Sandy106 wrote:Do any of these pod coffee makers do good hot cocoa?

I've had the cocoa from the Keurig model, which does make some decent (once you let it cool down) cocoa, but I would think you could just run plain water through this machine to use with cocoa mix.

chases3 wrote:Maybe, but they have to be round tea bags in the same shape as these pods. Otherwise, you'll either have watery eat (too small tea bags) or water squirting out the side of the coffee maker (too large tea bags).

We use ours with square tea bags quite often. The only caution is that you have to make sure the tea bag is completely within the little holder. If it hangs over the edge, you won't get a good seal and it will leak all over during the brewing cycle.

scullyhacker wrote:i have ordered one and would like to order another but
the site will not let me does anyone know how to do this

The only way I know of is to create another account, and order on that account. OR you could contact Woot via the "write us" button up at the top of the page, and ask them if they could increase your order.

rleeb77 wrote:The only way I know of is to create another account, and order on that account. OR you could contact Woot via the "write us" button up at the top of the page, and ask them if they could increase your order.

service@woot.com is the email address

allenallen wrote:Does anyone know where to buy the pods at? This looks pretty sweet.

You can get them at most grocery store or amazon. I like senso dark roast. They cost about 4.50 for 18 pods.

allenallen wrote:Does anyone know where to buy the pods at? This looks pretty sweet.

At your local grocery store or amazon.

alexei27 wrote:Yep...

You use the small (4 cup) coffee filters. Simply put in about 2 spoonfuls of coffee and wrap it up so that it sort of resembles the shape of the pod.

Works like a charm...and its a hell of a lot cheaper. I dont even buy the pods anymore.

My dad has tried this with his old pod machine (it was an off brand, im not sure what kind) and always complained it tasted too weak. i didnt drink coffee way back when he had that (he now has a Kureig, loves it) i do remember he said that if you secure the top better to make a better seal around the packet it does work better. id still say that your best set is to either get a pod maker or just buy the pods, they are available from many companies and stores including wal mart, taget, safeway, giant,, costco, sams club, and pretty much anywhere else you can buy normal coffe.

rleeb77 wrote:I've had the cocoa from the Keurig model, which does make some decent (once you let it cool down) cocoa, but I would think you could just run plain water through this machine to use with cocoa mix.

Exactly, we use it as a hot water dispenser for hot cocoa or apple cider mixes.

Pods available at Amazon, Cybercucina, Target. Premium brands are 80 for about $50, and non-premium 150 for about $70.

smrtprts wrote:Can you just use tea bags?

Don't think you could use tea bags because tea needs to steep. But, you could use it as a hot water dispenser and the add your tea to the water for steeping.

KEURIG makes a much better unit and has a VAST assortment of coffee available from BB&B, Target, Amazon, and direct from Keurig.

wootasourous wrote:Wait.. do you need coffee grounds?

No grounds, just pods. pods are premeasured and sealed.

bfeist wrote:
Also, they work okay at high altitude. Mom uses one of them in Colorado, at about 9,200 feet.

Oh great! I have problems with altitude also. But, they work okay at low altitude. I use one of them in Atlantis, at about -920 feet.

chases3 wrote:Cool! We're thinking of getting a Senseo. How does this compare?

I've tried several different brands over the last several years. The higher priced ones do the same thing as the lower price. The only difference is the features, such as auto on timer etc...

swinford wrote:Don't think you could use tea bags because tea needs to steep. But, you could use it as a hot water dispenser and the add your tea to the water for steeping.

Actually, this comes with a tea bag holder, and if you've read all 8+ pages, you'll notice that several people have used tea with these. The water heater is actually not piping hot either. My wife normally nukes her coffee in the microwave for 10 seconds after brewing a cup.

I don't recommend using this for making hot water for tea or hot cocoa.

swinford wrote:I've tried several different brands over the last several years. The higher priced ones do the same thing as the lower price. The only difference is the features, such as auto on timer etc...

That's what I'm hoping!

c0rspenc wrote:KEURIG makes a much better unit and has a VAST assortment of coffee available from BB&B, Target, Amazon, and direct from Keurig.

Keurig's coffee makers also cost upwards of $125, as opposed to the $15 you'd fork for this It's like getting a Mercedes instead of a Chevy.

For 15 bucks this is a ripping deal. These contraptions make a nice cup. Piping hot too!

Sandy106 wrote:Do any of these pod coffee makers do good hot cocoa?

Tassimo does. And unlike Keurig, it comes out at a drinkable temperature. It is quite a bit pricer than this machine, but it is well worth the initial investment. I love mine!

chases3 wrote:Keurig's coffee makers also cost upwards of $125, as opposed to the $15 you'd fork for this It's like getting a Mercedes instead of a Chevy.

True, but you can get a nice Keurig model at Costco for $139 that comes with the separate filter for your own coffee, the larger 60 oz. water tank, and 72 assorted K-Cups. It's a great deal, and it makes an incredible cup of coffee! I've been using my Gevalia coffee in the filter, and there is nothing like a cup of "Chocolate Raspberry" coffee made with a Keurig. I never knew I liked coffee until I started making it with my Keurig. I'm not a Keurig salesman, but I'd like to be.

could you just run hot water out of it to make a cup of tea???
20 seconds is faster than microwaving.

The commissary on the air base where I work has the Senseo pods. Less than $4 for an 18 pack. I went in for two of these machines - one for work, and if I like it, one for home. If I don't like it, I'll kick it around until the white elephant gift exchange at next year's Xmas party.

thanks

llamabox wrote:http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Gevalia+coffee+pods

Bed Bath and Beyond is one of several rtailers who carry the pods.

