Drop everything…
A few days into the New Year and we already feel like we
could do with a little pick-me-up. Fortunately, there’s always a coffee on the
go at Test Pit Towers, and recently our favourite beverage has been made by
something truly unique looking. The local supermarket’s shelves have been cleared
of all Dolce Gusto pods once more, as we test the Drop coffee machine from
Krups.
We’re not sure, but we think the Drop might be the fourth Dolce Gusto coffee machine we’ve tested. Surely by now you must know the deal, but for those uninitiated in the ways of convenient coffee, these machines take small pods which come in a variety of flavours and styles. All you have to do (as the discerning yet lazy coffee connoisseur) is pour in some water, set the indicator to the same number of bars as is printed on the pod, and hit the button. A delicious coffee will be yours in no time at all, sans mess.
So we might be old hands at the Dolce Gusto game, but the
Drop was something new. The machine itself is styled after a black liquid
droplet of coffee leaping up into the air, and thanks to the shiny plastic
surface this is achieved very well. Unlike
the De’Longhi Stelia Dolce Gusto machine that we reviewed last summer, Krups have fully
integrated the water tank into the body of the machine, making it far more compact
and counter space-saving.
Fortunately, one feature of the Stelia that the Drop has
retained is the touch-sensitive controls on top. Simply glide your finger
across the ‘head’ section to illuminate the correct number of green bars, then
tap either the cold or hot water button. As well as making the Drop look pretty
flash and futuristic, the touch controls also make the whole thing seem much
more minimal and clean – adding the liquid ‘drop’ looks.
Water reservoir opens to the side, using a small level indicator to let you
know how much is left. It's nice.
know how much is left. It's nice.
The Krups Drop has a maximum pressure of 15 bar, meaning the
likes of espresso, our own favourite tipple, comes out good and hot with plenty
of crema. The machine itself ships with a nice little selection of pods for you
to try, but there are loads available, including cappuccino and latte, as well
as mochas and even teas (what!?!).
There isn’t a great deal more we can say about the Drop, and
to be honest that can only be a good thing. This is coffee making at its simplest
and most user-friendly, and thanks the stylish design – by far the most
eye-pleasing espresso machine we’ve ever tested – it is something people would
actually enjoy just looking at.
£149.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk
