but feels small if you like a coffee or two each day and big pod discard bin means you shouldn’t have to fuss with emptying as often. I found the espresso from this machine to be really delicious and extremely high quality. I appreciate the fact the cup riser is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of mugs which also helps to eliminate splashing. There is also the option to run a manual extraction of you don’t like the pre-set Nespresso sizes.

When it comes to the cons, getting a defective machine seems like it might be common, which is kind of frustrating and would make me pretty wary of this machine. Also, the Vertuo has a larger and wider footprint than a Nespresso Original machine, if that’s a concern. I also didn’t love the clunky operation of the manual locking mechanism enough that I may actually prefer the Vertuo Plus over Vertuo.

On its own merits, the Nespresso Vertuo is a capable and versatile coffee pod machine that will deliver on what it says, and that’s great coffee and espresso—fast.
But comparing it head to head with other Vertuo Machines, I actually like the Vertuo Plus better thanks to its narrower footprint, moveable water tank and automatic motorized lid.
Nespresso Vertuo sells for about $279CAD/$199USD while Vertuo Plus sells for mostly the same price.

Still unsure which Nespresso machine is best for you? Check out my Nespresso buying guide which covers other models outside of the Vertuo lineup.

The post Nespresso Vertuo hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

It’s no problem to use your hand or a reamer if you just need to juice half a lemon. But if you’re making fresh juices on a larger scale such as for cocktails or just to drink, it can very quickly become inefficient. That’s where a tool like a citrus juicer comes in. I recently picked up two of the most popular citrus juicers on Amazon to compare them and see which one is better. In this video I’ll show you how each one works, compare and contrast the differences, features and noise levels, and let you know which one I’m choosing for my home.

Black & Decker Citrus Juicers review

I chose these two Black and Decker models. They both look extremely similar and have several of the same features. But one has an extra feature that might prove to be the decision-maker for you. Let’s dive in. (Entry level is model #CJ650, the improved model is # is CJ625)

Black & Decker Citrus Juicers: what you get with each

Both of these juicers are 32 ounce models which essentially means that’s how much juice they will hold. Both have dishwasher safe components and both offer adjustable pulp control with a type of sieve.

Looking at these side-by-side: they have exactly the same parts just with a different aesthetic. Starting from the top each one has a clear plastic dust cover, then the juicing or reaming cone which is pressure activated, meaning it’s going to start running when you push down on it. Below that is the strainer basket, and everything sits on top of the 32 ounce pitcher. Both versions allow you to wrap the cord up inside the base for easy storage.

Where they differ is in the juicing cone or reamer attachment.

One model uses a single cone which is oddly names the ‘dual purpose cone’ while the other, more expensive version has a 2-part cone that works like one of those nesting dolls. Do you have a larger cone on top, and then once you remove that there is a narrower cone underneath. The narrower cone is designed for juicing smaller citrus fruits, especially things like limes.

Let’s take a look at how each one works starting with the one labelled dual purpose cone. You could call this the more entry-level model.

Just place your cut citrus on top of the reamer cone and push down. The machine will alternate direction to ensure its scraping out all of the juice from the pith, and will crush the fruit and let the juice flow through the strainer basket. You can adjust the basket by twisting. This one needs to be adjusted before you start the juicing process unless you don’t mind getting your hands sticky.

If you leave it wide open you’ll get more pulp in your juice; and if you close up the little holes in the strainer you’ll get less pulp. Pretty straightforward.

The single cone is decently sized to juice pretty much any type of citrus. I tried it with grapefruit, oranges and limes. However, it did seem a little large for particularly small fruit like limes, but it just needed a bit more care to hold smaller fruit in place.

Let’s move onto the slightly more advanced model. This one has a bit of a sleeker design, and is a little more colorful.

With this one you can choose which size juicing cone you want based on the size of your citrus; the two pieces just click together.

I used this model on both grapefruit, oranges, and limes and found the different size cones actually make juicing smaller fruit a little easier. Conversely if you use the larger juicing cone it makes quicker work of giant sized grapefruits or even pomelos.

I also really appreciated the adjustability of the strainer on this one; it uses small switch on the handle to let you make adjustments which keeps your hands cleaner.

When it comes to noise level, this might be the largest difference and the biggest deciding factor for you. Our more entry-level model is the quietest. It makes a low level humming sound that is not actually that unpleasant. The fancier model however makes what can only be described as a loud grinding sound it sounds like a small engine revving while it is juicing. I actually found it very off-putting, not the least of which because it will wake up anyone who may still be sleeping in your house while you’re juicing breakfast.

