Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 9.3/10
Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button, including milk drinks
Not for: Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup
Bottom line: A practical pod coffee machine (The Dolce Gusto De) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
The NESCAFÉ This pod coffee machine is a compact pod capsule coffee machine built for milk drinks using The Dolce Gusto capsules. The pod coffee machine review uk suits people who want quick, pod-based cups rather than grinding beans, and its 0.8-litre water capacity fits everyday use in smaller households. Capsule choice is limited to the Dolce Gusto system, making it a practical option for milk drinks in small spaces.
Key specifications
| Feature | Stated detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dolce Gusto (NESCAFÉ) |
| Capacity | 0.8 litres |
| Colours | White and black |
Pros
- Uses the Dolce Gusto pod system
- Makes milk drinks
- Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding
Cons
- Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
- Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
- Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee
Coffee Quality and Pod System
Coffee quality depends heavily on the NESCAFÉ The pod coffee machine pod system, and the De'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210.WB) is built to make milk drinks as well as espresso and cappuccino styles. It uses sealed pods, so the taste, strength and consistency are driven mainly by the capsule selection rather than user control. For each drink, the user inserts the correct pod, then follows the machine's standard brewing flow until the cup fills. The 0.8 litre capacity mainly affects how often it needs refilling, not flavour. Pod-based brewing can reduce experimentation.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
Milk-focused beverages are where the NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210.WB) shows its main purpose, since it is designed to make milk drinks along with espresso and cappuccino styles. It uses pod capsules to switch between coffee classics and milk-based drinks. For each drink, a person selects a compatible pod, inserts it, then follows the machine's heating and dispensing sequence until the cup fills. The 0.8 litres capacity can influence how many drinks are possible before refilling. The key strengths are the variety of pod-based milk drink options.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
The NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210.WB) is built for compact everyday use, using a 0.8 litre water capacity that can reduce how often the tank needs refilling during a short run of drinks. Its small footprint suits a tidy worktop setup, while the limited tank volume means longer sessions may require a refill. Pod capsule operation stays straightforward, with the process involving filling the tank first, inserting a pod capsule, then starting the brew. Ease of use depends on keeping the tank properly filled to avoid pauses during dispensing.
Pod Cost and Availability
When it concerns pod cost and availability, the NESCAFÉ The pod coffee machine'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210.WB) uses NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto pod capsules. Shoppers need to buy the correct The pod coffee machine pod line for coffee and milk drinks before purchasing in bulk, as availability depends on the pod range. In the UK, these capsules are sold through major supermarkets and online retailers, but exact pricing varies by brand mix and seasonal offers. For budgeting, check that the capsule selection includes compatible drinks such as espresso, cappuccino and other milk options, then compare pack sizes and start with trial packs.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
Who is the NESCAFÉ This pod coffee machine'Longhi Piccolo XS (EDG210.WB) for? This pod capsule coffee machine is for people who mainly want quick coffee and cappuccino-style drinks using The Dolce Gusto pods. With a 0.8 litre capacity, it suits smaller kitchens, offices, or homes where space is limited and a larger water tank is unnecessary. It is also suitable for users who prefer simple operation, because it lets you make coffee and milk-based drinks without measuring grounds. It may not suit those who want fresh, grind-at-home coffee, since it relies on pre-portioned pods. Overall, it fits casual daily drinkers more than espresso enthusiasts.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto De in the UK is usually straightforward because it is a specific The pod coffee machine pod capsule machine sold through common retail channels. Availability can vary by colour, so it helps to search by the exact model name. The machine uses This pod coffee machine pods for coffee and milk drinks, so shoppers may also confirm local pod availability before purchase. Used listings can appear. Approved UK retailers to check include Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dolce Gusto worth it?
For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the pod coffee machine (the Dolce Gusto machine) is hard to beat. Remember the pods are an ongoing cost. Check the current Amazon UK price, as pod machines go on deal often.
What pods does the pod coffee machine take?
The Dolce Gusto De uses This pod coffee machine pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Dolce Gusto machine only takes The pod coffee machine pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
Nespresso, The Dolce Gusto or Tassimo - which is best?
Each is a different, non-compatible system: Nespresso focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); The pod coffee machine does a wide range of coffee and milk drinks; Tassimo offers branded drinks like Costa and Cadbury. Choose by the drinks you want and pod price - the machine just follows the system.
How much do the pods cost to run?
Pods typically work out around 30-50p each depending on the system and brand, more than ground coffee but far less than a coffee shop. Nespresso Original and some systems have cheaper compatible pods; factor the ongoing pod cost into your decision, not just the machine price.
Does this pod coffee machine make milk drinks like lattes?
The Dolce Gusto De can make milk drinks - on The pod coffee machine via a separate milk pod, or with a frother. Check whether milk frothing is built in, a separate unit, or done manually.
Are pod coffee machines worth it over a bean-to-cup?
Pod machines are cheaper to buy, faster, mess-free and need no grinding or cleaning of grounds - ideal for convenience. Bean-to-cup machines make fresher coffee from beans and cost less per cup, but cost far more upfront and need more upkeep. For speed and ease, pods win; for coffee purists, beans do.