Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The TASSIMO brand of single-serve coffee machines was developed by Bosch, the renowned German engineering and electronics company. The TASSIMO machines make use of unique barcode technology to prepare over 40 varieties of coffee-based drinks by reading the barcode on individual coffee pods known as T DISCs.

The Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB is a compact and easy to use single cup coffee maker that offers an attractive and modern design. Featuring Bosch's IntellibrewTM system, it automatically adjusts the amount of water, brewing time, and temperature for each selected beverage. With dimensions of 27 x 21 x 32cm, a 1.2L water tank capacity and 700 watt heating element, it can produce a wide selection of coffee, tea and hot chocolate from T DISCs in under a minute.

Design

The Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB single serve coffee maker has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. It has a height of 32cm, width of 17cm, and depth of 32cm. The total weight is 3.2kg, making it relatively lightweight and easy to move around.

The machine comes in a stylish black and silver color scheme with some chrome accents. The housing is made from durable plastic while the drip tray is stainless steel. There are no other color options available for this particular model.

Overall, the Bosch TASSIMO coffee maker has a compact and streamlined design. The combination of black, silver, and chrome gives it an elegant look that doesn't take up too much counter space. The use of plastic and steel materials provides durability without making the machine overly heavy.

In comparison, the Nespresso Inissia EN 80.B is another popular single serve coffee maker with a sleek, modern aesthetic. It features a lightweight plastic housing available in several bold colors like red, black, white and titan. The Inissia has a slightly smaller footprint at 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 inches.

Both the Bosch and Nespresso machines have compact footprints that don't take up much space. However, the Inissia's colorful options make it a bolder statement piece. The Bosch has a more subdued, classic look in black and silver. So it comes down to personal style preference.

When looking at dimensions, the Bosch TASSIMO is taller at 32 cm vs 25 cm for the Inissia. But the Nespresso machine is a bit wider at 12.6 inches compared to the Bosch's 9 inch width. Depth is fairly similar at around 9 inches for both.

An advantage of the Inissia's plastic body is that it weighs just 5.3 pounds empty. The Bosch comes in at a heavier 7 pounds due to its steel accents and sturdier build. However, the more solid Bosch may hold up better over time.

The Inissia also comes with the option of buying colorful snap-on covers to customize the look. The Bosch has a fixed color scheme. So the Nespresso provides more ways to express personal style with fun colors.

When it comes to aesthetics, it depends if you prefer the more low-key Bosch or the punchier colors of the Nespresso Inissia. Both make an attractive, compact addition to your kitchen counter. The Bosch looks a bit more elegant while the Inissia offers more customization.

Features

The Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB single serve coffee maker offers a variety of convenient features that make it easy to brew customized drinks.

Beverage Options

This machine is compatible with over 40 different T DISCs, allowing you to brew coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more. It can make espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato and other specialty coffee drinks. With so many options, you'll be able to find the perfect beverage to suit your mood and tastes.

Cup Sizes

You can brew cups in 3 different sizes - espresso, regular and large. This allows you to make anything from a shot of espresso to a large travel mug. The ability to choose between smaller or larger sizes gives you flexibility whether you're brewing a single shot or making coffee for the whole family.

Brewing Technology

The TASSIMO uses intelligent barcode technology to read the T DISC you insert and automatically adjust the brew settings like temperature, brew time, and amount of water. This delivers optimal results for each beverage. You don't have to worry about programming settings - the machine does it for you!

Controls

An LED display with push button controls makes operating the machine simple. Just insert your T DISC, select your cup size, and start brewing. The intuitive controls allow anyone to make delicious drinks with minimal effort.

Display

The display shows your selected cup size and a progress bar during brewing. It also alerts you when the water tank is empty or descaling is needed. The display keeps you informed about the brewing process and machine needs, for worry-free operation.

If you're looking for a more compact single serve coffee machine, check out the Nespresso EN510.W. This sleek and slim pod-based espresso maker takes up less counter space but still offers many great features. It's compatible with Nespresso's wide variety of coffee capsules and can brew cup sizes ranging from espresso to alto. An automatic capsule ejection system makes used pod disposal quick and easy. The fast 25 second heat up time means you can enjoy an espresso or coffee in moments. It's a great option for smaller kitchens or offices.

Ease of Use

The Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB is very easy to set up and use on a daily basis. Initial set up just requires plugging it in, filling the water tank, and loading the T DISCs. The water tank is easy to access from the front and holds up to 1.3 liters of water.

To make a coffee, you just need to lift the handle, insert a T DISC, lower the handle, and press the start button. The machine will read the barcode on the T DISC and adjust the brewing time and temperature automatically. This makes it foolproof to get a perfect cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate every time.

Cleaning is also straightforward. The parts that come in contact with the beverage can be removed and washed after each use. The drip tray slides out from the front to empty. Bosch recommends descaling the machine every 3-4 months using the Bosch descaling tabs, which is easy to do by following the instructions.

There is very little maintenance required. The company recommends replacing the water filter cartridge every 2 months to keep water tasting fresh. Other than that, it's just rinsing and wiping down the exterior as needed.

Beverage Quality

The TASSIMO produces high quality beverages with excellent taste, temperature, crema and consistency.

The machine uses TASSIMO T Discs that contain the precise amount of coffee, tea or chocolate needed to brew each drink. This helps ensure consistent and accurate results every time. The drinks come out hot, with the coffee registering around 176°F.

The espresso drinks in particular have a nice layer of creamy froth or crema on top. This adds to the authentic espresso experience the TASSIMO aims to provide. The texture and mouthfeel of the espresso is thick and rich.

