NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine Review: The Compact Powerhouse for Your Kitchen Counter?

There’s a familiar feeling that haunts the kitchens of coffee lovers everywhere. It’s that moment, bleary-eyed in the morning, when the desire for a rich, aromatic cappuccino or a bold, velvety espresso hits, but the reality is a jar of instant granules or a cumbersome, messy French press. For years, I found myself in this cycle. I craved the layered complexity of a coffee shop latte, but lacked the time, counter space, and frankly, the barista skills to operate a traditional espresso machine. The thought of grinding beans, tamping grounds, and steaming milk before my first meeting felt exhausting. This daily compromise between convenience and quality is a problem many of us face, leading to expensive daily trips to the local café or settling for a subpar brew at home. The real complication isn’t just the money spent; it’s missing out on that small, joyful ritual that kickstarts the day on a high note.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single Serve Coffee Machine

A Single Serve Machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your morning ritual and enjoying consistently great coffee with unparalleled ease. By using pre-portioned pods or capsules, these machines eliminate the guesswork and mess associated with traditional brewing methods. They offer speed, consistency, and an incredible variety of beverage options at the touch of a button. The main benefits are clear: you get a fresh cup every time, there’s virtually no clean-up, and you can switch from an Americano to a hot chocolate in seconds. For busy individuals, small households, or those living in spaces where a large, complex setup is impractical, they are a game-changer.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a time crunch, who values variety, and wants a straightforward, reliable coffee experience without a steep learning curve. This includes students in dorms, professionals working from home, couples with different beverage preferences, and anyone looking to downsize from a larger, more complicated machine. Conversely, this might not be the best fit for those who are passionate about the craft of manual espresso making, who want to dial in their own grind and extraction, or for large families who consume multiple pots of coffee throughout the day, where the cost-per-cup of pods could become a factor. For them, a high-quality bean-to-cup machine or a classic drip coffee maker might be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is paramount. Measure the intended space on your countertop, paying close attention to height, especially if you plan to place it under cabinets. A machine’s footprint can make or break its suitability for your kitchen. Consider not just the machine itself, but the space needed to access the water tank and operate it comfortably.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the water reservoir capacity. A smaller tank (like the 0.8L on many compact models) is fine for one or two people but may require frequent refilling in a busier household. Also, check the pump pressure, measured in bars; 15 bars is the industry standard for producing authentic espresso with a rich crema, so you don’t want to settle for less.
• Materials & Durability: Most pod machines are constructed primarily from plastic to keep them lightweight and affordable. However, look for a reputable manufacturer, like Delonghi in this case, which often indicates better build quality and internal components. A matte finish can be more forgiving with fingerprints than a glossy one, contributing to a cleaner look over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal of a pod machine is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls, clear instructions, and features like automatic shut-off. For long-term care, consider how easy it is to descale the machine and whether the brand offers a recycling program for used pods, like the Podback scheme, which adds a layer of sustainable convenience.

Keeping these factors in mind, the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Genio S Plus: First Impressions and Key Features

Upon opening the box, the first thing that struck us about the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine was its incredibly compact and sleek profile. In a world of bulky kitchen gadgets, its minimalist design and modest 11.2 cm width are a breath of fresh air. The matte black finish, expertly crafted by Delonghi, gives it a modern, premium feel that belies its affordable price point. It feels lightweight at just 2 kilograms, yet sits sturdily on the counter without feeling cheap. Setting it up was a breeze; it’s practically ready to go straight out of the box after a quick rinse of the 0.8-litre water tank. The intuitive control ring and LED display immediately signal that this isn’t just a basic pod machine; it offers a level of customisation we were excited to explore. Compared to older, more cumbersome Dolce Gusto models, the Genio S Plus is a clear evolution towards smarter, space-saving design without sacrificing the core features that make the system so popular.

A Barista in Your Kitchen? A Deep Dive into the Genio S Plus Performance

A coffee machine can look great on the counter, but its true worth is measured in the cup. Over several weeks of rigorous testing, we pushed the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine to its limits, exploring its features, tasting a wide array of beverages, and living with it day-to-day. We wanted to know: does this compact machine truly deliver a café-quality experience? The answer, we found, is a resounding yes, albeit with one significant caveat that every potential buyer must consider.