Overall review: Black & Decker Citrus Juicers

Overall both of these machines are nearly identical; there will be three deciding factors for you.

The first is whether you think you need a two-piece reamer. While this is certainly convenient, the entry-level model’s dual purpose cone or single cone as I’m calling it did just fine.

Second factor will be the pulp strainer; the entry-level model requires you to make adjustments before you begin or get your hands dirty well the fancier model lets you make adjustments midstream. The third key factor will be the noise level and for me the fancier version was an absolute no-go. The loud and annoying noise just made the juicing task unpleasant. For that reason, I’m choosing the entry-level Black & Decker citrus juicer with dual purpose cone.

The entry-level model sells for about US$21 while the fancier model sells for about US$25. Which also means that if you do want to upgrade to the fancier version it’s actually an affordable choice. Even if it is one that might keep you awake.

You can also check out my review of a Cuisinart version which cost more but is quite effective and a little more streamlined… right now.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Black & Decker Citrus Juicers review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

About Nespresso Vertuo Plus: what you’re getting

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a variant of the original Nespresso Vertuo. The original Vertuo made its debut in 2014 as a coffee pod machine with a revolutionary extraction technology called “centrifusion” which spins the coffee pod at 7,000 rpm while infusing the coffee grounds inside the pod with hot water. This patented technology is Nespresso’s approach for generating silkier crema to improve the smoothness and flavor of the extracted coffee and it’s also allowed Nespresso to work in coffee sizes larger than the few ounces you get with Nespresso Original pods and machines.

Watch my hands-on review of Nespresso Vertuo PLUS

That’s the Vertuo difference, so what about the Plus?

The Vertuo Plus name would have you thinking you’re getting a little something extra, but that’s not quite the case here. Nespresso created the “Plus” variant for folks who are willing to trade some small spec reductions for extra usability improvements and a slightly lower cost of entry.
Possibly worth noting is that the pods for Vertuo are vastly different from and completely incompatible with regular or ‘Original’ Nespresso machines. Espresso has generally positioned the Vertuo pods as being better quality.

Vertuo Pods are different

Like other classic Nespresso machines, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can create a single or double shot espresso from a compatible coffee pod in less than a couple of minutes. But because of the Centrifusion technology exclusive to Vertuo models, the Vertuo Plus can support larger 5-ounce and 8-ounce cups. Gran Lungo and ‘cup o’ coffee’ fans, rejoice!
Larger coffee servings mean larger coffee pods too and there’s actually several different sizes of Vertuo pods, depending on the type of coffee you want to order. At the same time, the Vertuo Plus sticks with its Nespresso essence by making the machine a one-button operation. So how does it work?

How does Vertuo work?

The Vertuo Plus and its other Vertuo cousins have the unique ability to read a special bar code on the pod’s rim and translate it to uniquely measured brewing instructions which gives you the exact amount of coffee as indicated in the pod packaging. You can also customize your serving by holding that button which triggers a manual dispense mode.

Using Vertuo Plus: what’s it like?

This machine is larger than your average original Nespresso machine. That’s for good reason. Generally speaking you’ll find larger water tanks on Vertuo, need a little more space for all that centrifugal force. Small kitchens might be better off going the original route but if you’ve got the real estate to spare you might really enjoy this machine.
Using this machine is very simple, but ensure you follow the directions in the manual to prime it the first time or it may not work correctly. Just fill the water tank, and choose your pod, and ready a cup to match. There is an adjustable cup rack which simply locks into place underneath the spout.
The lid lifts by itself, by pushing up on the lever on the front. Then place the pod into the holder round side down. Tap the lever to have it lower the lid then lock it into place with the locking lever.

When you’re ready press the single button on top. You’ll hear the machine start to spin up and within about 15 seconds you should start to see coffee flowing. Depending on the size of your drink it will brew up in anywhere from about 30 seconds to under a minute.

The design of the machine is a little bit odd since the front of it protrudes out like a bow. It would be nice to have a little more space here to talk the cup under the spout but it didn’t seem like it was making much of a mess despite that. A removable drip tray sits underneath.

When you lift the top to make your next coffee, the pod is automatically lifted and ejected into a discard bin around the back of the machine. This bin should hold about ??? 10?
If your city recycling program doesn’t accept coffee pods, Nespresso will include a free return recycling bag so you can collect your used pods and ship them back.