The tea drinks maintain the flavors you would expect, without tasting watered down. The hot chocolate is indulgent and tastes like an upscale cafe beverage.

Across all beverage types, the TASSIMO excels at delivering drinks comparable to a coffee shop or restaurant. The quality remains reliable, no matter how many drinks you brew in a session.

Accessories

The TASSIMO AS6502GB comes with a 1300ml water tank, 0.7 litre T DISC container, measuring scoop, and user manual to get you started. Additional purchases that may enhance your experience include:

• TASSIMO T DISCs: These proprietary coffee pods contain the exact amount of ground coffee or tea leaves for each beverage. They snap into the top of the machine and allow it to brew a wide variety of drinks. You'll need to stock up on T DISCs for all your favorite coffees, teas, hot chocolates, and more.

• Milk frother: If you'd like to make cappuccinos or lattes, you'll need a separate milk frothing device. The TASSIMO does not have an integrated frother. Look for an affordable battery-powered frother to heat and froth milk.

• Extra water tank: Consider getting an extra water tank so you can fill them up in advance and quickly swap them out when one runs low. This saves trips back and forth to the sink.

• Cup warmer: A simple warming tray can keep your mugs warm while you brew. This helps maintain the optimal drinking temperature.

• Water filters: Using filtered water can improve the taste and minimize mineral buildup in the machine over time. Look for compatible TASSIMO water filters.

• Cleaning tablets: Pick up TASSIMO-brand cleaning tablets formulated to flush out the machine and keep it fresh. Follow the cleaning instructions in the user manual.

• TASSIMO stand: A metal stand neatly stores the T DISC holder and keeps the machine upright. Pick one that matches your kitchen décor.

Pros

• Makes a wide variety of coffee drinks. The TASSIMO system uses unique T DISCs that allow you to brew cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and more at the push of a button. With over 40 drink varieties available, you can satisfy a range of coffee cravings.

• Fast and convenient. The flow heater technology heats up water very quickly, so you can brew a fresh cup of coffee, tea, or specialty drink in under a minute. The brewing process is automated for one-touch simplicity.

• Compact, stylish design. This single-serve machine has a small footprint that saves valuable counter space. The glossy black and silver finish gives it an elegant look that suits any kitchen décor.

• Adjustable cup stand accommodates various mug sizes up to 0.4 L. So you can brew directly into your favorite travel mug or large coffee cup.

• Energy efficient operation. The machine auto-off feature helps conserve energy by powering down after 5 minutes of inactivity. The quick brewing process also uses less electricity than brewing a whole pot.

Cons

• The TASSIMO does not allow you to control the brew strength, only the brew size. This can make it challenging to get the exact flavor you want from a particular coffee pod.

• The variety of T-Discs (TASSIMO's proprietary single serve pods) is more limited compared to some competitor's capsules. Tassimo offers around 50 options while other brands may offer 200+ single serve pod varieties.

• Cleaning and descaling the machine can be a hassle. Vinegar is recommended for descaling, a multi-step cleaning process is required, and any water that condenses under the T Disc container will need to be manually wiped up.

• The plastic water reservoir feels flimsy and cheap. Some users report issues with it cracking and leaking over time. An upgraded metal water tank is available for purchase separately but adds to the cost.

• No auto-off feature. For safety and energy savings, many single serve coffee makers automatically power down after a set time if not in use. The TASSIMO lacks this.

Cost Considerations

The Bosch TASSIMO coffee machine itself comes at a moderate price point, usually retailing for £79.99. This makes it budget-friendly compared to higher-end single serve coffee makers which can cost over £100.

The ongoing costs for the TASSIMO lie in purchasing TASSIMO coffee pods, which are a bit pricier than generic K-cup pods. The TASSIMO pods come in packs of 5-10 and cost around 30-50 pence per pod. So if you drink 1-2 cups of coffee daily, the pod costs can add up.

To save money on pods, look for deals and bulk packs of 40-80 pods, which bring down the per pod cost. You can also occasionally find coupons and specials directly from TASSIMO.

The machine uses barcode technology to recognize the TASSIMO pods, so you can't use less expensive generic or refillable pods. This locked-in pod system helps ensure optimal brewing but increases the ongoing beverage costs.

Overall, the Bosch TASSIMO represents an affordable single cup brewer upfront, but be prepared for pricier pod costs long-term.

Summary

The Bosch TASSIMO AS6502GB coffee machine offers a convenient single-serve coffee solution for those who want the ability to brew a variety of drinks. This machine uses patented barcode technology to provide customized brewing for each T DISC pod.

The TASSIMO is simple to operate, with buttons for drink selection and size. It delivers coffee, tea, and hot chocolate with good temperature and decent quality. The removable water tank makes refilling easy.

Overall, the TASSIMO AS6502GB provides an easy way to enjoy single-serve beverages at home. It's a great option for people who want variety and customization in their coffee machine without a huge investment.

Some alternatives to consider are single-serve machines from brands like Keurig and Nespresso. Keurig machines offer a wide pod selection, while Nespresso is known for making high-quality espresso. The De'Longhi Dolce Gusto capsule coffee machine is also comparable to the Bosch.

Ultimately the TASSIMO AS6502GB is recommended for people who prioritize convenience and simplicity when brewing single-serve drinks. For an even higher level of quality, other brands may be preferable, despite their higher prices. But the TASSIMO remains an excellent value choice in the single-serve coffee category.