Price drop from this deal: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/82301
Seems like a new range of machines from Nescafe (made by Delonghi) that uses milk pods so no need for a separate frother. See https://www.dolce-gusto.com.au/EN/Pages/home.aspx
Pods also on sale at Coles for $6.40 per pack of 8.
+1
What does coffee made using these quasi-expresso machines taste like? Score out of ten?
imfo nespresso taste much better. price doesn't lie :)
+1
But a lot more expensive.
The Nespresso is a straight-up espresso maker whilst these machines are more for lattes, cappucinos, mochas etc.
We tried one of these a few weeks ago. The drinks come out nice and hot, much hotter than the Aldi one. But ultimately the pods lack flavour, are too weak, coffee comes out with basically no crema. Most pod flavours come with those terrible Milk pods too ( so instead of 16 coffee pods, you are actually only getting 8 coffee and 8 milk pods) We Returned it later that week and bought a proper Nespresso machine instead. Way better in every way. You get what you pay for I guess.
These might be OK and the Aldi machine is also OK but I still consider a proper Nespresso machine and genuine Nespresso capsules the only way to go for capsule based coffee. IMO keep your eyes peeled for another special on the Citiz & Milk combo machine from Amazon because for only about $100 more than this thing I know you'll easily get $100 more value out of it! A Nespresso system is slightly more expensive but you get better quality hardware and again in my opinion far better quality coffee out of it to boot! I own two Nespressos at home and frequently use an Aldi machine at work and the difference is black & white.
I've read these Dolce Gusto pods actually contains instant coffee. I'm trying to find out if this machine can be used with reusable pods filled with ground coffee.
No, they contain 100% Roast and Ground Arabica Coffee. Ingredients are listed on the website
I tried the pods and actually really liked it but then I don't mind powdered milk.
i went to westfield carindale in brisbane and they had a few free sample stores set up around the shopping centre. my friend tried the espresso and i tried the latte because i wanted to see how the milk pods went.
the espresso tasted average and the latte was unfit for human consumption. i have a nespresso machine at home and at work i do drink instant coffee but this tasted worse than instant coffee, and the milk was made from milk solids and absolutely ruined the taste of the coffee. i took two sips and threw it away. urgh.
also, with the price of the coffee and milk pod ($1) it equates to roughly the price of a nespresso pod (~80c), and their machine costs similar to the new "U" machine the nespresso is introducing - to cater for those who can't afford high end nespresso machines. i would recommend buying a nespresso or if u can't afford - even the aldi brand (which they have at my work place and it tastes ok).
gl. hope that helps :)
If you get one of these I'd recommend using real milk as the milk pods are awful.