Coffee taste & temp

My preference is for espresso and double espresso in the morning and then I usually brew a full pot of drip coffee. Since husband Roger was away during my testing period, it was convenient for me to check out using single cup pods instead. When it comes to the espresso I actually found it extremely delicious. The coffee quality is high, the beverage is silky and never bitter, and it’s smooth with a beautiful crema on top.

Since I also had a milk frother to test I also made a few beverages like cappuccino, flat white, and lattes. Choosing the right type of espresso roast usually goes a long way to making your beverage perfect, but I found the drinks were really enjoyable from the Vertuo Plus, and with the milk frother.

Conversely I found the coffee pods were not as much to my taste. I found them kind of dull and a bit watery tasting. But with that said I like a big, bold, punch-you-in-the-mouth brew first thing in the morning so lighter coffees and gentler roasts are generally not for me.

Temperature

Check the temperature of both the espresso brews and the coffee. I found that…

Let’s touch on the Cost of Nespresso pods

The price of these Vertuo pods does vary a little more than the original; not surprising since you might be getting different sizes of beverage from them. For the most part you can expect to pay about 80 cents to $1.20 for espressos and up to about $1.50CAD for bigger coffees. Reasonable, considering what some coffee shops charge for fancy or large coffees.

Vertuo vs. Vertuo Plus

Contrary to the name, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus doesn’t build upon the original model, but instead sidesteps into a completely different product.

Moveable water tank

The design looks sleeker although it’s still nearly as heavy as the original, but the Plus version features a redesigned water reservoir that you can swivel left or right, or place at the back, depending on how your space is configured and where you need to place it.

When you want to load the original Vertuo with a pod, you lift the top dome, insert the pod, and close the dome shut. The Vertuo Plus simplifies the process requiring only a gentle tap on a lever on the front of the machine and let the motorized head open the pod chamber.

Both the Vertuo and Vertuo Plus models have the same 40-ounce water capacity. (Nespresso also sells a Deluxe model which offers a 60-ounce tank. However, the maximum power output is slightly reduced so coffee preparation takes a little bit longer.) The original Vertuo also has slightly better build quality which contributes to the higher overall asking price despite the lack of “Plus” features.

Vertuo Plus vs. Vertuo Next

I reviewed the Vertuo Next back in September 2021 and praised the Nespresso machine for its compact form factor while maintaining the flexibility of the “Centrifusion” technology. Released 3 years after the Vertuo Plus, the Next variant offers support for 12-ounce Alto and 18-ounce Carafe cup sizes in addition to the usual Vertuo options. The Vertuo Next used to support 14-ounce Alto pods, but unfortunately Nespresso discontinued them.

To keep the footprint small, the Vertuo Next has a smaller 37-ounce water capacity. While I enjoyed my morning Joes with the Vertuo Next, the Vertuo Plus makes slightly better cups of coffee with silkier crema out of the same pods.

Overall Thoughts: Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Overall, Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a fine pod machine that looks good, makes delicious coffee and gives you more options than a Nespresso Original machine.

On the pro side, the different form factor of Vertuo gives you more options for different sizes of espresso and different types and sizes of coffee depending on which pod you order. That alone may make it a major upgrade from Nespresso Original. This is ideal for a household where everybody likes their drink just so. The moveable water tank, which is nice and large and the big pod discard bin mean you shouldn’t have to fuss with refilling and emptying as often. I found the espresso from this machine to be really delicious and extremely high quality. I appreciate the fact the cup riser is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of mugs which also helps to eliminate splashing. There is also the option to run a manual extraction if you don’t like the pre-set Nespresso sizes.

So what are the cons? Probably the biggest distractions for this machine will come before you ever buy one; you’ll have to make peace with the extra waste and unique recycling program of using coffee pods, and some might balk at the cost of each. The other thing with this machine might be it’s slightly larger footprint.

On its own merit however I think this machine delivers on what it says; great tasting coffee and espresso with little fuss in a flash.

The real value of the Nepresso Vertuo Plus is its slightly lower $199 price tag and you will often also see the machine bundled with the Milk Frother cup too. Just remember, the ability to make larger cups of coffee is the main attraction of the Vertuo series and the Vertuo Plus is a terrific value for what it can do. But if you are still open for other Nespresso options, head to my guide to choosing a Nespresso machine!

