best Dolce Gusto machine

Best Dolce Gusto Machine Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Comparison

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editors Choice: DeLonghi Nescafe Piccolo XS
Attractive Design Choice: Cafetera Krups
Fast Heating Choice: DeLonghi Nescafe Genio S Plus

If you’re searching for a quick and easy way to create delicious coffee without using one of those complicated coffee makers, then you’re in luck. Dolce Gusto machines are designed to simplify the art of creating barista-style coffee at your home.

These easy to use devices rely on capsules or one-time coffee pods that you can buy from your local supermarket and utilise to create hot and cold drinks. All you need to do is fill the water tank, add your dolce gusto coffee pods, and hit a button. Now, you can have your favourite drink at any time.

The only problem is that, since coffee machines from Nescafe Dolce Gusto have become increasingly popular, the number of different models have grown. Now there seems to be a new coffee machine for virtually every kitchen. It’s becoming pretty difficult to decide which one is the best Dolce Gusto machine that’s right for you.

The good news? We’ve checked out tons of Dolce Gusto reviews on your behalf to help you find the coffee makers that are best for your needs.

Let’s get started.

How We Compared Dolce Gusto Machines

To find the right dolce gusto machines we considered multiple factors including:

  • Versatility
  • Performance
  • Manual or Automatic
  • Unique Features
  • Water Tank
  • Ease of Cleaning

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Dolce Gusto Machine Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. DeLonghi Nescafe Piccolo XS (Editor’s Choice)

DeLonghi Nescafe Piccolo XS

As the name suggests, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS has a slim, compact overall structure that is great for saving space in your kitchen. This simple dolce gusto machine has a couple of upgraded features and has an energy-saving design that will help you conserve power without having to even try.

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS is conveniently able to make both hot and cold beverages with the touch of a button. To activate the brewing process all you have to do is push down on a simple manual lever, eliminating the need to fiddle with extra buttons. In just a matter of moments, a freshly brewed cup of coffee will appear.

An Eco Mode function automatically shuts down the machine’s power one minute after inactivity to prevent unnecessarily using more power than needed. This machine also features an adjustable drip tray so it can easily accommodate different sized cups without causing them to become unsteady.

While the Piccolo XS is not an automatic dolce gusto machine and lacks upgraded brewing options like adjustable cup size, it is easy to use. It also has a smaller water tank so it is not necessarily ideal for making more than a cup or two of coffee at one time.

 

Pros:

  • Compact overall design
  • Easy-to-use manual lever
  • Makes hot and cold beverages
  • Adjustable drip tray
  • Energy-saving Eco Mode

Cons:

  • Not an automatic design
  • Less versatile brewing options
  • Smaller water tank capacity

2. Cafetera Krups (Attractive Design)

Cafetera Krups

The Dolce Gusto Coffee machines in the Krups line are known for being reliable, simple, and affordable. That’s definitely the case with the Cafetera.

Designed as part of the gusto coffee range, the Cafetera machine comes with a slightly higher water tank capacity than you get from the other Nescafe coffee makers.

Like the rest of the products in the Dolce Gusto line, this machine will provide a wide range of different gusto coffee and other hot drinks. There’s no built-in grinder, as you should use the pods available from your local store instead. One downside is that the bigger tank can leak at times, which means you end up with a wet counter.

Additionally, the machine is very noisy, which is a problem when you’re trying to watch television or listen to music while your coffee machine is brewing. For the price, however, it’s difficult to complain.

 

Pros:

  • Attractive design
  • 1.2-litre capacity
  • Excellent for a range of drinks
  • Works quickly
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Can leak
  • Quite loud compared to other coffee machines

3. DeLonghi Nescafe Genio S Plus (Best Fast Heating)

DeLonghi Nescafe Genio S Plus

If you are looking for an all-around dolce gusto machine with versatile brewing features, the De’Longhi Nescafe Genio S Plus is exactly that. We love this machine because it is also easy to use and compact.

