I won't attempt to compare this machine to the other brands out there, but I CAN attest to the fact that Flavia is darn good coffee.My office has the great big Flavia machine that automatically disposes of the used packs, and is plumbed for water.Right beside that machine we have a coffee maker that is only brewed with Starbucks.For the past three years, the Flavia machine is ALWAYS more popular.It's just fun to use also.
For anyone considering the middle of the line SB100 machine, keep in mind that it does NOT handle multiple-pack brews.That means no creamy toppings.
This machine comes with the Drinks Medley for $20 extra.I couldn't find the contents of that Medley anywhere, so here it is:
2xHouse Blend
2xHouse Blend (Decaf)
2xColumbia (my personal favorite)
2xSumatra
2xRoasted Safari Nut
2xFrench Vanilla
2xHazelnut (Decaf)
2xEspresso Roast
2xChoco
6xCreamy Topping
2xEnglish Breakfast Tea
2xGreen Tea
2xRasberry Spark
2xLemon Calm
2xExotic Chai
2xCaramel Syrup (very thin, sugary syrup)
2xVanilla Syrup (very thin, sugary syrup)
2xChoco Sprinkles (very tiny pack)
2xCinamon Sprinkles (very tiny pack)
You also get a Travel Mug (a standard-issue tall mug with no handles.Slider on top is not spring loaded.You could pick one up at the store for about $7).
So, you get 34 brew packs worth about 45 cents each, plus the syrups and sprinkles (about $2 more), and the travel mug (worth about $7).That's about a $24 value for $20.The Medley is definitely NOT worth the normal price of $30.
The Flavia does have one BIG downside (hence 4 stars) - there are very few places that carry the brew packs.Worse, most of the on-line stores can only sell to certain states per their agreement with Flavia.So, you may very well be forced to buy your refills from Flavia.net.A 'rail' of 20 coffee or tea packs runs about $8.50-9.50.The creamy topping is 25 cents a pack.Add shipping and tax, and that creamy cappuccino with sprinkles costs over a buck for a 7oz cup.The going rate at E-bay is 40 cents a pack before shipping.Once Amazon starts selling Flavia coffees, this machine will get 5 stars.
UPDATE:
I've made about a dozen cups of coffee with this machine.The adjustable height of the dispenser is really handy; if you lower till it touches the rim of your cup, there will be no splashing.You really should dab a paper towel underneath the dispenser after you use it (especially if you just used creamy topping or choco).I can see how the machine can get yucky if you don't do this.The machine IS surprisingly noisy, but only for about 15 seconds per cup.Flavia makes great brew packs - they do not leak when you remove the used ones.Of course, if you squeeze a used coffee pack, it will leak.
The medley kit comes with a travel cup, yet the cup is too tall for the machine as pictured.You need to remove the overflow tray to make it fit.The travel cup holds 14 ounces (two brew packs worth) comfortably.
If you are going to be buying disposable cups for this machine, I recommend getting 8 ounce and possibly 16 ounce cups.This way, you can keep the volume setting on the machine at 7 ounces, using one or two coffee packs, respectively.If you use your own coffee cups, you're going to have to constantly be changing the volume setting for different cups.We bought cheap styrofoam cups from our local warehouse store and keep a stack (with lids) nearby.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Flavia J10NBK Fusion Drinks Station
Product Description:
The Flavia Fusion Drinks Station freshly brews more than 30 inspiring drinks to suit your every mood--coffee, cappuccino, tea, chococcinos, or well-being drinks--whatever you like.
