Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought this coffee machine yesterday at Walmart after much research into Keurig, Tassimo and Senseo units.
My first impression is that it's compact and ideal for the counter top. It's much simpler than the others in that there aren't a great number of moving parts. It is basic, but I really didn't need another LCD clock! The on-off switch glows red when the machine is thinking and goes green when ready. After 5 minutes it shuts itself off. This auto-shut-off can be disabled if you so choose. The simplicity should mean it's more reliable. Time will tell!
It's quick to brew (20-30 secs?) and makes little noise/vibration and the coffee is nice and hot. Keurig seems to have a lot of quality issues mechanically and with brew strength/temp. if you read the reviews. With the DG you turn it on, it thinks for about 20-30 secs then it's ready to brew. The capsule drops into a plastic, but nicely solid and substantial holder that you slide out of the head of the machine after raising a lever that, when closed pierces the capsule and snugs it in place. You move another chunky lever to brew and stop brewing, choosing hot or cold with the lever direction, so you have direct control over the type, amount and strength of the brew.
I found the Caffee Americano way too strong for my liking at about the recommended 7 or so fl oz, so I continued to fill my cup with more to weaken it. The Chococino really tastes and feels like Hot Chocolate if you keep to the recommended water volume. It might take a while to get to know how you brew the drink to best suit your taste.
The price of the capsules is comparable to the competitors, though Nescafe hasn't the variety offered by Keurig - give it time perhaps. Walmart has good stocks of the capsules. Nescafe also sends you a free box when you register and subsequent purchases earn reward points for more free capsules (1 free box for 10 bought). Their website is like a coffee lover's club with a forum, shop, quizzes, FAQ and product information.
The coffee and chocolate is very good in that it is strong, hot and the milk capsules that accompany such drinks are smooth and creamy and not at all artificial in terms of taste/texture. You do have to control the relative quantities of milk/coffee/chocolate yourself with each capsule, so you have to watch over the brew, but then you have total control to make it like you like
The reservoir is 21 fl oz and is very easy to remove and fill, if a little small. But then you can't have compact and water capacity!
The capsules make very little mess, though I note that when you remove the holder to throw away the capsule, there are a couple drips from the capsule to watch out for.
So far I like it and would recommend it if you want this type of coffee maker. It does make good coffee and chocolate quickly with no mess.
UPDATE: Dec 8 2010
So far so good. I have learned to control the strength of my Cappuccino Light by watching the color (hence strength) of the stream coming from the capsules and turning off the brew. It also helps using the same glass cup as I can also judge the volumes of the milk and coffee. I have eliminated the drips from the capsules when discarding; wait until the green light comes on, watch for the last couple drops to fall, then discard - no drips and the capsule holder remains nice and clean.
Everything really does feel solid and well-built. Very happy so far.
UPDATE Dec 29 2010
Still happy with it. No problems at all. I didn't notice before but the capsule holder is magnetic in that when it is partially inserted, the magnet pulls it into position. This gives it a nice solid feel, which is my general opinion about this whole unit.
I use a large glass cup (so I can see how much milk Vs Coffee) that uses almost all the capacity of the water reservoir. I don't like strong coffee and fill the cup 3/4 full with the milk (that's why the Dolce Gusto is good; you choose how much water to flow through the capsules) and then I add the cappuccino. I still get a good flavor though as the capsules can make really strong coffee). This large cup requires the base to be set at the bottom, but is too tall for the next position up for the base. This leaves about a 2" gap under the capsule holder. When the unit starts up, it looks like the 15 bar pressure blows the seal in the bottom of the capsule. There is a slight delay, then you can hear the seal give way and the milk or coffee starts to flow. Occasionally, the stream from the capsule is not straight and columnar. It is twisted and rough. This looks to me like the seal is not completely opened by the pressure and part of the seal is disturbing the flow pattern. This is when I see some spatter of tiny milk droplets onto the coffee machine and onto the table; splashes from the liquid surface in my cup. No big deal, but just have to wipe it up with a damp cloth. With the right height of cup, this won't happen.
I have settled to drinking the Cappuccino Skinny. I like Cappuccino and the Skinny version is only 50 calories! I use this in my office, making 2-3 cups per day.
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Nescafe Dolce Gusto by Krups Piccolo Coffee MachineStrikingly modern in a sleek, compact size, this single-serve coffeemaker not only adds contemporary appeal to any kitchen counter--without taking up a lot of space--but it also brews up delicious beverages quickly and effortlessly. The unit works with easy-to-use capsules that come sealed with pre-measured ingredients for mess-free brewing and foolproof results. Choose from a variety of hot drinks--espresso, caffe lungo, caffe americano, cappuccino, mocha, and more--as well as cold drinks like cappuccino ice and peach tea.
