Capsule coffee machines are a quick and easy way to make coffee at home, but you're usually limited to a specific brand of capsule, each of which has its own pros and cons.
Tassimo and Dolce Gusto are well-known brands, but there are other options to consider including Dualit, Illy and Lavazza.
Below we give an overview of capsule coffee makers using the Tassimo and Dolce Gusto capsule brands and talk about their main characteristics.
Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio
The coffee machine has an attractive, unusual design. Designed for capsules of the Nescafe Dolce Gusto series. There are 20 varieties of capsules available. Possibility of brewing both hot and cold types of coffee.
Removable water container holds 1 liter of water. This volume is enough for a small, average family. The amount of hot water is regulated. You can also change the height of the stand under the cup.
The function of switching to economy mode after one minute of inactivity is a nice bonus.
The coffee machine has a minimalist design and brews a large selection of drinks.
Controls: lever and selector. The lever selects cold and hot water, and the selector determines the required amount of water.
Characteristics:
- Capsule type coffee machine;
- Case material: plastic;
- Pressure - 15 bar;
- Dimensions - 37 x 18 x 22 cm;
- Removable drip system;
- Auto power off.
pros
- Originality of design;
- Taste of the drink;
- Convenient to use;
- Extra large serving size;
- The kit includes a rinsing funnel and a cleaning needle;
- The water container holds a large volume of water;
- Affordability (RUB 6,741);
- Determination of serving quantity;
- warming up the cup.
Minuses
- Noise;
- Limited functionality;
- The water supply may not work;
- Sensitive to hard water.
Bosch Tassimo SUNY TAS 3202 /3203 /3204 /3205
The operation of the coffee machine begins by pressing the “Start” button. The barcode on the capsule determines the type of coffee and the recipe. Thanks to this, the coffee maker measures the required portion of water.
The removable cup tray is easily height adjustable and washable.
The device is washed with special capsules. Indicators let you know about descaling, water level and coffee readiness.
The device is intended only for Tassimo capsules, which affects the range. Brew coffee with foam.
Easy to use and silent coffee machine. One advantage is the built-in water filter.
Characteristics:
- The volume of the water tank is 0.8 liters;
- The created pressure is 3.3 bar;
- Material: plastic;
- Case dimensions - 17 x 25 x 30 cm;
- Controls the strength of coffee;
- Monitoring the need for cleaning and self-cleaning from scale;
- Indication of the presence and level of water;
- Price — 5,387 rub.
pros
- Automatic drink preparation;
- Integrated water filter;
- Large selection of options;
- Originality of design;
- Big button;
- Automatic dosing;
- Removable stand;
- Affordable price.
Minuses
- The assortment of coffee is not wide;
- Fragile plastic parts;
- Leakage under the bottom of the device;
- The scanner requires regular cleaning.
Bosch Tassimo capsule coffee maker: model range
Bosch Tassimo capsule coffee makers are available in several models:
- "MY WAY";
- "SUNY";
- "HAPPY";
- "VIVY 2".
The entire model range is presented at a winning price, which starts from 2490 rubles. (for “VIVY 2”) and ends at 5,790 rubles. (“MY WAY”). It’s worth noting right away that in addition to the design and possible color palette (each model is available in several colors), the more expensive models differ only in:
- water tank (it is larger in volume);
- the presence of a built-in filter (if you use purchased bottled water, then this filter makes no sense).
Coffee machines from the Bosch Tassimo line, in addition to reasonable prices and modern design, have other advantages that set them apart from their competitors:
- the ability to prepare a wide variety of drinks, from tea to various types of coffee;
- full automation of beverage preparation;
- clear, convenient and modern control panel;
- relatively inexpensive T-discs (capsules);
- The capsules are more voluminous (9 g of filler), which provides a rich taste.
One of the disadvantages of Bosch Tassimo capsule machines is the need to constantly wipe the barcode scanner. This is due to the fact that the operating principle of the coffee maker is based on reading the drink preparation parameters from the T-disk.
Krups Piccolo Nescafe Dolce Gusto
This is a small, easy-to-clean, capsule-type coffee maker with an original design. Budget and multifunctional device.
Prepares 25 types of hot and cold coffee. Thermoblock technology takes 40-50 seconds to cook one serving.
Has an automatic shut-off feature to save energy. Once every 4 months you need to descale the coffee maker.
Compact dimensions help the device fit into any kitchen. The big minus is the high price of the capsules. A Dolce Gusto set (8 servings) costs 350 rubles.
