De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White Review: The Compact Coffee Powerhouse We Tested

There’s a familiar morning ritual for many of us: the bleary-eyed stumble to the kitchen, the desperate need for a quality cup of coffee to kickstart the day, and the sinking feeling that comes with staring at a cluttered worktop. For years, my own kitchen felt like a battleground for space. A bulky blender, a toaster, a knife block—every appliance vied for precious real estate. The idea of adding a coffee machine, especially one that could produce something better than instant, seemed like a laughable luxury. The alternative was a daily, expensive trip to a coffee shop, a habit that drains both time and money. The problem is clear: how do you get that rich, satisfying, café-style beverage at home when you simply don’t have the space for a sprawling, barista-grade setup? This is more than an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures in the comfort of your own home, forcing a compromise between quality, cost, and convenience.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single Serve Machine

A single-serve coffee machine is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern living, designed to deliver speed, simplicity, and consistency in a compact package. Its primary benefit is eliminating the faff and waste associated with traditional brewing methods. There’s no grinding beans, measuring grounds, or cleaning out messy filters. You simply pop in a pod, press a button or pull a lever, and within a minute, you have a fresh, hot beverage. This solves the problem of time-consuming morning routines and the clean-up that follows, making a great cup of coffee accessible even on the most frantic of days. It also guarantees a consistent taste with every cup, taking the guesswork out of brewing.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space or time crunch. This includes city dwellers in compact apartments, students in dorm rooms, or anyone with a small kitchen who refuses to compromise on coffee quality. It’s also perfect for busy professionals or parents who need a quick caffeine fix without the ritual. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who pride themselves on the craft of coffee making—the bean-to-cup purists who enjoy the process of grinding, tamping, and pulling their own espresso shots. It’s also less economical for large households where multiple people drink coffee simultaneously, as a drip coffee maker would be more efficient. For those individuals, a French press or a full-sized espresso machine might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is paramount for a compact machine. Don’t just look at the width and depth; consider the height, especially if you plan to place it under kitchen cabinets. Measure your available space precisely. A machine like the Piccolo XS is designed specifically for this, with an “extra small” footprint that allows it to be tucked away neatly without dominating the countertop.
• Capacity/Performance: The water tank capacity dictates how often you’ll need to refill. A 0.8-litre tank, like the one on this model, is generally good for about 3-4 standard drinks. Performance is also about pressure. Look for a machine with high pump pressure (15 bars is the professional standard) as this is what creates a rich, authentic crema on your espresso, a hallmark of quality coffee.
• Materials & Durability: Most pod machines in this price range are constructed primarily from plastic. While this makes them lightweight and affordable, it’s important to look for sturdy construction. Check how the levers, pod holder, and water tank feel. While plastic is standard, some internal components or finishes might be stainless steel, which can add to the longevity and premium feel of the device.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal of a pod machine is simplicity. How intuitive is the brewing process? Is it a one-touch operation, or does it require manual control? For maintenance, consider how easy it is to clean the drip tray and pod holder. Because all the coffee grounds are contained within the pod, daily cleaning is minimal, but you must factor in the need for periodic descaling to keep the machine running optimally.

Keeping these factors in mind, the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White stands out in several areas, particularly for its combination of a tiny footprint and professional-grade pressure. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White 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: A Tiny Titan for Your Countertop

Unboxing the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White is a straightforward and satisfying experience. The first thing that struck us was just how genuinely *small* it is. The “XS” in its name is no exaggeration. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 2 kilograms and has a charming, almost playful aesthetic. One user perfectly captured this, comparing its look to the robot EVE from the movie Wall-E, and we can’t unsee it now. The clean white finish gives it a modern look that blends well with most kitchen decors.

There’s virtually no assembly required. You simply remove the protective packaging, rinse the water tank and pod holder, and plug it in. Speaking of the plug, it’s worth noting a point of inconsistency mentioned in user feedback which we also observed. Some units ship with a discreet black power cord, while others come with a surprisingly vibrant, thick red cord. While this has no impact on performance, it can be an aesthetic clash for those who have carefully curated their kitchen’s colour scheme. In the box, we found a small starter pack of pods, which is always a welcome touch, allowing you to get brewing immediately. The machine feels sturdy enough for its price point, with a manual lever that has a satisfyingly firm action.

