If you're honestly looking at this model then it's definitely for the design and touch controls. I used to own a Genio 2 and was very happy with it. However, when it broke down and I was looking to upgrade it, I wanted something new.
This machine does have some quirks and is far from perfect, so make an informed choice before buying it.
1) The XL function only works with XL pods. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can make an XL cup of coffee with your regular pods. You'll need to purchase special XL pods for that, and those aren't available in the UAE.
2) Range of flavors. The dolce gusto range has a few third party pod sellers. However in the UAE, you won't have access to all of them. Other than Nescafe's own line of pods, you'll find Starbucks in the supermarket. You'll find some brands you haven't heard of before selling dolce gusto pods. Reviews for those products are hard to come by and you will have to experiment with different pods before you decide what you like.
3) Starbucks is overrated. If you think you're going to get the same cup of coffee at home that you get in Starbucks then think again. Unlike Nescafe, Starbucks doesn't lace their coffee with sweetener, so you'll have to use your own after the machine does its thing. Compared to Nescafe that does it all for you it's a minor inconvenience.
4) Get Nespresso if you're a coffee enthusiast. The Nespresso line is more for serious coffee drinkers. It's less about blends and flavors and focuses more on single origin coffee and a better coffee drinking experience for you. There are more Nespresso pods available in the UAE (Lor, Illy, Starbucks, Davidoff and Nescafe's own line). And before you think about it, no these pods are not compatible with dolce gusto machines.
5) Dolce Gusto is more versatile. You'll get tea pods, hot chocolate, Mars, Twix, Maltesers, even Dunkin' Donuts makes pods for Dolce Gusto. Just don't expect coffee from some of the confectioners. You can also do cold coffee and iced tea which Nespresso cannot handle.
6) The infinissima touch is a great machine, but watch out for a couple of things. You will have to press down a bit hard on the top lid when closing it and there's a pod inside. If the capsule holder is empty it's a smooth process. You'll get used it the more you use it. Similarly if your pod holder is stuck and you can't get it out, it's because of the locking mechanism. The lid needs to be raised fully before the pod holder unlocks. I wish this was mentioned clearly in the literature.
7) The touch controls are sensitive so make sure your hand is out of the way before flicking the switch to hot or cold. The switch is located at the top of the machine in the back and you could accidentally end up moving the water level up or down on the touch controls.
8) The water tank is easier to operate. In most machines you've got to detach the tank and open it and fill it up. Here it only has a lid which is easy to remove and fill up. You can leave the tank on the machine at all times. You might struggle the first time when fitting in the tank as there is no aural feedback (click or pop) to tell you if the tank has fitted in properly. I realized my machine wasn't making coffee because the tank wasn't fitted properly and the lid didn't close correctly. Make sure you get both of them done before starting out with the pods.
I think this is a great purchase, especially for the price (it's on discount right now for 359 AED). And it's got a great design that your guests are going to love.
I've invited enough friends over for coffee thanks to this machine and it has given me a good reason to catch up. If you're starting out with these kind of machines then the Infinissima touch is a very good introduction to this line.
| Brand | NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO |
|---|---|
| Model Number | EDG268.W |
| Color | White |
| Product Dimensions | 28 x 15.5 x 37.3 cm; 3.5 kg |
| Capacity | 1.2 Liters |
| Power / Wattage | 1460 watts |
| Material | Plastic |
| Special Features | Manual |
| Item Weight | 3.5 Kilograms |