The body is made of durable plastic. The transparent water tank with a volume of 600 ml is enough for 2 to 5 cups of coffee. To refill, you need to lift the flap, remove it and insert the capsule into the tray.
Mechanical control. The power button is located on the side of the case. The height of the cup tray is adjustable, which protects against splashing drops.
The device is protected from being turned on without a capsule.
A worthy alternative to an expensive and bulky coffee machine. With the help of a coffee maker you can brew excellent espresso and lungo, which are brewed under a pressure of 15 bar.
This coffee maker does not contain a water level selector. This makes it possible to pass any volume of water through the capsule, measuring the amount by eye. You can purchase branded Dolce Gusto coffee cups for the device.
Characteristics:
- Type - capsule;
- Auto shutdown;
- Case material – plastic;
- Price: RUB 4,690;
- Prepares espresso and cappuccino;
- Water tank - 0.6 l;
- Pressure - 15 bar;
- size - 21 x 38 x 27 cm;
- removable drip catcher.
pros
- Ease and convenience to use;
- Tasty coffee;
- Build quality;
- Compact;
- Auto power-on protection;
- Auto shutdown;
- Adding cold water;
- Budget capsules;
- Easy to clean and maintain;
- Low cost;
- Power is high at 1.5 kW;
- Energy saving;
- Speed of preparation;
- Stand height adjustment.
Minuses
- High cost of dairy drinks;
- Noisy operation;
- Sensitive to hard water;
- Expensiveness of capsules;
- There is no auto-dosing;
- Small volume water tank.
Advantages of Tassimo coffee machines
- Quality of drinks.
- Affordable prices for coffee machines.
- High build quality.
- Ergonomics, original design and compactness.
- The coffee maker creates a low noise level when cooking.
- High speed of preparation of drinks.
- Tassimo coffee machines are so easy to use (insert capsule and press button) that you may not even need instructions.
- Availability of a self-cleaning program - instructions for each Tassimo model are accessible, describe in detail and with illustrations the descaling process.
- Automatic shutdown and, as a result, energy saving.
- Heating exactly the amount of water needed to prepare a specific drink. This improves energy efficiency, as the instructions say.
Bosch TAS 1251/1252//1253/1254/1255/1256/1257 Tassimo Vivy
The most affordable coffee machine on the market. Compact dimensions: width 17 cm. However, the water tank is designed for 700 ml.
Works with Tassimo capsules. The device is equipped with a barcode scanner that follows the brewing recipe. In total, the device’s memory is programmed to prepare 11 varieties of coffee, chocolate drink and tea. However, the range of branded capsules is not too wide.
Cooking speed: 30 seconds. Self-cleaning program integrated. There is also an automatic shutdown function.
The machine reads information about the coffee preparation parameters from the capsule barcode.
The case is available in red, white and black.
An excellent coffee machine for those who want to try capsule coffee, but are not yet ready to fork out for an expensive device.
- Price: RUB 3,868
- Pressure 3.3 bar
- Capsule type – Tassimo
- Mechanical control.
pros
- Cooking speed;
- Built-in cleaning function;
- Affordable price;
- Compact sizes.
Minuses
- Poor range of drinks;
- Smell of plastic when heated.
- Inexpensive capsule coffee machines for home.
Brand history
The Tassimo brand is owned by the international conglomerate of confectionery, food and beverages Mondelez International, known as Kraft Foods until 2012. The Tassimo system was first introduced in 2004 in France and today is also available in Andorra, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Portugal, the UK and the USA. The coffee machine was originally developed by Kraft Foods, manufactured at Saeco factories, and also distributed by Braun. In August 2008 it was announced that the new generation of Tassimo coffee machines would be produced by Bosh, and this is the case at the moment.
Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1701/1705/1708/KP173B Infinissima
Practical budget coffee machine. Designed for Dolce Gusto capsules. A wide variety of coffees can be brewed. The volume of coffee should be adjusted manually.
The coffee maker is equipped with a notification system when the descaling period is approaching. When such a need arises, the indicator light will turn yellow instead of green.
The compact model is made in a traditional brand design. The plastic body is easy to clean and does not get dirty. Control type: mechanical. The switches are located at the top of the device.
In terms of functions, the device is no worse than expensive models. Brews six types of coffee. The heating and brewing mode is silent. The coffee machine is designed for branded disposable capsules.
