Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS 9781 review
Capsule type. Priced at $79.
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Recommended
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We recommend models which score 70% or more overall, so long as they also score well on other crucial factors including taste and milk frothing.
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CHOICE Expert Rating
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This overall score is made up of taste (60%), ease of use (20%), milk frothing ability (15%), and coffee temperature consistency over consecutive cups (5%).
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Brand satisfaction score (%)
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Brand satisfaction score is based on how satisfied 2724 surveyed members are with their coffee machines from a scale of excellent to terrible (survey conducted in 2019). Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand.
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Brand reliability score (%)
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Brand reliability scores are based on responses from more than 2700 coffee machine owners in 2019. We ask whether they have run into a problem with their appliance in the last 12 months. Scores are based on brand, not model. Not all brands have scores as we require a minimum of 50 responses per brand.
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Taste test score
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Three experts test the espressos in a 'blind' tasting, checking the colour and thickness of the crema (the tan-coloured foam on the top of an espresso), aroma, flavour, mouth-feel (for example, creaminess or wateriness) and aftertaste.
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Ease of use score
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How easy the machines are to use. We try the controls, fill the water tank and the bean hopper, adjust the grinder, make a coffee, and clean inside and out.
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Milk frothing score
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We experiment with each machine to find how it best froths milk, looking for fine, pourable froth. We use what the manufacturer recommends (a milk frother, milk-based capsule or coffee capsule extracted over milk).
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Coffee temperature consistency score
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We measure the consistency of four consecutive coffees for each machine after warming it up for five minutes.
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Measured heat-up time (min:s)
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Not scored, but will affect how quickly you can turn out a cup of coffee.
- Time taken to froth 200ml milk (min:s)
- Availability
- Tested model
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Price
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The manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are often flexible, so shop around both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores for options.
- $79
- Capsule type
- Nescafe Dolce Gusto
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Type of heating system
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Thermoblock heats up only a very small quantity of water on demand as it flows through the system. Boilers heat a larger amount of water and keep it heated fairly consistently. A dual boiler includes two boilers; one for making coffee and one for steaming. Heat exchanger models use a single boiler but are designed to produce coffee and steam at the same time.
- Not stated
- Water reservoir capacity (L)
- 0.8
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Pump pressure - stated (bar)
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The pressure the pump exerts when pushing hot water through the ground beans; measurement given in 'bar'. Some trial and error with the pressure and grind is required. A high bar does not necessarily mean a superior machine. We optimise the machines before giving them a taste test to give them their best chance.
- 15
- Warranty (yrs)
- 2
- Dimensions (cm, HxWxD)
- 28 x 14 x 25
- Weight (kg)
- 1.9
- Origin
- Indonesia
- Contents of packaging
- Espresso machine, instructions & guides
- Contact
- dolce-gusto.com.au
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Jug for milk frothing
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Whether the machine comes with a milk jug for frothing or not.
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Milk frothing
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Many espresso machines contain integrated milk frothers. Capsule machines usually have a separate milk frother and come with one as part of the package. We list the model we tested (and its RRP) if it doesn't come with a milk frother. Some capsule machines use milk-based capsules.
- Requires milk-based capsules
- Standby mode
- Yes
- Automatic power turn-off
- Yes
- Removable water reservoir
- Yes
- Water tank empty reminder
- No
- Hot water nozzle
- No
- Removable drip tray
- Yes
- Cup warming plate
- No
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Recycle scheme
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Some capsule manufacturers provide a recycling scheme.
- Cord storage
- No
- Programmable coffee quantity
- No
- Digital display
- No
- Espresso pressure or milk temperature gauge
- No
- Adjustable water temperature for coffee making
- No
- Adjustable steam pump rate
- No