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

There’s a familiar morning ritual for many of us: the bleary-eyed stumble to the kitchen, the desire for a genuinely good cup of coffee, and the sudden realisation that time is not on our side. For years, my routine involved a kettle, a jar of instant granules, and a sense of quiet resignation. It was functional, but it lacked soul. The thought of a proper coffee machine was always appealing, but the reality of a compact kitchen, with countertops already claimed by a toaster and microwave, made it seem like an impossible luxury. The big, bulky machines felt like an over-commitment, both in terms of space and complexity. I wanted the rich crema of an espresso and the comfort of a latte without turning my kitchen into a full-blown café. This is the precise dilemma the pod coffee machine was born to solve, promising speed, simplicity, and quality in one tiny package.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Serve Coffee Machine

A single-serve machine, often called a pod coffee machine, is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for modern, fast-paced lifestyles. Its primary benefit is delivering a consistently good cup of coffee with astonishing speed and zero mess. By using pre-portioned, sealed pods, these machines eliminate the need for grinding beans, measuring grounds, and tamping espresso. You simply insert a capsule, press a button or pull a lever, and a hot, fresh beverage is ready in under a minute. This convenience is a game-changer for busy mornings, small office kitchens, or anyone who values efficiency without compromising on the quality of their daily brew.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space or time constraint. Think university students in dorm rooms, city dwellers in compact apartments, or professionals who need a quick caffeine fix between meetings. It’s also perfect for households where different people prefer different types of drinks—one person can have an Americano while the next makes a hot chocolate, all from the same machine. However, it might not be suitable for those who are dedicated coffee purists, preferring the ritual of using freshly ground beans and a traditional espresso machine. Likewise, large families who consume many cups of coffee in the morning might find the one-cup-at-a-time process and the cost of pods less economical than a large filter coffee maker.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is paramount. Measure the intended spot on your counter, paying attention to width, depth, and especially height, ensuring there’s enough clearance under your cabinets. Machines like the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS are designed specifically for tight spaces, making them a “go-anywhere” solution.
• Capacity/Performance: Check the water tank capacity. A larger tank means fewer refills. For a pod machine, the key performance metric is pump pressure, measured in bars. A pressure of 15 bars is considered the gold standard for creating a genuine espresso with a thick, velvety crema on top.
• Materials & Durability: Most pod machines feature a durable plastic body to keep them lightweight and affordable, often with stainless steel internal components and drip trays. While they are built for daily use, look for solid construction and a reputable manufacturer, like De’Longhi, which offers a good warranty period.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The whole point is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls, be they manual levers or automatic buttons. Maintenance should be minimal; the best machines require little more than a regular descaling cycle and wiping down the exterior. The fact that coffee grounds remain within the pod makes daily cleanup virtually non-existent.

Keeping these factors in mind, the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the ultra-compact design for yourself 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: A Stylish, Space-Saving Surprise

Unboxing the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine was a genuinely pleasant surprise. The ‘XS’ in its name is no exaggeration. This machine is astonishingly compact, far smaller than the product photos might suggest. In its black and red finish, it has a modern, almost playful aesthetic that adds a pop of colour without being garish. It immediately felt right at home on my crowded countertop, slotting into a space I never thought could accommodate a coffee machine.

There’s virtually no assembly required. After a quick rinse of the 0.8-litre water tank and the drip tray, it was ready to go. What struck me immediately was the absence of a power button. This was initially confusing, but I quickly discovered its clever design: the machine powers on automatically when you pull out the pod holder. It’s a minimalist touch that enhances its sleek profile. The build is predominantly high-quality plastic, which makes it lightweight (just 2kg) but it feels sturdy and well-put-together, a testament to the De’Longhi manufacturing pedigree. It feels less like a cumbersome appliance and more like a neat, efficient gadget designed for modern living.

