Two capsule coffee machines keep coming up among motorhome owners: Nespresso Essenza Mini and Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S. Both are compact, easy to use and readily available in Norwegian shops. But there are differences that matter when you are choosing a machine for your motorhome or caravan.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Essenza Mini is the smallest machine in the Nespresso range. It weighs around two kilos, has a 0.6 litre water tank and heats up in under 30 seconds. The machine brews espresso and lungo and is known for consistent quality cup after cup. Nespresso capsules are available in grocery shops across Europe, which is an advantage when you travel.
The drawback is that the machine only brews one cup at a time, and the capsule selection is limited to Nespresso capsules. Still, if you want espresso or a long cup of coffee without milk drinks, this is a very good solution in a motorhome.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S
Genio S is somewhat larger than Essenza Mini, but still compact enough for motorhome use. The water tank holds 0.8 litres and the machine can brew everything from espresso and cappuccino to hot chocolate and iced coffee. The capsule selection is wide and capsules are available in Norwegian grocery shops.
The low model of Genio S is particularly well suited to motorhomes and caravans because it has a lower height and fits under shelves with limited headroom.
Comparison
| Feature | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Dolce Gusto Genio S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | approx. 2 kg | approx. 2.2 kg |
| Water tank | 0.6 litres | 0.8 litres |
| Heat-up time | under 30 sec | under 60 sec |
| Drink types | Espresso, lungo | Espresso, cappuccino, latte, chocolate, iced coffee |
| Capsule availability | Good in Europe | Good in Norway |
| Low model available | No | Yes |
Which one is recommended for a motorhome?
If you drink coffee on your own and want simple, quick espresso, Nespresso Essenza Mini is the best choice. If there are two or more of you in the motorhome with different preferences, or you want latte and hot chocolate as options, Dolce Gusto Genio S is more versatile.
Both machines fit their own shelf models from Kaffehylle.no, so you can mount the machine on the wall and avoid moving it at every stop.
Power and inverter
Both machines require 230V power. If you want to brew coffee while driving or are camping off-grid without shore power, you need an inverter. Dolce Gusto Genio S uses around 1,460 watts and Nespresso Essenza Mini around 1,310 watts. A 1,500 watt inverter is sufficient for both, but check your motorhome's 12V circuit before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get hold of Nespresso capsules abroad? Yes. Nespresso has its own shops and partner retailers in most European countries, and capsules are also available in many grocery shops, particularly in southern Europe.
Are the low and standard Dolce Gusto Genio S the same machine? No. The low model is lower in height and is particularly suitable where you have limited space above the shelf. The functionality is the same.
Can I use both machines in a shelf? Yes. Kaffehylle.no produces separate shelf versions adapted to Nespresso Essenza Mini and Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S respectively.