To use, simply add water to the 21-ounce removable water tank, insert the coffee or tea capsule into the magnetic capsule holder, secure the locking handle, and slide the selection lever to hot or cold depending on the beverage desired. With a press of the "on" button, the machine takes care of the rest, dispensing the beverage into whatever cup has been placed below. When finished, discard the used coffee capsule, rinse the capsule holder, and the machine's ready for the next cycle--without any transfer of flavor from one cup to the next (beverages never come in contact with the machine).
The single-serve multi-purpose beverage machine comes equipped with 1500 watts of power, for fast heating in less than a minute, and a 15-bar Thermoblock pump pressure system that helps ensure a foamy froth, rich crema, and full flavor (other single-cup home brewers offer only 1 to 3 bars of pressure). The machine's Custom Control Lever allows for instantly alternating between hot and cold beverages or for customizing the strength and mixture (for multi-capsule drinks). Other highlights include an on/off button, energy-saving auto shut-off, a height-adjustable drip tray with a stainless-steel grid for any size cup or glass, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. Accessories include a six-count variety pack of capsules, quick start guide, step-by-step instructions, and a welcome brochure. The single-serve beverage machine measures 8-2/3 by 6-1/4 by 11-2/7 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
Product Description
I may look small but I pack enough power to break all the rules. Take me for a spin, then buckle up for a jolt of great coffee flavor.
All Necafe Dolce Gusto machines combine patented technology to create a variety of coffeehouse beverages. Create cappuccinos, foamy lattés and full-bodied espressos using 15 bars of pressure, comparable to professional coffee house machines.
At NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® we set out to create a single-serve coffee system that makes creating delicious coffee as much fun as drinking it
For exclusive use with NESCAFE Dolce Gusto capsules
It's easy. Just pop in a capsule, lock it in and use the custom control lever to prepare your beverage just the way you like it
Fifteen bars of pressure in every one means a frothy, coffee-house experience on demand, in a home kitchen. Create the highest-quality coffee drinks for you and all your guests, in less than a minute
It's stylish and designed with something for everyone. Compact, classic, modern and smart - it's a dramatic departure from what's currently in the marketplace
The Piccolo machine is the littlest big idea we've ever had!
No mess, No fuss. Everything you need to make hot or cold drinks are contained in our easy-to-use capsules
Ideal for kitchenettes, cubicles, dorm rooms or anywhere else where saving space is important
The unique, patented Custom Control Lever puts you in control to customize your coffee's strength and mixture (for multi-capsule drinks). It also lets you alternate between hot and cold beverages in an instant.
The exclusive Thermoblock technology heats the water fresh every time, in less than one minute
NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® uses only the highest quality ingredients - featuring only 100% Arabica, rich chocolate and foamy milk
Stylish and sleek design that will stand out on any kitchen counter
Energy Saving automatic switch off
Want to see our latest commercial and a comparison of our 4 machines? Learn more about NESCAFE® Dolce Gusto®.
NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® gives you the power to create whatever you crave
One capsule beverages create rich coffee, deep espresso or refreshing iced tea
Two capsule beverages layer frothy milk with rich coffee for latte macchiatos, mochas and more
NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® Piccolo comes with a sample box of 6 capsules, or 4 beverages: 1 Caffè Lungo (long espresso) 1 Caffè Americano (house blend) 1 Cappuccino 1 Chococino (hot chocolate)
Register your machine for a free carton of coffee online at www.dolce-gusto.us.
How It Works
NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® machines heat water, which is passed at high pressure - a maximum of 15 bars -into the coffee cup through a capsule of high-quality NESCAFÉ® roast and ground coffee. The coffee that is used in the capsules is made of premium 100% Arabica beans.
The high pressure and the capsules are designed to deliver an even distribution of water and pressure over the coffee to ensure that flavor is maximized. This system uses pressure similar to that of professional machines.
While drip coffee machines operate at one bar of pressure (normal atmospheric pressure) and a number of competing machines operate at no more than two bars, the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® system can operate at up to 15 bars of pressure. Each capsule makes one cup of coffee in under a minute.
See our commercial, machines and capsule flavors here.
Product Description
Everyone has their perfect cup of coffee these days: Extra foam. Two shots. Extra milk. Your coffee, after all, is an expression of your individuality. That's why the new Nescafé Dolce Gusto from Krups is the ideal coffee machine for you. Brew your perfectly frothy cappuccino, velvety latte, or dependable cup of black coffee – however you like it. One capsule for coffee, two capsules for cappuccino. Then simply place your favorite mug onto the adjustable tray, and slide the "Custom Control Lever" to fill to your desired coffee strength. In less than one minute, you'll enjoy the delicious aroma from a freshly brewed cup! All our coffees are 100% Arabica fine ground coffee and our cappuccinos and lattes are topped with a delicious and generous froth that lasts to the bottom of the cup. Nescafé Dolce Gusto is designed with a 15 bar pressure system similar to coffee-house machines so your coffee is made with precise pressure and water temperature for the best quality taste. You'll save time with clean up, too. Simply toss out the capsule and immediately go from one coffee to the next. Coffee-house quality drinks are yours to enjoy your way.
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