Guide

Kassensturz capsule test: Nespresso comes up short

28.8.2018

Translation: machine translated

Nespresso is doing everything it can to prevent imitation capsules for its system, but to no avail. Since an exemplary ruling in 2013, copies have become an integral part of the capsule landscape. According to a Kassensturz test, some even perform better than the originals.

Tested were capsules from different manufacturers that promise that typical espresso taste. Made up of five proven experts, the jury took into account three evaluation criteria, with price not weighing in at all.

The criteria

15% of the result was allocated to the espresso's appearance. Does it form a nice cream on top? Naturally, the main criteria are fragrance, aroma and taste. These points count for half the evaluation. Does the liquid coming out of the capsule resemble what you'd expect from an espresso, or is it more like a kind of broth? This aspect is also decisive. Finally, criteria such as texture and consistency account for 35% of the evaluation. How does it feel in the mouth? Is it creamy or rather liquid? The price had no influence on the scores. Below are the first elements to emerge from the test.

Assured tumble for the original

The Arpeggio coffee from Nespresso comes in at just 9th place. The "burnt" smell and bitterness were particularly criticised. Overall score: 3.3. This means that the copy has supplanted the original, and at a lower price to boot. However, only one type was tested. Other Nespresso coffees would have fared much better.

Last place for the second most expensive coffee

Onery doesn't necessarily rhyme with better: at almost 25 francs for 40 capsules, Caffè Ferrari is one of the most expensive brands around, even more so than Nespresso. For the experts, this coffee failed on all counts: a final rating of 2.1, a smell of rubber and cardboard, and a bitter aftertaste. Bottom line: a coffee that ranks at the bottom of the pack.

Presque the "Good" rating, but not without reason

The Lavazza coffee got "Satisfactory", the highest rating. It should be noted, however, that it came close to "Good" with a score of 4.7. Despite this, it failed to win the hearts of coffee professionals. A capsule coffee is no match for an espresso from an espresso machine. With a capsule system, you have to compromise on quality. On the plus side, you don't need to be a barista to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Overview of the test winners.

Test winners at home

1st place: Armonico espresso capsules from Lavazza

Overall rating: "satisfactory", score: 4.7

This coffee was convincing in the "fragrance, aroma, taste" category, scoring 4.9.

Coffee capsules

Lavazza espresso armonico

10 x Port.

3rd place: espresso 10 Intenso by Jacobs

Overall rating: "satisfactory", score: 4.5

Here too, the members of the jury praised the "fragrance, aroma and taste": Score 4.8 under this heading.

Coffee capsules

Quantity discount

CHF6.95 per piece for 4 units CHF0.35/1x Port.

Jacobs Espresso Intenso

20 x Port.

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Simon Balissat

Teamleader Editorial

Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.

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