Do you enjoy a short espresso with a lovely crema and enough character to recreate the experience of an Italian coffee? Discover the differences between Kimbo Napoli, Intenso and Barista 100% Arabica to choose the Dolce Gusto-compatible capsule that truly suits your tastes.
Our selection of Dolce Gusto-compatible Kimbo capsules
Three espressos, three profiles: Neapolitan balance, strength or aromatic finesse.
Kimbo Napoli
The ideal balance for a full-bodied, indulgent and versatile Italian espresso.
Discover Napoli
Kimbo Intenso
A powerful espresso with a lingering finish for lovers of full-bodied, dark-roasted coffee.
Discover Intenso
Barista 100% Arabica
For a milder, elegant and aromatic espresso that favours finesse over strength.
Discover BaristaWhich capsule should you choose? Decide in seconds
Do you enjoy mild coffee?
Choose Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica if you value finesse and aroma.
Are you looking for the right balance?
Choose Kimbo Napoli for a full-bodied Italian espresso that is easy to drink every day.
Do you enjoy very strong coffee?
Choose Kimbo Intenso for a powerful cup with a lingering finish.
How to choose your Dolce Gusto capsules for espresso
With a Dolce Gusto machine, not all capsules produce the same result in the cup. The intensity, roast, proportions of Arabica and Robusta, and aromatic profile all directly influence the character of your espresso.
For lovers of Italian coffee, Kimbo offers three particularly interesting profiles: Barista 100% Arabica, Napoli and Intenso.
Comparison of Dolce Gusto-compatible Kimbo capsules
| Capsule | Intensity | Composition | User profile | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barista 100% Arabica | 9/13 | 100% Arabica | Mild, refined, floral and fruity | Elegant espresso |
| Napoli | 10/13 | Arabica & Robusta | Full-bodied, indulgent and balanced | Versatile Italian espresso |
| Intenso | 12/13 | Arabica & Robusta | Powerful, cocoa and spice | Very full-bodied espresso |
1. Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica: for a delicate, aromatic espresso
Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica is the most delicate coffee in our selection. It is for coffee lovers who prefer aromatic finesse to an extremely intense roast.
Its mild, harmonious profile offers floral and fruity notes in particular, accompanied by indulgent nuances. It is an excellent option if you find some Italian espressos too intense.
Who do we recommend it for?
- Lovers of relatively mild coffee
- For those who value aroma and finesse
- For fans of 100% Arabica coffee
- For an elegant espresso to enjoy without sugar
Cafemalin verdict: choose Barista 100% Arabica if, for you, a good espresso should above all be refined, balanced and aromatic.
2. Kimbo Napoli: the ideal balance for an Italian espresso
If we had to recommend just one coffee to an Italian espresso lover, Kimbo Napoli would probably be the most versatile choice.
Its blend of Arabica and Robusta has enough body to deliver a rich espresso while maintaining a good balance in the cup.
Who do we recommend it for?
- For those looking for an espresso with body
- For pronounced yet balanced intensity
- For a taste of the spirit of Neapolitan coffee
- For everyday drinking
- When several people use the same machine
Cafemalin verdict: for a rich, balanced everyday espresso, Kimbo Napoli is our most versatile choice.
3. Kimbo Intenso: for those who like a truly full-bodied espresso
Do you usually find your coffee too mild? Then Kimbo Intenso is the one to choose.
Its Arabica-Robusta blend produces a full-bodied espresso with a profile defined by cocoa, dark chocolate and spices. It offers plenty of character and a satisfyingly long finish.
Who do we recommend it for?
- For lovers of very full-bodied coffee
- For those who enjoy bold roasts
- For fans of cocoa and dark chocolate notes
- For a short espresso with plenty of character
- For a coffee with a lingering finish
Cafemalin verdict: if you want a strong, bold espresso, choose Kimbo Intenso.
Arabica or Robusta: what difference does it make to your espresso?
When choosing your Dolce Gusto capsules, it helps to understand what the different blends aim to achieve.
🌿 100% Arabica
Arabica is particularly appealing if you are looking for an aromatic, harmonious and refined cup. This is the approach taken by Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica.
🔥 Arabica + Robusta
Combining Arabica and Robusta allows for greater body, strength and character. This is the profile offered by Napoli and Intenso.
A 100% Arabica coffee is therefore not automatically better than an Arabica-Robusta blend: the best choice depends above all on your tastes and the style of espresso you want.
How can you make a better espresso with a Dolce Gusto machine?
Opt for a short extraction
To keep your espresso concentrated and intense, avoid running too much water through the capsule.
Preheat your cup
Rinse your cup with hot water before extraction to help the coffee cool more slowly.
Use a small cup
An espresso cup is better suited to a short extraction and helps retain heat.
Maintain your machine
Regular cleaning and descaling help maintain more consistent extraction.
Try different intensities
A higher intensity does not necessarily mean the coffee will taste better to you.
Try your espresso without sugar
Tasting the coffee on its own first makes it easier to identify the differences between the three Kimbo profiles.
Which capsule should you choose for each time of day?
In the morning
Intenso will suit lovers of strong coffee. For a more balanced everyday coffee, choose Napoli.
After a meal
Napoli or Intenso offer enough character to leave a satisfying impression on the palate.
With milk
Intenso retains more strength in a cappuccino. Napoli gives a more balanced result.
Our ranking of Kimbo capsules for espresso
Kimbo Napoli — the best all-round choice
An excellent balance of intensity, body, rich flavour and easy drinking.
Kimbo Intenso — the best for strength
Our choice for lovers of very full-bodied espresso and roasted flavour profiles.
Barista 100% Arabica — the best for finesse
An elegant alternative for those who value aroma and balance.
This ranking is, of course, subjective: the best espresso is above all the one that suits your tastes.
FAQ: choosing the right Dolce Gusto capsules for espresso
Which Kimbo Dolce Gusto capsule is the strongest?
Of the three coffees featured in this guide, Kimbo Intenso is the most intense, with an intensity rating of 12/13. Napoli is rated 10/13 and Barista 100% Arabica 9/13.
Which capsule should you choose for an espresso that is not too strong?
We recommend Kimbo Barista 100% Arabica for those who prefer a milder, refined and aromatic profile.
Which capsule should you choose for a Neapolitan espresso?
Kimbo Napoli is our choice if you are looking for a good balance of body, intensity and rich flavour.
Which of the three capsules is the mildest?
Barista 100% Arabica is the least intense coffee in our selection, with a rating of 9/13.
Are Kimbo capsules compatible with Dolce Gusto?
The three products featured here are designed for use with machines compatible with the Dolce Gusto system.
Can you use these capsules in a Nespresso machine?
No. The Dolce Gusto and Nespresso systems use different capsule formats.
So, which Dolce Gusto capsules should you choose for a good espresso?
☕ Barista 100% Arabica: finesse and mildness
For an elegant, aromatic espresso.
☕ Napoli: balance and Italian tradition
Our all-round choice for a full-bodied yet approachable espresso.
☕ Intenso: strength and character
For lovers of particularly intense espresso.
Find your favourite Kimbo espresso
Finesse, balance or strength: choose the profile that best suits the way you enjoy espresso now.
