Tassimo T20: Single Serve Coffee Maker Review

The Tassimo T20 is one of the newest single serve coffee machines on the block. Of course it makes coffee, but it also makes espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. If you’re into things like tea and hot chocolate, it also makes those too. (Don’t forget to enter the Tassimo T20 Giveaway. One lucky reader will take one home later this week.)

The Tassimo T20 is pretty straight forward. You just put in their T-Disc, the machine reads the bar code, which tells the brewer the exact temperature, pressure and time it takes to brew your drink. It takes about a minute for a coffee, two minutes for a cappuccino. It’s quick, easy even for me to clean and has a slim to design to fit anywhere.

On Tassimo Direct, the T20 is $129.99, or I did spot it at Amazon for $99.99.

The main difference between the Tassimo and other single serve coffee machines is the barcode. On the label of each T-Disc is a barcode that the machine reads to determine the best temperature and brew time for your drink. It doesn’t allow you to choose different sizes, like some Keurigs.

• Convenience: Easy To Use And Clean
• Small: Can Fit On Crowded Counters Or Dorm Rooms

The Tassimo T20 is very simple and easy to use. I didn’t even read the directions until after I had used it. I’m sure it would be even more simple if I had read the directions. Plus, it was very easy to clean with many machine washable parts.

I also like the size. It’s smaller than many drip coffee machines and most other single serve machines. If you have limited counter space or live in a dorm room, this machine would be perfect.

Cons

• Have To Buy T-Discs (Limited Variety)
• Environmental Issues With T-Discs?

I see two main issues with the Tassimo T20 – the T-Discs and the possible environmental issues with them.

I like the T-Discs themselves and the barcode system, however there is just a limited variety and they aren’t available everywhere like the K-Cups. Only forty different varieties, right now, with limited options from Starbucks, Gevalia and Maxwell House for coffee. My local Target had T-Discs, but the grocery store where I go more often didn’t have any.

Plus, I haven’t seen something for the Tassimo like the reusable K-Cups, so we’re stuck with just what’s available at the store.

With all single serve coffee machines, there is the environmental impact of the single use capsules. Most that I’ve come across aren’t recyclable and are quickly filling up landfills. According to Tassimo Direct, the used T DISC is suitable for energy recovery through incineration. Not exactly sure what that means or if it’s a good thing. The good news however, The label can be cut away, T-Disc rinsed and the chamber and label can be put in the recycle bin with general plastics (non PET). However, that might be a little too much effort for busy (or lazy) coffee drinkers. I’d also love if the T-Discs were made out of recycled materials, so at least they weren’t resources used just once and thrown out.

Overall, I like using the Tassimo but I’ll probably stick with my Keurig when I’m in a rush and need a quick dose of coffee. I love that the Tassimo can make cappuccinos and things other than coffee, but there are hundreds of more K-Cups to choose. I worry that the Tassimo might go the way of Betamax if it doesn’t increase it’s market share, so right now I’d be worried about making an investment in a Tassimo.

Have any questions about the T20 that I missed? Have you used at Tassimo? What’s your opinion of them?

—

Fine Print.

Category: Coffee Equipment Reviews, Coffee Machines