Thanx for the reply Alun
We here in south africa are facing the same problem with the pod machines.
I dont own one myself, but ive had people knock on my door plenty times, asking if i cant somehow supply them with pods for their machines, mostly because they bought them with the best intentions from large chainstores in the bigger cities, and in the small towns you just cant find a supplier.
I enjoy a french press, and i have to admit, once youre spoilt with your own roast and blend, youre always after something else when you taste the pods.
Around here, douwe &egberts isnt as big as russell hobbs.
Russell Hobbs has put its mark on the south african (domestic) coffee market. they have a very wide range on filter machines, and due to a very large portion of south africans that arent educated in espresso yet, the filter machines are doing extremely well...to such an extent that i am now supplying russell hobbs machines myself...i have alot of faith in the product.
Pods are fine for domestic use...stick to espresso for better quality coffee.