Nespresso Pod Pack Review

When I placed my order for my Nespresso Vertuo machine, I wanted to make sure I got to sample a good array of coffees in different roasts types, and sizes. That’s why I added a special variety pack of coffees to my order. I chose the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Dark Assortment Variety Pack from Amazon to have a good sampling of what Nespresso Vertuo has to offer. In this review I’ll take you through what you’re getting, what type of drinks each pod will create, as well as my overall impressions and if I think it’s worth it.

What you get

This 4-box pack of Nespresso Vertuo pods is a DARK ASSORTMENT which includes 40 capsules of what Nespresso says is its most popular dark roast coffees and espressos for the VertuoLine system.

If you want to learn about the different types of Vertuo machines you can check out some of my reviews.

The Vertuo pods have a special bar code on the pod’s rim that translates to uniquely measured brewing instructions which gives you the exact amount of coffee as indicated in the pod packaging.

You can also customize your serving by holding that button which triggers a manual dispense mode.

This multi-pack has four different types of pods; let’s take a look at each one:
Starting with the brewed coffees:

• STORMIO: This brews a 7.7 ounce coffee Nespresso calls “rich and strong” and it rates it an 8 on the intensity scale. 100% Arabica – Nicaraguan and Guatemalan Beans
• INTENSO: Another 7.7 ounce brew, this one is described as “A dense, deep coffee”with an intensity level of 9. The beans are Guatemalan washed Robusta, Mexican; South American Arabica. I did not find this one nearly as strong as Nespresso would have you believe. I would rate it more like a five in intensity and found it tasted a little weak and watery.
• ALTISSIO: A full-bodied creamy espresso. Nespresso Intensity 9. Costa Rican Arabica; South America Robusta
• DIAVOLITTO: A 1.3 ounce highly intense and powerful espresso. Nespresso says the intensity here is an 11. The coffee is Central; South America Robusta beans with Brazilian Arabica. Loved this espresso and found that it was ultra smooth and creamy, with just the right boldness to wake my mouth up in the morning. 1.3 ounces is hardly enough and I often found myself either manually brewing a double or just helping myself to a 2nd cup.

If your local municipal recycling program does not accept used coffee pods, Nespresso will pay to take them back. You can request a free return bag or drop them off at any of the Nespresso boutiques near you.

Overall, I really like this as a taste tester introduction to Vertuo coffees. It’s nice to get some variety and to be able to start choosing a few of my go to’s.

I think if you are a dark coffee and espresso lover, you’ll probably find something to love here and you’ll have fun experimenting even if there are a couple you end up not favoring. I highly recommend hitting add to cart if you’re purchasing an Nespresso Vertuo machine, or if you just want to experiment.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Nespresso Vertuo Plus in-home review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Stand mixers are all made to do the same things – mix, knead, and whip. So why do prices range from a modest dinner out to something that resembles a car payment? The Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer is clearly made for those who need the right kitchen tool but with a more modest budget. In this review I’ll tackle the key question of whether or not cheap can still equal good. I’ll put this mixer through the test here in my home by taking it through a variety of mixing and baking tasks—you’ll see why I don’t think the bowl or accessories are properly sized and how the mixer will shake and shimmy like Bruno Mars. Are these major problems or just part of the show? I’ll lay out the pros and cons and let you know if I think I could recommend it for you.

What’s in the box?

In the box you’ll get the main mixer unit itself. Prepare yourself for the fact it is made mostly of plastic. While it has retro good looks, the lightweight of the body does have me wondering about its longevity. Since it doesn’t have the benefit of weight to hold it in place, four suction cups on the bottom will help anchor it during heavy mixing tasks. This model is a tilt head stand mixer and the tilt action is released using a button on the front. The only other control is a speed dial offering 7 speeds.

Another surprise is the mixing bowl. This 4 quart bowl is made of lightweight aluminum, and has a plastic base which locks into the mixer. This is another item of concern for me in terms of how long this mixed material will last in the long run.

Attachments

The Hamilton Beach mixer comes with a set of all the basic mixer attachments.

• Dough hook
• Whisk
• Flat beater
• 4 Quart bowl
• Splash guard
• Motor

The motor is where most stand mixers are made or broken. They must be powerful enough to hold up against even the thickest cookie dough without burning out or overheating.
The Hamilton Beach comes with a 7-speed 300W motor. You may be surprised to learn that that is the same power as you’d find in a KitchenAid classic mixer. While a KitchenAid classic will give you three more speeds for a total of 10, the overall power of the motor is largely the same.

