The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS (EDG210.B) by De’Longhi brings powerful performance and sleek design together in one compact package. This manual pod coffee machine is perfect for coffee lovers who want barista-style drinks at home without sacrificing space or simplicity. With a powerful 15-bar pump, the Piccolo XS creates rich, velvety crema and full-bodied flavour in every cup — just like your favourite café.
This Black & Red edition adds a bold style statement to your kitchen, while the 0.8-litre water tank and compact footprint (only 15.5cm wide) make it ideal for small spaces like dorms, studio flats, or office desks. Use the manual lever to choose between hot or cold drinks, and enjoy over 40 drink varieties, including favourites from NESCAFÉ® and STARBUCKS® — all for around 35p per cup.
With automatic eco-mode shut-off, Podback pod recycling compatibility, and a mess-free design, the Piccolo XS proves that great coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
🌟 Key Features and Benefits
15-bar pump pressure – Produces professional-quality coffee with thick crema
Over 40 drink options – Enjoy espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate, teas, and iced drinks
Manual operation – Control brew strength and cup size with the easy-to-use lever
Compact design – Dimensions: 15.5cm (W) x 37.2cm (H) x 28.5cm (D)
0.8L removable water tank – Easy to fill and clean
Energy-saving eco mode – Automatic shut-off after 5 minutes
Podback compatible – Easy recycling of used pods
Adjustable drip tray – Accommodates cups and travel mugs of various sizes
No mess, no fuss – All coffee grounds stay sealed in the pod
Stylish black & red finish – A standout addition to any modern kitchen
Whether you’re after a quick morning espresso or a long iced latte in the afternoon, the Piccolo XS delivers flavour and flexibility in a fraction of the space.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
Pros:
Small footprint – fits anywhere
One of the most affordable Dolce Gusto machines
Manual control offers personalisation
Brew hot or cold drinks
Eco-mode for energy savings
Wide range of pods available
No mess from coffee grounds
Cons:
Manual brewing requires user to monitor stop time
No milk frother – relies on milk pods
Water tank may need frequent refilling in high-use households
No programmable settings or app connectivity
🔎 What the Product Is Used For
This machine is ideal for brewing single-serve hot and cold drinks using Dolce Gusto pods, including espresso, cappuccino, lattes, hot chocolate, teas, and iced beverages. It’s designed for compact spaces and quick, everyday brewing.
☕ Why We Like This Product (Reviewed by the YPC Team)
At Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park, we love products that offer high performance in small packages. The Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS does just that. It’s compact, easy to use, and powerful enough to create drinks that rival any high-street coffee shop. We particularly appreciate the manual control – it gives you the freedom to tailor each cup to your liking. Add to that its compatibility with the Podback recycling scheme, and it’s a win for both flavour and the planet.
🔄 Alternatives Worth Considering
If you’re considering the Piccolo XS but want to explore other options:
Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus – Adds temperature control and XL drink sizes
Tassimo Happy by Bosch – Includes barcode recognition and more drink variety
Nespresso Essenza Mini – For pure espresso lovers with a smaller footprint
Dolce Gusto Mini Me – Automatic stop function and modern design
📘 Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Dolce Gusto Pod Machine
Here’s what to consider when selecting a Dolce Gusto machine:
Size & Portability – At just 15.5cm wide, the Piccolo XS is perfect for small kitchens
Drink Variety – Compatible with 40+ pods including coffee, tea, chocolate, and iced options
Milk Functionality – Uses milk pods rather than a built-in frother
Ease of Use – Manual lever gives full control over strength and cup size
Pod Availability – Easily found in supermarkets and online
Eco Features – Automatic shut-off and Podback recycling support
Cleaning & Maintenance – Minimal effort with removable water tank and drip tray
Affordability – One of the most budget-friendly models in the range
Water Tank Size – 0.8L is enough for 2–3 cups per refill
Start Kit Availability – Some versions include free starter pods
☕ Tips on How to Use Correctly
Insert pod with foil side facing up
Slide lever right for hot, left for cold drinks
Manually stop the machine based on drink size guidance on the pod
Empty drip tray and used capsule holder regularly
Rinse machine with clean water once per week
Descale every 3–4 months or as needed
Use Podback bags for eco-friendly pod recycling
Always fill water tank with fresh, cold water
Store pods in a cool, dry place
Adjust drip tray height to match your cup or mug
🔍 Comparison Table
| Feature | Piccolo XS (EDG210.B) | Genio S Plus | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Tassimo Happy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pod Compatibility | Dolce Gusto only | Dolce Gusto only | Nespresso OriginalLine | Tassimo T DISCs |
| Brew Type | Manual (hot & cold) | Auto (temp + XL) | Auto (espresso only) | Auto with barcode |
| Water Tank Capacity | 0.8L | 0.8L | 0.6L | 0.7L |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 15.5 x 37.2 x 28.5 cm | 12 x 27 x 29 cm | 8.4 x 20.4 x 33 cm | 17 x 26.5 x 32 cm |
| Milk Function | Milk pods only | Milk pods only | Requires frother (sold separately) | Milk pods only |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes (after 5 mins) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Piccolo XS come with any pods?
Some models include a starter kit, but it depends on the retailer. Check before purchase.
2. Is this an automatic or manual machine?
It is a manual machine – you control the stop/start with the lever.
3. Can it make cold drinks too?
Yes – simply move the lever to the left and use a cold pod.
4. Is the water tank removable?
Yes – it can be easily removed for filling and cleaning.
5. How many cups can it brew per refill?
Approximately 2–4 cups, depending on drink size.
6. Can I use any coffee pods?
No – only Dolce Gusto pods are compatible.
7. Is it noisy while brewing?
It makes a low humming noise, but it’s not disruptive.
8. How do I know how much water to use?
Each pod shows a recommended water level for manual brewing.
9. Does it use real milk?
No – it uses milk pods, which are shelf-stable and designed for convenience.
10. How do I recycle the pods?
Use the Podback recycling scheme – order free return bags online or drop off at collection points.
Looking for more options?
Browse our full range of Coffee Machines for other great choices to suit your space, goals, and budget.