A Deep Dive into the Piccolo XS Experience

After several weeks of rigorous testing, brewing everything from sharp espressos to frothy cappuccinos and even iced teas, we have a comprehensive understanding of where the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White shines and where it falls short. This isn’t just a coffee maker; it’s a compact beverage station that demands a little bit of user involvement to get the perfect result.

Compact Design and Countertop Appeal

The single greatest strength of this machine is its size. Measuring just 15.5cm wide, it occupies a laughably small amount of space. We tested this in a notoriously cramped kitchen environment, and it slid effortlessly into a gap between a microwave and a toaster that we had previously written off as unusable. This echoes the sentiment of numerous users, one of whom noted it was “super practical for a tiny kitchen like mine.” Another long-time Dolce Gusto user upgraded from a larger Infinissima model and was delighted by the space saved without any sacrifice in coffee quality.

However, this compact design does bring up a common concern: mug size. Some initial feedback suggested that larger latte or macchiato glasses wouldn’t fit. We found this to be a non-issue. The adjustable drip tray can be positioned at two heights for smaller espresso cups, but for a standard mug or a tall latte glass, you can remove the tray entirely. As one enthusiastic user confirmed, “yes you can actually fit the late mug under, if you remove the bottom tray!!!” This simple adjustment provides ample clearance. Aesthetically, the machine is a conversation starter. The white model is sleek and modern, though the aforementioned red power cord on some units is a bizarre design choice that detracts from its otherwise clean look. We also experienced the occasional jamming of the pod locking mechanism mentioned by a user, which required a bit of a jiggle to open, but it was a minor and infrequent annoyance.

The Manual Brewing Experience: Flavour, Control, and Temperature

This is where the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White will either win you over completely or send you looking for an alternative. It is a fully *manual* machine. There is no automatic volume control; you are the barista. After inserting a pod and locking the lever, you move a small toggle at the top to either the red (hot) or blue (cold) side to start the water flow. You, and you alone, decide when to stop it by moving the toggle back to the middle. Some users found this frustrating, with one complaining that you have to “manually work out the amount of water needed then stand and watch it.”

We, however, view this as a feature, not a bug. It gives you complete control. Every Dolce Gusto pod has a recommended water level printed on it (e.g., 6/7 bars), but this manual system allows you to override it. Prefer your Americano a little longer? Let it run. Want a more intense, ristretto-style espresso? Cut it short. This level of customisation is rare at this price point. The results are powered by the 15-bar pump, which consistently produces a thick, stable, and velvety crema on espressos—the true sign of proper extraction. Furthermore, a key finding, backed by user reviews, was the excellent temperature. As one person noted, “The drinks are piping hot when choosing the hot option which is far superior to our last machine.” This is a common failing of cheaper machines, but the Piccolo XS delivers impressively hot coffee right from the first cup.

Usability, Maintenance, and Long-Term Reliability

Day-to-day use is incredibly simple. The 0.8L water tank, while not huge, is easy to remove, and its cylindrical shape makes it much simpler to fill and clean than the awkwardly shaped tanks on some larger models. The machine heats up in about 30 seconds, indicated by the power light turning from red to green. The eco-mode, which automatically shuts the machine off after 5 minutes of inactivity, is a fantastic energy-saving feature.

Maintenance is also a breeze. The mess-free nature of pods means there are no coffee grounds to clean up; just eject the used pod and dispose of it. The drip tray and pod holder are easily rinsed. The biggest long-term consideration is descaling, which is essential to maintain performance and lifespan. This brings us to the elephant in the room: durability. While our test unit performed flawlessly, we cannot ignore the significant cluster of user reviews reporting pump failures or machines ceasing to function after 10 to 18 months. One user, who had purchased three of the machines over the years, stated they “very rarely last longer than a year to 18 months usually due to the water pump failing,” even with regular cleaning. This suggests a potential trade-off: you get a very capable, compact machine at an excellent price, but it may not have the multi-year longevity of a more expensive model from a brand like Krups, as the same user noted their Krups machine was still going after 8 years. For those seeking an affordable entry into the world of pod coffee with excellent results, the Piccolo XS represents outstanding initial value.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users is that the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White is a mighty machine for its size and price. Positive feedback overwhelmingly focuses on its compact footprint, with many calling it “perfect” for small kitchens and praising how it saves counter space. The quality of the coffee is another high point, specifically the genuinely hot temperature of the beverages and the rich crema it produces. As one happy customer put it, it made it “so much easier to have a quick cup of good coffee… without having to resort to instant coffee.”

