Wow....what great response and so many opinions! Thanks for everyone's advice. The reason I decided upon a built-in coffee unit is that the developer for the high end condo unit that I am purchasing has allowed me input into the kitchen design, errorously put a microwave cabinet on the wall over the built up breakfast bar...no one noticed that the planned microwave oven door would have opened the wrong way!! You would have to walk around the breakfast bar to open the microway door! (The adjoining condo because it is the reverse of mine doesn't have the problem as the door opens into the kitchen.) It seems that no one makes microwave doors that open to the right not the left!! Because the glass tile backsplash and outlets were already installed it was easier/cheaper to install another microwave wall cabinet elsewhere in the kitchen. that allows me to install a unit like the Miele coffee system in the space formerly designed for the microwave oven. But the Keurig coffee maker sounds like a great idea as I can put it in that cabinet space (not built in) for a few months while I decide if I like the coffee pod idea. I'm single so having a single cup of coffee is appealing as I throw away so much unused coffee. If I like the unit, it can help me make the decision. Or I could put the Keurig unit on the counter and install a steam oven in the space instead which is also another option I've been thinking about. So many decisions as I want this kitchen to be special. I'll post pictures when it is done. A built in microwave plus a built in coffee maker or steam oven really could really look great. Here is a link to the Miele coffee systems. thanks all -- additional comments are welcome Here is a link that might be useful: Miele Coffee Systems (Capsule)

Annie since it looks like you're taking the plunge (so to speak) here are a couple hints toward success: 1. The grind needs to be finer than drip but not as fine as espresso. Too coarse, the water will drip right through before the few seconds required to steep, too fine and you'll have trouble pushing the plunger. 2. I've found best results with two scoops of coffee and water to the "2" line. One scoop and water to the "1" doesn't steep as well. 3. For the first month of use, I rinsed and reused the filters 2 or three times but I've since decided that I like the speed and efficiency of simply popping it into the trash and getting back to life. I've yet to need a replacement supply of those tiny filters but there are deals out there for when I do. Enjoy. Everyone I know that has tried it love the coffee; strong as you like without bitterness, yum. michaelp

I'm on my second Tassimo and I think it's starting to act a little 'tired'. Seems like they last about 2 years on average around here and I don't use it every day. Tassimo used to be the only one that had real milk discs which is why I purchased that brand. I don't know if that is still true. The milk comes in a variety for cappacino, latte, low-fat, etc. It's nice not having to separately froth your milk for a latte, the machine does it for you. The discs are not as easily to find as the k-cups. Target stocks some, but the biggest variety and supply as Bed Bath & Beyond (over-priced though) or on line. I think the espresso for the cappacinos and lattes is very good. Kids love the hot chocolate and the chai latte. Its also great for heating water for tea (tea discs are available too). When this one dies (which seems to be soon)I will have to re-evaulate the k-cup though.

Well, the coffee maker is just OK, no better or worse than the other ones. I ordered some of the pods for the sake of experimentation. Not so good, but I think it was the quality of the coffee beans, not that it was a pod or pod brewer. You can hide a lot of sins under that pod! Same always goes with tea bags, which is a way to disguise inferior cuts of tea leaves and the end bits from finer grade loose leaf teas. Not all bag tea is like this, but it can be. I've only tried one type of the coffee pods so far, I bought a combo box of four different types. We'll see how it goes. I'll drink them but probably not buy again. Happily, with the machine I got, I can do an individual brew with loose grounds or a pot. Works for me at the office when I sometimes need a pot and sometimes need a cup. However, it brews so dang slow, I should have just gotten a hot water heater and used my Chemex for a big pot for the class. But then I'd have to get a thermal carafe. I like that with the coffee maker I can put the pot on while I'm setting up for class and don't have to fuss with it any more after that. Not the absolute best coffee, but passably good.