thairookie Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I'm thinking of getting a capsule coffee machine in Pattaya. Any recommendations ? And where can I find one ? The machine has to be cheap, and the capsules economical and tasty too. What do you think ? Nespresso or ILLY or Boncafe ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss1960 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Capsules and economical does NOT match together. Capsules are not only much more expensive than normal coffee, but also the whole production chain is really not economical. Otherwise... Central Festival on Beach Road has coffee machines I think on 3rd or 4th floor (main shopping area on second road side) and sells Nespresso capsules for around 35B a capsule which is double the price I pay in Switzerland. Nespresse is escpecially bad choice in Thailand as they do not have any of their own franchises, only one company I ever found who imports the capsules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) Capsules are not economical? Economical for the manufacturer..... The coffee companies are taking a page out of the colour printers strategy. Sell the machines cheap and gouge on the refillable. Did you know the colour printer ink they sell in those cartridges equals out to around $800 per gallon. When I last checked the capsule coffee was about 1000% more than a french press system. Pick up a French Press then buy your coffee at Benjamit in Pattaya. They roast it every week and will precision grind it for the Press. I get around 30 delicious cups from a 200Bt bag. Edited November 12, 2015 by RidgeRunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierryviteau Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingstreet Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Capsules are not economical? Economical for the manufacturer..... The coffee companies are taking a page out of the colour printers strategy. Sell the machines cheap and gouge on the refillable. Did you know the colour printer ink they sell in those cartridges equals out to around $800 per gallon. When I last checked the capsule coffee was about 1000% more than a french press system. Pick up a French Press then buy your coffee at Benjamit in Pattaya. They roast it every week and will precision grind it for the Press. I get around 30 delicious cups from a 200Bt bag. Where is Benjamit? Sent from my GT-N7105 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevef Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 try lazada for gusto machine and many types of coffee for it and don't have to move from the house deliver to the door for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Benjamit is near the end of Soi Bukow at the Pattaya Tai. ...and French Press coffee is excellent. Website: http://www.benjamitcoffee.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingstreet Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Capsule coffee is more for the convenience, especially if you are going to provide something extra for your condo tenant. The tenant will not mess up the place and it makes housekeeping easy. Sent from my GT-N7105 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i claudius Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 One piece of advice , DONT BUY ONE much to much for the capsules . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevef Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 capsules are expensive but try going to one of the super duper coffee shops its a lot more and has people say a lot less messy for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kicking Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkingstreet Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Thanks for the recommendations. Sent from my GT-N7105 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Yes. You dont get the crema from a press machine that you do from an espresso machine (including capsules), but the flavour is the same and it is a good alternative. I have a US Aeropress thing that bought last year in the UK and it also works very well and can produce more crema if desired: My brother has a capsule machine in the UK. The best thing about it is that you can have 30 different varieties always available without having to worry about keeping open packets for too long. But even in the UK the cost of capsules is very high, though it's cheaper than going to Starbucks etc! Makro has some decent Boncafe blends at a reasonable price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Yes. You dont get the crema from a press machine that you do from an espresso machine (including capsules), but the flavour is the same and it is a good alternative. I have a US Aeropress thing that bought last year in the UK and it also works very well and can produce more crema if desired: My brother has a capsule machine in the UK. The best thing about it is that you can have 30 different varieties always available without having to worry about keeping open packets for too long. But even in the UK the cost of capsules is very high, though it's cheaper than going to Starbucks etc! Makro has some decent Boncafe blends at a reasonable price. The capsules may not be cheaper than a Starbuks coffee. The capsules machine I tested made a very small cup. You want a large cup with strong flavours like Starbucks, you may need to run thru 2 capsules or more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digbeth Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 A better alternative for people who really couldn't be bothered to make a proper espresso is 'pod' coffee instead of capsules, these goes in any normal espresso machine so you're not 'locked in' to one