The Tassimo T20 Single Serve Brewbot is the basic model in the Tassimo line, and a very good intro machine to let you try out the features and benefits of single-serve brewing.
Even though it is their "basic model", the Tassimo T20 (TAS2002UC Tassimo Hot Beverage System) is still a very sophisticated coffee machine compared to others in the pod-brewer arena. Like other single serve brewers, it will make you one cup of fresh coffee as you want it and it does so in under a minute. This means you will always have a fresh cup rather than stale coffee sitting in the pot on the warming plate. You do need to brew only with the pre-made plastic pods of coffee grounds (called T-Discs), but they come in so many options that it isn't too much of a hardship.
What makes the Tassimo special is that each T-Disc has a bar code printed on the top, that the machine can read when you are brewing. It then adjust the brewing time, water temperature and pressure to perfectly suit whatever you are brewing. It can handle light or dark roasted coffee, green or black tea and even rich hot chocolate without you having to make any changes to the brewing settings.
You can also use the Tassimo T20 to make drinks like a latte or cappuccino, by using their specialized pods filled with creamer. This means you should be able to produce any coffee shop drink at home.
You can add some customization to your cup by changing the final volume, which will also adjust the strength somewhat. But otherwise, you can just start the T20 and it will handle everything on its own. There is basically just one button on the front so you should have no trouble mastering it.
When buying a Tassimo T20, you will be able to choose from either black or white models. The measurements for this compact machine are 11" high x 7.9" wide x 11.8" deep, so it should fit well on any counter space you have available in your kitchen.
Because the machine pressurized the water somewhat (to get that rapid brew), there is an internal pump that makes it louder to run than a traditional drip brewer. It's not uncomfortably loud but there is more sound to it than you might expect at first.
The water tank holds about 1 1/2 quarts of water so you can make several cups before refilling. The handled tank comes off to make it easier to fill. If you use a taller-than-usual coffee cup, you can adjust the drip tray stand to accommodate. You should be able to brew directly into your cup.
When the Tassimo Coffee Maker needs to be cleaned inside, there is a special cycle you can activate for that, which makes it a much simpler chore.
This is definitely a household use machine, and there are larger Tassimo Brewbots that would suit better for any kind of office settings. But any time you are going to want a few cups of fresh coffee on demand, the Tassimo T20 is the way to go.
