We do not doubt that when it comes to coffee, we are in the age of capsules. It is an invention that coffee lovers have had to endure for some time, because the adaptation period until finding the system and the capsules that best suit your expectations has been challenging, but I have to admit that it can be done.
However, in a sea of products, there are two that stand out above all else, the Nespresso and the Dolce Gusto coffee makers, both systems for preparing coffee using capsules. Still, even though some people don’t know it, they have a lot of differences. We’re going to try to get you to know them all and choose a model.
Coffee is part of many people’s lives, to such an extent that it has become almost a dependency. For many, it begins at university and continues well beyond. Others are not a person until the first sip in the morning. Before, we had two options: either we went down to the bar on duty, or we opted for the coffee machines at home (soluble coffee, Italian coffee maker, etc.).
All this was like this until the capsule coffee makers arrived, we put the coffee of our choice in the slot, pressed the button, and in a matter of seconds, we had it ready to dress and drink. It was never as easy and quick to make coffee as it is now; however, it was never as complicated to know what we are drinking and why.
Variety of capsules and products
Here we find a clear winner; the Nescafé Dolce Gusto can provide us with a constant amount of different products, from chocolates to coffees of all tastes, from latte macchiato to a cappuccino. You can also make tea and even Nesquick with the Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee maker.
In the meantime, the Nespresso is a purely coffee product, even though we have been able to find Nespresso-compatible alternatives to tea on the supermarket shelves, which we have tested and guarantee work. The reality is that the Nespresso is precisely designed for espresso coffee alone, which is why it has more than 22 different espresso capsules, which are joined from time to time by limited units of a given coffee.
In terms of variety, the Dolce Gusto gives us a more skilful system with more capabilities; we remember that, with few exceptions, the Nespresso will make us espresso coffee and nothing else.
The price of the coffee machine also influences
Dolce Gusto coffee machines are generally cheaper, even though we will find all kinds of products on the market. By this, we mean that we will find a vast range of Dolce Gusto coffee machines. It will guarantee us a low-risk bet, especially since Dolce Gusto capsules are generally cheaper and there is more variety in the supermarkets than in the case of Nespresso.
Then we have the Nespresso coffee maker, we will hardly find units below the Dolce Gusto prices anywhere, and that is because these coffee makers are generally more elaborate in construction. We remember that the Nespresso makes espresso coffee, so we imagine the circuitry is different. However, Nespresso indeed offers a wider variety of high-level coffee machines in design and materials such as the Maestría or Lattisima, that is, the high-end public will have much more to choose from in the Nespresso range.
Differences in the coffee
The first difference is the preparation, while the Dolce Gusto offers mainly a instant coffee, in the Nespresso we are dealing with an espresso, the one that most maintains the characteristics of coffee and its nutritional qualities while it is made. In other words, the Nespresso coffee ends up offering a more extensive range of flavours and aromas, which is why generally the die-hard lovers of cut coffee or only choose this alternative, since the Nespresso coffee is undoubtedly of a superior quality (provided that we do not opt for white label capsules and plastic wrapping).
Meanwhile, those who only drink coffee for breakfast or as an aperitif find the possibilities of the Dolce Gusto even more attractive, since many of its capsules even include powdered milk, which offers a fast and effective system for preparing drinks that are difficult to match.
Which one suits me best?
In short, we’re clear about it. If you’re looking for the taste of authentic, quality coffee that’s hard to match in any coffee shop, you should opt for the Nespresso. However, if you’re not a coffee lover, but you do love this type of product, opting for the flexibility and versatility of a Dolce Gusto may be the best option for the future.
It is clear that both coffee makers are focused on two different types of public, now it is you, as a user, who must take into account the advantages and the target of the market.
Points in favor of the Nescafé Dolce Gusto:
- The coffee machines are more economical.
- It produces a lot of coffee thanks to its Play&Select
- You can make other kinds of drinks, like chocolates and tea.
- The price of the capsules is lower.
- Wide variety of capsules of all types in many supermarkets
- Incessant amount of offers in capsules
Points in favor of the Nespresso:
- Maintains the original taste of quality espresso, challenging to match
- All units have capsule storage.
- You will find coffees of many different varieties and qualities for all coffee lovers.
- The design and quality of the coffee machines are usually more careful.
- Although there are also alternative brand teas, they are not available in all supermarkets.