Nescafe Dolce Gusto vs Nespresso (2021): Comparing the Genio 2 and Inissia Single-Serve Pod Machines

Between Nescafe Dolce Gusto and Nespresso, there are a lot of similarities. For one thing, they both use pods, and they’re both under the Nestle umbrella. However, there are a few factors that make them distinct from each other, including capsule variety and general features.

In this comparison, we put the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 up against Nespresso Inissia by De’Longhi. These are similarly priced single-serve pod machines with differing capabilities, which highlight what each brand has to offer.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto vs Nespresso Comparison Chart

Ease of Use

Nescafe Dolce Gusto and Nespresso pod machines are easy to use and easy to clean.

Both machines are compact enough to fit just about anywhere in your kitchen, and they’re light enough to move around each time you have a change of heart about their placement. However, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 is shorter in height, making it easier to find a spot for it below cupboards, for instance.

Now the Genio 2 also has a larger water reservoir of 45 oz. and makes up to 10 cups per full tank. Meanwhile, the Nespresso Inissia only has a 24 oz. capacity and brews up to 9 cups before you have to refill it with water. That isn’t surprising since the former is designed for different kinds of beverages, and the latter is mainly for espresso.

With Nescafe Dolce Gusto, cappuccino, latte, americano, and more are easy to prepare. In the Genio 2’s case, it’s just a flip of a switch away. That’s because it makes things simple with a toggle lever that’s used to adjust volume and choose whether to brew hot or cold. But on one hand, the Inissia does it one better by using only two buttons: one for espresso and another for lungo. On the other hand, it’s limited to only two cup sizes. It also doesn’t have a cold brew option, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t be used for iced beverages (more on that in a bit).

As pod coffee machines, it’s a breeze to clean them up. For starters, you don’t have to discard used ground coffee. The occasional descaling will also go a long way in maintaining them.

Brewing and Capsules

Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods have macchiato, cappuccino, and more variants, but Nespresso capsules have a larger selection.

One advantage the Nespresso Inissia has is its 19 bars of pressure, which is made possible with its aluminum capsules. In contrast, the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 only has 15 bars of pressure, owing to its capsules being made from plastic. Both use recyclable materials, for the record.

Nespresso and Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods come in varieties for hot and cold drinks, as well as decaf. However, the former has a wider range of options, but since the Inissia is from the OriginalLine as opposed to the VertuoLine, its pods are only for making espresso.

It should be noted that Nespresso capsules made for iced coffee are brewed hot and ice cubes are added later. The same goes for variants blended for milk, where you pour in your preferred kind of milk after brewing. If nothing else, this leaves you more room to adjust the flavor according to your taste. 

While the Genio 2 can prepare flat white or frothy drinks depending on the pod used, the Inissia can’t—alone, that is. Nespresso has a milk frother called Aeroccino, which is available separately or as an add-on with select models like the Inissia. 

Click here for our Nespresso Vertuo Next vs Plus comparison.

Other Features

Neither the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 nor the Nespresso Inissia stands out in the features department.

Both pod coffee makers have an auto-shutoff feature to conserve power. The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 will turn off after five minutes, while the Nespresso Inissia after nine minutes. Speaking of, they have an input power of 1460W and 1200W, respectively.

One nifty feature the Inissia has is it’s ready to brew up to nine cups in only 25 seconds. Moreover, Nespresso usually throws in a welcome kit that comprises 16 capsules with its machines. That way, you can get started right from the get-go. The Genio 2 isn’t bundled with capsules, and it’s worth knowing especially for first-time users of pod machines.

Verdict

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 might be more convenient to use, but the flavor the Nespresso Inissia can produce is hard to beat.

Our pick is the Nespresso Inissia here. It has 19 bars of pressure and a ton of flavors to make a great-tasting, barista-style drink. Sure, it doesn’t have a milk frother or a cold brew option, but it can be quickly remedied by the Aeroccino or ice cubes. 

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio 2 isn’t without its charm, though. In comparison, it may fall a bit short in flavor, but it makes up for it with its ease of use. After all, it’s simpler to make all sorts of beverages with it, which stays true to its nature as a single-serve pod coffee machine.

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