A Deep Dive into the Piccolo XS Experience

After several weeks of daily use, testing everything from intense espressos to frothy cappuccinos and even iced teas, we’ve formed a comprehensive view of what it’s truly like to live with the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine. It’s a machine of elegant simplicities and a few noteworthy quirks, delivering performance that often belies its diminutive size and modest price tag.

Design & Usability: The Art of Simplicity

The single greatest triumph of the Piccolo XS is its design. Measuring just 15.5cm wide, it can be tucked into almost any nook or cranny. This isn’t just a coffee machine; it’s a space-saving solution. As one user aptly put it, it “has completely replaced my old kettle and instant coffee combo” because it fits so effortlessly into an established kitchen setup. The 0.8-litre water tank is surprisingly sufficient, easily providing enough water for two or three standard mugs of coffee or several espressos before needing a top-up. We loved the convenient design that allows you to simply flip the lid and pour water in without removing the tank entirely, a small but appreciated touch for daily use.

The manual operation is the machine’s defining feature. There are no complex menus or digital screens. A single lever, moved to the right for hot water and the left for cold, controls the entire process. This analogue approach is brilliant for those who like to be in control. We found ourselves customising every single drink, adding a little less water for a stronger, more intense espresso or a bit more for a longer Americano. This sentiment was echoed by users who enjoy being able to “tweak each drink to suit my taste.” However, this control comes with a responsibility. The machine will not stop on its own. You must be present to return the lever to the central position. If you get distracted, you will have a coffee overflow on your hands. We recommend, as one user wisely suggested, placing a small tray underneath, just in case.

Performance & Coffee Quality: 15 Bars of Pressure in a Tiny Package

For a machine this small, the performance is genuinely impressive. The key is the 15-bar maximum pump pressure, a specification you’d typically find on much larger, more expensive espresso machines. This high pressure is crucial for properly extracting the flavour and aroma from the coffee grounds within the pod, and it’s responsible for the thick, golden-brown crema that sits atop the espressos and lungos. In our tests, every coffee we made had this signature professional-quality finish, instantly elevating the experience far beyond instant coffee.

The machine heats up in about 30 seconds, indicated by the power light turning from red to green. From there, a drink is dispensed in another 20-30 seconds. The speed is remarkable and makes the morning routine incredibly efficient. We confirmed user reports that the water comes out genuinely hot, ensuring a satisfyingly warm beverage right away, though some who prefer their drinks scalding may find it a touch cooler than a kettle. The hot and cold function is a fantastic bonus, opening up a range of iced coffees and teas for the summer months. Simply fill a glass with ice, pop in a cold brew pod, and push the lever to the left. It’s a versatile feature not always found at this price point. The only significant downside in performance is the noise. The 1600-watt machine and its powerful pump work hard, and they make a considerable vibrating hum during operation. While it’s brief, it’s certainly not quiet, with one user noting their neighbour could even hear it. It’s a small price to pay for the pressure, but something to be aware of if you live in close quarters.

The Dolce Gusto Ecosystem: Variety is the Spice of Coffee

A coffee machine is only as good as the coffee it makes, and this is where the Dolce Gusto system truly shines. The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine gives you access to a massive library of over 40 different beverage varieties. This includes everything from a bold Ristretto Ardenza to a creamy Flat White, and even extends to brand partnerships with names like Starbucks, allowing you to enjoy your favourite Pike Place Roast or Caramel Macchiato at home.

We were impressed by the sheer breadth of choice, which goes far beyond coffee. There are numerous hot chocolate options (like Nesquik and Chococino) and various teas. This makes the Piccolo XS a true multi-beverage system for the whole family. Furthermore, the system is compatible with a wide range of third-party pods, which are often more budget-friendly. One user highlighted their success using capsules from Lidl, which they found to be even creamier than the originals. This open compatibility adds significant long-term value and freedom of choice. On the environmental front, the pods are recyclable through the Podback program, a free and convenient service that addresses the sustainability concerns often associated with single-serve systems. You simply collect your used pods in the provided bags and drop them off at a designated point.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback confirms our findings. The overwhelming majority of owners praise the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine for its compact size, simplicity, and the quality of the coffee it produces. One happy customer stated, “It has made my life easier…the best alternative for a fast and quick coffee of your choice.” Another loves that it “makes my morning feel better, very quick have a coffee.” The manual control is frequently cited as a positive feature for those who enjoy customising their drinks.