This dolce gusto machine was designed with versatile features and maximum pump pressure allowing you to make frothy coffee drinks like lattes as well as traditional coffee blends. It has a customisable temperature, adjustable drink size, and an espresso boost function.

The Genio S Plus is built with a removable tank that is easy to clean and refill. This device is also energy-efficient, thanks to an eco mode that automatically shuts the machine off one minute after use. A built-in descaling alert system lets you know when your machine is due for a cleaning to ensure you get a good tasting cup of coffee with each brew.

This dolce gusto machine has a smaller 0.8-litre water tank capacity, so you will need to refill it frequently. We also think the instructions could be a little more thorough, but luckily you can find better instructions online, especially when it comes to descaling. Lastly, the coffee cup ledge is a bit small, so larger coffee cups could be a bit unsteady while the machine brews your coffee.

 

Pros:

  • Descaling alert system
  • Adjustable temperature and drink size
  • Espresso boost function
  • Maximum pump pressure
  • Compact and easy to use

Cons:

  • Smaller 0.8L capacity
  • Instructions could be more thorough
  • Less stable coffee cup ledge

4. Nescafe Mini Me (Best Compact)

Nescafe Mini Me

Another top choice for those who want the best dolce gusto machine for small spaces.

This Mini Me option from the Nescafé dolce gusto brand comes with support for 40 different kinds of hot and cold drinks. Plus, it’s built with professional-grade pump pressure, ideal for making barista-style drinks with your coffee maker.

The Mini Me is automatic, so you don’t need to stand around and wait for it to brew your coffee. However, you can only fit about 3 cups into the tank before you’re going to need a refill. Another bonus of these machines is that they come with an eco-mode that turns on automatically after five minutes.

Unfortunately, despite the small size, this Nescafe Dolce delivers a lot of noise. This can be a bit of a problem for someone looking for a streamlined and quiet device.

 

Pros:

  • Automatic play and go machines
  • High level pump quality
  • Multiple coffee types to choose from
  • Automatic eco mode
  • Small and compact design

Cons:

  • Small capacity
  • Makes a lot of noise
  • Can leak

5. DeLonghi 132180603 (Best with XL Serving)

DeLonghi 132180603

This reliable and affordable Dolce Gusto machine comes with some of the top Dolce Gusto reviews that we’ve seen.

The XL function on the device means that you can get a bigger drink from every capsule – making your money go further. What’s more, each machine comes with a range of interchangeable panels. Thus, you can transform the look of your device.

Furthermore, the intuitive LED user interface with wheel allows you to set the coffee quantity according to your needs. There’s also an automatic flow stop, so you don’t need to stand in the kitchen and watch your device work. Even the capsule holder is easy to clean.

There are a few drawbacks with these dolce gusto machines, however. For instance, they’re quite loud and disruptive, you can wake up the entire house if you’re using it early. You need to descale the product regularly, too. Occasionally, the drink also leaks from the nozzle.

 

Pros:

  • Easy to clean and use
  • Range of interchangeable panels
  • XL function available
  • Automatic flow stop
  • Interactive LED interface

Cons:

  • One of the louder coffee maker options
  • Leaks occasionally
  • Needs regular descaling

6. Krups Nescafe Infinissima (Best for Couples)

Krups Nescafe Infinissima

If you want a dolce gusto machine that does not only make great-tasting coffee but also looks great doing it, the Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Infinissima is our top pick. It has a unique and somewhat futuristic looking slimline design that will bring an element of style and functionality to your kitchen.

Aside from its slim and stylish design, we really like that the Infinissima has a large 1.2-litre water tank capacity, so you shouldn’t have to refill it after each cup you brew. It also has a high-pressure pump that is able to produce frothy, creamy drinks with the press of its manual lever.

Conveniently, you are able to make both hot and cold beverages with this machine. You also won’t have to worry about power consumption due to it automatically shutting itself off to save power after one minute of inactivity. To top it off, a descaling alert system tracks your usage and lets you know when it is time to clean your machine.

