Both Nespresso and Dolce Gusto are part of the same parent company “Nestle” but they offer unique features that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Nespresso is known for its premium-quality coffee machines, advanced milk frothing options, and recyclable aluminum capsules. Dolce Gusto, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of drink options and more affordable machines, although its capsules are made from plastic.
As someone who enjoys a good cup of coffee myself, I understand the importance of finding the right coffee machine to suit your taste and lifestyle.
In this article, I’ll take a detailed look at Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto, comparing their features, taste, affordability, and more to help you make an informed decision. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
An Overview of the Nespresso Brand
Nespresso is a subsidiary of Nestlé Group and has been in the market since 1986. The brand has revolutionized the coffee industry with its easy-to-use and convenient coffee machines.
Nespresso machines are popular among coffee lovers because of their high-quality coffee, convenience, and sleek design.
Nespresso has two lines of machines the Vertuo line and the Original line.
The Original line is the classic series of Nespresso that works much similarly to traditional Espresso machines, utilizing a pump to generate pressure for extracting rich and flavorful espresso.
The original line offers a range of machines, including entry-level models like Pixie and Essenza that make only Espresso and Lungo drinks, as well as advanced models like Crearista and Lattisima that have the ability to create specialty coffee drinks like Latte and Cappuccino with just the touch of a button.
In contrast, the Vertuo line is the more advanced series of Nespresso machines that operate on a centrifugal principle, rather than traditional pumps, to expertly craft a shot of Espresso or coffee drink with a thick layer of Crema.
Read a detailed comparison in Nespresso Vertuo and Original
Things I like about Nespresso
- High-quality coffee: Nespresso is known for its rich and authentic taste. The brand uses premium coffee beans and has strict quality control measures to ensure that its coffee is of the highest quality.
- Easy to use: Nespresso machines are user-friendly and easy to operate. They come with intuitive touch buttons that make it easy to select your preferred coffee options.
- Sleek design: Nespresso machines have a modern and stylish design that looks great in any kitchen. The machines are available in different colors, making it easy to choose one that matches your kitchen decor.
- Specialty Drink: Nespresso prepares cafe-styled specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino and Latte. Some advanced models of Nespresso come with a built-in milk frother or you can buy Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother separately with the entry-level machine.
Things I don’t like about Nespresso
- Limited drink options: Nespresso machines offer a limited variety of drinks compared to Dolce Gusto.
- Expensive: Nespresso capsules are quite expensive compared to other coffee capsules in the market. Also, the Nespresso machines are much more expensive than Dolce Gusto.
Overall, though, I think Nespresso is a great choice for those who value convenience and high-quality coffee!
Also Read: Is Nespresso Worth it?
Overview of the Dolce Gusto Brand
Dolce Gusto is a brand owned by Nestlé and has been in the market since 2006. The brand offers a wide variety of coffee machines, including Genio, Esperta, Mini Me, and Piccolo.
Dolce Gusto machines are popular among coffee lovers because of their convenience, variety of drink options, and affordable price range.
Things I like about Dolce Gusto
- Wide variety of drink options: Dolce Gusto offers a wide variety of drink options, including Espresso, Lungo, Americano, and iced coffee. So, it’s a great option for those who don’t only crave Espresso.
- Affordable: Dolce Gusto machines are more affordable than Nespresso, making them accessible to everyone.
- Easy to use: Dolce Gusto machines are user-friendly and easy to operate. They come with intuitive touch buttons that make it easy to select your preferred drink options. Moreover, in Dolce Gusto, everything is present in the pod you don’t have to froth the milk separately.
- Wide Variety of Capsules: With Dolce Gusto, you are not limited to only black coffee drinks. You can make Latte, Cappuccino, tea, and hot chocolate all using just flavored Dolce Gusto pods.
Things I don’t like about Dolce Gusto
- Don’t prepare cafe-styled specialty drinks: Dolce Gusto uses powdered milk pods for preparing milk-based Espresso drinks. Although, it’s much more convenient but the taste is just fair. Also, the taste of Espresso from Dolce Gusto is way less aromatic and flavorful than Nespresso.
- Limited customizable options: You can’t control the amount of milk or coffee according to your taste or preference. You will only get what is present in the pod.
Overall, though, I think Dolce Gusto is a great choice for those who want an affordable, easy-to-use machine with a wide variety of drink options. But not for those who are too fussy about the taste.
Nespresso Vs Dolce Gusto | A Detailed Comparison
The Taste of Coffee
Taste is the main factor when buying a coffee machine. So, what makes better coffee Nespresso or Dolce Gusto?
Nespresso is way better than Dolce Gusto in terms of Espresso, Hands Down!
Nespresso is known for its premium coffee beans and strict quality control measures, making it the preferred choice for coffee enthusiasts.
However, if you like a smooth and larger coffee drink you’ll like Dolce Gusto. And if you’re the kind of person who likes to mix it up and have more than just coffee in your life, Dolce Gusto might be right up your alley!
With the option to brew coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and even iced coffee, you’ll never have a boring beverage moment again.
Dolce Gusto uses powdered milk to prepare milk-based Espresso drinks that make the taste of the drink just fair but nowhere near to cafe-styled Cappuccino or Latte. And also you can’t customize anything in your drink according to your taste you will only get what is already present in the pod.
With Nespresso, you’ll need a separate milk frother (or some machines come with a built-in frother) to froth whole milk for preparing specialty coffee drinks. And I must say that tastes much better.
