Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The TASSIMO TAS1106GB by Bosch is an innovative single serve coffee machine designed to brew high-quality coffee, tea, and other hot beverages on demand. This compact and stylish machine uses intelligent barcode technology to automatically adjust water temperature, brew time, and volume for each T DISC capsule inserted. With the ability to brew over 40 different branded drinks, the TAS1106GB aims to offer the convenience of single serve with the variety of a specialty café.

The TASSIMO system uses patented barcodes printed on each T DISC capsule to tell the machine the optimal brewing instructions. Simply pop in a disc, push a button, and enjoy fresh coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate and more in seconds. The brewing process extracts the ideal amount of flavors and aromas from each capsule to produce an authentic tasting beverage every time.

This review will provide an in-depth look at the features, performance, ease of use, drink quality, and overall pros and cons of the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB single serve coffee maker. Read on to see how this innovative appliance performs in real world conditions.

Design and Build Quality

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB has a sleek and modern design with a glossy black finish that will look great in any kitchen. It has a compact footprint, measuring just 27.5 x 20.1 x 32.5 cm, so it won't take up much counter space.

Despite its small size, the TASSIMO feels sturdy and well-built. The housing is made of durable plastic that seems like it will hold up well to regular use. Based on customer reviews, the machine does not seem prone to breakage even after years of use.

The water reservoir has a 1L capacity, which is ample for making multiple drinks without having to refill frequently. The removable drip tray also feels sturdy and is easy to empty and clean.

Overall, while not a huge machine, the TASSIMO TAS1106GB has a nice solid feel and heft to it. The materials seem durable enough for this appliance to last many years with proper care and maintenance. The compact footprint is also a major plus for owners with limited kitchen space.

If you're looking for a similarly compact single serve coffee maker, the DeLonghi EDG210.B is worth considering. It has a slim profile and small footprint, taking up minimal counter space. The durable plastic housing seems like it would hold up well over time. One difference is that the DeLonghi has a 28 oz water tank, slightly larger than the TASSIMO's 26 oz capacity. However, the DeLonghi only works with proprietary coffee pods, while the TASSIMO is more versatile, working with T-discs for coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more. So while both are well-designed compact single serve machines, the TASSIMO offers more beverage versatility in a durable, solidly built package.

Features and Capabilities

The Bosch TAS1106GB Tassimo offers a wide range of features and brewing capabilities.

• It utilizes TASSIMO's patented INTELLIBREWTM brewing technology to perfectly brew a variety of drinks. The bar code on each T DISC capsule instructs the machine on the ideal brewing parameters for that specific beverage. This allows it to automatically adjust the brewing time, temperature, and water quantity to optimize each drink.

• With over 40 different TASSIMO hot beverage varieties available, you can enjoy everything from coffee, espresso and cappuccino to lattes, tea, and hot chocolate. It can brew cups in 5 different sizes ranging from 40ml espresso to a full 400ml travel mug size.

• The large 49oz water tank has a 0.7 liter capacity, allowing you to brew several drinks before needing a refill. The removable drip tray also has an ample 12oz capacity.

• The Tassimo allows you to customize the size and strength of your coffee drinks. You can choose from regular or large cup sizes, and also boost the strength for a bolder flavor.

• The height adjustable cup stand can accommodate cups, mugs and travel mugs up to 178mm tall.

• The machine features a quick start mode that heats the water in under a minute, so you don't have to wait long for your morning coffee. An automatic shutoff mode turns the machine off after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve energy.

• The Tassimo comes with a variety pack of T DISCs to get you started brewing different drinks right away. You can join the Tassimo club to get drink coupons and discounts on additional T DISCs.

The Bosch TAS1106GB Tassimo is an excellent single serve coffee maker that offers great versatility and convenience. With its use of barcoded T DISCs, it can automatically adjust brew settings to optimize over 40 different coffee, tea and hot chocolate varieties. The large water tank and removable drip tray make it easy to brew multiple drinks before having to clean up or refill. Its adjustable cup stand, quick heat up mode and auto shutoff add even more convenience to the brewing experience.

If you're looking for a similar single serve coffee maker from Bosch, the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1002GB is another great option to consider. It has many of the same excellent features as the TAS1106GB, including T DISC compatibility, adjustable settings, and automatic brewing. The main difference is that the TAS1002GB has a slightly smaller 37oz water tank and no height-adjustable cup stand. However, it still provides fast, convenient single cup brewing at the touch of a button. So the TAS1002GB is a comparable alternative if you don't need the larger water capacity or adjustable stand.

In summary, the Bosch TAS1106GB Tassimo single serve coffee maker provides a wide array of brew sizes and drink options along with customizable settings and automated brewing intelligence. Its large tank, removable tray, adjustable stand and energy-saving mode all add convenience and versatility. So if you're looking for a feature-packed single serve machine that can brew an array of hot beverages with optimal results, the Bosch TAS1106GB is an excellent choice worth considering.

Ease of Use

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB coffee machine is designed to be very simple and intuitive to use. The controls consist of just two buttons - an on/off button and a drink selection button. To brew a coffee, you simply turn on the machine, insert a T DISC, and press the drink selection button. The machine reads the barcode on the T DISC and automatically adjusts the brew settings to match that particular drink.

The display is very minimal, just showing your selected drink and a progress bar during brewing. This helps minimize confusion and complexity for the user. Once finished, the used T DISC is automatically ejected into a holding bin that can accommodate up to 5 discs before needing emptied.

Overall, cleaning and maintenance are straightforward with the TAS1106GB. The drip tray can be removed and emptied as needed. The T DISC holder is removable and dishwasher safe. Descaling is recommended every 2-3 months and is a simple automated process using Bosch descaling tablets.

