Great coffee for less than a dollar. Why a capsule machine is a top purchase for your home

There is still a lot of debate about what capsule devices are called. We will not be particularly original in this matter, since, like many sellers with many years of experience, we are of the opinion that everything that is declared by the manufacturer as a capsule machine is in fact a banal coffee maker.

These types of devices are considered the most automated and often have only one button - “like prepare me a delicious drink.” But it is precisely in their ingenious simplicity that a serious drawback lies, since it is associated with many limitations. After all, in such a device you can prepare only the type of drink that the manufacturer intended. And if you decide to improvise, you won’t succeed.

However, since stores call such capsule devices coffee machines, we will try not to be so categorical and simply consider in today’s review what the few manufacturers of these miracle devices offer to cook in them, what advantages and disadvantages they have. And finally, is the game worth the candle?

This is interesting: the first patent for a capsule-type device was received back in 1978. Therefore, the miracle machine became widespread abroad already in the early 80s. As for our mother Motherland, such coffee machines began to appear in our area quite recently. Their range is mainly represented by products from companies such as: Nespresso, Cremesso, Tassimo and DolceGusto. They are made according to the same type and have both their advantages and disadvantages.

Let's talk about trump cards

Modern capsule-type devices boast ease of control and lightning-fast dispensing of the finished drink. However, such devices require minimal cleaning and maintenance. Which, of course, is an advantage compared to classic coffee machines, which require descaling, removing coffee oils and cleaning all elements of the device.

The miniature nature of capsule devices also does not need to be relegated to the background. Especially the issue of dimensions is of great importance for residents of small Khrushchev-era apartments and studio apartments.

Now let's talk about the price. If you look at this issue superficially, then the low price of the device can easily be considered an advantage. But what happens if you dig deeper? You will be stuck with the constant use of coffee capsules all the time. And their price, calculated per serving of drink, is higher than most elite varieties of coffee. That is, the more you drink coffee (for example, if we are talking about a large family or an office filled with numerous employees), the more you will understand that the desire to save money has played a cruel joke on you.

Thus, we found out that cost is the “weakest link” of such devices.

When using capsule machines, you are completely deprived of variability in the choice of drink. That is, you will drink and treat your friends who are only familiar with the type of coffee that the device is programmed to produce.

But among the taste “diversity” you will not find drinks with a bad or unfinished taste. As a rule, the factory packaging and control system operates in almost trouble-free mode. In addition, some manufacturers supervise the entire process - starting with the cultivation of grains on plantations specially designated for these purposes.

Since we have found out the main disadvantages and advantages of capsule devices in general, it’s time to talk about individual brands that represent them on the domestic market.

Are Dolce Gusto capsules compatible with the Tassimo coffee machine?

The Dolce Gusto coffee maker is produced by the world-famous Nescafe brand. Almost all capsules produced by Nescafe are suitable for such a coffee machine. But it is better to purchase those that are labeled Dolce Gusto. The assortment does not include a variety of coffee varieties, but there is a wide range of options with milk, as well as cocoa and tea.

The Bosch Tassimo coffee maker is produced in the USA, and capsules for it are manufactured only by Kraft Foods; there are no interchangeable analogues. The answer to the question of whether Dolce Gusto capsules are suitable for a Tassimo coffee machine is unequivocal - no. Bosch can only work with varieties developed specifically for it. Products from Bosch are distinguished by a specific shape - a disk, which is why they can only work with coffee machines of the same name.

What is the difference between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto? Let's find out!

And although coffee from a capsule won’t surprise anyone abroad—capsule machines became quite widespread there back in the 1980s—for residents of Russia and the CIS countries, such coffee machines are still a novelty. On the Russian market, capsule coffee machines are represented mainly by four brands: Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Cremesso. In this article we will talk about the first two types, because... It is capsules for Nespresso and capsules for Dolce Gusto that you can buy in our store.

Are Tassimo capsules compatible with Nespresso coffee machines?

Nespresso capsules are not suitable for the Bosch Tassimo coffee machine, because... Tassimr capsules are distinguished by their original layout, designated as T-disk. The same applies to Nespresso products - they will not work with a Bosch coffee maker.

Experts recommend using only capsules of the same name with coffee machines. There are no interchangeable options in Bosch Tassimo and Nescafe Dolce Gusto, but for Nespresso you can look for analogues from other brands, for example, L'OR capsule coffee.

What is the difference between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto? Let's find out!

