Tassimo

Introduced in France in 2004, Tassimo is a hot beverage system that makes one-cup servings of coffee, espresso, tea, and hot chocolate as well as milk-based coffee drinks such as cappuccino and latte.

The Tassimo system uses a unique capsule called a Tassimo disc (T-Discs). Each T-Disc has a bar code printed on its label. Once inserted, the Tassimo machine reads the bar code to calculate the amount of water, brewing time, and temperature for the specific beverage.

Kraft Foods Inc. owns Tassimo and manufactures the T-Discs. Bosch, who manufactures the coffee makers for Tassimo, is a large German manufacturing company.

Tassimo Hot Beverage System

When getting to know the Tassimo beverage system, here are some frequently asked questions, followed by our responses.

  1. How many Tassimo machines are offered in the U.S.?
  2. What makes Tassimo’s hot beverage system unique?
  3. How many different T-Discs are available?
  4. Where can I buy T-Discs?
  5. Does Tassimo offer system for offices?
1: How many Tassimo machines are offered in the U.S.?

Tassimo sells four different hot beverage makers. The basic hot beverage machine sells for $129.99, the “Suprema” (two versions: chrome & red) is priced at $169.99, and the LCD Premium model is $199.99. All the machines function in the same way.

The basic machine is matte black and has an extra large water reservoir (68 ounces). The “Suprema” has a slightly smaller water tank (61 ounces) because this machine is equipped with a built-in water filter. It also has “chrome (or red) finished details” which gives the “Suprema” a more elegant look.

The Premium version has a Twilight Titanium finish and a multilingual LCD display. It also has a built-in filter and it is engineered to operate quieter than the other models.

Tassimo Brewers

Tassimo Brewers

To learn more about the machines, go to Tassimo’s web site, or read this more objective review of the Tassimo machine at singleservecoffee.com.

2: What makes Tassimo’s hot beverage system unique?

The built-in water filter on the $139.99 machine is a distinguishing design feature on a one-cup coffee maker in that price range. However, we feel the most unique attribute of the Tassimo machines is their ability to make milk-based lattes and cappuccinos, in addition to coffee and tea.

The Tassimo system can do this because each T-Disc has a unique barcode that tells the Tassimo machine how to prepare each individual beverage. Plus, Tassimo is the only one-cup coffee system that uses an espresso capsule and liquid (shelf stable) milk to prepare their milk-based drinks.

Please note: making a cappuccino or latte is a two-step process. An espresso T-Disc plus the specific milk T-Disc (foaming milk or regular) are prepared sequentially in the machine to make a single drink.

3: How many different T-Discs are available?

Kraft offers over 40 different T-Discs under 12 different brand names for use in the Tassimo System.

Drawing on its global scale, Kraft sells T-Discs under brand names most Americans will easily recognize (e.g. Starbuck’s & Maxwell House) and several from Kraft brands that are better known internationally, such as: Kenco & Jacobs. Teas are from Tazo and Twinings; a delicious hot chocolate beverage from Suchard is available in T-Discs.

Click here to view the entire assortment.

4: Where can I buy T-Discs?

Tassimo T-Discs are sold in many department stores and in large box stores like Target, WalMart and Bed, Bath & Beyond. They are also available on the Internet.

The best source for buying T-Discs is Tassimo’s web site. All of the T-Discs are available for sale there. And, if you sign-up for Tassiomo’s Direct Ship program, you get access to T-Disc beverages not available elsewhere.

Finally, we like the store locator on Tassimo’s web site. Use it to find a retailer near you that sells the Tassimo machine and T-Discs.

5: Does Tassimo offer a system for offices?

No, Tassimo does not have a commercial hot beverage system designed specifically for offices.