Nescafe's Red Mug Coffee Machine could be the worst gift idea money can buy

The product is made specifically for instant coffee.

Opinion

It's only just over one week until Christmas and people are frantically looking for last minute gift ideas.

So I have decided to put my intense loathing for the silly season aside to tell you what product you should avoid this Christmas.

Enter Nescafe's Red Mug - or "Red Mud" as Big W's website describes it - Coffee Machine.
While not having physically tested the device, I am confident to stand by my statement based on the product description alone.

"The Nescafe Red Mug machine allows you to create delicious coffees using the Nescafe Blend 43 you love," the description reads.

"Easily prepare a variety of gourmet coffees, from the thick golden crema on top of a long black to the beautiful layers of milk, coffee and froth in a Cappuccino."

The machine may very well claim to offer "variety of gourmet" coffee, but at the end of the day you are still drinking Blend 43 - the ibis of the coffee world.

While I might have many pretentious objections, at least Nescafe has made the machine very simple to use.

HORRENDOUS COFFEE IN THREE EASY STEPS

• Step 1: Simply add your usual amount of Nescafe Blend 43.

• Step 2: Add your usual amount of milk to your glass and turn the knob left to froth your milk. Stop when desired amount of froth is achieved.

• Step 3: Turn the knob to the right and watch the beautiful coffee layers form. Stop when desired amount is achieved and enjoy.

So how much will this coffee machine set you back, given it is specifically designed for instant coffee?

The answer is more than you would think, with the product holding the extremely dubious price tag of $99.

In order to make the price tag more enticing, Big W will include a 700g value pack of Blend 43 with the machine. On second thoughts, that doesn't make it sound any more alluring.

I am guessing there is always the option to try different coffee blends in the machine, but it's still going to be instant you're drinking at the end of the day.

The only people I can see with a strong desire for this product are people who consider themselves to be sommeliers of goon, those who think a case of VB is a good craft beer and a majority of Queenslanders.

When news.com.au asked Nescafe about its logic behind the device, it gave a the following reasons:

•It gives people who prefer instant coffee a better cup of coffee than using their kettle.

• It's a more affordable option than machines with pods or capsules.

• Some people have also told us that they like the lack of waste associated with it.

• It means people can use their preferred milk (soy, almond, skim etc) which is not necessarily an option at home with coffee mixes and some machines.

• They tell us they get a "cafe style coffee" in the convenience of their home.

After receiving that statement, I want to know what coffee shops people are going to if they consider Blend 43 to be similar to "cafe style coffee".

While it might be cheaper than a machine for pods, people are still paying $99 for a product that is essentially a kettle for instant coffee.