Dolce Gusto machines specialise in drinks you don’t usually make at home — chai latte, flat white, Nesquik and iced specialities — thanks to pods that contain both coffee and milk powder. Here are the best current models and which ones to avoid.
At a glance — our top three picks
Top Pick
Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus
Compact, fast, and quiet. The current sweet spot in the Dolce Gusto range.
Runner-up
De’Longhi Piccolo XS Dolce Gusto
The cheapest Dolce Gusto machine that’s genuinely worth buying — sub-20cm wide.
Budget
Krups Dolce Gusto Infinissima
The entry-level Dolce Gusto when it’s on offer at Argos or Amazon.
Our top picks compared
| Product | Best for | Rating | Price | Jump to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus | Overall best buy | ★★★★★ | £££ | Read review ↓ |
| De’Longhi Piccolo XS Dolce Gusto | Enthusiast upgrade | ★★★★½ | ££££ | Read review ↓ |
| Krups Dolce Gusto Infinissima | Best under budget | ★★★★ | £ | Read review ↓ |
Top Pick: Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus
Compact, fast, and quiet. The current sweet spot in the Dolce Gusto range.
Pros
- ✅ Hot and cold drinks
- ✅ 15 bar pressure
- ✅ Auto-off
Cons
- ❌ Tiny 0.8L water tank
- ❌ Limited pod range beyond Nescafé brands
Runner-up: De’Longhi Piccolo XS Dolce Gusto
The cheapest Dolce Gusto machine that’s genuinely worth buying — sub-20cm wide.
Pros
- ✅ Slim footprint
- ✅ Manual adjustable shot size
- ✅ Solid build
Cons
- ❌ No auto-off
- ❌ Manual pull lever only
Budget: Krups Dolce Gusto Infinissima
The entry-level Dolce Gusto when it’s on offer at Argos or Amazon.
Pros
- ✅ Under £60 on promotion
- ✅ Auto shot-size
- ✅ 1.2L tank
Cons
- ❌ Slow to heat
- ❌ Bulkier than Genio S
Buying guide
Pressure and drink range
Current models run at 15 bar and support hot and cold drinks. Older 7-bar machines are fine for lattes but struggle with espresso-style pods.
Auto vs manual
Play & Select, Genio S Plus and Neo auto-stop at the correct volume. Older models use a manual slider you have to watch.
Pod cost
Drinks pods use two capsules (coffee + milk), so cost-per-cup is closer to 55–75p than a single espresso pod.
Sustainability
Nestlé runs a free pod recycling scheme via Terracycle drop-offs. Most pods are not kerbside recyclable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolce Gusto the same as Nespresso?
Can I use third-party pods?
Are Dolce Gusto machines good value?
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