What coffee machine? Dolce Gusto type - but not Dolce Gusto.

[Phooey]

We currently have a Dolce Gusto machine and only buy their Americano Intenso pods - which used to taste fine but lately haven't tasted as good. Reading the reviews from buyers that have commented say they have changed the blend to "brown piss" . I've also tried their New York Morning Blend but I'm not a fan of that either. So.. tempted to change to a different brand/machine but after some recommendations please. We liked the Dolce Gusto for their large cup coffees and quick ease of use and favoured it over the Nespresso.. so do we stick with Dolce Gusto or is there a better alternative?

Thanks

[jinkster]

Ive got an original line Nespresso machine (with the small capsules) and I like it - for a larger coffee I run 2 pods.

The new Nespresso Vertuo has varying size pods for different quantity of coffee - including a Carafe pod for a coffee pot. (Unfortunately pods only available from Nespresso in the Vertuo line)

[nikaiyo2]

Lavazza do a great machine with really nice coffee.

https://www.johnlewis.com/lavazza-a-modo-mio-desea...

[sean ie3]

I am remiss to say it, but I found Starbucks pods in the Dolce Gusto better.

[Phooey]

Thanks for replies. I haven't tried the Starbucks pods so thanks for heads up. The Nespresso Vertuo gets some decent reviews but pods look expensive @ approx 80-90p each for the big cups.

[shirt]

Just google for compatible pods, there are loads better than Nescafé out there.

[egomeister]

Another vote for trying some compatible pods here.

I tend to use maxicoffee (French company but ship to UK fine). You should find plenty of options there, including things like hot chocolate or tea if you want to mix things up a bit.

[dapprman]

Phooey said:

Thanks for replies. I haven't tried the Starbucks pods so thanks for heads up. The Nespresso Vertuo gets some decent reviews but pods look expensive @ approx 80-90p each for the big cups.

Mug sized amount - 65-79p depending on which - only the limited/special editions are the top end, else it's 65-72p. My preferred (Stormio) is 65p per pod.
Sure if you want a large mug size (355ml) then yes it is 84p a time and only certain machines can use those, not all.
I have a plastic re-usable pod set that works and will start using properly once I run out of Stormio (though that might take a while as I only have 1-2 cups per day, and once the weather gets hot enough, just drink iced tea, primarily mugi-cha (roast barley).