Be aware, though, as this dolce gusto machine is not automatic, so you will have to start and stop the brewing process manually. It is also somewhat less versatile because it lacks upgraded features like adjustable temperature or cup size controls, and it may be a bit noisier than other top options, but we still think it makes an excellent choice overall.

 

Pros:

  • Slim and stylish design
  • Large 1.2L water tank capacity
  • Makes hot and cold beverages
  • High-pressure pump
  • Easy to use manual operation

Cons:

  • Somewhat less versatile
  • Not an automatic machine
  • Might be a bit noisier

7. Krups Nescafe Genio S (Best Maintenance System)

Krups Nescafe Genio S

The Nescafe Genio S has a few convenient upgraded features and a sleek all-white design. It makes a great choice if you have a compact kitchen and are looking for an appliance that won’t take up a lot of countertop or storage space.

Aside from choosing the type of coffee pod you want to make, this dolce gusto machine also gives you control over whether you wish to make a hot or cold brew. Its high-pressure pump makes creamy, frothy drinks in just about one minute from start to finish.

The Nescafe Genio S features an adjustable cup size function as well as a descaling alert system so you’ll know when it is time for a routine cleaning with greater accuracy. It also has a removable 0.8-litre water tank that is easy to clean.

The Genio S dolce gusto machine is great for many homes but it does have a smaller water tank capacity and may not be ideal for larger coffee cups due to its more restricted cup ledge. Lastly, the pods could be trickier to remove if you don’t take them out straight away after brewing.

 

Pros:

  • Adjustable drink size options
  • Built-in descaling alert system
  • Easy to clean removable water tank
  • Able to make hot and cold drinks
  • Compact space-saving design

Cons:

  • Smaller 0.8 l water tank capacity
  • May not hold larger coffee cups as easily
  • The pods could be trickier to remove if not done quickly

8. DeLonghi Nescafe Jovia (Best Value)

DeLonghi Nescafé Jovia

Another excellent choice from the latest list of Dolce Gusto coffee machines.

The Jovia comes with high pump pressure and support for up to 40 different kinds of hot and cold drinks. This high-quality machine is great for saving electricity. It automatically shuts off your power after the last brew to reduce energy consumption.

There’s a two-year guarantee included on this coffee maker, too, which you don’t get with some of the other dolce gusto coffee machine options. Additionally, although this machine is very good at producing great coffee, it doesn’t brew automatically. Thus, you need to stay in front of the machine and turn it on and off when your cup is full.

However, if you’re looking for an automatic device that doesn’t overflow, then you might have a problem with the Jovia dolce gusto machines.

 

Pros:

  • Attractive design
  • High bar pump pressure
  • Automatically shuts off after 5 minutes
  • Easy to use and easy to clean
  • Two-year guarantee

Cons:

  • Can’t be left to brew automatically
  • The water tank is quite small

9. Krups Nescafe Lumio (Best for Creamy Texture)

Nescafe Lumio

If you’re looking for coffee machines best for kitchens with limited space, then the Nescafe Lumio Dolce Gusto could be just the thing for you.

This simple and elegant device is great for beginners. All you need is some water, the machine, and your favourite pods to get started. The device is easy to clean, too, because there’s very little mess – thanks to the pods.

Despite the compact design, the Lumio Nescafe Dolce Gusto still gives you a one-litre water tank. Hence, you should be able to make a few drinks quite easily with this coffee maker. Additionally, the high-level pump pressure means that you can access the velvety crema you would expect from a coffee store.

One extra bonus with the Lumio is that you can select an extra-large drink size, too – up to 300ml. It’s a great machine, ideal for people in the family that like different kinds of dolce gusto coffees. However, it’s worth noting that you do get a strong plastic taste for the first couple of uses. You also may find that the one-litre tank is quite difficult to fill.