However, the negative feedback highlights a few consistent issues. The most serious is the question of longevity, with several users reporting that their machines stopped working just outside the one-year mark, typically due to pump failure. The manual operation is a point of division; what one person sees as control, another sees as a chore. One dissatisfied user called it “rubbish” because it “does not measure out the water,” leading to watery drinks when they couldn’t get the timing right. Finally, minor but repeated complaints include the jarring red power cord on a white machine and occasional issues with the pod holder jamming.

How Does the Piccolo XS Compare to the Alternatives?

The De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White operates in a crowded market. While it excels in compactness and variety, other machines offer different strengths that might better suit your needs.

1. KOTLIE 4-in-1 Multi-Capsule Coffee Machine

The KOTLIE machine’s primary advantage is its incredible versatility. Where the Piccolo XS locks you into the Dolce Gusto ecosystem, the KOTLIE is a true chameleon, compatible with Nespresso Original, Dolce Gusto, L’OR, ESE pods, and even your own ground coffee. It also boasts a higher 19-bar pressure pump. This is the perfect choice for the adventurous coffee drinker who doesn’t want to be tied to a single brand or for a household with diverse coffee preferences. If you value flexibility and experimentation above all else and want the option to use freshly ground beans without a separate machine, the KOTLIE is a more capable, albeit slightly more complex, alternative.

2. Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine White

The Nespresso Inissia represents the most direct competition in terms of brand recognition. The choice between a Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS and a Nespresso Inissia often comes down to the type of coffee you prefer. Nespresso’s ecosystem is heavily focused on high-quality espresso and lungo shots, with a more “purist” coffee approach. Dolce Gusto, by contrast, offers a much broader range of beverages, including milky drinks like lattes and cappuccinos (which often require two pods), hot chocolate, and teas. The Inissia is also automatic, with programmable buttons for espresso and lungo shots, making it a better fit for someone who wants consistent results with zero guesswork.

3. BOSCH Tassimo Happy TAS1002N Coffee Machine

The BOSCH Tassimo Happy is the ideal alternative for those who were put off by the Piccolo XS’s manual operation. Its standout feature is the Tassimo Intellibrew system. Each T DISK (Tassimo’s pod) has a barcode that the machine reads, automatically adjusting the water amount, temperature, and brewing time for that specific drink. This offers the ultimate “fire-and-forget” convenience. If your top priority is effortless, perfectly measured drinks every single time and you don’t want to stand and watch the machine, the Tassimo Happy is unequivocally the better choice. It directly addresses the main complaint levelled against the manual Piccolo XS.

Our Final Verdict: A Mighty Mite with a Manual Touch

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White is overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. This machine is a masterclass in space-saving design, delivering genuinely high-quality, piping-hot coffee from a unit that can fit into the tightest of kitchen spaces. Its 15-bar pressure system is no gimmick; it produces excellent crema, and the manual lever offers a degree of control over your drink’s strength that automatic machines lack.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to students, apartment dwellers, and anyone looking for an affordable entry into the vast and varied world of Dolce Gusto pods without sacrificing an inch of precious counter space. However, it’s not for everyone. If you crave push-button simplicity and automatic measurements, or if you are concerned about long-term durability and prefer to invest more for a machine built to last for many years, you may be better served by one of the alternatives. But for its intended audience, it’s a brilliant, compact, and capable beverage maker.

If you’ve decided the De’Longhi NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine White is the right fit for your kitchen and your coffee cravings, you can check its current price and purchase it here.