Nescafe Dolce Gusto

11/21/2011 By Tammi 1,296 Comments

There are a few specific items that I have talked a lot about on My Organized Chaos, certain products that I have reviewed more than others. And single-serve coffee makers is one of them. Call me a coffee-aholic if you want, since it’s true. To me, there’s nothing better than enjoying that minute of comfortable silence with coffee-cup in hand. Since my first introduction to single-serve coffee makers years ago, I can also add that I adore the convenience of these types of machines since they fit perfectly into my chaotic and busy life.

When asked to check out the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo, I was game. It may be the only brand of coffee machines that I haven’t reviewed as yet, and I was eager to see how it fared. Each time I went to my grocer for my single-serve beverages, I always browsed the Nescafe capsules and always admired the selection. Yet, I am a coffee-snob and like most in my genre, we are picky about our beverages.But first, a little about the machine in general…

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto is the only single-serve machine on the market, that is a designed with a 15-bar pressure system {similar to what is used in professional coffee shops}. This allows the fullest flavour of coffee to be extracted from the capsule into each cup. The capsules are patented technology, thermoblock heating system and a custom control lever so that you can make your cup of coffee to suit your own desired taste and temperature.

It has a lever to start and stop water flow, so you can’t just start and walk away. Which this allows for choice of your own amount and strength, it also opens up some hassle when it comes to guessing when to stop. And, I have to admit, I’ve found myself grimacing over this feature quite often. It’s a true learning curve when you have control over this – made only worse when you have cups that are various sizes {like mine}. The sample box of capsules that received has ml suggestions for getting that perfect taste – yet, I find that of no help since I don’t make coffee in a measuring cup. Instead, you just practice, and hope you don’t waste too many capsules in the process.

Speaking of sample packs that are included with the machine, they really need to include the milk capsules! I decided my first cup was going to be a Latte, yet there was no milk capsules in the samples packs. Thinking that was strange, I assumed maybe the milk capsule was INSIDE the same Latte capsule, for sample purposes. Nope. Then I tried to just add my own skim milk. Ew. My suggestion would be to include milk capsules, {ahem, stating the obvious} so that you could actually use all the samples them from the go. After ruining quite a few capsules trying to figure this out, I realized that I needed to go to the store and get the milk capsules before I could use 2/3 of the sample capsules sent in the box {banging head on wall}. I think this is worth a mention in my post since it frustrated me to no end. And I wanted that latte! Or cappuccino. Or Chococino. But I couldn’t. Did I mention I love my coffees and get grouchy when I haven’t had one? {sorry, rant over}

Onto the Crème de la Crème of Nescafe Dolce Gusto machines, in my opinion. The varieties!! There are 15 hot and cold beverages to choose from {remember that lever I talked about? One way and the water is hot and the other? cold. #LoveThat}. From delightful Caramel Latte Macchiato, Vanilla Latte Macchiato to Nestea Peach Iced Tea and Chococino – the selection is to swoon over. Above all other little things I might change if I could, the varieties is what keeps me coming back to this machine. Did I mention that I appreciate the hot or cold water choices?

I got the Circolo model in the Nescafé Dolce Gusto family – as you can see the cool and sleek circular design. I got the titanium color, yet this model also comes in red and white. The feel of the lever right down to the bulk of the machine – it’s sturdy and solid. Quality was no spared when this machine was designed! As well, I have to admit, I crush on the look of this machine, especially with the back light glowing against the water reservoir. Goes to show that coffee is indeed hot stuff!

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Circolo retails for about $150 CAD. The capsules cost $8.99 for 16 of the regular coffees and for 8 of the coffee-house specialties. So it’s more expensive that brewing that pot of coffee {the old fashioned way, ha!} at home. Yet, the convenience of single-serve brewers also comes with less waste since you make one cup versus a bunch that might be tossed after its cold. And, if you frequent coffee shops often, you really save money by making your own cup at home versus the price in the shops. Nescafe machines and capsules can be purchased at stores such as Best Buy, Future Shop, The Bay, Sears, or Walmart, as well as the Nescafe Dolce Gusto online store.