Dolce Gusto or Bosch Tassimo coffee maker: which is better?

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto system is an inexpensive analogue of the famous Nespresso. It offers about 25 different flavors for connoisseurs of hot drinks - 13 classic coffee, 7 with milk, 4 for cocoa and hot chocolate and 1 for milk tea. This device has a number of advantages:

a wide range of drinks for every taste;
affordable price;
the simplest machine supports the preparation of cappuccino, latte and other complex coffee compositions;
inexpensive capsules.

But there are also disadvantages:

low pressure, only 15 atmospheres;
not very high-quality assembly - users complain about frequent breakdowns;
the amount of coffee in capsules does not reach the standard - a serving of espresso contains only 6 g of ground beans;
some capsules contain instant coffee and a large number of flavorings;
dairy drinks are prepared from milk powder.

There is no clear answer to the question, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo, which is better. The American development, carried out jointly with Bosch, also has an affordable price. However, it features an innovative approach that attracts attention - the capsules are made in the form of a compressed disk, on the bottom of which the necessary information about the drink is printed in the form of a barcode. The machine reads it and prepares the desired coffee.

Other benefits include:

Each serving contains 9 grams of quality ground grains;
the machine allows you to prepare complex drinks with the addition of foamed milk;
The model range presents the most affordable, financially speaking, options.

But there are also disadvantages:

from 2021, powdered milk is used to prepare dairy drinks;
before putting the capsule into the tank, you need to wipe the barcode;
Some discs may contain ground coffee;
Dairy drinks are expensive, even though they are made from powdered raw materials.

Thus, Bosch Tassimo and Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee makers are almost identical in functionality and price class. It's difficult to say exactly which is better. The first option offers a richer taste due to an increased dose of ground coffee, while the second company provides more flavor shades.

Model selection

Nespresso capsule coffee machines are produced by two companies - Krups and DeLonghi. The model line includes more than 20 different models, half of which, in addition to espresso, can also prepare coffee-based milk drinks. The assortment usually includes 5-6 different colors that will fit well into any interior.

Dolce Gusto capsule machines are manufactured by Krups. There are not as many models as in the Nespresso line, only 5-6 pieces, but in a variety of colors and shades. They are distinguished by their bold modern design and simplicity of execution. For example, the new Drop model is shaped like a coffee drop.

As mentioned above, Nespresso is presented as a premium brand, and Dolce Gusto as more affordable. Typically, prices for Nespresso machines start at 10,000 rubles, but the company periodically holds promotions during which, by purchasing a certain number of capsules at a time, the machine itself can be purchased for 5,000 rubles. The cost of original capsules averages 40-50 rubles per capsule (read cup).

Dolce Gusto is a more mass and affordable brand. The price range for machines of this system is from 5,000 to 14,000 rubles. The capsules themselves cost an average of 23-26 rubles apiece.

Dolce Gusto or Nespresso coffee machine: which is better?

If we consider from the point of view of the manufacturer, then both options are of the same breed, since they are manufactured by the same concern. Nespresso is the founder of the entire line of coffee machines, as they began serial production of equipment back in 1986. Such devices are distinguished by premium design and good pressure characteristics (up to 19 bar).

The main disadvantage is the high cost of branded capsules and their limited distribution in branded stores. However, there are more affordable analogues from Krups and KitchenAid.

Classic espresso, as in the case of Dolce Gusto, will be questionable. The optimal dose is reduced to 5 grams, however, due to the use of high-quality raw materials, it turns out strong.

Among the main advantages of Nespresso:

large selection of flavors - up to 26 variations of classic black coffee;
interchangeable capsules can be used;
There are machines designed to work with ground coffee;
support reusable capsules.

Not without its drawbacks:

Only expensive models can prepare coffee with milk; in other cases, you will have to additionally purchase a cappuccino maker;
the line of flavors does not include hot chocolate and tea;
branded capsules are expensive compared to analogues.

Dolce Gusto wins at its price - these are more affordable models with an identical set of functions. However, low pressure and low strength of drinks, as well as an insufficient amount of ground coffee in capsules, make the taste less rich. Lovers of classic coffee with a pronounced aroma and flavor bouquet should pay attention to Nespresso.