Characteristics:
- Preparation of espresso, cappuccino, lungo, ristretto, latte macchiato;
- The volume of the water vessel is 1.2 liters;
- The body is made of plastic;
- Dimensions - 15 x 37 x 28 cm;
- Pressure - 15 bar;
- Automatic shutdown;
- Collecting drops in a special tray;
- You can make iced coffee;
- Price — 5,740 rub.
pros
- Budget;
- Power 1.5 kW;
- Capacity 1.2 liters;
- Low price despite the functions;
- Quiet in operation.
Minuses
- Sticking manual control lever;
- There is no auto-dosing;
- Features are limited.
- Best price: quality ratio
Bosch TAS 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo
The most affordable option for capsule coffee machines. The most noticeable advantage is the intelligence of the coffee brewing system. Capable of reading information from the capsule barcode and selecting the coffee brewing mode accordingly. A person regulates the volume of incoming water and monitors the strength of the drink.
Miniature sizes. Auto shut-off, start indicator, water level indication, manual control. The coffee maker is equipped with a flow-through heater, which increases the speed of coffee preparation.
Despite the budget, it is comparable to expensive models. Capacious water tank. The removable stand under the cups makes it easy to use latte glasses.
The device has a modern design and comes in a wide range of colors: beige, white, black, red.
The model will prepare various types of coffee, as well as hot chocolate and tea.
Powerful motor - 1300 W;
Volume - 0.7 l;
Capsule type - Tassimo;
Characteristics:
- Water tank - 0.7 liters;
- Material: glossy plastic;
- dimensions - 25 x 17 x 31 cm;
- Pressure - 3.3 bar;
- Descaling system;
- Price — 4,730 rub.
pros
- Quality of manufacturing and assembly materials;
- Ease of management;
- Ease of maintenance;
- Nice design;
- Affordable price;
- Taste of the drink and thick foam;
- Cleaning indicator;
- Removable drip system;
- Compactness.
Minuses
- Limited set of functions;
- Reusable capsules will not work;
- Noise and vibration;
- Poor range of Tassimo capsules on the market;
- Coffee maker clogged, coffee spilling over the edge.
About the Tassimo system
The Tassimo system is a capsule coffee machine and a T-disc - a capsule with ground coffee, milk or tea.
The T-disk is equipped with a barcode, which contains all the information about the drink and the method of its preparation (amount and temperature of water, preparation time). The machine reads the code and, based on the data received, brews a drink: espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, tea and other drinks described in the instructions. This technology is called Tassimo Intellibrew. T-discs are produced by brands owned by Mondelez: Gevalia, Mastro Lorenzo, Maxwell House, Nabob, Jacobs, Carte Noire, Suchard, Twinings. Also in some countries, Tassimo has entered into partnerships with local, non-Mondelez companies that produce T-discs under their own brands.
Di Maestri Esperto
Coffee maker made in Italy, suitable for use in the office or at home for a large family. Has a stylish design. There are capsules of espresso, lungo, ristretto, americano, chocolate drink and tea. The device determines the dose of liquid independently.
Characteristics:
- Water container - 2 liters;
- Housing - metal and thermoplastic;
- Pressure - 15 bar;
- Dimensions – 22 x 33 x 29 cm;
- Auto cleaning;
- Pre-brewing function;
- Price — 15,990 rub.
pros
- High functionality;
- Reliable case;
- Volumetric vessel for water;
- Automatic capsule reset;
- Integrated water filter;
- Idle mode.
Minuses
- Capsules are rarely available for sale;
- Lack of cappuccino maker;
- No display provided.
Gretti TS-206
A simple pod coffee maker. The best device for coffee shops, cafes, establishments and catering organizations with an average flow of people. The water tank holds 5 liters. Made in a durable metal case. The heating element is a thermoblock.
Has a built-in water level indicator. There is also a power indicator and a cup heating function. A removable drip and condensation tray makes cleaning easy.
The device is not connected to the water pipeline, so the liquid is poured manually.
Equipped with a built-in auto shut-off when the amount of water in the tank is low. This is a semi-automatic device. The structure is made of metal with plastic elements.
- Type – pod;
- The body is made of metal;
- tank volume – 5 liters;
- Auto-cleaning is not provided.
pros
- Convenience;
- Large volume of coffee;
- Durable housing;
- Water quantity indicator;
- Warming cups.
Minuses
- Price – 28,120 rubles;
- There is no auto descaling function.
