When Does a Dolce Gusto Capsule Coffee Maker Pay for Itself, and When Doesn't It?Advertisement

A capsule coffee maker is appealing because of its simplicity: insert a capsule, press a button—and in a minute you have a cappuccino. But the question of whether it’s cost-effective usually arises after the purchase, when the first pack runs out.

The answer doesn’t require complex calculations, just a few prices. All Dolce Gusto coffee at FOZZY is listed on a single page with prices per pack, so all you need to do is open the catalog and use the calculator on your phone.

How many cups are actually in a pack?

The main catch is in the number of drinks. Many packs contain 16 capsules, but a cappuccino or latte is made with two: one for coffee and one for milk. So such a package yields not 16, but eight cups. Espresso, Americano, or lungo, on the other hand, are made with one capsule, so 16 capsules mean 16 cups.

It’s also worth paying attention to the markings on the capsule. They indicate the recommended amount of water: if you add more, the cup will be larger, but the drink will be weaker. More water doesn’t make the coffee any cheaper; it just changes the taste. On the other hand, you don’t have to guess the proportions: every cup turns out the same.

How to Calculate the Payback Period

You’ll need three numbers to do the math: the price of the coffee maker, the price of a pack of capsules, and the cost of the coffee you usually buy outside the home. The rest is simple:

1. Divide the price of the package by the number of drinks, not the number of capsules.
2. Compare the result with the price of coffee to go.
3. Multiply the difference by the number of cups you drink per month.
4. Divide the price of the coffee maker by these monthly savings.

The final number will show how many months it will take for the coffee machine to pay for itself. If it’s less than half a year, the purchase definitely makes sense. If, on the other hand, you rarely buy coffee to go and drink instant coffee at home, you should compare it to that—and in that case, the capsules will only win out in terms of taste.

Where to Save Money on Compatible Capsules

The Dolce Gusto coffee maker works not only with original capsules. There are compatible capsules from other manufacturers on the shelves, and they often cost less without compromising on flavor.

It’s worth trying them one pack at a time: sometimes a compatible capsule produces a slightly different brew strength and flavor than what you’re used to. But if you find one you like, the payback calculation from the previous section will shift in your favor. Before buying, check to see if the packaging explicitly states compatibility with Dolce Gusto.

Who shouldn’t use capsules

Capsules aren’t the best choice if your coffee consumption amounts to five cups a day for the whole family. In that case, regular ground coffee and a drip coffee maker are noticeably cheaper, and the difference in convenience isn’t as important.

They also won’t appeal to those who like to experiment with grind size, proportions, and beans of different roasts. A capsule delivers a consistent and predictable result, and that’s exactly why it’s appreciated by those who simply want a delicious cup of coffee at 7 a.m. For them, a geyser coffee maker or a paper-filter dripper would be a better fit.

Олена Болган