particular brand of machine or coffee, I get my pods from BonCafe for about 200 baht for a box of 18. Pod coffee are compact capsule shaped coffee ground in paper filter that goes in the portafilter handle of the espresso machine, normally to use the espresso machine you'd need to grind the coffee, put it in the filter handle, tamp it really tight, then run the hot water through to get your coffee, then clean up all the mess afterwards, by using the pod, you save about 3-4 steps and the cleaning up of the mess afterwards. Any espresso machine will do, and the machine you have will be able to take proper ground coffee as well, so when you decide to graduate to a more serious coffee, you can get a grinder at a later date and have properly fresh coffee. At least you won't be at the mercy of the importer that might have an unreliable supply of capsule Disadvantage of espresso machine pods is that they only make one kind of coffee, being espresso shot. With capsule machine, often there will be variety of mixes like powder in the capsule that produces milk froth and whatnot or even automatic instruction in the pod for the machine to run how much water, for espresso machine, you'd have to foam your own milk and build your own drink, if you want an americano, pour the shot in hot water etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 The capsules may not be cheaper than a Starbuks coffee. The capsules machine I tested made a very small cup. You want a large cup with strong flavours like Starbucks, you may need to run thru 2 capsules or more. I only have experience with my brother's machine. I've never had to use more than one capsule for a cup and I dont think that he does either. Some are designed for a longo or large cup, some for a small cup. Compared to coffee-shop prices in the UK (Starbucks, Costa etc) the capsules there work out a fair bit cheaper. Of course the capsules themselves are much cheaper there than here, and he buys them in bulk also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thairookie Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 A better alternative for people who really couldn't be bothered to make a proper espresso is 'pod' coffee instead of capsules, these goes in any normal espresso machine so you're not 'locked in' to one particular brand of machine or coffee, I get my pods from BonCafe for about 200 baht for a box of 18. Pod coffee are compact capsule shaped coffee ground in paper filter that goes in the portafilter handle of the espresso machine, normally to use the espresso machine you'd need to grind the coffee, put it in the filter handle, tamp it really tight, then run the hot water through to get your coffee, then clean up all the mess afterwards, by using the pod, you save about 3-4 steps and the cleaning up of the mess afterwards. Any espresso machine will do, and the machine you have will be able to take proper ground coffee as well, so when you decide to graduate to a more serious coffee, you can get a grinder at a later date and have properly fresh coffee. At least you won't be at the mercy of the importer that might have an unreliable supply of capsule Disadvantage of espresso machine pods is that they only make one kind of coffee, being espresso shot. With capsule machine, often there will be variety of mixes like powder in the capsule that produces milk froth and whatnot or even automatic instruction in the pod for the machine to run how much water, for espresso machine, you'd have to foam your own milk and build your own drink, if you want an americano, pour the shot in hot water etc. Would you recommend the machine by ILLY that looks like ET ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 In Central Festival today I saw that they have a fair selection of machines on the 5th floor, and they stock at least two types of capsule (Nespresso and Lavazza) in the same area. Didnt check prices. I imagine that Tops in the basement also has capsules. I bought some coffee today from Benjamin in Soi Buakow market and very nice it is too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thairookie Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 In Central Festival today I saw that they have a fair selection of machines on the 5th floor, and they stock at least two types of capsule (Nespresso and Lavazza) in the same area. Didnt check prices. I imagine that Tops in the basement also has capsules. I bought some coffee today from Benjamin in Soi Buakow market and very nice it is too. Does Benjamin sell machines ? Is there a baht bus to Soi Buakow ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Sorry, Benjamit not Benjamin. http://www.benjamitcoffee.com/ It's situated at the very south end of Soi Buakow and so is actually much closer to TukCom than it is to almost anywhere in Soi Buakow. I dont know about machines there. The selection in Central was impressive, as were the prices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digbeth Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 A better alternative for people who really couldn't be bothered to make a proper espresso is 'pod' coffee instead of capsules, these goes in any normal espresso machine so you're not 'locked in' to one particular brand of machine or coffee, I get my pods from BonCafe for about 200 baht for a box of 18. Pod coffee are compact capsule shaped coffee ground in paper filter that goes in the portafilter handle of the espresso machine, normally to use the espresso machine you'd need to grind the coffee, put it in the filter handle, tamp it really tight, then run the hot water through to get your coffee, then clean up all the mess afterwards, by using the pod, you save about 3-4 steps and the cleaning up of the mess