Build Quality

So, how does the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer undercut its competition with its price? Well, its plastic body screams budget-friendly.

The plastic body makes it lightweight and easy to handle so you can easily take it into and out of the cupboard. However, because it’s so lightweight, it does need a little help from the suction cup legs to keep it stable on your countertop.

What’s most concerning is that the plastic body tends to shake when kneading stiffer doughs. It’s a testament to how powerful the motor is but it doesn’t inspire confidence in its durability, especially if you plan to use this for long mixing sessions.

The attachments, on the other hand, are mostly metal except for the base of the whisk tool. While they’re a little lighter than the ones that come from more expensive stand mixers, they do feel somewhat durable.

Mixing tests

I put this mixer through a variety of tests in my kitchen. I started out making cake batter. Right away I found a significant frustration when trying to cream butter and sugar: The mixer seems to not adequately reach the bottom or sides of the bowl.

When using the whisk attachment to cream butter and sugar it succeeded more in compacting the mixture against the bottom and sides of the bowl instead of incorporating it. This meant I had to stop multiple times to scrape up the sides and bottom to try and get it to mix properly. This meant I ended up taking about three or four times as long to perform this simple creaming task.

Even when adding eggs and the mixture became looser and more malleable, the whisk attachment was still not able to properly incorporate the ingredients. In fact a large clump of batter stuck in the bottom of the whisk and had to be scraped out each time.

While my cake batter did finally come together, I left this task feeling like it would have just been easier to mix it by hand. Not very confidence-inspiring.

Next I used it to make the icing.

Beating egg whites

Making an Italian style buttercream it actually handled the task reasonably well. I was not convinced it would be able to whip the egg whites properly as part of the first step of this icing recipe, so I was surprised to find it was actually quite effective and whip them into stiff peaks relatively quickly. Once I added the sugar syrup it created a beautiful fluffy icing.

Cookie batter

Next I opted for a classic chocolate chip cookie dough. I find this type of stiffer cookie dough to be an excellent challenge for any stand mixer.

I opted to use the batter beater for this task and found like before it took a long time to cream the butter and the sugar. After a while it really just looked like the mixer was pummelling the ingredients not blending them.

The other thing that became extremely evident is that the plastic body of the mixer doesn’t allow it to hold itself steady. The entire body of the mixer shakes and shifts and it actually looks like it’s about to tear itself apart.

Adding the flower to the cookie dough presented a major challenge for the Hamilton Beach stand mixer but surprisingly it was able to complete the task. It did however leave me concerned that over the long term challenging the mixer like this might prove career ending for your mixer.

Overall review

Overall, If you’re a baking newbie looking to dip a toe into the world of cookies, cakes, and bread, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer might be a good starter appliance. But for experts who frequently work with stiffer doughs, or need longer kneading times, it may leave you wanting for more.

Let’s go over the pros and the cons.

On the pro side the design is cute and it comes in several colors. It is quite lightweight which does make it easier to move in and out of storage. The tilt head allows you to get into the bowl a little easier and the fact it comes with three mixing attachments does give it some versatility.

On the downside, the mixers plastic construction not only concerns me for its longevity, but it also allows the mixer to shake and sway to the point where it’s actually concerning whether or not it’s going to break itself. The plastic portions on both the mixing bowl and the whisk are also worrying. I found that while it has seven speeds, there’s not so much difference between them and even from lowest speed to the very highest speed it’s hard to see an extremely large difference.

Where it counts, on tougher mixing tasks, it was able to complete the job, but I am concerned about how many times the machine can strain itself like that before it calls it quits.

So is this machine for you? I think if you keep the use to lighter mixing and baking tasks like whipping and mixing cake batter, you’ll probably enjoy this mixer. If you’re hoping for a workhorse that will take on more challenging tasks for you, I would say skip this one and consider some other options instead. If you’re looking to stay on budget, I can definitely recommend the KitchenIn stand mixer—it’s got a cool design metal construction and it looks funky too. Of course you could always save up and invest in the gold standard; a metal KitchenAid classic stand mixer. I’ve reviewed both of these devices and you can check those out here.

The Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer sells for about $119USD or $159CAD and you can get yours as I got mine from Amazon.

Also Read:

1. I tried GE Profile 7-Quart Smart Mixer with Auto Sense in my home: is this smart mixer REALLY worth $1,000?!
2. Amazon’s $50 Dash stand mixer review: what you absolutely need to know before you buy

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.