NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine Review: The Pint-Sized Powerhouse for Your Kitchen Counter

There’s a familiar ritual in my house, and perhaps in yours too. It’s the morning shuffle: a bleary-eyed stumble to the kitchen in search of that first, life-affirming cup of coffee. For years, this meant a trade-off. Do we fire up the cumbersome, grinder-and-tamper espresso machine that takes up a third of the counter and ten minutes to warm up? Or do we settle for a spoonful of instant granules that, let’s be honest, never quite hits the spot? This is the modern coffee lover’s dilemma: the craving for rich, aromatic, café-style beverages clashing with the reality of limited time, space, and a desire for simplicity. The market is flooded with options, but finding a machine that is compact enough for a crowded kitchen, versatile enough for the whole family’s tastes, and powerful enough to produce a genuinely satisfying drink often feels like an impossible task. This is the precise void the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine aims to fill, promising a world of flavour in one of the smallest footprints we’ve ever seen.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single Serve Coffee Machine

A single-serve coffee machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for streamlining your morning routine and democratising the hot drink selection in your home or office. It solves the problem of waste by brewing one perfect cup at a time, and it eliminates the complexity and clean-up associated with traditional brewing methods. The main benefits are undeniable: speed, consistency, and an incredible variety of beverage options at the touch of a button or the flick of a lever. From a robust espresso to a frothy cappuccino or a comforting hot chocolate, these machines put a personal barista on your countertop.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space crunch, a time deficit, or a household with diverse taste preferences. Think city apartment dwellers, busy parents, students in dorms, or even small offices. It’s for the person who wants a great latte but doesn’t want to learn the art of milk steaming. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who prioritise the ritual and craft of manual coffee making, such as pour-over enthusiasts or espresso purists who want to dial in their grind and shot precisely. For those individuals, a more traditional espresso machine or a French press might be a better fit, offering more control at the expense of convenience.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is paramount. Before you fall in love with a machine, measure your available countertop space, paying close attention to height, especially if you have low-hanging upper cabinets. A compact machine like the Piccolo XS is designed specifically for tight spaces, but always double-check the depth and width to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at two key numbers: water tank capacity and pump pressure. A larger water tank (0.8L or more) means fewer refills, which is a significant convenience. Pump pressure, measured in bars, is crucial for authentic espresso; look for a machine with at least 15 bars of pressure to extract the full flavour and create a rich, stable crema on your coffee.
• Materials & Durability: Most single-serve machines are primarily constructed from plastic to keep them lightweight and affordable. However, the quality of this plastic can vary wildly. Look for sturdy construction and check for user feedback regarding issues like heat warping or cracking. While some high-end models incorporate metal accents, a well-built plastic machine can serve you well for years.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the interface—is it a simple manual lever or an automatic system with pre-programmed volumes? Manual offers more control, while automatic provides consistency. For maintenance, a removable water tank and drip tray are non-negotiable for easy cleaning. Pod-based systems excel here, as the used coffee grounds are contained within the capsule, making daily cleanup a breeze.

Keeping these factors in mind, the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine stands out in several areas, particularly its high pressure and compact design. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Deceptively Small Piccolo XS

Pulling the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine from its box is a slightly surprising experience. The “XS” in its name is no exaggeration. At just 15.5 cm wide, it’s genuinely tiny, resembling a futuristic penguin more than a kitchen appliance. The unit we tested was the Black “Value Bundle” by DeLonghi, which arrived with a promise of starter coffee pods. The machine itself is incredibly lightweight at just 2 kilograms, constructed almost entirely of plastic. While it doesn’t scream premium, the finish is clean and modern, and its diminutive size means it can be tucked away into the tightest of kitchen corners without fuss.

Setup is virtually non-existent. You simply remove the packaging, rinse the 0.8-litre water tank, fill it, plug the machine in, and you’re ready to go. There are no complex menus or programming steps; the entire operation hinges on a single manual lever. This simplicity is its core design philosophy. Our bundle included boxes of Espresso and Cappuccino pods, providing an immediate taste of the system. The initial impression is one of pure, unadulterated convenience, designed to get you from box to beverage in under five minutes.

A Deep Dive into the Piccolo XS Experience

After several weeks of daily use, putting the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine through its paces with a variety of pods, we have a comprehensive understanding of where it shines and where it falls short. This isn’t just a coffee maker; it’s an entry point into a vast ecosystem of beverages, and its performance is defined by its powerful pump, its manual control, and its physical limitations.

