Super efficient coffee machine (Krups Dolce Gusto KP200040)

Member Name: dooeyyooey

Product:	Krups Dolce Gusto KP200040
Date:	18/05/09 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superquick, clean and easy to use

Disadvantages: Drinks' flavour possibly not to everyone's taste

We have had this machine for almost a year now, and are very happy with it.

We bought it after being given a demonstration at a department store.

In our household most of us are coffee afficcionados who drink several cups a day. We have another coffee machine with a bean grinder, but we liked the taste of the Krups Dolce Gusto drinks, and were so impressed with the efficiency of the machine that we decided to get one.

The Krups Dolce Gusto weighs 3 kilograms and is small, very compact with round shapes. The exact dimensions are 21.4cm(W) x 31.5cm(H) x 33cm(D).

It probably wouldn't look out of place in The Jetsons' kitchen, as it has a certain futuristic look about it.

We got the black-silver one, but there were also red-silver and white-silver models on sale.

It came with a latte glass and an espresso cup and saucer.

Once unpacked, all there is to do is rinse the water tank (which is removable) attach the drip tray, and plug the machine (the power cord is 1.5m long).

There is an on/off switch, and a lever that dispenses water with two settings: hot and cold.

The drinks are made using small Nescafé capsules of roasted ground coffee, chocolate and dried milk powder that come in boxes of 16 capsules (that's 8 coffee/chocolate and 8 dried milk for the latte, chococino and capuccino).

We use espresso, decaffeinated, cappuccino, latte and chococino (hot chocolate).

The water tank, being removable, is easy to fill, and has a 1.3 litre capacity.
The water usually takes about 35 seconds to heat up, if you are switching the machine on, or only about 20 seconds if it's already switched on.

To prepare a drink one must first put a capsule in the holder, (which pierces the capsule), then fit the holder in the machine. Then place a cup on the drip tray (which is adjustable for any height of glass or cup) and slide the lever to dispense the desired quantity of water. The water passes through the capsule into the cup and the drink is ready.

The drinks are beautiful and the milk comes out all frothy, due to the professional-level 14-bar pressure.

Making an espresso only takes one capsule, but the latte, capuccino and chococcino come with milk powder capsules, and you are supposed to use a milk powder capsule first and then a latte/cappucino/chococino capsule.

You then remove the holder and discard the empty capsule (a little container is provided to hold the used capsules).

It is extremely easy and simple to use, and nothing ever gets dirty except the drip tray when its doing its job: catching drops.

I really want to give this product 5 stars, as it truly is an excellent machine. I simply cannot fault it.

However, as its use is indissoluble from the use of the Nescafé capsules, I will give it 4 stars, as this is a potential negative.

Because there is no point in having a brilliant piece of equipment if you don't enjoy the only type of products it can produce.

So what about the Nescafé capsules?
I like them, and so has everyone who has tried the drinks. As instant coffee goes, it's pretty good.
Those who don't drink coffee have tried the hot chocolate and liked it.

Still, I do think the latte, capuccino and chocolate are a little too sweet than would be ideal. And I don't use the milk powder capsules, just add fresh milk instead.

So in conclusion, I unreservedly recommend this coffee machine, provided that you have tried the drinks before and know for sure that you like their taste.

Krups Dolce Gusto coffee machines can be bought from several stores including Argos, John Lewis and Sainburys and usually cost between £79.99 and £89.99.
A box of capsules costs around £2.99 and can be found at the major supermarkets.

Summary: Brilliant, if you like the flavour of the drinks

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