 

Pros:

  • Compact space-saving design
  • Range of dolce gusto drinks available
  • Easy coffee maker
  • Good quality drinks
  • Extra-large sizing available

Cons:

  • Strong plastic taste evident during initial use
  • Difficult to refill the tank
No products found. (also on Ebay)

10. Nescafe Majesto (Luxury Choice)

NESCAFÉ Majesto

Another sensationally stylish product for coffee capsule lovers, the Nescafé Dolce Majesto machine would fit well in a modern kitchen or an office.

The 1.8-litre intelligent water tank automatically detects how much water you have, so you know when you need to top up instantly.

There are dozens of different coffee creations to choose from and you can even create cold beverages at the touch of a button. What’s more, this coffee machine comes with a convenient eco-friendly mode that automatically switches your device off when it’s not in use. The high-pressure system also allows you to create a wide range of thick velvety coffee drinks.

One downside is that you do need to select the size of your drink whenever you make one. Moreover, the drip tray can be very difficult to clean. Although the touchscreen is easy to use, you might find that the device doesn’t work as well if you don’t have a good Wi-Fi connection.

 

Pros:

  • One of the most attractive coffee machines from Nescafe
  • Excellent design for offices
  • Wide variety of coffee for machines, with hermetically sealed capsules
  • Professional quality with high-pressure bar
  • Intelligent water tank
  • Energy efficient (A rating)

Cons:

  • Limited performance depending on Wi-Fi
  • Slightly fiddly to use
  • Tough to clean in places

Are Dolce Gusto Machines Any Good?

coffee pods beans and espresso

Dolce Gusto coffee machines have captured a lot of attention among coffee lovers over the years. The ability to make your favourite kinds of coffee without having to work with a complicated machine is very appealing. What’s more, because you use pods instead of beans and grinders, you don’t have to worry about taking forever to clean your device, too.

Although you won’t get the same quality of drink as you would by using a professional system and milk frother, you do get a delicious tasting coffee with very little effort. What’s more, pod machines are incredibly versatile in what they can deliver. As well as enjoying coffee with your pod machine, you can also get hot chocolate, teas, and even cold drinks.

What’s the Difference Between the Dolce Gusto Machines?

The Dolce Gusto coffee pod machine has become such a massive success that there are now dozens of different products to choose from. Although it would be difficult to explain the difference between all of these capsule systems, you can differentiate between most of them by looking at the kind of performance that they deliver.

For instance, Nescafe offers a range of both manual coffee and automatic machines. The Oblo, Jovia, and Piccolo, for example, are all manual machines. Although these come with the same pod holder for the agile coffee lover, they need to be watched. In this way, you can press start and stop when you’re done filling your cup.

 

On the other hand, the Drop, Eclipse, Lumio, Mini Me, and other common dolce gusto models are all automatic. This means that you can leave your machine to create drinks from your coffee capsules without having to stand and wait. You can also get machines that are available in both manual and automatic versions.

 

an-automatic-machine-that-prepares-you-coffee-in-seconds

The biggest differences between the Dolce Gusto machines is the number of unique features that you get and the kind of cup sizes that you can support. Remember, the bigger the water tanks are in your coffee pod system, the more drinks you can make. The good news is that most of the devices from Nescafe are designed to be attractive and compact pieces of home furniture that are easy to use.

If you don’t have a lot of time for coffee preparation each morning, capsule machines could be perfect for you.

The Right Dolce Gusto Machine for Your Home

We chose the DeLonghi Nescafe Piccolo XS as our favourite. We love its high pump pressure, eco modehot and cold function, and other brewing features that give you complete control over the cup of coffee you are making.

With 50 varieties of coffee drinks available, this compact machine can cater to your family’s different preferences. Thanks to its adjustable drip tray, you can also use any cup size. And lastly, it doesn’t take too much effort to clean, as the coffee granules are well-secured in the pods.

Is it the right choice for you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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