KRUPS Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.8/10
Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button
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 Piccolo XS KP1A3110, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
This pod coffee machine is a compact capsule coffee maker built for NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto drinks, and it uses a 15 bar system. The pod coffee machine review UK quick verdict is that it suits small kitchens and everyday pod users, particularly for milk-based drinks.
Key specifications
| Feature | Value Notes |
|---|---|
| System pressure | 15 bar Multi-drinks |
| Drink types | Coffee and milk drinks Via capsules |
| Size | Compact Capsule machine |
Pros
- Uses the Dolce Gusto pod system
- Compact, space-saving design
- 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 with the KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto is linked to the NESCAFÉ The pod coffee machine capsule system, because drinks are made using sealed pods rather than freshly ground coffee. The 15 bar pressure drives water through each capsule, so results depend primarily on the capsule blend and the chosen size. Sealed pods support consistency, reduce mess, and keep cleanup straightforward, which can suit busy routines. Capsule brewing also limits control over strength or freshness, as customers cannot adjust grind level, dose, or brew time, and flavour can vary by pod type. Batch-level differences are not adjustable.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
With the NESCAFÉ The Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3110 capsule system, the KRUPS Piccolo XS KP1A3110 can make capsule coffee drinks, and milk-based options depend on the specific capsules used, including single-serve, sealed capsules. Variety therefore comes from the choice of capsules rather than from manual grinding or measuring. Milk drinks are limited to what the capsules provide, and results can vary with each pod's recipe. Heavier, frothier styles require matching milk capsules, while lighter drinks may suit standard coffee capsules. Because each capsule is pre-measured and sealed, drink consistency is typically predictable.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
The KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto is a compact capsule coffee maker, so it is designed to take up less countertop space than larger machines. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to place in kitchens with limited space, as well as in dorm rooms and offices. Convenience features include automatic shut-off and an economy mode, which limit unnecessary operation time.
Pod Cost and Availability
Pod cost and availability are mainly determined by the NESCAFÉ The pod coffee machine capsule line, since the KRUPS Piccolo XS KP1A3110 is built for The Dolce Gusto pods. In the UK, The pod coffee machine capsules are sold through major retailers, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos and Tesco, so shoppers usually have regular access. Prices can vary depending on the type of drink (coffee or milk-style options), roast level, and pack size, while seasonal promotions can change the effective cost per cup. Because the machine uses a fixed capsule system, capsule compatibility is limited to this pod coffee machine format rather than other pod systems. Specialty flavours may be less consistent in stock.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
Who is this pod coffee machine for? The KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto suits people who want a compact capsule system for coffee and milk drinks, and who prefer convenience over grinding beans. Its 15 bar pump rating suggests it is designed to extract flavour from The Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3110 pods, making it a fit for everyday home use where drinks vary, including espresso-style coffee and milk-based options. It also suits buyers who value automatic shut-off and economy mode, since those features can reduce wasted energy after use. It is less suitable if you want fresh, ground coffee.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the KRUPS Nescafé The pod coffee machine (15 bar capsule coffee machine) is available from major online retailers and in-store home appliance shops that stock Nescafé This pod coffee machine machines and capsules. Purchasers commonly check listings for The Dolce Gusto capsule compatibility before ordering, since capsule availability depends on the pod coffee machine system rather than the brand of the coffee machine. It is also common to see the machine sold with a starter pack so the initial purchase covers both the unit and an introductory range of The Dolce Gusto capsules. Stock levels can vary by season, and online delivery times can affect when the order arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pod coffee machine worth it?
For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3110 (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 uses The pod coffee machine pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Dolce Gusto machine only takes This pod coffee machine pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
Nespresso, The Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3110 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.
What does the 15 bar pressure mean?
The Dolce Gusto runs at 15 bar. High pressure (around 15-19 bar is common on pod machines) helps extract a quick crema-topped coffee from the pod. For pod machines the system and pod matter more than chasing the highest bar number.
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.