Effortless Operation & Unmatched Customisation

The defining feature of the Genio S Plus is the perfect marriage of simplicity and control. For anyone upgrading from an older, manual Dolce Gusto machine, the automatic volume selection is a revelation. As one user aptly put it, the frustration of walking away and accidentally overflowing your cup is gone forever. You simply pop in a pod, use the intuitive silver ring to select the water level recommended on the pod (or adjust it to your preference), and press the button. The machine dispenses the perfect amount and stops automatically.

But it goes much further than that. This machine offers two standout features that elevate it above its rivals. First is the temperature control. With a few simple button presses, you can cycle through four settings, from warm to very hot. This is a brilliant addition, catering to those who like their coffee piping hot immediately and those who prefer to drink it right away without scalding their tongue. The second is the “Espresso Boost” function. By activating this before brewing, the machine pre-wets the coffee grounds in the pod, resulting in a more intense, concentrated, and aromatic espresso shot. We found it made a noticeable difference, creating a bolder base for drinks like Americanos and Cortados.

Furthermore, the XL function allows you to dispense an extra-large drink, perfect for filling up a travel mug before heading out the door. This level of control—over volume, temperature, and intensity—is typically reserved for more expensive machines. It empowers you to move beyond the pod’s recommendation and truly tailor every single drink to your personal taste, just as one happy user noted when they said, “you can vary this to your personal taste.” This customisation is the machine’s greatest strength.

The Heart of the Machine: 15-Bar Pressure and Beverage Quality

At the core of any good espresso-based drink is pressure. The NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine boasts a 15-bar high-pressure pump, the same standard found in professional café machines. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s the key to unlocking the full flavour and aroma from the coffee grounds and producing a thick, velvety crema. During our tests, every espresso-based drink, from a simple Cortado to a multi-layered Latte Macchiato, was topped with that signature layer of rich, golden-brown foam. The quality is immediately apparent.

We sampled a wide range of pods, and the results were consistently impressive. A user who previously drank only Alta Rica instant coffee commented that it now “tastes like water” in comparison, and we have to agree. The machine produces coffee of “coffee shop quality.” The aroma that fills the kitchen during brewing is delightful, a detail another user highlighted when describing how it converted them into a coffee machine fan. The sheer variety available is a massive draw. With over 40 official pods from NESCAFÉ and Starbucks, including cappuccinos, americanos, hot chocolates, and even iced teas, there is something for every taste and mood. We were also pleased to discover, as confirmed by another reviewer, that the machine works perfectly with compatible third-party pods like Borbone, and even with reusable adapters for your own ground coffee, offering unlimited flexibility and potential cost savings. If you value variety and quality in equal measure, this machine consistently delivers an exceptional beverage experience.

Design & Practicality: Living with the Genio S Plus

This is where our review becomes a tale of two halves. On one hand, the design is a triumph of space-saving engineering. For those of us with cluttered countertops or compact kitchens, its tiny footprint is a godsend. As one user exclaimed, “It is so compact that it does not take so much space in my kitchen! I can even bring it to my out of town trips.” The 0.8L water tank, while small, is easily detachable for refilling and is sufficient for about two or three standard drinks before needing a top-up, which is perfectly adequate for a small household.

However, this compact design introduces the machine’s single biggest flaw: the lack of vertical clearance. We quickly discovered that our standard-sized latte glasses and taller mugs simply do not fit under the spout, even with the adjustable drip tray at its lowest setting. The only solution is to remove the drip tray entirely, which then requires you to hold the cup or place it on a cloth, as the machine does drip after brewing. This is not just our observation; it is the most common complaint among users. “A standard 240 ml (15 cm) glass mug doesn’t fit,” one stated plainly. Another returned the machine for this exact reason. It is an unfortunate design oversight in an otherwise brilliant machine. Our advice is unequivocal: before you buy, measure your favourite mug. If it’s taller than about 14 cm, you will face this issue.

We also noted the vibration mentioned by one user. While not excessive, it was noticeable enough that a lightweight espresso cup could shift slightly during brewing. It’s wise to keep an eye on your cup. On the plus side, the machine heats up incredibly quickly, is easy to wipe down, and the eco-mode, which shuts the machine off after one minute of inactivity, is a fantastic energy-saving feature.

Beyond the Coffee: Sustainability and Maintenance

In today’s world, the environmental impact of a product is a crucial consideration. Pod-based coffee systems have often faced criticism for their waste. NESCAFÉ has addressed this head-on with the Podback program. As one user enthusiastically noted, “Dolce sends us pod recycling bag and we can send used pods for free of cost.” This free and easy-to-use recycling service is a significant benefit, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of pods without the environmental guilt. It’s a responsible approach that we highly commend.

