Bosch TAS1002 Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The Bosch Tassimo TAS1002 is a single-serve coffee machine that uses patented bar code technology to deliver restaurant quality specialty beverages at home. Part of the Tassimo line from appliance maker Bosch, this model can brew coffee, espresso, latte, cappuccino, hot chocolate and tea using convenient T-Discs. With its quick brewing time and compact design, the TAS1002 aims to provide an easy way to enjoy your favorite drinks without the hassle or expense of going to a cafe.

The TAS1002 incorporates Bosch's Intellibrew system, which uses a bar code reader in the machine to automatically adjust the brewing parameters for each T-Disc drink pod. This allows the TAS1002 to optimize the water temperature, brewing time and flow rate for the specific beverage. The T-Discs come in a wide variety of branded varieties from brewers like Starbucks, Twinings and Jacobs. So if you like the convenience of single-serve but want more drink options beyond just coffee, the Bosch Tassimo line offers an appealing solution.

Key Features

The Bosch TAS1002 Tassimo single serve coffee maker comes with a range of useful features that make your coffee routine quicker and easier.

• Barcode technology: The machine reads a barcode on each Tassimo pod to adjust the brew settings for the perfect cup every time. No need to manually adjust settings between coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

• Adjustable cup stand: Accommodates cups and mugs of various sizes up to 12cm tall. Useful for personalizing your beverage size.

• IntellibrewTM system: Automatically adjusts the brew cycle based on the pod inserted to optimize the brewing process.

• Auto shut-off: Turns the machine off automatically after brewing to save energy. Can be programmed for 9 minutes or 2 hours.

• Removable 0.7L water tank: The tank detaches for easy cleaning and refilling from the faucet. Helpful for keeping fresh water in the reservoir.

• Manual brew button: Press to override the barcode scanner and manually control the brewing time.

• Easy cleaning: Brew head lifts out for simple cleaning to keep the machine fresh.

• Compact footprint: Designed to take up minimal counter space with a height of 28cm and width of 17cm. Fits easily in most kitchens.

Another excellent option is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which offers a unique brewing system that recognizes the pod type and adjusts the brewing parameters seamlessly for various sizes of coffee. It features a large water tank and an inbuilt milk frother for those who enjoy lattes or cappuccinos. The sleek design and easy operation make it popular among coffee lovers.

Beverage Quality

The Bosch TAS1002 produces high-quality coffee, tea, and hot chocolate beverages. The machine uses barista-style high-pressure extraction to maximize flavor and aroma from the pods.

Reviewers consistently praise the great taste of the coffee. It brews a smooth, rich cup of coffee with nice crema on top. The coffee comes out hot, around 170 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for brewing. It avoids that burnt or overly bitter taste you can sometimes get from cheap single-serve coffee makers.

The machine also does an excellent job with specialty beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. You can brew espresso shots and then use the frother to make a nice creamy foam layer on top. The milk frothing wand is easy to use and produces foamy, frothy milk with just the right consistency.

For tea drinkers, the TAS1002 makes tea with good flavor intensity. It heats the water to the correct temperature for optimal extraction from tea. The machine avoids oversteeping the tea or making it taste bitter. Herbal teas like chamomile come out fragrant and flavorful.

Overall, the Bosch produces consistent, delicious hot beverages from the pods with pleasing aromas, flavors, and textures. The high-pressure extraction system is the key to getting barista quality results at home.

Another excellent option is the KRUPS Dolce Gusto ‎KP1A0840, which also delivers a variety of coffee specialties alongside hot chocolate and teas. This machine is celebrated for its sleek design and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among coffee lovers. It features a manual lever that allows for precise control over your brew strength and size, ensuring a customized drink experience. The KRUPS Dolce Gusto also allows you to prepare iced beverages, expanding your beverage options year-round.

Ease of Use

The Bosch Tassimo TAS1002 is designed to be very easy to use on a daily basis. Initial setup is straightforward - just plug it in, fill the water tank, and insert a Tassimo T DISC pod. The multi-drink interface has separate buttons for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, so you don't have to guess which beverage you've selected.

To brew a drink, you simply press the button for your desired beverage, wait for the light to indicate it's ready, and enjoy. The flow stops automatically when the preset amount for that drink is reached, so you don't have to monitor it.

Cleaning is also simple - the drip tray slides out for easy emptying and the pod container is removable. Both can be rinsed under running water. For deeper cleaning, Bosch recommends using a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Descaling is recommended every 3-4 months. The machine alerts you when it's time and walks you through the descaling process step-by-step. All you need to do is fill the water tank with descaling solution instead of water, insert a cleaning disc, press the descale button, and wait for the cycle to complete. Then give the machine a rinse cycle with plain water.

Overall, the Tassimo is designed to be hassle-free and easy to operate daily. The interface is straightforward, cleaning is simple, and maintenance routines like descaling are automated for convenience.

Pod Availability

The Bosch Tassimo TAS1002 uses Tassimo's unique T DISCs to brew coffee and other hot beverages. These proprietary pods come in over 40 varieties from brands like Costa Coffee, Twinings, Cadbury, and more.

T DISCs are widely available in most supermarkets and convenience stores, so it's easy to find pods for your favorite drinks. The pods are affordably priced, typically between £0.35 to £0.75 per pod depending on the brand and beverage. This is comparable to other single serve pod systems.

