It’s not often, in fact probably never that I post about presents that I have received for Christmas but this one is so good that I just had to.
This is the jovia machine which is part of the Nescafé Dolce Gusto range of machines. It comes in red and white as well as black and unlike some other machines on the market it’s pretty compact and small size making it perfect for kitchen sides.
I would of never really considered or used a machine like this as they are classed as coffee machines. I don’t mins the odd cup of normal coffee now and then but I do prefer tea and when it comes to coffee I prefer my lattes.Well this one machine does it all. Latte, espresso, cappucino, cafe au lait, Lundo and a few other stronger coffee types, but it doesn’t stop there! It also makes several types of hot chocolate, tea lattes, and a few cold tea and ice coffee varieties. It’s a clever little thing isn’t it?
To make the drinks you need to buy the pods. The Dolce Gusto pods are compatible with all their machines including this one. There are so many varieties and it helps to shop around as not all stores sell them all.
The pods come in boxes of 16. Some of the boxes will make 16 drinks and some will make 8. The reason for this difference is that some drinks, such as the latte’s and hot chocolates require 2 pods to make the drink. One pod being the milk and the other being the drink. The pods vary in price at different stores but usually between £3-£4 per box. Asda currently has a 3 box for £10 deal on which I’ve took advantage of. You do get 4 pods with the machine to try out and also a £10 voucher to buy pods on the Dolce gusto site.
Once pods are bought, all you need then is water. There is literally next to nothing in setting the machine up. A small tank of water attaches to the back and the instructions recommend a machine clean on first use prior to making drinks.
Making the drinks is easy and faster than making a hot drink with a kettle. Once the water tank is full of cold water and attached, a pod is placed in the pod holder like this. 
The pod holder is closed and the machine switched on. A red light will flash for about 30 seconds and then turn green and it’s then ready to make drinks. The lever at the top can be switched either side for cold or hot water. I haven’t really used any of the cold drink varieties but do enjoy the hot drinks. The lever is switched to hot and the hot water is instant even tho the tank stays cold. The pod gets pierced and the drink gets made. If the drink requires 2 pods then you simply stop it, and insert a second pod and repeat.
The pod boxes tell you how much water to use per cup/glass. There is no measurement indicator device to accurately measure the water but it’s pretty easy to work it out by size of glass being used.
I can now make much loved hot drinks in my own home for a fraction of the price of coffee shops. And yes it even froths the milk.
Needless to say I have used my registration voucher and took advantage of the supermarket offers. I think I now need a pod stand.
Those are all my favourite drinks so far. I have never tried a tea latte before but it’s delicious, that’s what’s in the cup by the way. I’m not a lover of very strong coffee or ice teas so I can’t comment on those but I have not been disappointed with the pods I have tried. There is even a nesquik box of pods out at the moment too which I am yet to try.
This is probably one of the best presents I’ve had and I would highly recommend one of these machines if you enjoy hot drinks and lattes. The price for the machine seems to vary greatly from what I’ve seen on line. Some places sell them for around £40 whilst others are £65 and upwards so it’s hard to give an actual price.
Bizzimummy
