The best Dolce Gusto coffee machines – Comparison and buying guide

Best Dolce Gusto Coffee Machines: Without a doubt, Nescafé Dolce Gusto is one of the most popular coffee “ecosystems” on the entire planet.

And it is that this brand of the Nestlé group perfectly combines a wide range of intelligent capsules with its design machines and its more than intuitive intelligent operation.

If you are thinking of buying an espresso machine, the advantage of Dolce Gusto is that you will be able to choose from a wide range of models that continues to grow every year. However, the small difficulty is that you will have to decide between many options: manual, and automatic, with different capacities, shapes, and sizes.

Do not worry, if you do not decide, in this article I present my winners in terms of quality, price and customer satisfaction so that you only have to decide between the 10 best Dolce Gusto coffee machines on the market.

Recommended Dolce Gusto coffee machines

• The cheapest automatic Dolce Gusto coffee machine: There is no rival that matches the Mini Me (€70.17) in terms of features and price. It boasts of being one of the cheapest automatic models in its entire range 
• The best manual Dolce Gusto coffee machine: The Piccolo XS (€55.00) is still on everyone’s lips and, even though the years go by, it continues to be the most successful single-dose coffee machine that Nescafé has designed 
• The Dolce Gusto machine with the best reviews: The many positive reviews from consumers and the high score received by the OCU, 83 points out of 100, proclaim the Infinissima (€72.27) as the best value for money 

Previous tips for choosing a Dolce Gusto machine

• If you are looking for a coffee machine that requires little supervision and everything is automated, even the water flow stops, it is best to opt for an automatic Dolce Gusto. Do you want to know what the best options are? Click here.
• On the other hand, if you want a much more manual preparation, controlling the amount of water with which each drink is prepared, I recommend a manual Dolce Gusto. You will be in charge of activating and stopping the extraction. Do you want to know what the best options are? Click here.

The 6 best automatic Dolce Gusto coffee machines of 2022

1. Dolce Gusto Mini-Me, the best value for money

With a classic design and compact size, it is the most economical Dolce Gusto automatic in the range.

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• Capacity:  0.8 liters
• XL function:  No
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  No

The Dolce Gusto Mini Me automatic coffee machine has a modern design, with a rounded appearance, and is quite compact, living up to its name, so it will not be difficult for you to find a place to place it.

Its water tank has a capacity of 0.8 liters, that is, for about 5 elaborations. In addition, you can adjust the height of the anti-drip tray in three sizes, depending on how your container is.

It also allows you to select the intensity of the coffee, and forget about having to stop the flow of water. The machine knows when to stop. Oh, I forgot, you have the option to choose between enjoying a hot or cold drink.

What we like the most

• Cheapest automatic model.
• Designed to take up little space.
• Allows you to use XL size cups.

What we like least

• Somewhat small water tank.
• Could be quieter.

2. Genio S Plus, the new Dolce Gusto coffee maker

If you are looking to go to the last, this is the most recent version of the entire Dolce Gusto range.

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• Capacity:  0.8 liters
• XL function:  Yes
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  No

The long-lived Dolce Gusto Genio was one of the firm’s first automatic machines. Currently and after several renovations, an updated version called Genio S Plus is marketed.

From a functional point of view, it is the same as the rest of the Dolce Gusto coffee machines of its generation, but it brings with it a great aesthetic change.

Its dimensions are much smaller, only 11 cm wide, but it maintains the same storage capacity as its predecessors, a success! It also has an XL drinks function with which you can enjoy extra-long coffees.

What we like the most

• XL drinks function.
• Its compact and renewed design.
• The most recent model of the firm.

What we like least

• It does not have a descaling warning.
• The water tank is not the largest.

3. Dolce Gusto Lumio, the most compact

Automatic coffee machine with a minimalist design and a fairly compact size.

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• Capacity:  1.0 liters
• XL function:  Yes
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  No

The Krups Dolce Gusto Lumio, with an automatic system, is a fairly compact coffee maker, small in size, but with a wider base than usual. However, it is able to combine its light and minimalist design with advanced technology.

Its water tank, with a capacity of 1 liter, stands out for having a hole in the center, through which its interior can be seen. This aspect gives a quite original touch to the machine. In addition, it has a compartment for used capsules.

The drip tray is height-adjustable, so there are no restrictions on the width and height of the cups you use. It also has a descaling warning, which will notify you with an orange light signal when you need to carry out this process.

What we like the most

• It is small and compact.
• The descaling alarm.
• The used packaging container.

What we like least

• Refilling the water could be more comfortable.
• The coffee could be hotter.

4. Dolce Gusto Eclipse, futuristic design

With special automatic opening function, and 100% touch technology.

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• Capacity:  1.0 liters
• XL function:  Yes
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  Yes

The Dolce Gusto Eclipse model has a very original and innovative design, in the shape of an ellipse, moving away from traditional capsule coffee machines. Its system is fully automatic, so you will not have to be aware of stopping the flow of water.

It has introduced something very new, the automatic opening function. This means that in order to insert the capsule you will have to turn on the coffee maker first. This, in turn, will open and be placed for you to insert the drink, and finally, you will be the one to close it manually.

Another feature, available in a few models, is the 100% touch control panel. Through it, you can select between hot or cold water, as well as the amount of water for each of your drinks. Its water tank has a capacity of 1 liter.

What we like the most

• The new automatic opening.
• The touch control panel.
• Its futuristic design.

What we like least

• Somewhat high price.
• It is bulkier than usual.

5. Dolce Gusto Esperta, with Bluetooth connectivity

Automatic coffee machine with Bluetooth technology, large water tank, and its own profile.