Brewing Performance: The 15-Bar Pressure Promise

The single most important feature of any espresso-based machine is its ability to generate pressure, and this is where the Piccolo XS punches far above its weight class. The machine houses a 1600-watt thermoblock and a pump capable of delivering up to 15 bars of pressure. This is the industry standard for café-quality espresso machines, and it’s frankly astonishing to find it in a unit this small and affordable. The result in the cup is immediately noticeable. When brewing an espresso pod, the machine forces hot water through the compacted grounds with enough force to produce a surprisingly thick, stable, and velvety crema. This isn’t the thin, bubbly foam you get from lesser machines; it’s a genuine seal of flavour that traps the coffee’s rich aromas.

We found this quality extended to the milky drinks as well. As one user noted, “the pods come out all thick and creamy.” This is because the pressure works just as effectively on the milk powder pods used for lattes and cappuccinos, creating a dense, satisfying texture without the need for a separate milk frother. Another user praised the machine for delivering coffee that is “piping hot too,” a testament to the efficiency of the thermoblock heating system, which gets the water to optimal temperature in under a minute. The coffee quality, for a pod system, is excellent. It delivers a consistently robust and flavourful cup that easily rivals what you’d get from machines costing two or three times as much. The power packed into this small frame is its greatest strength.

Design and Usability: A Masterclass in Simplicity (with a Catch)

Operating the Piccolo XS is refreshingly straightforward. You lift the locking handle, slide out the pod holder, drop in your chosen capsule, slide it back in, and lower the handle to pierce the pod. From there, you simply move the lever on top to the right for hot water or the left for cold (a fantastic feature for making iced coffees and teas in the summer). This is where the “manual” aspect comes into play: you are in complete control of how much water passes through the pod. When your cup is filled to your desired level, you move the lever back to the centre. This offers brilliant flexibility. If you prefer a stronger, more concentrated Ristretto shot, you run less water. If you want a longer Lungo, you let it run for more time.

However, this manual control is also the machine’s biggest learning curve. Each Dolce Gusto pod box recommends a specific water level, but there are no markings on the machine to guide you. You have to eyeball it, which inevitably leads to some inconsistency, especially in the beginning. It’s a trade-off: you gain customization at the expense of the one-touch convenience of an automatic machine. The machine’s physical design also presents a significant challenge, as noted by multiple users. The clearance between the spout and the adjustable drip tray is tight. One user stated they “can barely fit a latte glass under it,” a sentiment we can confirm. For standard mugs and espresso cups, it’s fine, but for taller, fancier glasses, you’ll be out of luck unless you’re willing to get creative like the user who “built a platform so it would fit my posh glasses.”

The Dolce Gusto Ecosystem: Variety is the Spice of Life

Where the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine truly excels is in the sheer breadth of its beverage offerings. With access to over 40 varieties of official pods, plus a growing number of third-party options, it’s nearly impossible to get bored. This isn’t just a coffee machine; it’s a complete hot (and cold) drink station. The partnership with STARBUCKS is a major selling point, allowing you to brew familiar favourites like their Caramel Macchiato or House Blend at home.

During our testing, we sampled everything from a bold Americano and a layered Latte Macchiato to a rich Chococino and a refreshing Nestea Peach Iced Tea. The quality was consistent across the board. One of the cleverest aspects of the Dolce Gusto system is the use of “all-in-one” pods for many milky drinks, a feature one user praised: “you don’t need 2 pieces with these pods as they are all in one.” While some drinks like cappuccinos do require two pods (one for espresso, one for milk), many are self-contained, simplifying the process immensely. This versatility makes the machine perfect for a family or household with diverse tastes. The ability to make a serious espresso for one person, a frothy hot chocolate for another, and an iced tea for a third, all from the same compact unit, is an incredible value proposition. If you crave variety above all else, this machine’s ecosystem is one of the best available.

Durability and Maintenance: A Mixed Bag

Simplicity extends to cleanup, which is a major win for the Piccolo XS. Because all the messy coffee grounds are contained within the sealed pods, all you need to do is eject the used capsule and give the pod holder a quick rinse. The removable drip tray and water tank are easy to clean as well. The machine also features an A-rated energy efficiency and an eco-mode that automatically shuts it off after 5 minutes of inactivity, which is a thoughtful touch for both energy savings and safety.

