Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine Review: The Ultimate Verdict on This Compact Brewer

There’s a familiar feeling that haunts the kitchens of busy people everywhere: the morning rush. It’s that frantic period between the alarm clock’s unwelcome chime and the moment you need to be out the door. In this daily scramble, the dream of a perfectly brewed, soul-warming cup of coffee often feels like a distant luxury, reserved for weekends or expensive coffee shop runs. For years, my own routine involved a compromise—either a spoonful of instant granules that tasted more of disappointment than coffee, or a complex brewing process that ate into precious time I didn’t have. The consequence was starting the day on the back foot, uncaffeinated and uninspired. This isn’t just about getting a caffeine fix; it’s about the ritual, the aroma, and the small moment of pleasure that sets a positive tone for the entire day. Forgoing this simple joy can make a demanding day feel even more challenging before it has even begun.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Serve Coffee Machine

A single-serve coffee machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming those precious morning moments. It promises speed, simplicity, and consistency, delivering a high-quality beverage with the press of a button. The core benefit lies in its pod-based system, which eliminates the mess and guesswork of grinding beans, measuring grounds, and tamping espresso. Each pod contains a pre-measured amount of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, sealed for freshness. This system not only guarantees a perfect cup every time but also opens up a world of variety, allowing you to switch from a strong morning espresso to a creamy afternoon latte or an evening hot chocolate without any flavour contamination between drinks. It’s the ultimate in beverage convenience, designed for the modern, fast-paced lifestyle.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a time crunch who refuses to compromise on quality. This includes busy professionals, students with packed schedules, parents juggling school runs, or anyone living in a smaller space like an apartment or shared flat where a large, complex coffee setup is impractical. It’s for the person who values variety and loves to explore different drinks without committing to a full bag of beans. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who view coffee making as a hands-on hobby. Traditionalists who enjoy the ritual of grinding their own beans, perfecting their pour-over technique, or managing a manual espresso machine may find the automated nature of a pod machine restrictive. Large families or heavy coffee-drinking households might also find the smaller water tanks and per-cup cost of pods less economical than a traditional drip coffee maker.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Countertop real estate is a precious commodity in any kitchen. Before you buy, measure the intended space, paying close attention to height, especially if it needs to fit under cabinets. Models like the Tassimo Happy are designed specifically with a compact footprint in mind, making them ideal for even the most cramped kitchens or a personal office desk.
• Capacity/Performance: The water tank capacity dictates how many drinks you can make before a refill is needed. A smaller tank (under 1 litre) is perfect for one or two people but could become tedious in a busier household. Also, consider the machine’s wattage; a higher wattage, like the 1400 watts in the Tassimo Happy, generally means faster heat-up times, getting you your drink quicker.
• Materials & Durability: Most single-serve machines are constructed primarily from plastic to keep them lightweight and affordable. Look for high-quality, sturdy plastic that doesn’t feel flimsy. While a plastic exterior is standard, internal components should be robust, and the overall build quality, often associated with reputable brands like Bosch, is a good indicator of longevity.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The main selling point of a pod machine is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls, ideally a one-touch operation. Consider the cleaning process as well. Features like removable drip trays, automatic cleaning cycles, and descaling alerts are vital for long-term, hassle-free ownership and ensuring your machine continues to produce great-tasting drinks.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine stands out in several areas, particularly its compact design and effortless operation. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest offers here.

While the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Tassimo Happy: First Impressions and Key Features

Receiving the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine, the first thing that struck me was the compact and lightweight nature of the box. Upon opening it, the machine was securely nestled in protective packaging. Our test model came in the charming matte Cream finish, a soft, modern colour that immediately felt at home in our kitchen. As several users noted, the machine is smaller in person than you might expect from photos, a definite plus for anyone concerned about counter space. The overall construction is plastic, but it feels solid and well-put-together, a testament to the Bosch manufacturing behind the Tassimo brand.

Setup was incredibly straightforward, almost laughably so. The instructions are primarily pictorial, but as one user correctly pointed out, the process is intuitive. After rinsing the 0.7-litre side-mounted water tank, you simply plug it in, insert the bright orange service T-Disc (which we found cleverly stored in a slot on the side of the machine), place a mug on the stand, and press the large start button to run a cleaning cycle. Within a minute, it was flushed, primed, and ready for its first real drink. The “one-button” operation isn’t just marketing hype; it’s the reality of using this machine, making it exceptionally approachable for even the most tech-averse individuals.

A Deep Dive into the Tassimo Happy’s Daily Performance

After the initial setup, a coffee machine’s true value is revealed in the daily grind—literally and figuratively. How does it perform day in and day out? Is it a reliable kitchen companion or a frustrating hindrance? We put the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine through its paces over several weeks, testing its core features, from its brewing intelligence to its physical design and drink quality, to give you a complete picture of what it’s like to live with this machine.

