Dolce Gusto vs Tassimo: Which Pod Coffee Machine? (2026)

By the Pod Cup editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B and the Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

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At a glance

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123BTassimo by Bosch My Way 2
Our score9.6/109.5/10
Best forQuick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a buttonQuick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button
Not ideal forCoffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cupCoffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup
BrandDolce GustoTassimo

Coffee Quality and Pod System

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B

Bean grade and the Dolce Gusto depend on the pod coffee machine capsule system, as this machine is designed to work with The Dolce Gusto Mini pods rather than freshly ground coffee. The system uses 15 bar pressure to push hot water through each pre-portioned capsule for flavour extraction. Capsule brewing typically offers consistent results because each pod is premeasured, making it practical for everyday use, while limiting flexibility compared with loose coffee.

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2

Coffee quality with the Tassimo depends heavily on the pod system. The machine uses pre-packaged Tassimo drinks rather than loose coffee, and it prepares each brew by reading the drink information on the pod to set the water for the selected beverage. This design can produce consistent results cup to cup by reducing the need to grind and measure. Coffee variety is limited to what Tassimo offers, and there is no option to use unbranded pods or ground coffee, so experimentation is constrained by the pod range.

Milk, Drinks and Versatility

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B

Milk drinks and other beverage styles are central to the Dolce Gusto's intended use, because it is designed for The pod coffee machine/NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto capsules rather than loose coffee. With a 15 bar pressure system and a 0.8 L reservoir, the machine supports both hot and cold drinks. Drink variety is achieved through choosing capsule types, which control extraction and milk mixing for styles such as cappuccino or latte-style beverages. Flexibility is therefore tied to having the right The pod coffee machine-format capsules available, and the system is limited to that capsule format.

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2

With the Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 (TAS6502GB), drink options are shaped by the Tassimo pod system, where each beverage is prepared from a sealed branded pod that the machine reads to make the selected drink. Milk-based drinks are possible when compatible pods are used, because the machine follows the appropriate recipe rather than requiring manual ingredient mixing. This suits people who want repeatable results for latte- and cappuccino-style drinks, provided the correct pods are available. The overall flexibility is mainly determined by the available pod range and selection, which can feel limiting for anyone wanting precise control over milk strength beyond what the pod recipes offer.

Size, Tank and Ease of Use

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B

La Dolce Gusto es una cafetera de cápsulas compacta que se apoya en un tanque de 0.8 L, lo que influye en cuántas bebidas pueden prepararse antes de rellenar. En la práctica, el depósito está pensado para ahorrar espacio en la encimera y facilitar el guardado, aunque el usuario puede necesitar recargas si prepara muchas bebidas seguidas. El manejo suele ser directo: se coloca una cápsula, se selecciona la bebida (fría o caliente, según el sistema) y se inicia el ciclo de preparación. Con 15 bares de presión, la unidad trabaja de forma constante, y la potencia de 1500 W contribuye al calentamiento o enfriamiento con rapidez (tiempo no especificado).

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2

The Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 (TAS6502GB) makes its daily routine easier to manage thanks to its compact physical size and the built-in water supply, which is listed as a 1.3 L tank. In normal use, the stated tank capacity helps reduce how often the machine needs refilling, although the exact frequency depends on cup size and drink selection. It is also described as 1500 W, indicating a high-powered heater, but the actual speed of brewing can vary. Setup is straightforward: place it on a stable surface, fill the tank to the marked level, insert a compatible pod, and start the brew cycle.

Pod Cost and Availability

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B

With a daily-use focus, pod cost and availability matter for frequent use of this pod coffee machine. This model uses NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto pods, so repeat purchasing depends on where those capsules are typically sold and how consistently they are stocked. In the UK, availability is generally steadier through supermarkets and online retailers, although specific lines and flavours vary by store. Ongoing cost depends on the chosen drink type, and prices can change over time. Multi-packs can help reduce the per-capsule cost, but promotions are not guaranteed.

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2

Pod cost and availability largely determine whether the Tassimo suits a long-term budget. The ongoing cost depends on finding these ready-made drink packs consistently, since the machine is designed around pre-portioned pods instead of refillable grounds. When supplies are stable in local stores or online, operating costs are easier to plan and restocking is straightforward. If supplies are limited, prices can rise and favourite varieties may be harder to get. Buyers should check regular availability before committing.

Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B

The Dolce Gusto Mini is a compact, capsule-based pod coffee machine designed for fast, automated drinks without using ground coffee. It suits households or small offices where space is a priority, with a 0.8 L water tank and a 1500 W motor. The 15 bar pressure rating is intended to support consistent extraction for both hot and cold beverages, using The pod coffee machineÉ capsules for coffee and milk drinks. It is for people who prefer the convenience of pre-portioned pods rather than selecting and grinding beans. Not stated beyond these basics, so buyer expectations should remain within what is described.

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2

This Tassimo is best for people who want quick, mess-free coffee using branded drinks rather than measuring and grinding coffee. It suits busy households and small offices where more than one person wants consistent results, because pods remove guesswork. The 1.3L water tank is designed to support several cups before refilling, helping during the workday. With 1500 Watt power, it is aimed at faster cup preparation rather than slow, long-brewing routines. Therefore, it is less ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer bulk beans, custom blends, or complete control over strength and flavour, or who want a bean-to-cup workflow.

KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B: pros

  • Uses the Dolce Gusto pod system
  • 0.8L tank
  • Compact, space-saving design
  • Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding

Cons

  • Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
  • Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
  • Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee

Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2: pros

  • Uses the Tassimo pod system
  • 1.3L tank
  • Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding

Cons

  • Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
  • Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
  • Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee

Our verdict

Our pick is the KRUPS Dolce Gusto Mini Me Artic KP123B (our score 9.6/10) - A practical pod coffee machine (The Dolce Gusto Mini, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home. The Tassimo by Bosch My Way 2 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.