First off, I love the Tassimo system. Very easy to use and a broad range of choices as far as beverages. I just wish they gave you a true sampler pack, as there are a lot of different vendors and flavors within a brand.
I purchased a bunch of different discs and like the Gevalia Latte and Chai Latte. I would match the Chai Latte with anything out on the market, including Starbucks. Put some whipping creme on top, wonderful.
Ok, with that being said, get the BOSCH system from Tassimo, not this one. The BOSCH system is much quieter, much cleaner, not as messy and a lot easier to use. The BOSCH has a little handle on the water container and the lid doesn't fall into the container as easily. It also isn't as finicky as when you put the disc in and how long it takes to heat the water. Finally, the Bosch system is cleaner, as in it doesn't leak where the disc rests as does the Braun.
Did I mention get the Bosch and not this one?
The Bosch Tassimo system drink height adjustment is much better, too. The controls are easier to understand and use.
If I hadn't bought the second Bosch for my office, I would have been moderately happy with the Braun system. It brews a nice hot cup of coffee and/or tea. The flavor of the coffee and teas are quite good.
BRAUN PROS: Easy to use, like the filter, makes a nice hot cup of coffee.
BRAUN NEGATIVES: Lid on water container could be better, this one tends to easily slip into the container. Its kind of loud, Bosch is much quieter. The cup adjustment isn't very good, but you can remove it for taller cups. The button for heating and 'auto' mode is finicky. I've had to unplug it a couple of times so it resets properly. Probably my fault as I should read the instructios--but not a problem with the Bosch.
Comment: You really should try the different coffees and teas as they are different. I like Caribou Coffee, and thus a milder african blend. Gevalia is very good as well as the tea. The Maxwell house has more of a bite to it. My wife likes strong coffee and enjoyed the Seattle's Best.
As others have mentioned, the hot chocolate is like the cheap stuff you get at a highschool football game made with hot water. You can improve upon it by using a 'latte' or 'capuccino' disc. My kids, five year old daughter and nine year old son LOVE the hot chocolate. So, since its for them, I can't really complain. I only tasted it. You can also improve upon the hot chocolate by getting the whipping creme in a can and spraying a healthy layer on top. Actually, what wouldn't taste better with a lot of whipping creme on top. Anyway, hot chocolate is a huge success with the kids, but not me. I love the hot chai tea--did I mention that?
Finally, if you can, splurge on the cups and lids from Tassimo. Part of the coffee enjoyment is holding a warm cup of coffee in your hands--its tactile, too. So if you usually drink coffee from a coffee shop, you can simulate the feel of the cup by buying the cups and special lids from Tassimo. I found that this does help add to the feeling of enjoying a good cup of coffee. Also, if you're using a porcelain or other type of normal cup, its usually cool and will cool the coffee down as its poured into the cup--just something to think about.
So, thumbs up on the Tassimo system, just get the Bosch and not the Braun--hopefully I've made my point.
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