Magimix Nespresso M200

I previously had the Gaggia Cubika and was very disappointed with its results.

After pondering it for a while, I finally decided this morning to go and buy one. Off I trotted to Comet to "price it up". The chrome model was on sale for £179.99, I had seen another in John Lewis for £159.99, I hadn't noticed that the chromed model was more expensive (it is, after all, only plastic!).

I told the manager that JL were selling it for £159, so he price promised that and gave me it for £158! They couldn't get through to JL on the phone to confirm, and I wasn't prepared to wait around.

Bargain.

So, I got it home, and had to test it out straight away.

A great "out of box" experience. Everything was shiny and perfect, and I loved the "presentation box" of the 2 cups and saucers (1 espresso, 1 'lungo') and sample pods.

After cleaning tank, etc, I plugged it it and switched it on. Within 30 seconds it was ready to go. Amazing! I drew through the appropriate amount of water to clear the system and then got going.

First off an espresso. The dark one - "Ristretto". Short, dark, and with wonderfully thick crema. That was a perfect shot of espresso.

Time for another challenge. A cappuccino. This one comes with the "capp/latte" nozzle, so I dipped the clear tube into my bottle of milk (no shiny chromed jug for me... you can't hide class, eh!). I set the level to foamy cappuccino, and flicked the steam switch. Within 30 seconds, it was ready to go, so back went the lever and perfectly foamed milk poured forth into my cup. I was VERY impressed. I had heard mixed reviews about these "auto foamer" nozzles, but this one produced perfect milk.

I ran a clear shot (water) through to speed up the cooling of the machine, then drew a shot of a milder blend straight into the cappuccino cup. One spoon of sugar later, and I had a perfect cappuccino sitting in front of me.

I'm not a latte fan, so I haven't wasted anything testing that feature, but it will get tested soon, as my other half drinks lattes exclusively.

The machine is simple to clean (run clean water through the foamer and draw off some clean water through the pod system). The tank is ideal, it holds the right amount of water, and is simple to lift out to refill each morning. A night and day difference to my old Gaggia Cubika.

I have only had it for a few hours, and already I'm in love with it.