However, the critiques are just as consistent. The most common complaint is the noise level, which many describe as “loud.” The lack of an automatic water stop is a point of contention for some, who would prefer a “set it and forget it” machine. A handful of users reported reliability issues, such as leaking or the machine failing to turn on, though these appear to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread fault. One user noted, “First pod… Chocolate everywhere, running down the back,” highlighting a potential for messy failures, although we did not experience this in our testing. Overall, the consensus is that for its price, the Piccolo XS offers fantastic value, provided you can live with its manual nature and the operational noise.

How Does the Piccolo XS Compare to the Alternatives?

The world of home coffee is vast, and while the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine excels in its niche, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options.

1. Swan SK22110GRYN Espresso Coffee Machine with Milk Frother

The Swan Nordic is a different beast entirely. It’s a traditional pump espresso machine that uses ground coffee rather than pods and features a manual steam wand for frothing milk. This machine is for the aspiring home barista who enjoys the craft of making coffee—tamping the grounds, steaming the milk, and pulling the shot. It offers more control over the final product but requires significantly more skill, effort, and cleaning. If you dream of practicing latte art and using artisanal coffee beans, the Swan is your machine. If you prioritise speed, convenience, and variety with zero mess, the Piccolo XS is the clear winner.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Next Automatic Pod Coffee Machine

The Vertuo Next is a direct competitor in the pod machine space, but it operates very differently. It uses Nespresso’s proprietary Vertuo pods and a “Centrifusion” technology that spins the capsule to extract coffee. The key difference is that it’s fully automatic; the machine reads a barcode on the pod and dispenses the perfect amount of water every time. It’s ideal for someone who wants the ultimate in push-button simplicity and prefers the specific flavour profile of Nespresso coffee. However, the Dolce Gusto system of the Piccolo XS offers a much wider variety of drinks, including hot chocolates and teas, and the freedom to use third-party pods, making it the more versatile and often more economical choice.

3. KRUPS Essenza Mini Coffee Machine

The Essenza Mini is Nespresso’s answer to the ultra-compact machine, making it the closest competitor to the Piccolo XS. It is exceptionally small and also boasts a high-pressure pump (19 bars). Like the Vertuo, it’s tied to the Nespresso Original line of pods, which are focused purely on coffee and espresso. The Essenza Mini is automatic, with programmable buttons for espresso and lungo shots. You would choose the Essenza Mini if you are a dedicated espresso or lungo drinker, love the Nespresso coffee blends, and want an automatic, compact machine. You would choose the Piccolo XS for its manual control, its ability to make hot and cold drinks, and its vastly superior beverage variety beyond just coffee.

The Final Verdict: A Mighty Machine for Modest Spaces

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Manual Coffee Machine is a remarkable piece of engineering that delivers exceptional value. It successfully brings café-quality coffee into homes where space is at a premium. Its greatest strengths are its incredibly small footprint, its powerful 15-bar pump that produces a fantastic crema, and the unparalleled variety of beverages available through the Dolce Gusto ecosystem.

It is the perfect machine for the coffee lover who values simplicity, control, and choice over automation. While it can be noisy and requires your attention to stop the water flow, these are minor trade-offs for the quality and convenience it offers at such an accessible price point. It’s an ideal first coffee machine for a student, a perfect addition to a home office, or a brilliant upgrade from instant coffee for anyone with a small kitchen. It proves that you don’t need a big machine to make a great cup of coffee.

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.