Got this as a birthday gift. Loved it and used it all the time, but mine and most people I know have problems with them flaking out after a few years of heavy use
My wife wanted another single serve machine for the simplicity, and she loves this one (Tassimo T55). It makes great coffee, cappuccino, latte, espresso, etc. It reads the bar codes on the pods to automatically set optimal brew time, and mixes the appropriate water temp and amount. Can also combine with pods for milk, cream, or foam. The problem is pods are more expensive, harder to find, and less variety than K-cups.
I use a French press at work, but this is my machine at home (Breville BDC550XL - mine has glass carafe so it can be heated). It has a built in burr grinder, and clock to automatically grind and start my coffee at the desired time each morning. It lets you choose cup, travel mug, or carafe sized portions and you place desired container under the spout. Depending on your pre-selected container size and brew strength, the Breville chooses the appropriate grind size, water temp, steep time, and water amount. I have been extremely pleased with this machine so far. Breville is a tad expensive, but I also bought their juicer and have been impressed by the design and quality on both.
For those that like a dark, full-bodied, thick, non-acidic coffee I suggest Sumatra. I typically just buy Costco brand. For coffee that is already ground, I love illy