So, in terms of taste, the point goes to Nespresso
2) Drink Options
Dolce Gusto also offers seven different brew sizes from small Espresso to extra-large coffee drinks. And also there is an option for brewing hot or cold so you can easily make cold coffee drinks.
These are the drinks you can prepare with Dolce Gusto machines using simple coffee or flavored pods.
- Espresso
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Macchiato
- Mocha Coffee
- Iced Coffee
- Tea
- Iced Tea
- Hot Chocolate
- Flavored coffee drinks (Vanilla, Hazelnut, etc.)
On the other hand, Nespresso machines offer a limited variety of drinks, mainly small Espresso drinks.
The entry-level Nespresso original line only offers two drink sizes Espresso and Lungo.
The Creatista and Lattissima series offers specialty drink options such as Cappuccino, Latte, and Macchiato in addition to Espresso and Lungo. These models are very expensive.
However, the Vertuo line models offer many different drink sizes:
- Espresso (1.35 oz)
- Lungo (2.7 oz)
- Gran Lungo (5 oz)
- Coffee (8 oz)
- Alto XL (18 oz)
So, Dolce Gusto is a clear winner here with a huge range of drink options
3) Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto capsules
Both Nespresso and Dolce Gusto offer a wide range of flavors and blends to suit every taste. But you can’t use Nespresso capsules in Dolce Gusto and vice versa, as they are not interchangeable.
Dolce Gusto capsules are designed to offer a wider variety of drinks, including coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. Capsules contain a blend of coffee and other ingredients, making them a versatile option for those who want more than coffee.
Nespresso capsules are well known for their superb quality and carefully crafted blends, which give the coffee a beautiful layer of cream and a rich taste. Also, Nespresso has an intensity level system for their coffee pods ranging from 1 to 13.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive compared to Dolce Gusto capsules. However, Nespresso capsules are made of recyclable aluminum material, while Dolce Gusto capsules are made from plastic, which is not recyclable. If you are environmentally conscious, Nespresso may be the better choice.
Also, the Nespresso Vertuo line and Original line coffee pods are not interchangeable.
Vertuo line pods are bowl-shaped and come in different sizes and they have a special barcode imprinted on them. Veruo line pods are manufactured exclusively by Nestle and no other brand has the right to manufacture them. That’s why they are also expensive.
Original line pods are dome-shaped and come in only two sizes i-e the espresso and lungo. These pods are also made by many third-party manufacturers such as Starbucks and Lavazza and they are more affordable than the Vertuo line.
In terms of quality, it’s a win for Nespresso and in terms of the variety of drinks, it’s a win for Dolce Gusto.
Milk Frothing Options
Frothed milk is a major ingredient of specialty Espresso drinks and the way Nespresso and Dolce Gusto prepare it is completely different.
For milk foam, Dolce Gusto machines don’t have a separate milk frother but instead use powdered milk capsules.
On the other hand, some Nespresso machines come with a built-in milk frother or you can buy a standalone Nespresso Aeroccino Milk frother with entry-level Nespresso machines.
The Aeroccino milk frother is a handy device that makes a perfect froth for Latte and Cappuccino.
In terms of quality and taste, it’s a win for Nespresso and in terms of convenience, it’s a win for Dolce Gusto.
Affordability
Dolce Gusto machines are generally more affordable compared to Nespresso machines.
For instance, the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2 model is available for under 150 dollars on Amazon.
The Nespresso machines are generally expensive, the cost of entry-level models like Essenza, Pixie, and Vertuo is around 200 dollars. While the advanced Creatista and Lattissima series with built-in milk frothers range from 350 to 500 dollars.
So, in terms of price, it’s a clear win for Dolce Gusto
Dolce Gusto Genio vs Nespresso Lattissima One
The Nespresso Lattissima One and the Dolce Gusto machines are both popular coffee machines.
The Nespresso Lattissima One comes with a built-in milk frother and offers advanced features such as automatic milk heating and frothing.
Here is a comparison table of the features of Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines:
| Features | Nespresso Lattissima One | Dolce Gusto Genio 2 |
| Drink options | Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Latte, and limited variety of other drinks | Coffee (seven different sizes), tea, chocolate, cold drinks, and a wide variety of other drinks |
| Capsule Material | Aluminum capsules (recyclable) | Plastic capsules (not recyclable) |
| Milk frothing | Built-in milk frother | Uses Powdered Milk capsules |
| Affordability | Expensive around 400 dollars | Affordable around 150 dollars |
| Compatibility | Original Line or Nespresso Compatible Capsules | Dolce Gusto Coffee capsules |
| Coffee Capsules | Variety of coffee beans and blends are available | Limited variety of capsules |
| Pressure | 15 bar Pressure pump | 15 bar Pressure pump |
| Ease of Use | Very convenient – One-touch functionality | Very convenient – One-touch functionality |
WHich is Better Nespresso or Dolce Gusto
After analyzing the various factors, it is difficult to declare an outright winner between Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto as it comes down to personal preferences.
My vote goes to Nespresso machines because of their exceptional taste and quality.
The brand’s premium coffee capsules and strict quality control measures ensure an authentic and rich coffee experience. Moreover, Nespresso’s use of recyclable aluminum capsules makes it a more environmentally conscious option.
On the other hand, Dolce Gusto is the better choice for those who want a wider variety of drink options, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and cold drinks. These machines are also more affordable, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious coffee drinkers. Dolce Gusto is a perfect small machine for commercial purposes in mini supermarkets and pumps.
Also read other Nespresso comparisons