However, we cannot ignore the concerning feedback from some users regarding long-term durability. The all-plastic construction, while making the machine lightweight, has raised questions about its resilience. We encountered a deeply troubling review where a user reported, “The front of the machine around the capsule area has melted,” which suggests a potential issue with heat shielding. Other reports mentioned the machine “leaking after about six months” or, more alarmingly, another user’s machine that started “leaking after 2 days and now blew the electrics.” While our test unit performed flawlessly, these reports represent a significant caveat. It suggests that while the internal mechanics are powerful, the exterior build quality may be a point of failure for some units. This is a crucial factor to weigh against its attractive price point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of buyers provides a clear picture of the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine. The overwhelming majority of sentiment is positive, with users frequently calling it an “amazing little machine” that is “worth every penny.” The simplicity is a recurring theme of praise, with one happy customer stating, “it is so simple and easy to use even a child could use it.” The speed and quality of the coffee are also highly rated, with comments like “Makes a lovely cup of coffee” and “Great tasting coffee … and piping hot too!!” being common.

However, the negative feedback, though less frequent, points to consistent issues. The most common complaint is the limited space for cups, with one user noting that “previously models had more of a gap.” The more serious concerns revolve around reliability. Reports of the machine leaking, plastic melting near the hot capsule area, and even causing electrical issues are significant red flags that potential buyers should be aware of. Lastly, a point of frustration for several purchasers of the “Value Bundle” was receiving fewer coffee pod boxes than advertised, which, while not a fault of the machine itself, soured the initial experience for them.

How Does the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the Piccolo XS’s place in the market, it’s essential to compare it against its key competitors, each of which serves a slightly different user with different priorities.

1. WACACO Minipresso NS Portable Espresso Machine

The WACACO Minipresso NS is not a direct competitor for countertop use but rather an alternative for a completely different lifestyle. Its primary advantage is absolute portability. This hand-powered device requires no electricity, making it the perfect companion for camping, hiking, or travel. It uses Nespresso Original compatible capsules, a different ecosystem from Dolce Gusto. While it produces a fantastic shot of espresso with impressive crema thanks to its manual pump, it’s a single-purpose device. It cannot create milky drinks or other beverage types. Choose the WACACO if your highest priority is making great espresso anywhere, far from a power outlet.

2. KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 Coffee Machine

The KRUPS Essenza Mini is perhaps the most direct rival to the Piccolo XS. It is also an ultra-compact machine designed for small spaces, but it operates within the Nespresso Original pod ecosystem. The Essenza Mini is typically automatic, with programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo shots, offering greater consistency than the Piccolo’s manual lever. While its 0.6L water tank is smaller, the Nespresso pod system is often viewed as being more focused on premium, pure coffee experiences. You would choose the Essenza Mini if you prefer the Nespresso coffee library, value one-touch automatic brewing, and need an equally tiny machine.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine by De’Longhi

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus represents a significant step up in terms of technology, size, and cost. It uses Nespresso’s newer, larger Vertuo pods and a patented “Centrifusion” technology that spins the capsule to brew. Its key advantage is automation and versatility in coffee size; it reads a barcode on each pod and automatically adjusts brewing parameters to create everything from a single espresso to a large 414ml Alto coffee. It features a larger water tank and a motorized brew head. This machine is for the user who wants the ultimate convenience of a fully automatic system, desires larger cup sizes, and is willing to invest in the more expensive Vertuo pod system.

Our Final Verdict: Is the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine is that it is an exceptional value proposition with some important caveats. Its strengths are undeniable: it packs a powerful 15-bar pump into an impossibly small frame, delivering genuinely high-quality, flavourful, and creamy beverages that defy its low price point. The sheer variety of the Dolce Gusto ecosystem is its killer feature, making it a perfect all-in-one drink station for individuals or families with diverse tastes.

Its manual operation is both a blessing for those who like to customize their drink strength and a slight drawback for those seeking perfect consistency every time. The primary concerns are the tight clearance for tall mugs and the troubling user reports regarding long-term durability. We recommend it highly for those with limited kitchen space, students, or anyone looking for a low-cost entry into the world of pod coffee without sacrificing drink quality or variety. It’s a pint-sized powerhouse that largely delivers on its promises, provided you are aware of its physical limitations and potential longevity issues.

If you’ve decided the NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine is the right fit for your daily ritual, you can check its current price and purchase it here.