Bosch Tassimo coffee maker: instructions for use
It is very easy to prepare coffee, tea or cocoa using coffee makers from the Bosch Tassimo line, and also to wash the machine after use. The whole process will take no more than 5 minutes and consists of several simple manipulations.
How to use and clean the Bosch Tassimo capsule coffee machine
With the exception of some individual design and interface features of Bosch Tassimo coffee machines, the entire model range has approximately the same functionality, mechanism and procedure for preparing drinks.
- Fill the water tank to the max line and insert it into the machine.
- Plug the device into an outlet.
- Click on the "Mode Indicator" button.
- Place the mug on the coffee maker stand. The stand is adjustable depending on the volume of your glass. It can be moved up/down or removed altogether.
- Insert the capsule into the T-disc holder, which is located under the cap.
- Click on the "start" button. The drink will begin to pour into the mug.
- When cooking is complete, remove the T-disc from the holder.
IMPORTANT: When brewing drinks that use 2 capsules (coffee and milk), first insert the T-disc with milk.
Cleaning a Bosch coffee maker is also not difficult.
- Disconnect the device from electricity.
- Pull out the mug holder as well as the removable T-disc holders from under the lid of the coffee maker. Rinse them under running water or put them in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the coffee machine with a cloth, including the areas where removable elements were previously installed.
- Place the washed and dried elements in their places.
- Remove the water tank, rinse it under running water and fill it to the max.
- Insert the plug of the unit into the socket.
- Install the service T-disk (yellow capsule, which is located in the hole at the back of the device) into the T-disc holder.
- Place the mug on the holder.
- Close the lid and press “start”. When the cooking process is complete (the glass is filled with water), remove the service T-disc and put it back in place. Ready!
If you have any questions about preparing drinks in Bosch Tassimo or about cleaning the machine, you can watch a detailed video review about this from M.Video.
You can also find detailed operating instructions for each coffee maker model on the official Bosh website:
SUNY |
MY WAY |
HAPPY |
VIVY 2 |
Video instructions on how to insert a capsule into a Tassimo coffee machine
If you have any misunderstanding about how to insert a T-disc into a Bosch coffee maker, watch the video located in this section of the article. Using the example of preparing Latte macchiato, the author of the video explains in detail and shows how to do it.
Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Tassimo Happy
Attractive, bright, memorable, stylish design. Auto shut-off, power and water level indicator, automated control.
The device operates on capsules called T-discs.
The height of the stand can be changed, which makes it possible to use high serving utensils. Thanks to the drip catcher, the tabletop will be neatly clean.
- Powerful motor - 1400 W;
- Volume – 0.7 l;
- Capsules - Tassimo.
pros
- Coffee quality;
- Easy to operate;
- Compact parameters;
- Convenience of design;
- Beautiful design;
- Affordable price - 3,860 rubles.
Minuses
- The need to clean the tube;
- The body is covered with scratches.
Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus KP340810
The coffee machine with a power of 1600 W is suitable for home use.
A special feature of the device is the function of pre-wetting the raw materials. This well reveals the taste and aroma properties of coffee.
The controls are quite simple. Settings are changed using the display.
The XL function allows the use of tall mugs and thermoses. Once brewing is complete, the coffee maker switches off after one minute.
- Power - 1600 W;
- Volume – 0.8 l;
- Capsules – Dolce Gusto;
pros
- Assembly reliability;
- Ease of use;
- Compactness;
- Newfangled design.
Minuses
- Expensiveness of capsules;
- Latte preparation is not provided.
Krups KP 350B Dolce Gusto
Coffee machine with a convenient touch panel and a tray for used capsules. Works on Dolce Gusto capsules.
You can make many types of coffee using milk options.
Discharge pressure 15 bar. Has a hot water regulator. Customizable serving rack. Cleans easily and quickly.
Reservoir 0.8 liters. The capsule coffee machine is not very compact in size, its width is 25 cm. The anti-drip system is not good enough. After brewing, the coffee may take a few minutes to flow.
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Disadvantages of Tassimo coffee machines
- Not all coffee lovers are satisfied with the quality of the drinks. Some say that compared to Dolce Gusto, Tassimo capsules are inferior. But the taste and color...
- A meager assortment of capsules, although opinions differ here.
- No compatible capsules.
- The high cost of T-disks.
- The needle fastening system is not well thought out. If you insert the T-disc carelessly, you can puncture the capsule in the process, and then the coffee will spill throughout the machine. To avoid this, you should look at what the instructions recommend.