Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The TASSIMO TAS1002GB model by Bosch is a single-serve coffee machine designed for brewing espresso-style coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other drinks using patented T DISC pods. This machine is compact, quick, and easy to use, making it a convenient option for homes or offices. The TAS1002GB has a sleek black and silver design with LCD display and features TASSIMO's IntellibrewTM system to automatically adjust the brew settings per drink. With the ability to brew a wide range of branded hot beverages from the likes of Costa, Cadbury's, and Twinings, the TASSIMO promises delicious drinks in seconds at the touch of a button. This review will examine the key features, performance, ease of use, and value of the TASSIMO TAS1002GB model to help determine if it's the right single-serve coffee maker for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Tassimo TAS1002GB has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. Its dimensions are 20.5 x 35.5 x 13.5 cm and it weighs 2.65 kg. The machine is constructed from high-quality plastic materials that feel durable and sturdy. It has a glossy black finish that gives it a premium look and feel.

The Tassimo is a compact single serve coffee maker that won't take up too much counter space. The dimensions are small enough to easily fit under kitchen cabinets. Despite its small footprint, it feels solidly built. The plastic body doesn't have any flimsiness and seems like it will hold up well over time.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Tassimo TAS1002GB are excellent. It has a stylish appearance with its glossy black finish. The materials feel solid and durable. And the compact dimensions make it perfect for small kitchens or apartments where counter space is limited. The sleek black plastic exterior not only looks great, but also seems sturdy and well-constructed. You can tell Bosch put effort into making an attractive yet functional single serve coffee maker.

While the Tassimo TAS1002GB has excellent build quality, Bosch also offers other Tassimo models like the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1402GB. This machine has a slightly larger 40 oz water tank compared to the TAS1002GB's 34 oz tank. The TAS1402GB also comes in three color options - black, silver, and red. So you have some more choices if you like the Tassimo but want a different color or size.

No matter which Tassimo model you choose, Bosch clearly put thought into the design. These single serve machines have compact footprints perfect for small kitchens. But they don't compromise on build quality with their durable plastic housings. And the glossy black or silver finishes give them an elegant, premium look. When searching for a well-constructed single serve coffee maker, Tassimo is an excellent choice to consider.

Features

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB offers several useful features for brewing coffee, tea, and other hot beverages.

Brewing Technology

The machine uses Bosch's patented Intellibrew system, which uses barcodes on the TASSIMO T Discs to optimize the brewing time, temperature, and water volume for each specific drink. This smart technology ensures optimal extraction and flavor.

Cup Sizes

The TASSIMO brews a range of cup sizes for different beverage types. For coffee, it can brew espresso (40ml), regular coffee (110ml), and alto coffee (160ml). For tea, it brews tea cup (190ml) and mug (260ml) sizes. The machine automatically adjusts the brew settings based on the inserted T Disc.

Controls

The control panel on top of the machine features two buttons - a power button to turn it on and off, and a brew button to start the brewing process. There is an LED display that shows the selected cup size.

Accessories

The TASSIMO comes with a 0.7 liter removable water tank for easy filling. It includes a cup stand and stainless steel cup for espresso drinks. The package also contains a cleaning disk and instructions for decalcification to maintain the machine.

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB is an excellent single serve coffee maker that utilizes barcode technology to optimize the brewing process. It can make a variety of coffee drinks in different cup sizes, as well as hot teas. The machine is very easy to use with preset buttons and has useful accessories like the water tank and cleaning disk.

If you're looking for a more advanced TASSIMO machine, check out the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB. This higher-end model has a larger 1.4 liter water tank, removable drip tray, automatic shutoff, and adjustable stand. It can brew two cups at once with its dual cup tray and prepare larger 14 oz travel mugs. The TAS1106GB has a sleek stainless steel finish that will look great in any kitchen.

Both the TAS1002GB and TAS1106GB use TASSIMO's Intellibrew system to read the barcodes on the coffee pods and automatically adjust the brew settings. This results in a perfect cup customized for each drink. The machines heat up in seconds so you can quickly prepare coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more at the touch of a button.

TASSIMO T Discs come in a wide variety from brands like Gevalia, Maxwell House, Starbucks, Twinings, and more. Each pod makes a fresh single serve drink so there's no coffee waste. The pod-based system is very convenient but the pods are proprietary and can only be used with TASSIMO brewers.

Overall, Bosch TASSIMO single serve coffee makers like the TAS1002GB and TAS1106GB provide an easy way to enjoy customized drinks made just the way you like. The Intellibrew system optimizes the brewing process for convenience and quality. Check out the product line to find the model that's right for your kitchen.

Brewing Performance

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB delivers excellent brewing performance for a single serve coffee machine in this price range.

The brewing speed is quite fast, with a full 8oz cup brewing in under 60 seconds. This makes it easy to get your morning coffee quickly with minimal waiting.

The TASSIMO uses intelligent barcode technology to automatically adjust the water temperature, pressure and brewing time for each individual T DISC coffee pod inserted. This helps optimize the extraction and flavor for every coffee variety.

