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Your traditional coffee maker can only make a plain and boring coffee. You can add milk to spice things up. But for enthusiastic coffee lovers out there, it just would not make the cut. Thankfully, there are already capsule-type coffee machines in the market that can make you a café-like beverage.
Today, we are taking a look at two capsule-type coffee machines. Both are from NESCAFÉ – the Dolce Gusto Genio 2 and the Dolce Gusto Lumio. Both coffee machines use NESCAFÉ proprietary coffee pods that can produce brewed coffee like a pro in just under a minute. Let’s dive in more with their similarities.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2 vs Lumio – Similarities
Let’s review the specifics in a side by side chart.
| Dolce Gusto Genio 2 | Dolce Gusto Lumio | |
| Image |  |
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| Pump Pressure | 15 bar pump pressure | 15 bar pump pressure |
| Compatible Coffee Capsules | NESCAFÉ pods, Starbucks Capsule, etc. | NESCAFÉ pods, Starbucks Capsule, etc. |
| Beverage Temperature | Hot and Cold | Hot and Cold |
| Heating System | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Water volume toggle | Toggle Joystick | Scroll selection wheel |
| Water Tank Capacity | 45 oz. | 1L or around 33 oz. |
| XL Coffee Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Drip Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe Drip Tray | Yes | N/A |
| Inclusion of Coffee Pods | No, pods are sold separately | No, pods are sold separately |
| Product Dimension | 17.75 x 16.75 x 8.5 inches | 15.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.8 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Electrical Specification | 120V, 60Hz, max. 1460W | 1460W |
| Color Variants | Silver/Grey | Black, Red, White |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Pump Pressure
The pump pressure of a coffee machine tells you how much pressure it can generate to produce a cup of beverage and can also tell you how much flavor it can squeeze out of the coffee capsules. Many coffee enthusiasts argue that having 15-bar of pumping pressure creates better coffee than the industry standard of 9-bar of pump pressure. Fortunately, both the Dolce Gusto Genio 2 and Lumio are capable of reaching 15-bar of pump pressure that enthusiasts love.
Compatible Coffee Capsules
As with any Dolce Gusto coffee machines, both the Genio 2 and the Lumio are compatible with a plethora of beverage capsules that are sold in the market. You can use NESCAFÉ’s own capsules, Starbucks pods, and other coffee pods. The great thing about both of these machines is that it can also produce beverages other than coffee. You can also enjoy cups of tea, hot chocolate, infusions, etc. Whatever suits your mood, you can create it with both coffee makers.
Easy Interface
The easy interface of both machines makes brewing coffee easier than ever. The 7-level LED indicator in front is the first thing you will notice in both machines. This indicator shows you how much water the machine will pump and, consequently, how much of the beverage it will produce. The suggested level and amount of water is already placed on the label of the beverage capsule itself. You can use the dial at the top of both machines to adjust the levels accordingly.
Easy-to-Use
Similar to any capsule-type coffee machines, both the Genio 2 and Lumio are straightforward and easy-to-use. You can enjoy a cup of beverage by placing your desired beverage, setting the right level of water, choosing either hot or cold, then it will start brewing your coffee. Anyone, even older people, will get a hold on how to use the machine in no time.
XL Coffee Functionality
The XL coffee functionality is exactly what you think it is. When you need more coffee, just crank it to the maximum water level to produce more coffee. This is perfect when you have a longer day than usual, or when you just love coffee that much that you want more.
Heating System and Beverage Temperature
Both the Genio 2 and the Lumio can produce both a hot cup of Macchiato and a cold cup of iced coffee. Unlike other coffee machines, the Genio 2 and the Lumio do not require long preheating due to the use of thermoblock as their heating system. Other advantages of using thermoblocks, compared to other technologies, include being more energy-efficient and can generate constant hot water.
Brewing time
The brewing time of both the Genio 2 and Lumio is fast and convenient. Hot or cold beverages can be made in just under a minute, so you don’t have to wait longer for your coffee to be ready unlike in many coffee shops. It is very convenient because you can make your own cup of coffee from the comforts of your home.
Energy-efficient
Both of the coffee machines feature an eco-mode to save energy. The Genio 2 and the Lumio will automatically turn itself off after being idle for 5 minutes and 1 minute, respectively.
Removable and Adjustable Drip Tray
Having different sizes of mugs and cups is not a problem for the Genio 2 and Lumio as they sport an adjustable and removable drip tray. Both have 3 levels of height adjustment that can accommodate different heights of cups. It is easily removable, for washing convenient as well. Take note that the Genio 2 has a stainless-steel drip tray, while the Lumio has a plastic drip tray.
