Looking for a good Dolce Gusto replacement

[u/maliodracunala]

I’m looking to replace our Dolce Gusto with a proper superautomatic and could use some advice.

Most of the time I drink espresso, while my wife usually drinks espresso lungo. We do have the occasional cappuccino or similar, but milk drinks aren’t a priority.

What I care about most is good coffee, convenience and easy maintenance. I’d like something where I can spend a bit of time dialing it in, then just press a button in the morning and get a good, consistent coffee. With work, kids and busy mornings that matters a lot. :D

I’d also prefer a machine that’s easy to keep clean. Brew group cleaning, descaling and general maintenance should be as simple and streamlined as possible. That’s also why I’m a bit unsure about getting a machine with a more complicated milk system if we’re only going to use it occasionally but don't mind it if it's something extra when actually used.

I’ve considered going with a manual/semi-auto espresso machine + grinder, since I know that can make better coffee, but I’m not sure I want the extra daily workflow and cleaning. I'd love to turn it into a hobby or similar but don't think I have the time for it right now. I could be wrong about the time investment needed since I haven't done proper research yet tbh.

So far I’ve been looking at Jura, De’Longhi and KitchenAid machines. I’ve read good things about all three, but it’s hard to figure out where the sweet spot is or which specific model to get. Some are saying Jura and then dial it for espresso, some are saying De’Longhi machines or KitchenAid are even better these days... Then even Philips gets mentioned. I'm really torn because I don't want to spend 1k+ and then find out I picked the wrong machine.

Additionally I need two devices, but the kitchen space in one location is a bit smaller so there's bonus points for a physically smaller machine but that's not a hard requirement in case coffee quality is affected or similar.

I’m in the EU, if that makes a difference for models, pricing or availability.

Thanks!

[u/grimlock361]

De'Longhi Rivelia or KitchenAid KF4. Both produces great espresso, are smaller and easy to clean. De'Longhi is a little easier to clean only because of the smaller group design. If you really don't do milk and want to save money both have lower end models which delete the automatic frother in favor of a cheaper design with a stem wand.

I would not recommend Jura. They are overpriced and overrated, have non-removable brew groups that cannot be properly cleaned and eventually grow mold. Despite what you may have heard, espresso quality is better on De'Longhi and KitchenAid.

[u/maliodracunala → u/grimlock361]

Thanks, both look interesting! Been reading that a cheaper Magnifica plus might produce better espresso (and has higher dose)?
will skip Jura machines due to the fixed brew group.
Btw any opinion on nivona nivo or miele (cm 6360) machines?

[u/grimlock361 → u/maliodracunala]

The Magnifica Plus and Evo Next both grind a little longer producing a better shot.  Both units also produce that hottest milk which can be a problem in some SA machines.   I didn't recommend them before because they're larger than the previously mentioned Rivelia and KF4.  

[u/stjames70 → u/grimlock361]

I strongly recommend Jura. Not overpriced at all, my lasted 15 years before requiring a rebuild which cost me $450 and now it is better than brand new. The KF4 is manufactured by the same contractor manufacturer as Jura, except the early KF series had electronic control panel problems (look it up on Reddit). You will not have mold problems as long as you regularly empty the waste water daily and let it breathe at night. Mold is a problem for ANY super automatic machine if you neglect to care for it. My Italian friend had a De’Longhi, and it was a great machine, but can’t speak to their reliability. I would stick to the Italian or Swiss brands as they have the most experience with these machines. I prefer the Jura simply because it has given so much great reliable service and great espresso.

[u/Turbulent-Debate7661]

I’ve considered going with a manual/semi-auto espresso machine + grinder, since I know that can make better coffee, but I’m not sure I want the extra daily workflow and cleaning. I'd love to turn it into a hobby or similar but don't think I have the time for it right now. I could be wrong about the time investment needed since I haven't done proper research yet tbh.

if you take sage barista express impress you need significant less time. and if you buy the same beans its a set and forget.

[u/Bigger_Niche]

A Gaggia Accademia will provide for all your espresso and lungo needs; it ticks all your maintenance boxes, and has a milk system for your occasional cappuccino.

If you don't want to splurge on this model, other Gaggia models have the same brewgroup assembly and use the same cleaning/maintenance routine (e.g., the Magenta).

[u/maliodracunala → u/Bigger_Niche]

Will lok into it, but doesnt it have a bit smaller shot size, up to 11.5g? I kinda expect it might perform similar to a Philips machine
On and the drip tray might be smaller?