Review on ☕ NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2: Espresso, Cappuccino, and Latte Pod Machine in Silver - Review, Features, and Buying Guide by Jeremy Reddick

ADVANTAGES - Does not take up much space - Easy to use machine - Easy to use capsules (follow the instructions on the top of the capsule) - It's fast ! You flip a switch and the coffee is instantly hot. Aside from the startup issue, I use it once a day with no issues (so far). I've been using it for about 9 months. I will let you know if I run into any problems. - This machine makes me drink less coffee because a small amount comes out. - Please note that regular coffee and espresso have strength levels and are either stronger or weaker. There is a number on the front of the box. I think it goes as high as 10 (although I've never seen a taste above 9). My favorite is Americano Veranda from Starbucks, it's level 6. A level 5 medium roast tastes watery and too weak for me, so I never add more water for that flavor. but not bad for those rare occasions when I want a second cup or when I just want a weak coffee some days.- If you have/buy a glass cup your coffee will actually look as delicious as the product photo! didn't work when I first bought it. We searched the internet for reasons and in our case it was related to the water tank/plumbing. I had to fill it with water and put it in place. Then lift it up. Then put it back. Then lift it up. Then put it back. We had to repeat this over and over again maybe 15-20 times (you may need to do more). Apparently the problem was air locks in the line and you had to manually force the water. Who knows. But eventually it started to work. After 9 months of use this was the only time I had to do this. But immediately 3 stars just for that first impression and lack of warnings. - Limited selection of pods. You cannot use K-Cups in this machine. You need to buy Dolce Gusto capsules. I found an obscure brand or two to use with this machine but they are just as expensive and one choked my car so I threw it away. - Pods are becoming less and less available. I don't know if this is related to the pandemic or something else, but a lot of flavors have been unavailable since I've had the car. And you won't find them offline - pods are ridiculously expensive. Almost the same price (often MORE) than one of the big chains. - Good coffee taste but not as aromatic as in big chains. As a result, I started buying more cream. Unflavored sweet cream cream works best (I personally like Fairlife Sweet Cream Creamer. Less sugar and no weird aftertaste). Use a SMALL coffee cup to avoid disappointment. Most of these pods don't give you the big cup of coffee that you might be used to. I had to measure them in a measuring cup because I was so shocked that my large cup was so small. It was about the cup. Regular coffee like medium roast (non-dairy) gives more. Some of these flavors require TWO capsules. Each will be a different color. But that also means that if you buy a pack of 16 capsules you're actually only getting 8 cups - The red cord is irritating to the eyes - I've only found one DECAF option. and it's double the price of other flavors! - Check the expiry date on the capsules. A fragrance expired just 2 months after purchase. All others expire within a year of purchase (range 2-11 months for mine - 4-6 months most). - AVOID GRANA CAFE capsules that claim to be compatible with Nescafe Dolce Gusto. Read reviews! They will damage your car! Mine was coughing and spitting and there didn't seem to be enough pressure for the capsule. I threw them away as reviewers noted that repeated use could damage your device. I decided to use them until my coffee supply ran out. Then she goes into the garage and I explore something new. After almost a year of using the machine, the problems with the pads are by far the biggest minus.