![]() That usually translates to a diluted brew with TDS falling within 0.8 to 0.9 percent the ideal TDS percentage should be between 1.15 and 1.35 percent, at least for standard drip coffee. That said, K-cup brewers typically call for 8 ounces of water. This is a hair less than the 0.3-ounces you get with a standar K-cup. Opening up one of these pods myself confirmed that packed within is 0.2 ounce of finely-ground coffee. Granted this reading was produced with Dolce Gusto Lungo espresso capsules exposed to a scant 4 ounces of water. My refractometer tests reflected what I tasted, with TDS (total dissolved solids) figures coming in at a high 2.2 percent. The Starbucks Verismo system packs the most real coffee essence in pod form, but the Dolce Gusto is pleasantly satisfactory. Most of the coffee drinkers in our appliance reviews office, myself include, were pleasantly surprised by what the machine served up.Įven though certain aspects of Dolce Gusto drinks I sampled had an artificial twinge I didn't care for, especially ones with lots of frothy milk, I prefer the coffee from this machine over K-Cup brew. That doesn't mean the Mini Me doesn't do an admirable job of slinging very drinkable espresso-style beverages - it does. The Mini Me makes decent espresso-like drinks. True coffee flavor simply can't survive within grounds for months merely because it's wrapped up in an airtight module. The same is true, to a lesser extent, of roasted versus green coffee beans. Once beans are ground, their quality degrades substantially in hours. Compared with the genuine article, or even fresh drip or French press, there's just no competition. Nestle's own Nespresso VertuoLine, however, took its sweet time (1 minute, 51 seconds).Īs for the quality of brew you can expect from the Mini Me, if you're an espresso connoisseur you won't be blown away. Regardless, all these devices delivered a hot drink in under 60 seconds. Also keep in mind that the Verismo pumped out a shot of espresso (2 ounces) in just 13 seconds. That said, the majority of Dolce Gusto coffee pods create a mere 4 ounces of liquid (if used as directed) and not a full 8-ounce coffee cup. Even the supremely flexible Bunn M圜afe MCU's swift completion time of 42 seconds was not quite as brief. The Starbucks Verismo produced 8 ounces in 57 seconds, while the Keurig K500 took a shorter 49 seconds. The whole process takes a short 36 seconds which is lightning quick compared with other pod-style coffeemakers. Worse, this gadget doesn't support Nespresso capsules either, Nestle's other coffee pod brand. If you crave full grande or venti cups, or coffee by the put, then this is not the brewer for you.Īnother word of caution is that the Mini Me is only compatible with Dolce Gusto pods so dropping in K-Cups from third parties is out of the question. As a result the device tops out at dispensing beverages of 8 ounces or less, at least in one go. It's not unlike the Starbucks Verismo or the Nespresso VertuoLine. Flatter than Keurig K-Cups, Dolce Gusto capsules are designed to emulate a concentrated espresso-style brew as opposed to coffee pod appliances meant to make standard drip coffee. The front of the machine houses a capsule tray which accepts beverage pods compatible with Nestle's Dolce Gusto system. It might be petite but the Mini Me packs all the parts necessary for creating coffee drinks in a jiffy. Overall, this machine's unique form conveys a playful, almost cute personality compared with the average, boxy brewers cramming most kitchen countertops. What also helps the tiny Dolce Gusto to appear smaller still is its rounded body and orb-like circular head.
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