Krups nescafe dolce gusto oblo review

Last updated Nov 12, 2017

• Design
• Taste
• Price

The (poorly-named) Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups is capsule coffee machine that works with Nescafe pods. It has a unique design and simple functionality which make it one of the best coffee machines for a first-time buyer.

Price: £52.75

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Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups review: How to operate

Simplicity is at the heart of this machine, there is no milk steaming capability. However, Nescafe offers all-in-one pods like Skinny Cappucino. Meaning you cater to all tastes with this machine. And because it’s Nescafe pod compatible, buyers will have access to its full range of 30+ hot and cold drink options. See also: Nespresso Krups Prodigio review.

As with all coffee capsule machines, operating is as simple as inserting a pod into the Gusto Oblo and pushing the clip down. It doesn’t include any fancy functionalities or automation. You need to use a lever to determine how much water you want to run through the pod. This can be a bit baffling as there are no water measurements on the tank, yet the suggestions on pod-packaging is in millilitres – so you’ll need to trust your judgement. After a few practices, and a keen eye on the coffee level in your cup, it becomes second nature. Also, it means your coffees can be customised for those who prefer different strengths. See also: De’Longhi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Eclipse Touch review.

Cleaning the Gusto Oblo is equally simple, a consideration that is often an afterthought for the first-time buyer, but is very important. If you end up having to spend 10-15 minutes every day cleaning your machine, will you use it? Being a coffee capsule unit, the Gusto Oblo is a mess-free machine. Simply remove the used pod and add to your Nescafe pod recycling pile, and remove and rinse the drip tray under a tap.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Coffee Machine by Krups review: Design

The design of the Gusto Oblo is actually quite smart. Where many machines are tall and narrow, this unit is wide but thin, with 24.5 x 18 x 31.5 cm dimensions. This means it is can fit on, in and under most benches and it’s resulting small footprint means it takes up even less room. It also comes with vivid black, white, orange or red meaning it can act as a focal piece or blend into its surroundings. However, its small and sleek design does result in a smaller water supply of a 0.8L tank. It also means, unfortunately, there is no used-pod holder so you do have to remove each one after its use.

Something to note; don’t open the box expecting to pull out a heavy-duty, solid machine. This is a compact unit that feels sturdy yet plasticky. But considering the price and the quality coffee the Gusto Oblo produces, you can forgive its ‘cheap’ feel.

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If you’re a first-buyer looking for a coffee capsule machine, you’ll be pleased with a Gusto Oblo purchase. While a little fiddly being non-automatic, for its price, the quality coffee it brews and its sleek style make it a great first-starter.

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Not quite what you’re looking for? Take a look at the Smeg ecF01 review: The BEST looking coffee machine of 2017.

Dolce Gusto are in competition with Tassimo at the budget end of the coffee machine market with the capsules for both being widely available in all supermarkets so whichever one you decide to go for you won’t have any hassle getting the pod’s.

If you want a cheap coffee machine but you also want a brand name that you can trust then it’s worth knowing that Nescafe make the capsules that go into these machines.

Nescafe are themselves owned by Nestle who sell more coffee than anyone else in the world so you are in pretty good hands if you decide to go for one of these machines.

The first Dolce Gusto machines were launched in 2006 and they are going from strength to strength. Millions of these machines have been sold since proving that these machines.

This is the cheapest of all of the budget pod coffee machines that we have reviewed so if you want to try out a coffee machine for the first time or maybe give one as a gift to someone else then you can start here.

It’s a cheap coffee machine but does it make good coffee?

Overall Score 8.6/10

Design 8/10

For something so cheap it is very surprising that you get a product that looks so good. We have tested many products at double this price where no thought has gone into how it looks. In our opinion that’s important because it is going to be permanently on display in your kitchen.

When you look at it, it appears to resemble something that has been cut in half to reveal what is inside.

It’s been cleverly done with the two-tone colour effect of black and grey mixed in well together to create a modern-looking appliance that will only take up a very small area which is perfect for a smaller kitchen that doesn’t have much space

This is a compact machine measuring in at 31.5cm tall, 24.5cm deep and 18.0cm wide. Whatever worktop size you have, this will fit fine.

Functionality 9/10

If you are looking at a coffee machine that takes pods or capsules then the number one thing you will get is no hassle coffee.

You pay a bit more for the pods than you would if you were to grind your own coffee beans or use ground coffee but if you wouldn’t know where to start with that and have no intention of learning how to then a pod machine is the way forward.

You are definitely not going to need to take any lessons to learn how to use this coffee machine. It’s very straightforward to use.

Turn it on and wait for the power button to turn green which will take around 40 seconds whilst the machine is warming up.

The main thing to consider with a Dolce Gusto coffee machine is whether to go for Manual or Automatic.

With a manual machine, you will stop the flow of coffee when you are happy with the amount in your cup and with automatic the machine will do it for you.

This Oblo machine is manual. If you are looking for automatic then you may want to look at the Mini Me.

To make a coffee simply lift up the lever on the top and open the capsule drawer. Add a coffee pod of your choice and click the lid back down.

Place a cup or glass underneath and flick the lever on the top to the right to start pushing water through the capsule and coffee into your cup. When you are happy with the amount flick the lever back into the middle to stop.

The drip tray has three positions. Low, medium and high to suit depending on the size of cup you have. For espresso move it into the high position to avoid any coffee splashes and for tall glasses for Latte keep it in the low position.

At 0.8 litres the water tank is quite small but will still be fine for 4 drinks before needing to be refilled. This is no bad thing because you should keep the water as fresh as possible anyway.

Ease of use 10/10

This is pretty much the simplest coffee machine that we have tested.

You pop in a POD and move the lever to the right. 1 minute after turning it on you have a coffee. No mess either.

Incredibly, the speed and ease of use of this machine makes it quicker to make a coffee with this machine than it does a cup of instant as it will take a lot longer to boil the kettle than it will for this machine to heat up (40 seconds).

Quality of coffee 6/10

This is convenience taken to a whole new level but you do need to understand that the pods are not fresh coffee. They have been vacuum packed as soon as possible to retain freshness but it is not the same as freshly ground coffee like you get in the coffee shop on the high street.

Another thing to be aware of is that if you want a milk-based drink such as a cappuccino or a latte then you will need an extra milk pod which is of course powdered milk, not fresh milk. Nothing wrong with that but it’s not going to be the same as a coffee shop coffee.

These machines are incredibly popular and all of the different flavoured pods are available at all of the major supermarket chains so you can grab your favourite as part of the weekly shop and not need to worry about replenishing online when you run low.

What is the difference between Krups and Delonghi Dolce Gusto?

These machines are made by both Delonghi AND Krups - this particular one is made by Krups but there is absolutely no difference between them and the Delongi versions apart from, for example, I have a red and white one made by Delonghi, and my friend has a Krups one in the same colour.

Is Nescafe Dolce Gusto good coffee?

When it comes to budget-friendly coffee pod machines, Dolce Gusto comes out on top. Allowing you to get in the game for as little as £30, this value-focused line does exactly what it sets out to do – even if its range of coffees aren't as tasty or as diverse as those from the Nespresso family.

Is Dolce Gusto oblo automatic?

Introducing Oblo Simply slide in your chosen pod, and with one easy adjustment of the manual lever you can prepare the perfect beverage of your choice. The coffee machine's fast heat up system reaches the perfect temperature in 30 seconds so you don't need to wait to enjoy your coffee.

What size is the Dolce Gusto Oblo?

Oblo is 25cm (W) x 32cm (H) x 18cm (D). Stylishly designed coffee machine (25cm W x 32cm H x 18cm D) compatible with NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® pods.