One downside is that you can only use Tassimo's T DISC pods with the TAS1002 machine. You cannot use pods from Nespresso or other brands. So your pod selection is limited to what Tassimo offers. However, with over 40 varieties of coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more, there is still a good amount of choice.

The unique barcodes printed on each T DISC pod allow the TAS1002 to automatically adjust brew settings per drink. This helps maximize flavor extraction and customize the beverage. But it also means you cannot use refillable pods or generic unbranded pods.

Overall, the proprietary T DISC system provides a solid variety of delicious pods that are easy to find. But the pod availability is restricted compared to open systems like Nespresso OriginalLine that accept pods from various brands.

Design and Build Quality

The Bosch TAS1002 Tassimo coffee maker has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any kitchen. It has a compact footprint, measuring just 27cm wide, 20cm deep and 32cm tall. This makes it easy to tuck away on a counter without taking up too much space.

The machine housing is made from durable plastic that feels solid and long-lasting. It comes in a stylish black and silver color scheme that gives it an elegant look. The top surface has a smooth black finish that is easy to keep clean.

Despite its small size, the TAS1002 doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. All of the parts fit together snugly with no loose panels or buttons. The overall construction inspires confidence in the machine's durability.

The detachable 0.7L water tank is also made from sturdy plastic. It slides in and out of the back of the machine smoothly when you need to refill it. The tank has clear markings to show the max fill levels.

Inside, the brewing mechanism is made from quality materials that stand up well to regular use. The piercing nozzle and brewing chamber are constructed from durable metals and plastics.

Overall, while compact, the TAS1002 Tassimo doesn't compromise on build quality. It should provide many years of reliable service with its solid construction and premium materials.

Value for Money

The Bosch TAS1002 Tassimo offers decent value for the price. It is not the most feature-packed or high-end single serve coffee maker on the market, but it provides a solid set of capabilities at an accessible price point.

The TAS1002 can brew coffee, espresso, tea, hot chocolate and more. It uses Tassimo's bar code pod system to brew a variety of drinks. While the pod system limits your beverage options compared to a machine that takes ground coffee, the convenience factor is hard to beat - just pop in a pod and get a quality cup of coffee with the press of a button.

At around £50-60, the TAS1002 hits a sweet spot between affordability and performance. More expensive single serve coffee makers boast amenities like milk frothers, larger water reservoirs, and lcd displays. However, if you just want a convenient machine that can deliver tasty coffee, espresso and tea without breaking the bank, the Bosch TAS1002 represents a good value choice.

The build quality is decent for the price point. And Bosch includes handy features like auto shut-off and adjustable cup size. While pricier models may be built better or offer more customization, the Bosch focuses on nailing the basics. For an entry-level single-serve coffee maker that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles, the TAS1002 offers solid value.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Produces good quality hot drinks with a good crema on the coffee
• Simple and easy to use with one-touch operation
• Has a large water reservoir so doesn't need refilling often
• Wide range of branded pods available including Starbucks and Nescafe
• Auto shut-off feature helps save energy

Cons

• Pod format can work out more expensive per drink than ground coffee
• Restricted to Bosch's Tassimo pod system
• Some users report inconsistent results between pods
• No way to customize drink settings like strength or temperature
• Pod containers create more waste compared to ground coffee

Alternatives

The Bosch TAS1002 Tassimo competes with other single serve coffee makers like the Nespresso Vertuo Next and the Keurig K-Mini Plus.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is another pod-based single serve coffee machine known for producing espresso-style coffee. It uses a centrifugation brewing process and has a motorized head that automatically adjusts brew settings. The Vertuo Next offers a compact, sleek design with a 40 oz water tank capacity. It's a good alternative for those seeking single serve espresso.

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is an extremely compact single serve coffee maker that brews K-cups. It has a simple one-button operation and a detachable water reservoir that holds up to 12 oz. The K-Mini Plus offers great portability and flexibility, though it doesn't have as many features as the TAS1002. It's a solid choice for no-frills single serve coffee.

Overall the Bosch TAS1002 provides a happy medium between espresso-focused machines like the Vertuo Next and basic brewers like the K-Mini Plus. It offers a wide pod selection and decent features without a high price tag. For alternatives with different strengths, the Vertuo Next and K-Mini Plus are models to consider.

Conclusion

The Bosch TAS1002 Tassimo Multi-Drink Single Serve Coffee Maker offers a simple and convenient way to enjoy delicious barista-style coffee, tea and hot chocolate drinks at home. Its T-Disc pod system delivers consistent results with minimal fuss. While the pod availability in the UK could be better, there is still a good variety to choose from.

The TAS1002 produces high quality beverages quickly. Its compact and stylish design will look great in any kitchen. The lack of temperature control may bother coffee purists, but most users will appreciate the ease of use. The removable drip tray and auto-cleaning function also make maintenance straightforward.

Overall, the TAS1002 Tassimo is an excellent choice for anyone wanting delicious, fuss-free single serve drinks. It's easy to use, makes great tasting beverages, and has a solid and durable build. For an affordable super-automatic style coffee maker that uses convenient pods, the TAS1002 Tassimo is hard to beat.