Tassimo T-Discs vs Regular Coffee Pods

First off, understand that the point to this writing isn't to convince you that a normal coffee pod brewer is superior to the Tassimo. Instead, the purpose is to be sure you know what it is you are purchasing, and the issues you are likely to encounter in the future. Normal coffee pods can't touch the sophistication of the Tassimo device, which use bar-codes, printed straight to the T-Discs to know how to make their brews. However, the biggest problem with Tassimo brewers also comes from this technology - it's impossible to use anything but T-Discs with them.

This is not as big a problem with other single serve coffee makers and systems as you might would think. Although it's not nearly as simple as using the coffee pods that were intended for them, you can find adapters and converters that will convert almost every other format to another. There are usually problems to be overcome, and, because there's very little standardization between the various manufacturers, things that are advertised to be "universal" may or may not be. However, these are problems can be overcome simply by trial and error. If something doesn't work with one coffee pod, you can always try a different brand, for instance.

The problem lies within the shape of T-Discs. You can tell just by looking at them why you can't just swap them out with anything else. Add to that the bar-coding system, which means that it there's any modification to the T-Disc, the method of brewing it will no longer be accurate. There are those who have tried to refill used T-Discs, but they're not re-sealable, and they have to be sealed for the brewer to be able to build up the required pressure to brew.

Although the idea behind buying the Tassimo brewer obviously includes using T-Discs, there are a few reasons why this might not work out quite like expected. Many times folks simply cannot afford T-Discs. They're not cheap, and are a bit overkill if all you want is a cup of coffee. Availability can also be an issue. Small town grocery stores, for example, typically do not stock things like this. Some simply object to the idea. Buying a Tassimo forces the consumer to continue buying from that company in the form of the T-Discs. Some people don't like how that looks. Although there are a few other brand names making T-Discs, it's pretty obvious that it's all licensed.

If you already own a Tassimo Brewer and are looking for alternatives, your options are quite limited. This is why I really hope people think twice before buying such a proprietary product. Your best bet, especially if your main concern is money, would be to pick up a cheap pod coffee brewer, and just use coffee pods the majority of the time. Coffee pods are generally available everywhere, and can be purchased cheaply online, in bulk, if need be.