PODcast #65 : Espresso Pods News

Welcome to The PODcast, PodMerchant's newsletter of espresso pod news, education, tips and deals. Back issues of The PODcast are available online.

In our last issue, I passed along a customer complaint about purchasing espresso machines from Caffe Forte. Wouldn't you know it, but I was then emailed from a few other customers who reported good experiences with that company. While I have no intention of discounting our customer's negative experience, based on the other emails I received, I feel now that I did an unnecessary disservice to Caffe Forte.

Espresso Elucidations

The Nuova Simonelli Jazz Pod Espresso Machine

I'm always on the lookout for a good machine for use with espresso pods. I first wrote about the Nuova Simonelli Jazz in our second Espresso Machine Review in PODcast Issue #27. Recently I received good feedback on this machine from a satisfied customer, so I'll revisit the machine.

The Jazz is made in three versions — Basic (espresso only), Electronic (automated electronic controls), and Plus (electronic controls and a steam wand with additional boiler to support it). I can only find the Plus available for sale in the U.S.

The Jazz is a pod-only machine. To use, open the sliding door, insert a pod, slide the door shut, and press the coffee dispense key. The machine uses pressure from its water pump to hydraulically clamp the pod — you don't have to tighten a handle or pull any lever! Yes, this is very cool. The brew temperature can be adjusted from 86 to 92 deg C in 1 degree increments on the Plus model (2 degree increments in Basic). A particularly nice feature, this can help you to get the optimum shot from a particular pod. The Jazz also has some control over the strength of your espresso. Included are 3 filter baskets for mild, medium, or strong espresso. The baskets have different size holes: smaller holes for slower flow for stronger espresso and vice versa.

The Jazz is designed for office environments and thus is not an inexpensive machine. In Europe, it can be ordered with a Smart Card reader that allows only card-holders to use the machine. Just say "no" to espresso thieves!

At the Nuova Simonelli website you can view a PDF of the Jazz's Product Brochure, as well as the User Manual, Parts Breakdown, and Hydraulic Diagram.

Here is a link to Google Shopping Results for the Nuova Simonelli Jazz espresso machine.

Pricing varies from $999 for a "demo" model to $1328 for new. My customer recommends checking out the "demo" models as an excellent value ('nuff said?)

PodMerchant News

Price Reduced on Lucaffe' Designer Cups

We've reduced the price of Lucaffe' designer series cups by $2 each. Yes, they're still not cheap. But they are definitely cool.

New Espresso Pod from Lucaffe'

Our latest sea-shipment is scheduled to depart Genoa on 3/30 and expected in house around May 4th. We'll be stocking some whole-bean offerings from Covim and Caffe del Doge. Also, a new pod from Lucaffe', the Pulcinella — an "energy" drink coffee.

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Keep on brew'n...


Kevin Garrett, The PodMerchant.