Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Coffee Machine review

If you enjoy a shot (or two) of coffee then our Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Coffee Machine review is well worth a read.

We’ve been testing this coffee maker for a couple of months and, so far, so good. Not to give too much away at this stage but the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus catered for our varying taste buds and demands throughout the (reasonably) warm summer. And aside from the choice of drinks, I do also appreciate an appliance that looks good, excels in its performance and is easy to maintain which are just some of the factors which I have captured in the review of this coffee machine.

Keep scrolling to read the full review to see if it is the coffee machine you’ve been waiting for, but if you want to see more great options check out our best coffee machines guide for more top coffee makers, at the best prices. 

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Coffee Machine specifications

• Coffee type: pod 
• Pressure: 15 bar (max)
• Tank capacity: 0.8 L
• Cups: 1
• Dimensions: H27.3 x W12.1 x D27.6cm 
• Weight: 2.6kg 

Who will the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Coffee Machine suit? 

This coffee maker would suit anyone who is on the go (with a cup or mug in hand), and likes a variety of drinks to choose from, plus have a small space to work with. 

How easy is the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus Coffee Machine to use? 

Very. Set up (once everything was unpacked) was just a few steps; fill the water tank, slot it into position, insert a pod and pop a mug under the drip feed. And preparing for the first drink was just as easy. This is really just a couple of rinse throughs with water from the tank which can be thrown away down the sink – just be careful of any hot water splash backs! You’re then ready to start brewing.

Depending on the pod you opt for – there are more than 50 hot and cold coffees, teas and Nesquik hot chocolates to choose from – it may require either one or two runs with water to get the best results. The instructions for these can be found on the side of the pod packaging which are demonstrated with diagrams. These instructions do vary depending on the brand and I did find that it took a few attempts to understand what they meant but, nonetheless, the pod will slip in and click in easily under the front hood of the machine. The brewing time can be adjusted by rotating the dial. And the temperature, Espresso Boost, mug size and ‘on’ can be controlled by the buttons on the hood.

Cleaning and maintenance

There’s not much to cleaning and maintaining this coffee machine, either. The drop tray water tank and pod holder can all be rinsed under the tap (not dishwasher safe). And the main unit can just be wiped free of any dust or grim.

After a couple of heavy months, or so, of use the automatic descaling alert will light up on the hood. To do this some descaling solution will need to be bought for £5.80 (for 2 bottles) at Dolce Gusto and instructions will need to be followed. Preventing and treating lime scale means will keep your drinks tasty and your machine healthy, do it’s important to descale when you need to.

Anything else?

The pods to be used with the machine are easy to install, yep, but removing them will need to be done with caution because they can be mega HOT straight after use. When removed, they can’t be recycled with your household waste which is a real shame (in my opinion). They can, however, be recycled if returned back to Dolce Gusto who will upcycle and make something from them.

The verdict

If you want a variety of hot, and cold, drinks in your life then this coffee machine should be a top choice. It’s really easy to use and maintain, and it doesn’t take up much space on the counter-top either. So if you like the look and feel, and can see past the single-use of pods, then this machine is one which will make your perfect brew throughout the day and make it taste delicious. 

More coffee machine reviews:

• Prefer a filter coffee? Read our Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine review
• Or a fan of espressos? Read our Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus coffee machine review
• Best coffee machine sales: more deals on pod, bean-to-cup and filter coffee machines