Krups NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus KP3408 Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.2/10
Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button
Not for: Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup
Bottom line: A practical pod coffee machine (The Dolce Gusto Genio) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
This pod coffee machine is an automatic espresso machine that uses The Dolce Gusto pods for pre-portioned drinks, covering espresso-style coffee and other pod-based options. The appeal often centres on quick setup and consistent results with pods rather than ground coffee. The 0.8 L water tank supports multiple cups before refilling, which suits smaller kitchens, but the overall variety depends on the range and availability of The pod coffee machine pods.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand line | Dolce Gusto |
| Product | Genio S Plus KP3408 |
| Drink type | Espresso and other encapsulated drinks |
Pros
- Uses the Dolce Gusto pod system
- 0.8L 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
Coffee Quality and Pod System
Coffee quality with the Krups NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto S Plus KP3408 is linked to the pod system it uses. It supports The pod coffee machine capsules, and the sealed capsules determine the flavour strength and overall drink balance in each cup. This built-in design delivers consistent brew strength across compatible capsules, but it also restricts experimentation because only The Dolce Gusto Genio capsules fit the machine. If a chosen capsule variety is mild, the result can be less intense even when the drink is made carefully within the pod system.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
With milk drinks and other encapsulated beverages, the Krups NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto S Plus KP3408 mainly stands out for switching between compatible The pod coffee machine capsule types, which drives much of the variety. That means it can make both coffee-style drinks and milk-based drinks depending on the capsule chosen. Results vary by recipe, because different capsule varieties require different amounts of water and milk, so consistent outcomes may take some trial runs. The 0.8 L capacity supports multiple drinks before refilling.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
After considering how milk drinks and other capsule-based options depend on capsule choice, it also helps to look at how the machine fits into daily routines, focusing on size and tank handling. The Krups NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto S Plus KP3408 uses an 0.8 L water tank, which suits households making several drinks in one sitting. The tank can be filled and replaced without unusual steps, then locked into place, making refills straightforward. Operation follows a simple sequence: insert a pod, close the lever, then select a drink and start brewing. If refilling is frequent, downtime increases.
Pod Cost and Availability
Pod cost and availability often determine whether the Krups NESCAFÉ The pod coffee machine S Plus KP3408 is a practical everyday choice, because it uses This pod coffee machine-style encapsulated drinks. In the UK, this pod system is typically easier to find than niche alternatives, since many supermarkets and online retailers stock The Dolce Gusto compatible ranges. Pricing can vary by brand and flavour, and multi-box deals may lower the effective cost per drink. Weighing cost matters, because more milk-based options usually require different pod types than plain coffee. For shoppers, checking local availability helps avoid stock gaps during busy periods.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
Who is the Krups NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus KP3408 for? It suits people who want espresso and other coffee drinks made with The pod coffee machine pods, with an emphasis on convenience. It is a good fit for households where a 0.8 L water tank covers everyday use without constant refills. It is also suitable for anyone who prefers prefilled, pod-based drinks over grinding beans and brewing ground coffee. It may not meet expectations for those looking for flexible ground-coffee brewing, or for frequent drink making that needs a larger tank.
Where to Buy in the UK
Checking where to buy the Krups NESCAFÉ This pod coffee machine S Plus KP3408 in the UK starts with confirming it is designed for The Dolce Gusto encapsulated drinks, since the pod system only works with that format. Shoppers typically purchase the machine through major UK electrical and general retailers, alongside third-party marketplaces, but the listing should be checked carefully for the "0.8 L" capacity and the KP3408 model code, because similar Genio variants can appear. Delivery terms, returns, and whether any required accessories are included also matter. Prices can change between sellers, so comparing multiple listings helps avoid overpaying, though exact costs vary by retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pod coffee machine worth it?
For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the Dolce Gusto (the Dolce Gusto Genio machine) is hard to beat. Remember the pods are an ongoing cost. Check the current Amazon UK price, as pod machines go on deal often.
What pods does the Dolce Gusto Genio take?
This pod coffee machine uses The Dolce Gusto pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Dolce Gusto Genio machine only takes The Dolce Gusto pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
Nespresso, The pod coffee machine or Tassimo - which is best?
Each is a different, non-compatible system: Nespresso focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); This pod coffee machine does a wide range of coffee and milk drinks; Tassimo offers branded drinks like Costa and Cadbury. Choose by the drinks you want and pod price - the machine just follows the system.
How much do the pods cost to run?
Pods typically work out around 30-50p each depending on the system and brand, more than ground coffee but far less than a coffee shop. Nespresso Original and some systems have cheaper compatible pods; factor the ongoing pod cost into your decision, not just the machine price.
How big is the water tank on the Dolce Gusto Genio?
The pod coffee machine has a 0.8L tank. A bigger tank means fewer refills for households that drink a lot; compact machines use smaller tanks to save space.
Are pod coffee machines worth it over a bean-to-cup?
Pod machines are cheaper to buy, faster, mess-free and need no grinding or cleaning of grounds - ideal for convenience. Bean-to-cup machines make fresher coffee from beans and cost less per cup, but cost far more upfront and need more upkeep. For speed and ease, pods win; for coffee purists, beans do.