Anniversary Bash #8: Senseo Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Coffee is just one of those things. There are people that like it, people that love it and those people that might be tempted to take some sort of action if you told them that they couldn't have their daily cup(s).

But wouldn't it be nice if coffee was just a little... easier? If it was ready instantly and the exact amount you wanted could be poured at any time and end up customized just how you like it? Not to mention if getting a good cup of coffee didn't mean paying the hugely-inflated prices that they sell for at large and small coffeehouses everywhere you look.

Well, that time has arrived. Forget all the wasted time, money and leftover, cold coffee, because it's so much better to be your own barista and enjoy perfect java every time thanks to Senseo.

Brewing a single serving of fresh, made-to-order coffee at the touch of a button, the Senseo Original Coffee Machine has revolutionized everything that I thought I knew about enjoying a gourmet cup of coffee at home. The premeasured coffee pods, convenient, hassle-free system and speed to which a fresh cup is made makes this the perfect machine to have no matter what level your love for coffee is on.

Right out of the box, I was impressed with the modern, sleek look of the Senseo (it is also available in white, blue or red). This isn't a massive, clunky-looking gadget that you're going to want to hide in a cupboard, it features a clean, simple appearance that blends nicely into any kitchen.

Never having used a single cup coffee maker before, I wasn't sure how much was involved in order to brew my first mug. And what I found was that even if you were half asleep, this would still be a breeze!

First, remove the water reservoir from the back, fill it up and pop it back into place - up to five 4-ounce cups can be brewed on one full reservoir. Second, put one or two (depending on the number of cups you are preparing and how strong you like your coffee) of the Senseo coffee pods into place and lock the lid back down.

What are the pods? They are the perfectly portioned little packets of fresh coffee, flavored or unflavored, that make using a Senseo coffee machine so simple and easy. No grinding or spilling or having to measure anything out, simply choose your favorite flavor and in it goes.

By pressing the power button, the water begins to heat to 205°F, which always seemed to happen before I had time to even notice. When the red indicator light stops blinking, put your mug right on the base and select either the one-cup or two-cup option and your steaming hot, delicious-smelling coffee immediately begins to fill your mug. After around 30 - 45 seconds, your fresh coffee is done and there is even a light, creamy layer of froth right on top.

Mmmmm.

I love the addition of the automatic shut-off (after one hour) on the Senseo so there is never any worry after you've left the house if the coffee machine is still on. Plus, there is virtually no cleanup required, since all that you have to do is reopen the lid, toss the used coffee pod in the trash and you're about done. All of the removable parts from the Senseo (the pod holders, water reservoir, coffee spout, plastic drip tray and metal cup tray) are dishwasher-safe. How easy is that?

As I don't tend take coffee with me in the car, I am completely happy with being able to use my mug directly with the Senseo each time I want a cup of coffee. However, due to the height of the dispenser, I did notice that a taller travel mug wouldn't easily fit underneath and you would have to do some transferring between cups. Is that really such a bad thing? If it still means getting a fresh brewed cup of coffee exactly how you like it for a fraction of the cost you would spend picking one up while on your drive, then no, I think not.

For fast, convenient, flavorful, fresh coffee that is made-to-order right in the comfort of your own home, the Senseo Original Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine is perfect for yourself or the coffee-lover that you know. This would be an amazing wedding or housewarming gift or just the thing to have around when guests come to dinner or in from out of town.

Available directly from The Senseo Store or at a variety of retailers near you, this is coffee making at its finest. With all of the tasty coffee pods available as well, the hardest decision is figuring out which flavor to try next! I was able to try the Breakfast Blend, Dark Roast Blend and Kona Blend and all three were satisfying down to the last drop.

Are you ready for a cup of coffee yet? Well, thanks to Senseo's generosity, one person will only have to provide some water and mug and they'll be able to have theirs ready in less than a minute, because...

One lucky person will win a Senseo Original Coffee Machine (coffee pods included)! ARV $70!

To enter to win: Visit Senseo and tell me which one of the tasty pod flavors you would like to try.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you sign up for the Senseo e-newsletter (found in the lower left corner) and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Anniversary Bash #8: WIN a Senseo Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine (ARV $70)! @thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/d3goZ7 #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
1 Extra Entry if you put my Anniversary Bash button up on your blog. And, for the people who put it up BEFORE the event started (I have a list), 3 more extra entries on top of that.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Senseo. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 19th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Senseo for providing a Senseo Original Coffee Machine for review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.