afterwards. Any espresso machine will do, and the machine you have will be able to take proper ground coffee as well, so when you decide to graduate to a more serious coffee, you can get a grinder at a later date and have properly fresh coffee. At least you won't be at the mercy of the importer that might have an unreliable supply of capsule Disadvantage of espresso machine pods is that they only make one kind of coffee, being espresso shot. With capsule machine, often there will be variety of mixes like powder in the capsule that produces milk froth and whatnot or even automatic instruction in the pod for the machine to run how much water, for espresso machine, you'd have to foam your own milk and build your own drink, if you want an americano, pour the shot in hot water etc. Would you recommend the machine by ILLY that looks like ET ? I would recommend any machine that you can readily find capsules for, try walking around supermarkets where you normally shop and see which capsules are readily available..... For example, even Nescafe, you might be able to have odd people who imports the Nespresso capsules and machine, but Nestle Thailand imports another type of machine and capsule called Dolce Gusto that is incompatible.... Boncafe, Illy, all has their own machines and capsules brands that may or maynot work with each other. I have a grinder and espresso machine and grinder so I only buy fresh beans, so without personal experience I can't recommend any capsule machine, but I'd be very wary against companies that could abruptly stop importing machine/capsules leaving you with a very expensive kettle. If you want the freedom to buy any coffee beans but without the hassle of learning how to make espresso and bulding drinks like latte or cappucinos, there are fully automated machines that will grind the beans and brew the coffee and froth the milk into your cup while cleaning itself at a touch of a button too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 A cute girl tried to sell me an Illy capsule machine at Central. I told her I had concerns about finding their specialised coffee capsules in the market. "No problem sir, you can call this number and order." Hands me a card. I was curious and did call that number. No answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balo Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 (edited) I pay 500 baht for a kilo of espresso beans that will last for 2-3 months. Even if the espresso machine is more expensive than a capsule machine the costs for it are saved within a year. So I would reconsider buying capsule machines if you drink a lot of coffee like I do. Edited November 13, 2015 by balo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thairookie Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 A cute girl tried to sell me an Illy capsule machine at Central. I told her I had concerns about finding their specialised coffee capsules in the market. "No problem sir, you can call this number and order." Hands me a card. I was curious and did call that number. No answer. You must be "hansum". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
questionsreplies Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 You are right, instant coffee is good also... What BS from cheap charlies we can read everywhere... French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kicking Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 Another ignorant post by someone who knows nothing about coffee. If you want to participate in the conversation, try adding value. If you want to argue, you've absolutely picked the wrong guy. The OP requested capsule coffee on a budget, I suggested an inexpensive alternative. Ask any real barista, French Press is a great brewing method. This has nothing to do with cheapness. If the OP wants to splurge on single-origin beans, or if anyone wants to, Benjamit also offers this at 340 baht per 250 grams. You are right, instant coffee is good also...What BS from cheap charlies we can read everywhere... French press coffee has nothing to do with good coffee... ridiculous ! That statement is complete and absolute nonsense. French press is a great alternative to an espresso machine. And if you are on a super tight budget, you can get 250 grams of Thai Arabica at Benjamit for 140 baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thairookie Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share Posted November 14, 2015 If I leave a French press in my condo, the tenant may not know how to use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i claudius Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 If I leave a French press in my condo, the tenant may not know how to use it. leave instructiones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thairookie Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 Boncafe selling its machine for 4500 baht and capsule coffee for 246 baht per box containing 16 capsules. It's slightly more than 15 baht for per cup of coffee, which is way cheaper than what most street vendors charge for brew coffee. My condo cafe charges 40 baht per cup using Saeco fully automatic coffee machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petermik Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 A cute girl tried to sell me an Illy capsule machine at Central. I told her I had concerns about finding their specialised coffee capsules in the market. "No problem sir, you can call this number and order." Hands me a card. I was curious and did call that number. No answer. RidgeRunner She was busy with another customer at the time,try again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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