What is the difference between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto

Nespresso is the world's first capsule system, originally from Switzerland, which dates back to the distant 70s of the last century. It remains the market leader today. Dolce Gusto is a younger French brand. Both systems were developed by Nestle and, although the developer company does not produce the machines themselves, capsules for both types of machines are produced by Nestle. Of course, the manufacturer presents the two brands differently on the market. So Nespresso is a more expensive brand in every sense, while Dolce Gusto is positioned as a more affordable system. In the case of Nespresso, the emphasis is on premiumness. This is reflected in the strict, expensive-looking packaging of the capsules, and in the appearance and build quality of the coffee machines themselves. Dolce Gusto is presented to the consumer as a more affordable and, one might even say, youth version of the system. These include more affordable capsules, the range of which encourages buyers to experiment, and a more daring design of the machines themselves. The advertising face of Nespresso is the old heartthrob George Clooney, and Dolce Gusto is advertised by the youth idol musician Will.i.am. Buying Nespresso or Dolce Gusto capsules in Moscow is not difficult, as are the machines themselves for making coffee from capsules. Let's look at the main differences that will directly affect your choice before purchasing.

Bosch Tassimo or Nespresso coffee maker: which is better?

It’s impossible to say for sure whether Tassimo or Nespresso is better. On the one hand, the Bosch coffee machine has a unique system for individual preparation of drinks - the device reads data from a barcode. The shape of the flattened disc allows you to prepare rich coffee even at low pressure levels. Bosch developers put the required amount of ground raw materials into capsules to prepare rich espresso.

Nespresso is a machine for those who appreciate classic black coffee; there are 26 variations in total. Coffee with milk can only be prepared in more expensive machines, or using a special cappuccino maker. At the same time, Nespresso positions itself as one that uses only the highest quality raw materials to prepare its capsules. Tassimo tablets cannot be replaced with anything, but you can easily find analogues for Nespresso.

Whether Tassimo or Nespresso is better, or whether it is better to pay attention to Dolce Gusto is an individual question. The buyer should think about what he expects from a coffee machine - rich taste, a variety of drinks, or classic black coffee with a balanced aromatic bouquet.

What is the difference between Nespresso and Dolce Gusto

Bottom line. Which system is better?

If we formally add up the number of advantages, then the Tassimo system will win. It will also be a leader if you approach the purchase primarily for reasons of economy. The most accessible cars and capsules are about her. But the lack of choice of flavors and the transition to powdered milk by 2021 could ruin everything. I can recommend this system, and in the most affordable version of the coffee machine, in only one case. You have already drunk coffee from under it and have decided that you are completely satisfied with the taste. Then an excellent option that fully reveals the advantages of the system - efficiency (among capsule machines) - Bosch Tassimo Vivy II.

Dolce Gusto , as for me, is an ambiguous system. Yes, it is inexpensive, but there are no problems with the choice of flavors described above. But quality. Powdered milk and a decent chance of a coffee machine failure - if you take a serious approach to coffee drinking, it would be a sin to advise this. Although there is one win-win area of application - getting to know the capsule approach to preparing this invigorating drink. If you are satisfied with everything, then you are ready to move on to the class leaders. If not, then the best models of capsule machines will not suit you. As such an option “for beginners,” I advise you to consider the Dolce Gusto Piccolo coffee machine.

And I would name the Nespresso and Cremesso systems as leaders in capsule technology. I propose to make a choice between them based on the availability of capsules. If you have the opportunity to get Delica capsules without any problems, then I advise you to opt for the Cremesso system. Still, the taste of her coffee is more precise, noble and best meets the expectations of the picky public. And the appearance... judge for yourself: Cremesso Compact Automatic. As of 2021, Cremesso in Russia can be said to no longer exist, alas.

If there is a shortage of Cremesso capsules in nearby stores (which is most likely the case), but in addition to Nespresso there are also various analogues, then feel free to take the “default system option”, for example, the Delonghi Nespresso EN80 coffee machine or the baby EN85. With the variety of capsules and the quality of the drink in the cup, you can't go wrong. As for the more expensive Nespresso coffee machines, functionally they will all be complete analogues of these two, the cheapest ones. The exception is models with an automatic cappuccino maker, there are several of them, but the most optimal, in my opinion, is Nespresso Lattissima.

The table below shows the best prices for coffee machines for each of the capsule systems described above. I update these special offers once or twice a week, finding the best options (more promotions here).

Model selection

Dolce Gusto is a more mass and affordable brand. The price range for machines of this system is from 5,000 to 14,000 rubles. The capsules themselves cost an average of 23-26 rubles apiece.