Simplicity Redefined: The One-Touch INTELLIBREW System

The star of the show for any Tassimo machine is the INTELLIBREW system, and on the Happy model, it shines in its purest form. This patented barcode technology is what makes the machine truly “smart” and fully automatic. Each T-Disc pod has a unique barcode printed on its foil lid. When you insert a pod and close the brewing chamber, a small scanner reads this code. This is where the magic happens. The machine instantly knows the exact recipe for that specific drink—be it a Costa Americano, a Kenco Cappuccino, or a Cadbury Hot Chocolate. It automatically adjusts the water temperature, the amount of water dispensed, and the brewing time to match the drink’s ideal parameters. There are no settings to fiddle with, no dials to turn, and no volumes to program.

In practice, this is a game-changer for speed and convenience. Our morning routine was transformed. We could simply grab a pod, pop it in, place a mug, and hit the single large, illuminated button. The machine whirs to life, first heating the water with its powerful 1400-watt flow heater, then piercing the pod and brewing the drink. The entire process, from a cold start to a finished espresso, took just over 40 seconds. A larger latte, requiring two pods (one milk, one coffee), was ready in under 90 seconds. This effortless operation was echoed by countless users, with one aptly describing it as “a one button machine even my husband could use.” This foolproof system removes any chance of user error, guaranteeing a consistent, well-brewed drink every single time, which is precisely what you want from a machine designed for convenience.

Compact Design, Big Personality: Aesthetics and Footprint

In an era of increasingly cluttered kitchen counters, the compact footprint of the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine is one of its most compelling features. Measuring just 26.5 cm tall and about 17.5 cm wide, it takes up remarkably little space. We found it slid easily under our standard-height kitchen cabinets with plenty of clearance. This space-saving design was a recurring theme in user feedback, with many calling it a “quirky compact little machine” and a “bonus space saver.” The lightweight build (just over 2kg) also makes it easy to move for cleaning or repositioning.

Beyond its practicality, the design has a cheerful, modern aesthetic. The matte cream colour of our unit was elegant and understated, but the availability of other vibrant colours like purple and red allows it to be a fun statement piece. One user loved the colours so much they “now wish they did a kettle and toaster the same.” However, the compact design does introduce a notable limitation. The adjustable cup stand has two height positions to accommodate different mug sizes, but it’s not infinitely variable. We confirmed a significant user complaint: when using a taller, branded glass like the official Costa latte glass, you must remove the drip tray entirely. This leaves the mug sitting directly on the counter, making the setup feel a bit compromised and potentially leading to splashes. It’s a clear trade-off for the machine’s small stature and something potential buyers with a collection of tall mugs should be aware of.

A World of Flavours: Drink Variety and Quality

The Tassimo ecosystem is arguably its greatest strength. With over 50 varieties of T-Discs from well-known brands like Costa, Kenco, L’OR, Cadbury, and Milka, the sheer range of choice is immense. This was a key factor in our enjoyment of the machine. Over our testing period, we sampled everything from intense espressos and smooth Americanos to layered lattes and indulgent hot chocolates. For the most part, the quality was excellent. The creamy milk pods used for lattes and cappuccinos produce a surprisingly rich and stable foam, and the coffees are flavourful and aromatic, a significant step up from instant coffee.

However, our findings also aligned with some of the more critical user reviews. The most common point of contention is the drink size. We found that a standard Americano pod produced a drink that filled just over half of a typical 300ml UK mug. While you can manually top up the drink by holding the start button down after the automatic cycle finishes, this dilutes the strength and flavour. This was a disappointment noted by a user who felt the “size of drink” was rubbish. Furthermore, we experienced the exact issue another user detailed with the Cadbury and Milka hot chocolate pods. After brewing, a significant amount of thick, undissolved chocolate mix was left inside the pod. We had to peel back the foil and scoop it into the mug to avoid waste, which somewhat defeats the purpose of a convenient, no-mess system. While the final hot chocolate was delicious, this flaw in the pod design is a notable inconvenience.

Living with the Tassimo Happy: Water Tank and Maintenance

Day-to-day usability extends beyond just making coffee. The 0.7-litre water tank is a defining feature of the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine. For our tests with two regular coffee drinkers, this meant refilling the tank once a day, usually after making our second round of drinks. A user living alone correctly stated that for a single person, “it is not a problem.” The tank’s design is excellent; it’s located on the side and easily slides off and on, meaning you don’t have to move the whole machine to refill it, a clear ergonomic advantage over rear-mounted tanks. The clear plastic also makes it easy to see the water level at a glance.

