New Parents’ Honest Review of CoffeeB

As new parents living in a cozy apartment, space is precious. Our kitchen is small, with barely enough room for essentials, but we’re coffee lovers through and through. When CoffeeB—a Swiss brand—introduced its sleek, compact CoffeeB Globe machine, we were immediately intrigued. It promised everything we needed: a stylish design, eco-friendly coffee balls instead of wasteful capsules, and a machine small enough to fit seamlessly into our Scandinavian-inspired, plant-filled apartment. We took the plunge and ordered one, and after a few weeks of use, here’s our honest review.

The Design: Aesthetic Bliss

The CoffeeB Globe machine perfectly complements our space. Available in black or white, its clean, minimalist lines blend beautifully with our kitchen decor, where Scandinavian meets boho. It doesn’t take up much counter space, which is a lifesaver when working with a smaller kitchen. The machine’s sleekness is matched by its practicality—it’s easy to clean, and because it’s made partly from recycled materials, it aligns with our commitment to sustainability.

However, despite its compact design, some users mention that the machine’s mechanism for the coffee balls is a bit bulky once in use. It isn’t a dealbreaker for us, as the overall footprint is still far smaller than most traditional machines, but for those with extremely tight spaces, this might be worth considering.

The Coffee Experience: Convenience Meets Sustainability

One of the most appealing aspects of CoffeeB is its use of fully compostable coffee balls instead of capsules. Unlike traditional single-serve pods, these coffee balls are made with a seaweed-based outer layer, which breaks down completely within weeks in a compost setup. No more guilt over aluminum or plastic waste! This system is a game-changer for environmentally conscious coffee drinkers like us.

When it comes to taste, the coffee is surprisingly rich. The pressure used (7 to 12 bars) ensures an excellent extraction, delivering robust flavors. With eight blends to choose from, including organic and Fairtrade options, we’ve been able to find a few favorites. The coffee is fresh, aromatic, and enjoyable, whether we’re savoring a cup in the morning or during a quick midday break.

That said, not everything is perfect. Some users have noted that while the coffee is generally good, it might not satisfy those who are used to high-end espresso machines or prefer a more intense coffee experience. We’ve found it to be more than adequate for daily use, but serious coffee aficionados might prefer a traditional espresso machine for a richer brew.

Ease of Use: Simple, But With a Few Quirks

The CoffeeB Globe is simple to operate, which is ideal for us, especially in the mornings when we need our coffee fix as quickly as possible. You simply place a coffee ball in the machine, and within minutes, you have a steaming cup of coffee. The balls stay fresh for up to three months, and we love that we can store them at room temperature or even in the fridge.

However, the process isn’t entirely foolproof. The machine can sometimes struggle to pierce the coffee ball properly, which leads to occasional inconsistencies in the brew strength. We’ve experienced this a few times, and while it hasn’t been a major issue, it can be a bit annoying when you’re in a rush. We’ve also noticed that the balls are not available in every store, so stocking up online might be necessary for some users.

Sometimes, so far it happened four times with us already, the ball wasn’t pierced at all and had to be retrieved from the used coffee balls container.

The Eco Factor: A Clear Win

For us, one of the standout aspects of CoffeeB is its environmental focus. The coffee balls are fully compostable and break down much faster than biodegradable plastic pods, which can take months. This makes CoffeeB a frontrunner in terms of reducing coffee-related waste, something we deeply care about as we try to reduce our environmental footprint.

The Globe machine is also partially made from recycled materials and is designed to last, with modular parts that can be replaced instead of tossing the whole machine if something breaks. This circular approach to both the coffee and the machine itself is a significant step toward a more sustainable coffee culture, and we feel good about supporting it.

That said, the machine’s reliance on the proprietary CoffeeB balls could be seen as limiting. Since the coffee balls are only compatible with the Globe machine, you are locked into their system, and if they ever become unavailable or the company shifts its focus, that could be a drawback. This is the reason why we actually got the machine for a pretty cheap price plus a €20 voucher for the CoffeeB balls.

Value for Money: Good, But Not Perfect

The Globe machine retails for around $172, which is fairly reasonable for a machine that promises convenience and sustainability. BUT we even got it in a much cheaper price at MediaMart. We think that the price dropped to €30 because they are new to the market and they certainly need to compete with the established Nescafe’s Nespresso. The coffee balls themselves cost around $5 for nine servings, making it more affordable than some capsule systems. For us, the price point is fair given the environmental benefits and the overall coffee quality.

However, some users have pointed out that if you’re a heavy coffee drinker, the cost of the coffee balls can add up over time. While still cheaper than buying daily café coffee, it might not be the most budget-friendly option if you consume several cups a day.

Final Thoughts: Is CoffeeB Worth It?

For us, the CoffeeB Globe machine has been a worthwhile investment. It fits perfectly into our small kitchen without compromising on design, and it aligns with our eco-conscious lifestyle. The coffee itself is good—better than we expected from a capsule-like system—and the compostable coffee balls are a huge plus in reducing waste.

The few downsides, like occasional brewing inconsistencies and the proprietary coffee ball system, haven’t been dealbreakers for us. We love the convenience, the sustainability, and the overall aesthetic it brings to our home.

In a world where coffee pods are often synonymous with waste, CoffeeB feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not perfect, but for anyone looking for a compact, eco-friendly coffee solution that delivers a decent brew without taking over your kitchen, CoffeeB is a great option. We’re happy with our choice and feel good knowing that each cup we brew has a little less impact on the planet.

As a new mom, I know how overwhelming choosing the right products for both parents and babies can be. That’s why I provide honest, in-depth reviews of items that help families thrive, not just survive. Collaborate with me to reach an engaged audience seeking real, empowering recommendations for both baby and parent essentials. Let’s connect!