Nescafe Dolce Gusto

When I get on the computer first thing in the morning very often, I like to have a cup of coffee for that extra boost. Many times I will make a full pot of coffee only to throw half of it away. But, with products like the Nescafe Dolce Gusto single-cup machines, there is no waste.

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto has several single-cup coffee makers, and I go to try out their youngest member, the Piccolo. This small but powerful machine makes coffee just like the chic coffee shops that you swing by to pick up a latte’, but for a lot less money and in the comfort of your home. This darling little penguin and is one of the simplest coffee machines I’ve used. Unlike other single-cup coffee machines, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo is manually operated and far less complicated. There are no sensors, code scanners or automatic volume measuring.

The Piccolo is a sleek space-age ultra modern-looking machine that takes up very little room on your counter. It has a 15-bar system that promises maximum coffee flavor, aroma, and frothy cappuccinos and lattes. Its water reservoir is removable and holds 20 oz (0.6L) of water. It will make hot or cold beverages, tea or coffee and you can combine two different capsules to make a specific blend. They carry a variety of hot and cold beverage capsules, and it only takes one minute to make a perfect temperature brew. It has a height-adjustable and removable drip tray making use of and cleaning up in a snap.

To use you follow these simple steps:  fill the reservoir with water, plug it in, push the power button, wait till it stops flashing, adjust the drip tray to the height of your cup, put your mug in place, lift the locking handle and place a coffee capsule in the capsule holder, lock the handle down, slide the lever to the right for hot or left for cold and when your cup is full return the lever to the neutral position. That’s it. No fuss, no mess.

The capsules can be purchased in any supermarket or department store. They come in boxes of 16 and cost around $8. This is a great value considering you will pay $3 and up for a cappuccino or latte at the coffee houses.

It has an energy-saving automated shut-off function that turns off the machine after 5 minutes if it’s not in use. This can be disabled if you wish. Descaling is recommended every 3-4 months of mineral build-up.

I love the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo for its looks; functionality and its simplicity. A few of our friends have requested one for Christmas. What a perfect Christmas present it would make.

I was given a product for review only. The opinions expressed here are my own yours may differ.