The water reaches the ideal brewing temperature fast, around 192°F which is perfect for capturing the nuanced flavors and aromas of the coffee.

The pump generates the right amount of pressure, up to 3.3 bar to saturate the grounds properly and extract full coffee flavor.

The resulting coffee from the TASSIMO has an excellent, rich taste with robust aroma. The flavors are natural and well-balanced, not bitter or watery. It brews a smooth coffee comparable to a café-style brew.

Overall, the brewing performance is reliable and produces delicious coffee drinks time after time. It's a major plus for this single cup brewer.

Ease of Use

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB is very easy and intuitive to use. It has a simple interface with two buttons: one for espresso drinks and one for regular coffee. The buttons are clearly labeled so you know exactly which one to press for the drink you want.

Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward. The pod catcher is removable for easy disposal of used pods. The drip tray slides out and is dishwasher safe. The machine will also alert you when it needs to be descaled to keep it running optimally. Descaling is a simple process that involves running a descaling solution through the machine.

Overall, the TASSIMO makes brewing coffee incredibly simple. With the push of a button, you can get barista-style coffee drinks with no guesswork or complicated programming required. The maintenance is minimal and easy to perform. This machine is ideal for those looking for great tasting coffee with maximum convenience.

Coffee Pod Compatibility

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB is designed to work with Tassimo's proprietary coffee pods, called T-Discs. These pre-portioned pods contain ground coffee or tea leaves and come in a wide variety of branded beverages like Costa Coffee, Twinings Tea, and Cadbury Hot Chocolate.

While Tassimo pods provide convenience and consistent results, they can be more expensive than off-brand pods. The machine is not compatible with Nespresso pods or traditional ground coffee. However, it is possible to use reusable pods or adapters to brew off-brand coffee pods. The results may not be as consistent, since Tassimo's barcode system customizes the brewing for each T-Disc. But for some owners, the cost savings outweigh the small sacrifice in quality.

Overall, the reliance on Tassimo pods can be seen as either a pro or a con, depending on your priorities. The specialized brewing extracts optimal flavor but restricts choice and increases costs. With some additional accessories, you can expand the TAS1002GB's pod versatility, though likely not matching T-Disc performance.

Pros

• Fast brew times: The TASSIMO brews coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in less than a minute. The flow heater technology quickly heats the water to the ideal temperature for whatever drink you selected. This is much faster than traditional drip coffee makers.

• Simple to operate: The TASSIMO has straightforward controls and requires no special skills to operate. Just insert a T DISC pod, select your drink, and press start. The machine handles the brewing process automatically. This simplicity makes it a great choice for households where multiple people will use it.

• Compact size: At just 11 inches tall and 5 inches wide, the TASSIMO has a small footprint that fits well in cramped kitchens. The compact brewing unit tucks away neatly when not in use. And there's no carafe or pitcher taking up extra space. This is an ideal single serve coffee maker for apartments and dorms.

Cons

• The TASSIMO TAS1002GB only works with TASSIMO T DISCs and not with other coffee pod brands. This can limit your coffee choices and tie you into the TASSIMO coffee pod system.

• The machine lacks advanced features like a digital display, strength control or temperature adjustment. The brewing process is fully automated without customization options.

• Several users report reliability issues and malfunctions over time. The machine may stop working properly after a year or two of moderate use. Replacement parts can be hard to find.

Value for Money

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB coffee machine offers excellent value for money given its solid build quality, user-friendly design, and reliable performance.

At around £90, it sits at the lower end of single serve coffee machines yet doesn't compromise on functionality or results. The machine feels sturdy and well constructed, using mostly plastic housing but with metal elements around high wear areas. Owners report the TASSIMO lasting 3-5 years with regular use, outperforming expectations for the price.

Bosch provides a 1 year warranty, typical for an appliance in this range. While not the longest coverage, it's adequate given the proven reliability of TASSIMO brewers. The warranty covers manufacturer defects and issues during normal use.

Overall, the TASSIMO TAS1002GB punches above its weight, delivering tasty drinks, convenience, and durability without breaking the bank. For budget-conscious coffee lovers, it's a great value proposition.

Final Verdict

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB is a solid single serve coffee maker that offers a lot of convenience and versatility. Its sleek and compact design makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen. The T DISCs system gives you access to a wide variety of coffee and other hot beverages from various brands.

The brewing performance is quite good, delivering coffee and espresso drinks with decent strength and acceptable taste. The brewing process is very simple with the push of one button. The flow can be stopped mid-brew as well, which helps avoid overfilling your cup.

While the manual doesn't provide a water tank capacity, it seems sufficient for 5-6 drinks before needing a refill. The removable parts are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

On the downside, the machine only works with TASSIMO T DISCs and is not compatible with other coffee pods. The proprietary system means you are restricted to what TASSIMO has available and limits your options.

Overall, the TAS1002GB is a reasonably priced single serve coffee maker that produces good drinks quickly and easily. If you don't mind being limited to the TASSIMO pod system, then this machine is definitely worth considering. For the convenience it provides, the Bosch TASSIMO represents solid value for money.