Maintenance is equally straightforward. There is virtually no mess after brewing; you simply lift the lid and the used T-Disc pops up, ready to be disposed of. There are no coffee grounds to clean up. For a deeper clean, the pod holder and drip tray are easily removed and can be rinsed in the sink. The machine also has an automated descaling program, indicated by a red light, which guides you through the process using the reusable service T-Disc and descaling tablets. We also noted the noise level during operation, which a reviewer described as “slightly noisier” than older models. We’d agree; it’s not silent, producing a noticeable series of whirs and pumps, but it’s fast and we felt the sound was perfectly acceptable for the quick and impressive result it delivers.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other owners provides a well-rounded view, and the consensus on the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its core function: simplicity. A vast majority of users praise how incredibly easy it is to use. Comments like “lovely little machine, nice and quick no messing about!” and “I love it 🥰 easy to use and makes coffee in seconds” capture the general sentiment. Many, like us, were pleasantly surprised by its compact size, with one reviewer stating, “The machine is smaller than I thought but that’s a bonus space saver.”

However, the user feedback also highlights a few recurring criticisms that we were able to validate in our own testing. The most prominent issue is the volume of the drinks produced. One user was “disappointed in the size of drink just over half a mug 🤔,” a sentiment we shared when making Americanos. Another significant drawback mentioned was the performance of specific pods, especially hot chocolate. A detailed review explained the frustration: “what really annoyed me was that I had to cut of foil of the pod and scoop out the hot chocolate left in pod 🤬.” The limitation with taller glasses was also a sore point for at least one user, who felt it was a “step back” that they could not use their Costa latte glass with the drip tray in place. This feedback is crucial as it sets realistic expectations for new buyers.

How Does the Tassimo Happy Compare to the Alternatives?

The Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine operates in a competitive market. While it excels in variety and simplicity, different machines cater to different priorities. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine by De’Longhi

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a step up in terms of coffee-centric technology and premium feel. Its key differentiator is Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology, which spins the capsule at high speed to create a uniquely rich crema, especially on its larger coffee sizes. It also features a larger water tank and a motorised brew head that automatically opens and closes, which adds a touch of luxury. Someone who exclusively drinks coffee (rather than tea or hot chocolate) and prioritises a premium espresso and long-coffee experience might prefer the Vertuo Plus. However, it comes at a higher price point, and its pods are generally more expensive and less widely available in supermarkets than Tassimo’s T-Discs.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee Machine

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a direct competitor to the Tassimo Happy in the compact, style-focused category. Like the Happy, it comes in a range of vibrant colours and has a very small footprint, making it perfect for tight spaces. It utilizes the same Vertuo pod system as the Plus, offering excellent coffee quality and the ability to brew multiple sizes, from espresso to a large Alto. A buyer might choose the Vertuo Pop over the Tassimo Happy if their priority is purely coffee quality within a stylish, compact design. The trade-off is the lack of third-party drink variety; you won’t find Cadbury hot chocolate or Twinings tea for the Nespresso system.

3. BOSCH Tassimo Joy TAS4502NGB Coffee Machine

The Tassimo Joy is the Happy’s bigger sibling within the same Tassimo family. It uses the exact same T-Disc pod system and INTELLIBREW technology, so the drink quality and variety are identical. The primary reason to choose the Joy over the Happy is capacity. It boasts a much larger 1.4-litre water tank, more than double the size of the Happy’s. This makes it far better suited for a small office or a family of coffee drinkers who would find the Happy’s 0.7-litre tank a constant annoyance. It’s for the user who loves the Tassimo system but simply needs to make more drinks between refills.

Final Verdict: Is the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine is an outstanding choice for a specific type of user. If you value speed, ultimate simplicity, and a wide variety of drink options in a compact and stylish package, this machine is incredibly hard to beat for the price. It’s the perfect coffee companion for individuals, couples, students, or anyone with limited kitchen space. The one-touch operation is flawless, taking all the guesswork out of making everything from a strong espresso to a creamy latte. It truly brings coffee-shop convenience into your home.

However, it’s not without its compromises. The small 0.7-litre water tank will require frequent refilling in households with more than two coffee drinkers, and the default serving sizes can feel a bit small for those accustomed to a large morning mug. While the drink variety is a huge plus, the performance of some non-coffee pods could be improved. But if you can look past these limitations, you are getting a reliable, cheerful, and remarkably capable little machine. It makes good-tasting drinks in seconds with zero fuss.

If you’ve decided the Tassimo Happy TAS1007GB Coffee Machine is the right fit for your fast-paced life and compact space, you can check its current price and purchase it here.