With its simple two button operation, automated brewing, and minimal maintenance requirements, the TAS1106GB coffee machine from Bosch is one of the easiest to use single serve models available. The simple interface and lack of complex programming make it accessible for all users.

Brew Quality

The TAS1106GB brews coffee, tea, and hot chocolate with excellent taste and temperature. The machine uses T DISCs containing pre-ground coffee or powdered drinks, so it can optimize the brewing for each individual beverage. This results in well-extracted coffee with a nice crema on top.

The temperature is ideal - not too hot to drink right away, but still hot enough to enjoy slowly. Drinks stay hot for a reasonable amount of time after brewing.

One of the biggest advantages of the TASSIMO system is the drink-specific codes on the T DISCs that allow the machine to customize the brewing. This means the coffee comes out with the perfect amount of extraction for that particular blend. The brew is very consistent, with the flavor you would expect from a high-quality café drink.

The water flows through the T Disc at the ideal pressure to extract the full coffee flavor and aroma. Other drinks like hot chocolate also come out with excellent consistency, richness, and taste. Overall, the drink quality lives up to the Bosch brand's reputation.

T DISCs and Variety

The Bosch Tassimo TAS1106GB uses T DISCs, which are proprietary plastic discs that contain ground coffee, tea, or other beverage ingredients. This single-serve pod system allows you to brew a wide variety of drinks with just the touch of a button.

Some key things to know about Bosch's T DISCs:

• They are designed and branded specifically for the Tassimo system. You can't use pods from Nespresso, Keurig, or other brands.

• Bosch partners with major brands to offer a diverse beverage selection. Popular options include Costa Coffee, Twinings Tea, Cadbury Hot Chocolate, and more.

• In total, there are over 40 different T DISC varieties to choose from. This includes espresso, regular coffee, latte macchiato, cappuccino, tea, hot chocolate, and other specialty drinks.

• The pods are easy to insert into the machine. Just lift the handle, pop in a T DISC, lower the handle, and you're ready brew.

• The barcodes on the T DISCs are read by the machine to customize the perfect beverage settings like water temperature, brew time, and more.

So in summary, the proprietary T DISC system allows you to enjoy a wide assortment of high-quality drinks from major brands, all at the touch of a button. The convenience and variety offered are a major selling point for Bosch's single-serve coffee machines.

Noise Level

The TASSIMO TAS1106GB is relatively quiet during the brewing process and in standby mode. The machine uses intelligent technology to control the flow rate and temperature during brewing, which helps keep noise to a minimum.

There is some noise when the machine first pierces the T DISC and during the initial water heating, but it is not overly intrusive. Bosch rates the brewing noise at 65dB, which is comparable to a typical conversation. The pumping noise is also quieter than some competitor pod machines.

Once brewing is complete, the machine returns to a very quiet standby mode. The noise level is low enough for an office or early morning brewing at home without waking others. Some users may find the intermittent sounds of the pump and internal parts at work to be less noticeable over time.

Overall, the TAS1106GB is one of the quieter single serve coffee machines available, especially in the important early morning hours when excess noise is undesirable. The technology Bosch uses helps minimize disruptive noise production throughout the brew process. This allows you to brew fresh coffee without disturbance.

Energy Efficiency

The Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB Coffee Maker has decent energy efficiency, especially compared to brewing a full pot with a drip coffee maker.

The machine has an Eco Mode that helps reduce power consumption after brewing. Eco Mode will activate automatically 5 minutes after the last brew cycle. In this mode, the T DISC system and heater will power down, but the machine remains on standby and ready to brew again with a simple button press.

TASSIMO does not publish official power ratings for the TAS1106GB, however most single serve coffee makers tend to use around 1300-1500 watts while brewing. Given its 50 oz water tank capacity, TASSIMO brewers can make 5-10 cups before needing a water refill. So the TAS1106GB likely uses less energy overall than brewing multiple pots with a traditional drip coffee machine.

The auto-off timer can also be set to turn the machine off completely after 0, 5, 15, or 30 minutes of inactivity. Using auto-off helps prevent energy waste if you forget to power it down manually after use.

Overall, the TAS1106GB strikes a good balance between energy efficiency and convenience. The standby modes help reduce power draw while still allowing quick one-touch operation when you want your next delicious coffee, tea or hot beverage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brews coffee, tea, hot chocolate and more with the touch of a button
• Compact, stylish design takes up minimal counter space
• Uses T DISCs for mess-free brewing and easy cleanup
• Heats up quickly, brews a cup in under a minute
• Comes with a welcome pack of T DISCs to sample
• Energy efficient with auto-off function

Cons

• Machine needs descaling regularly
• Limited to T DISC pods, cannot use ground coffee
• Pod variety is smaller than Nespresso's
• Certain pods can be hard to find in stores
• Higher upfront cost than basic drip coffee machines
• Produces more waste from used T DISC pods

Conclusion

Overall the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1106GB is a great option for those wanting a versatile and easy to use single serve coffee machine. It offers a wide variety of delicious coffeehouse style drinks thanks to the T DISC system, while still remaining simple to operate with its one-touch buttons. The compact and sleek design also makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen.

In terms of comparable alternatives, the Nespresso range offers a similar pod-based system but with a greater focus on espresso. For larger drink sizes, the Keurig K-Duo offers K-cup pods and a 12 cup carafe brewer. However, the TASSIMO remains a solid middle ground that can satisfy most casual coffee drinkers' needs.

The TAS1106GB delivers convenient, mess-free single serve brewing that consistently produces tasty results. Its intuitive interface and automatic bar code reading allows for easy preparation of lattes, cappuccinos and more. Overall it's an affordable and well-designed pod coffee maker worth considering.