Small Footprint
The Dolce Gusto Genio 2 and Lumio have very small footprints compared to other capsule-type coffee machines available in the market. This is a welcome addition to anyone’s kitchen countertop, or even the pantry of offices, as both are small and compact.
Differences between Gemio 2 and Lumia
Size, Color, and Design
The physical appearance is one of the aspects consumers look at in appliances they intend to buy. Since both machines featured in this article are from the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto lineup, they have their similarities but there are also distinct differences.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2
The Genio 2 has a very muted look. It looks very sophisticated with its silver and black colors. However, this is the only color variant the Genio 2 is available in. Compared to the Lumio, it is larger in size. Perhaps, it can be attributed to the larger size of its water tank.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Lumio
The Dolce Gusto Lumio comes in three different colors. You can choose from black, red, or white. You can get a black variant for a more muted look, a red variant when you feel more playful, and a white variant for a clean and sophisticated look. The Lumio is definitely smaller and lighter compared to Genio 2. Thus, it will take a smaller space in your kitchen and will be easier to move around.
The Winner Is- It’s a Tie
Toggle Joystick vs Scroll Wheel Selection
The method of selecting the level of water needed differs in both appliances. One uses only a joystick, while the other uses a combination of scroll wheel and lever. Both are still easy-to-use either way. It comes down to one’s preference.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2
The Dolce Gusto Genio 2 uses a toggle joystick as means of adjusting the water level. It functions like a shift stick in cars. Cranking the level upwards will increase the water level, and vice versa. Before the machine will start brewing your beverage, you have to choose the beverage temperature you desire. After cranking the lever to the direction (either left or right) of the desired temperature, the machine will start creating your beverage.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Lumio
On the other hand, the Dolce Gusto Lumio has separate controls for the water level adjustment and beverage temperature. To change the amount of water that will go through its nozzle, you must use the wide scroll wheel on the top. It works similar to mouse scroll wheels. Scrolling up will increase the level, and vice versa. Furthermore, to select the beverage temperature, you must crank the lever to either left or right to the direction of the desired temperature.
The Winner Is- It’s a Tie
Water Tank Capacity
The water tank capacity indicates how much the coffee machine can hold, and the frequency of replacing water inside the tank. Additionally, it will also tell you how much cup of coffee the machine can make you in one full refill.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2
The Dolce Gusto Genio 2 has a gigantic water tank on its back. Its tank can hold up to 45 oz of water. If a cup equates to 8 oz., then this machine can make you 5-6 cups of water per fill. That’s a lot of cups of coffees in a day considering this machine is compact and small. Additionally, due to the amount of coffee it can make in a fill, sharing the machine with other people will never be a problem.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Lumio
The Dolce Gusto Lumio, on the other hand, can only hold up to a liter or around 33 oz. of water. That is around 1-2 lesser cups that it can produce in one filling. However, considering that Lumio is smaller than the Genio 2, producing around 4 cups a day is not too shabby at all.
The Winner Is- NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2
Pros and Cons
Finally, some pros and cons of the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio2 and LUMIA will help us determine which is the best option.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio 2
Pros:
- Can push 15 bars of pressure
- Can create both hot and cold beverages
- Uses thermoblock for faster and constant water heating
- Has a larger water capacity of 45 oz.
- Compatible to many beverage pods in the market
- Has a removable and dishwasher-safe stainless-steel drip tray
- Has an easy interface
- Easy to use and maintain
- XL Coffee feature
- Eco-mode feature
Cons:
- Has a wider footprint due to its water tank capacity
- Can be a little bit expensive for some
- No beverage capsules out of the box
Pros:
- Can push 15 bars of pressure
- Can create both hot and cold beverages
- Uses thermoblock for faster and constant water heating
- Has a larger water capacity of 45 oz.
- Compatible to many beverage pods in the market
- Has a removable and adjustable drip tray
- Has an easy interface
- Easy to use and maintain
- XL Coffee feature
- Eco-mode feature
- Available in black, red, and white
Cons:
- Has lesser water tank capacity at around 33 oz.
- Can be a little bit expensive for some
- No beverage capsules out of the box
The Final Verdict
The difference in physical appearance in the Genio 2 and Lumio is what anyone will notice first. The bigger Dolce Gusto Genio 2 has larger water tank capacity but only comes in one color. Unlike its bigger brother, the smaller Dolce Gusto Lumio is available in black, red, or white. Regardless of their differences, both coffee machines will serve amazing coffee whenever you need it.