AGAIN! I am disappointed. I live shuch a sheltered life and the only thing I have is to brighten up my day is Woot. Come on GUYs.... You can do better. This thing is free from Gevalia with a order of their high priced coffee. So why would someone want to buy one out right and then buy the high priced coffee?

Oh yeah, in for one -- the most I have a day is a single cup in the morning, so amountwise this works just fine. And I'm sure I'll dig it just as much as that dude who cries out for the ability to take ownership of the process of crafting his cup of fair trade organic kosher coffee, lol.

Tried Gevalia, tried Keurig, waiting on my Christmas Keurig Platinum...K cups @ tarjay.

So Woot, when do we get K cups as your daily bread?

will this arrive in time for Christmas?

Gang,

Lemme see if I can answer some questions about this machine, since I'm the resident and self proclaimed "coffee pod expert" on these here forums.

Disclosure: I'm one of the owners of BetterCoffee.com which is a company that sells ~150 varieties of premium pods for these types of machines.


-- As pod machines go, this is a pretty good one, especially for the price. Definitely an entry level machine. Similar to Senseo.

-- Cup of hot coffee in 30 seconds or so.

-- The pods are self contained filterbags full of coffee. They ensure a consistent cup every time and the technology works well. Gevalia pods are not bad, but not great (again similar to Senseo). Most people who buy these machines quickly look for premium pods to use with them.

-- There are about 20 different companies out there that make premium pods for machines like these. And there are quite a few internet retailers (myself included) that provide a very wide variety of flavors and roasts.

-- Yes, fair trade coffees are available in pod form, as are organic, flavored, swisswater, etc.

-- Premium pods range in cost from about 20 cents per cup to well over $2 (blue mountain or kona). I'd say the average price is about 35 cents per cup, and the median is around 22 cents per cup. Excellent coffee even at these low prices.

-- While pods offer far more variety and more boutique roasts than Keurig K-Cups (my opinion, but a supportable one), K-Cups are A LOT more user friendly, neater, and a bit more professional looking. SO, if you're contemplating this as a gift for an old timer or for use in a public space, I'd recommend a Keurig machine instead.

-- This machine does work with Senseo brand pods.

-- There is no such thing as "pod" cocoa that you'd want to drink. That's similarly true of the Keurig cocoa products. Tassimo machines make excellent cocoa.

-- This machine doesn't make espresso. For that, I recommend a Nespresso machine.


Hope that helps!

nmacret wrote:Tried Gevalia, tried Keurig, waiting on my Christmas Keurig Platinum...K cups @ tarjay.

So Woot, when do we get K cups as your daily bread?

Or T-discs... T-discs would be nice too ;)

Italiancousin, thanks for the awesome info. A little off topic, but you recommend Nespresso machines for espresso? I've been on the fence about buying one for a while, but have read mixed reviews. So, as the owner of a coffee site, you think they are good machines?

kmeltzer wrote:Can you use your own coffee if you run out of pods?

I have a Mr.Coffee pod coffee maker, and I make my own "pods" by taking a regular drip coffee filter, wetting it, and placing it in the larger pod carrier. Put a tablespoon (or more) of your favorite coffee in the filter, and fold the damp filter over the coffee to form a pod-like bundle. Pack the newly formed pod down into the carrier and brew your coffee. I make coffee like this every day.

I'm in for one.

I'm not terribly picky about coffee (since I like lots of milk and sugar anyway), and the "expensive" pods don't seem so bad since I'll have at most a cup a day. The big selling points for me are speed and cleanliness--both of which seem better with this type of machine than a normal drip coffeemaker. I rarely brew coffee at home anymore because I'm always rushing out the door in the morning, and don't want to wait.

Hopefully this will help.

I have been a pod coffee fan for years. Pop in a pod, fill up the water resevoir, push a button and you get a cup of coffee. Clean up is a breeze...just throw away the pod. But truly if you are a coffee snob you won't like this machine. I buy my coffee pods on Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/Timothys-World-Coffee-Breakfast-25-Count/dp/B001D0MF04/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1260827169&sr=8-4

My current Senseo I bought for $30.00 on Craigslist is working fine, but I am really considering buying this and keeping in the closet for a back up.

bjaardker wrote:Mmmm Intelligentsia.

Actually, Metropolis. But it isn't like it's a competition... if you're going to either of them, everyone wins.

Senseo pods are 20% off at Amazon with code
PODSL232

With the discount I figure a cup will cost 35 cents.

spd2base wrote:Actually there are reviews. Check out my link

Just called the number on the manual. They sell this machine in their catalog for $19.95. This is definitely a better deal with shipping and all of that, but according to Gevalia this is not a $60 machine.

juliet1466 wrote:Just called the number on the manual. They sell this machine in their catalog for $19.95. This is definitely a better deal with shipping and all of that, but according to Gevalia this is not a $60 machine.

oh--I originally called to be sure that you can use K cups. They are compatible.

editorkid wrote:Lose the 'tude, dude. Any and every single-serve coffee machine allows users to make their own pods with their own coffee. I have a Keurig and keep 10 or 12 boxes of K-Cups around, but I also buy freshly roasted beans from one of the most respected roasters in the U.S., a few blocks from me here in Chicago, and use them whenever I feel like the trouble is worth it.

Which is probably never, given your 'tude dude

I don't know where else to ask this... When will the next Woot-off" be?