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• Capacity:  1.4 liters
• XL function:  Yes
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  No

Now it is the turn of the Dolce Gusto Esperta. It is an automatic coffee maker with a less compact design than what the brand is used to. Its main novelty is Bluetooth connectivity, in such a way that you can manage the coffee maker from your mobile.

The capacity of its water tank is 1.4 liters, much higher than that of its companions. Another distinctive feature is that you can select between 3 temperature levels: low, medium, or high.

In addition to including the selection of the size of each cup, you can choose between two extraction modes, Espresso Boost (intense) and Delicate Brew (delicate). Likewise, it is possible to create your own profile and memorize the necessary configurations so as not to have to repeat the same process each time.

What we like the most

• Bluetooth connectivity.
• The XL water tank.
• The three temperature levels.
• Intense and gentle extraction mode.

What we like least

• It is not very compact.
• Price somewhat higher.

6. Dolce Gusto Drop, with a modern and daring design

Inspired by a drop of coffee, with an automatic system and touch control panel.

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• Capacity:  0.8 liters
• XL function:  No
• Auto power off:  Yes
• Descaling warning:  Yes
• Capsule container:  Yes

The first thing that strikes you about the Dolce Gusto Drop is its risky exterior appearance, inspired by how a drop of coffee falls into the cup. It is an automatic coffee maker, and in its large base, most of the elements are found.

The water tank houses a capacity of 0.8 liters. This, in turn, is located at the base and has a transparent water indicator to know how much is left. Furthermore, it has a container for used capsules.

Its control panel is tactile, and through it you can select the seven levels of the Play&Select system. Thanks to this mode you can select the amount of water you want in each extraction, without having to be aware of stopping the flow of water.

What we like the most

• Automatic operation.
• Used capsule container.
• Touch control panel.
• Its groundbreaking design.

What we like least

• Somewhat limited water tank.
• Somewhat high price.

Guide to buying the best Dolce Gusto coffee machine

When buying a capsule coffee machine of this brand, you have to take into account a series of aspects that we will see below.

Key points to keep in mind

Given such a variety of Dolce Gusto machines, the following guidelines will be of great help when making a decision:

Manual or automatic system

You must decide if you prefer to be the one to stop the process manually, or otherwise, that everything be automated.

If you don’t want to worry about anything, I recommend the most advanced automatic dolce gusto coffee machines. You will have to make a greater investment, yes, but comfort also has to be paid for.

However, if your priority is the budget, the manual ones are cheaper, but you will have to be aware of stopping the process of extracting your drink. Don’t worry, Dolce Gusto specifies very well the ideal preparation times for each variety.

Ability

These coffee machines are designed for individual or couple use. The capacity of its water tank, in the models of this brand, starts at a minimum of 0.8 liters (5 cups), reaching up to 1.4 liters (8 services).

Versatility

With this system, in addition to preparing coffee, you can also make a wide variety of drinks such as: coffee with milk, infusions, teas or chocolates. In addition to the original capsules, there are many compatible white brands.

Design

The coffee machines of this firm have exclusive designs. You can choose from the most classic models to the most daring. Keep in mind where you are going to place it, since if you have little space you need a compact machine.

Price

To establish the price range of these machines I am going to divide them into two groups. First, the cheap Dolce Gusto coffee machines are those that operate manually, whose cost ranges from €45 to €80. On the other hand, the price range of automatics is between €80 and €180.

Advantages and disadvantages of Dolce Gusto coffee machines

pros

• The versatility of drinks: coffees, teas, infusions or chocolates.
• Its handling is very simple.
• Its 15 pressure bars produce creamy coffees.
• Rapid heating system by Thermoblock.
• You have machines with a manual or automatic systems.
• Possibility of using compatible capsules from other brands.
• Their models are cheaper than other systems.

Cons

• Few models have a used packaging container.
• Many of their drinks are made with two capsules.
• The amount of waste generated with single-dose.

Which is better Nespresso or Dolce Gusto?

Both systems are owned by the Nestlé company, but each uses a different capsule system. I am going to give you a brief overview of the differences between the two:

Strengths of Dolce Gusto

• They are cheaper.
• Manual or automatic system.
• The price of the capsules is cheaper.
• Greater variety of drinks: coffees, teas, chocolates, etc.
• More quantity of coffee per cup, it has an XL function.
• Possibility to enjoy hot and cold drinks.

Nespresso strengths

• It has more exclusive and elegant designs.
• Wide variety of specialty coffees.
• They have a container for used capsules.
• It uses 19 bars of pressure.
• Two sizes of coffees: short and long.
• The flavor of the coffee is very intense.
• You want to know more?
  Check out our comparison between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto .

How to descale a Dolce Gusto coffee machine?

Some models have a descaling warning, but others do not. If it does not integrate it, you should be careful, because if the drink comes out slower or is colder than usual, these are signs that you should carry out this process. The steps are very simple and the same in all models.

1. Mix 0.4 liters of water with the contents of a bottle of descaling solution, and add it to the tank.
2. Place the rinsing accessory, if it comes with it, in the capsule holder. If it doesn’t come, don’t worry, make sure there is no container inside.
3. Remove the grid, and place a large empty container under the coffee spout.
4. Press the power button for 5 seconds, and the light will start flashing green.
5. Push the lever to the hot position.
6. Wait until the tank is almost empty. This process takes approximately 2 minutes, the indicator will stop flashing.
7. Set the lever to the center position. Empty the container, and put it back.
8. Clean the reservoir, fill it up and insert it back into the machine.
9. Move the lever to the right to start the rinse process. When there is almost no water, move it to the cold position.
10. Once the water extraction is finished, move the lever to the center, remove the container, and place the anti-drip tray. Finally, turn off the coffee pot.

• You want to know more?
  Check out our guide on how to descale Dolce Gusto coffee machines step by step.