Maintenance is another area where the Genio S Plus shines. The very nature of a pod system means the coffee grounds are contained within the capsule, so there’s no messy cleanup of filters or portafilters. A simple wipe of the drip tray and pod holder is all that’s typically required. The machine also features an automatic descaling alert, taking the guesswork out of long-term care and ensuring the machine continues to function optimally. While a few users reported issues with milk pods occasionally leaking from the sides, this was not something we experienced in our extensive testing, but it’s worth noting as a potential, albeit rare, issue that can cause a bit of mess.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we delved into the broader user feedback to see how our experience compared. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many users celebrating the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine as a fantastic upgrade or their first perfect foray into pod coffee. One new user was “truly happy and satisfied,” praising its compact size, quick heat-up time, and the wide variety of pods. Another user, who received it as a gift, said they “absolutely love it” and praised the quality of the hot coffee it produces.

However, the praise is consistently tempered by the same critical design flaw we identified. Numerous users expressed frustration with the lack of space for their cups. “I thought we would upgrade… but as you can see the cups don’t fit,” one disappointed customer wrote alongside a photo. Another kept the machine but admitted it was “a little too small,” specifically because their “latte glasses only fit if I remove the drip tray.” This feedback is crucial because it highlights that while the machine’s performance is excellent, its physical limitations are a real and recurring problem for many.

How Does the Genio S Plus Compare? Top Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine to three popular alternatives in the market.

1. NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Automatic Coffee Machine

This is the direct sibling to the model we reviewed, with the primary difference being the colour—this one comes in a stylish Taupe. Functionally, the Genio S and Genio S Plus are nearly identical, sharing the same compact footprint, 15-bar pressure system, and automatic operation. The “Plus” model we reviewed adds the dedicated temperature control and Espresso Boost features. If you love the Genio design but don’t need the extra layer of customisation and prefer a different aesthetic, the standard Genio S in Taupe is an excellent, slightly more budget-friendly choice that delivers the same core coffee quality.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Next Automatic Coffee Machine

The Nespresso Vertuo Next represents a different coffee ecosystem. While Dolce Gusto is an all-rounder excelling at milky drinks and variety, the Vertuo system is designed for coffee purists who love different brew sizes, from a single espresso to a large Alto. It uses a unique “Centrifusion” technology that spins the capsule to extract flavour, producing an exceptionally generous and stable crema. However, it’s limited to Nespresso’s proprietary Vertuo pods, which can be more expensive and less widely available than Dolce Gusto compatible pods. This is the better choice for someone who primarily drinks black coffee in various sizes and values Nespresso’s specific coffee profiles.

3. KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 Coffee Machine

If counter space is your absolute number one priority, the Essenza Mini is the champion of compactness. As part of the Nespresso Original line, it focuses on one thing: making excellent espresso and lungo shots with its powerful 19-bar pump. It is incredibly simple, with just two programmable buttons. It lacks the versatility of the Genio S Plus—there are no official milk, chocolate, or cold brew pods in the Original line ecosystem. This machine is the ideal choice for the espresso minimalist who wants the smallest possible machine to deliver a high-quality, straightforward coffee shot without any extra frills.

The Final Verdict: Is the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Right for You?

After extensive use and careful consideration, we can confidently say that the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine is a phenomenal piece of engineering for a specific type of user. If you crave variety, value the ability to customise your drink’s temperature and strength, and are working with limited kitchen space, this machine is an absolute winner. It punches well above its weight, delivering genuine café-quality beverages with a rich crema and fantastic flavour, thanks to its 15-bar pressure system. The sheer breadth of available drinks, from Starbucks Lattes to kids’ hot chocolates, makes it a wonderfully versatile hub for the whole family.

However, it comes with one non-negotiable condition: you must be willing to live with its compact dimensions. The limited clearance for taller mugs is a significant drawback that cannot be overlooked. If your daily driver is a large latte glass or a tall travel mug, you will find this machine frustrating. But if you primarily use standard coffee mugs and espresso cups, and the promise of a perfectly customised, delicious, and effortless coffee experience appeals to you, then the Genio S Plus is one of the best and most feature-rich compact pod machines you can buy.

If you’ve decided the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Plus Automatic Coffee Machine is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.