Is Dolce Gusto Compatible With Nespresso (Our Hack!)

Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer a variety of coffee capsules for an excellent brew. 

But, can you use Dolce Gusto pods in your Nespresso machine or vice versa? 

The short answer: no. 

Nespresso and Dolce Gusto are not compatible. While both pods are produced by the same manufacturer, NESTLE, the units accept different pod sizes and shapes and are not interchangeable. Nespresso pods are smaller and narrower, while Dolce pods are larger and rounder. 

But there is a way to navigate this minor inconvenience: use capsule adaptors. These gadgets allow you to brew your favorite pod in your Dolce Gusto machine without having to buy a new coffeemaker. 

Let’s explore why Dolce Gusto isn’t compatible with Nespresso. 

We’ll also share one simple hack to brew Nespresso pods in your Dolce Gusto machine.

Do Dolce Gusto Pods Fit Nespresso Coffee Machines?

Dolce Gusto pods aren’t designed to fit Nespresso coffee machines. While both pods are produced by the same manufacturer, Nestle, the units accept different pod sizes and shapes and are not interchangeable. Nespresso pods are smaller and narrower, while Dolce pods are larger and rounder. 

Nespresso vs Nescafe Dolce Gusto 

	Nespresso	Dolce Gusto
Size of Coffee Pods	37 mm in diameter and 30 mm in height	54 mm in diameter and 36 mm in height.
Amount of coffee	6-7 grams per pod	8 grams per pod.
Machine specs	Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.3×8.0x13.8 in (11×20.5×32.5cm) Power/wattage: 1200-1300W  Water tank: 20.3 oz (600 ml) Weight: 5 pounds (2.3kg) Pressure: 19 bar Bars	Dimensions (WxDxH): 6.5×10.8 x 11.7in (16.5×10.8 x 29.8cm) Power/wattage: 1500W  Water tank: 33.8 oz (1 liter) Weight: 9.7 pounds (4.4kg) Pressure: 15 bar Bars
Range of flavors	30 original coffees 35 Vertuo coffee 17 professional coffee	Over 20 varieties of flavors
Environmental Sustainability	Pods have a silicon lining that is recycled in their own factory.	Capsules are made from mixed plastic that is recyclable.

1. The sizes of coffee pods 

Nespresso has relatively small-sized capsules, each pod is 37 mm in diameter and 30 mm in height. Dolce has larger pods of 54 mm in diameter and 36 mm in height. 

2. The amount of coffee 

Both Nespresso and Dolce Gusto brew a single serving of coffee. But the pods don’t have the same amount of coffee. 

Because of their small design, each Nespresso capsule contains 6-7 grams of coffee. Dolce‌ Gusto packs more coffee and holds up to 8 grams per pod.

3. The machine specs 

Another factor that contributes to the incompatibility of the pods in either machine is the specifications of each system. Here’s a breakdown of the designation of each of the machines. 

Nespresso (Typical)

• Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.3×8.0x13.8 in (11×20.5×32.5cm)
• Power/wattage: 1200-1300W (Read: How Much Power A Nespresso Machine Uses)
• Water tank: 20.3 oz (0.6 liters)
• Weight: 5 pounds (2.3kg)
• Pressure: 19 bar Bars 

Dolce Gusto (Typical)

• Dimensions (WxDxH): 6.5×10.8 x 11.7in (16.5×10.8 x 29.8cm)
• Power/wattage: 1500W  (Read: How Much Power A Dolce Gusto Machine Uses)
• Water tank: 33.8 oz (1 liter)
• Weight: 9.7 pounds (4.4kg)
• Pressure: 15 bar Bars 

Nespresso is a mini machine and, as such, holds slimmer pods, making them unsuitable to fit into the Dolce Gusto. 

4. The range of flavors 

Dolce has over 20 varieties of flavors. You can choose between matcha, cappuccino, hot chocolate, or any of your favorite varieties. 

Nespresso specializes in premium coffee blends that offer fruity and intense flavors. They have almost 100 unique flavors including 30 original coffees, 35 Vertuo coffee, and 17 professional coffee.

5. Environmental sustainability 

The impact of coffee production on the environment remains a major concern for most coffee enthusiasts. 

If you’re wondering if Nespresso plays its role in preserving the environment, then you’ll rest assured knowing they do. 

Nespresso pods are not made of aluminum. They have a silicon lining that is recycled in their own factory. 

According to Nespresso, they also use their used coffee grounds to generate renewable energy in Switzerland. 

Dolce Gusto’s pods are made from mixed plastic that is recyclable. 

If you want to refrain from using pods, you can take advantage of both brands’ reusable stainless steel pods. Simply fill them with your favorite coffee and brew away! 

So, Why Are The Pods Of These Two Machines Not Compatible? 

Dolce Gusto is incompatible with Nespresso because of the size and amount of coffee in their pods and differences in machine specs. 

Nespresso pods are smaller and contain 6-7 grams of coffee, while Dolce Gusto pods are larger and hold up to 8 grams. 

Nespresso carries slimmer pods, while Dolce Gusto can accommodate larger pods.

What About Capsule Adaptors?

Capsule adaptors are apt in that they allow you to brew your favorite pods without having to buy a different coffee maker. 

The adaptors fit into the capsule holder of a Dolce Gusto machine and have a compartment that fits a Nespresso capsule.

How To Use The Dolce Gusto Nespresso Adaptor 

Here’s how to use the Dolce Gusto Nespresso Adaptor. 

1. Select a Nespresso original capsule.
2. Insert the pod into the adopter and press the edge of the capsule so it’s firmly in place. 
3. Close the adapter.
4. Place the adaptor into the coffee machine.
5. Select the cup size.
6. Discard the used capsule.

The Last Word On Do Nespresso Pods Fit Dolce Gusto 

Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines may not be fully compatible, but you can still enjoy an array of coffee flavors without breaking the bank. 

A simple technique is to use a capsule adaptor. Capsule adaptors carry your desired Nespresso pod size. This allows you to brew a plethora of flavors with no restrictions. 

Nespresso vs. Dolce Gusto – Frequently Asked Questions 

Below are a few of the questions we get asked about the two single serve coffee makers;