This is an outstanding machine to have at the office if your job allows such things.The problems of office coffee are: either it's instant coffee, and that just isn't enough for the coffee lover, _or_ you have a Cona type coffee machine which gets left on all day and the coffee has a burnt taste if it's left for more than twenty minutes _or_ you have your own filter/cafetiere machine but maintaining and cleaning it is a real chore _or_ there's a canteen and you spend your hard earned cash on coffee that really isn't that fantastic.
I've been through all of these in the last eight years.
The Senseo solves all of that. First off, the taste is absolutely superb. It doesn't make fancy cappucino, but it's espresso is first rate, with just the right crema. Second, it warms up in a minute, makes exactly one cup of perfect coffee, and is ready in thirty seconds to make the next one. Third, there's no coffee to spill on the desk, and, with care (see below) no water dripping. Finally, at about 18p per pod, it's a lot cheaper than buying coffee in the canteen.
There's really not much more to be said. At home we have a Gaggia, and we roast and grind our own coffee. The Senseo is not in the same league — but then, the Gaggia cost four times as much. But the Senseo is as good as Starbucks and Costas for coffee. If you want cappucino you have to look elsewhere - but look hard, because most 'instant' cappucino offerings don't make the grade. Naturally you can mix your coffee with chocolate, cream, fresh milk, or anything else you want.
The only downside we have discovered is that you have to put the pod in right if you don't want it to leak a little. This takes a very little practice. But, compared to the commitment you need to learn how to use a Gaggia espresso machine, or even a good filter machine, the Senseo is incredibly easy.
A good buy, and not to be regretted.
Warmly (or is it hotly?) recommended.
