KRUPS Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.5/10
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 KP1A3510, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
Overall, the KRUPS Nescafé This pod coffee machine is a compact The Dolce Gusto pod machine that uses 15 bar pressure to brew coffee and milk-style multi-drinks, with both hot and cold serving options. As the pod coffee machine coffee machine, it follows a simple pod workflow: insert a capsule, select hot or cold, then brew. The main trade-off is that performance depends on the capsule choice, so results vary, making it best suited to casual use rather than maximum customisation.
Key specifications
| Spec | Value Notes |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dolce Gusto Nescafé system |
| Pressure | 15 bar For brewing |
| Drink type | Cold/Hot Multi-drinks |
| Form factor | Compact Piccolo XS |
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 from the KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto mainly depends on using Nescafé The pod coffee machine capsules, since the machine is designed for cold or hot multi-drinks rather than loose coffee. With a 15 bar pressure system, each capsule is punctured and brewed to match the capsule's recipe, then dispensed as a concentrated base. Using the matching capsule range improves consistency for espresso-style drinks, because coffee depth and strength are limited to what the capsule provides. Customising grind or dose is not supported, and flavour choices are restricted to the capsule varieties available for the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3510 system.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
With the KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto, drink variety comes from using The pod coffee machine coffee and milk capsules, because the machine is designed for capsule-based multi-drinks rather than brewing from ground coffee. Capsule type determines the drink style, enabling milky options such as latte-style drinks, as well as coffee-only options. In use, a chosen capsule is inserted and the machine dispenses the selected drink using its programmed preparation settings. This setup limits flexibility for ingredients that are not used in capsules, but it simplifies switching between different capsule-based drinks.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
Compact size is one of the main practical advantages of the KRUPS Nescafé The Dolce Gusto, as it is a small capsule coffee pod machine rather than a large countertop brewer. That smaller footprint helps it fit in tighter kitchen spaces, including near a kettle or in a cabinet corner. The machine is designed around straightforward, repeatable steps: insert a pod, close the holder, then start the drink flow. Fewer controls generally make day-to-day use simpler, though taller users may prefer a higher cup stand.
Pod Cost and Availability
How easily a household can find and afford capsules often matters as much as the machine itself, and that is where The pod coffee machine pod availability comes in. For this pod coffee machine, the key practical factor is that it uses Nescafé The Dolce Gusto coffee capsules, which are widely stocked by major UK retailers, online, and in-store (availability varies by town). Costs fluctuate by brand mix, drink type, and pack size, so budgeting helps. Shoppers can compare multi-drink bundles, then test a few favourites. If a local shelf runs low, delivery options usually fill the gap.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
This pod coffee machine suits people who want quick, repeatable drinks without grinding beans or measuring grounds, since the KRUPS Piccolo XS KP1A3510 is designed for Nescafé The Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3510 coffee capsules. It supports hot or cold multi-drinks, which suits households with mixed preferences. Its compact build makes it a practical fit for small kitchens and limited counter space. It also suits buyers who want variety across coffee and milk-style beverages, using compatible capsules. Note that this is capsule-specific, so it is not suitable for those who prefer using loose coffee. Those who mainly want one drink style may find it less flexible than a grinder-based setup.
Where to Buy in the UK
Where to buy the pod coffee machine in the UK depends on whether the machine is purchased on its own or as part of a bundle that includes Nescafé This pod coffee machine capsules for coffee and milk multi-drinks. In the UK, it is typically listed through major electrical retailers and online marketplaces, alongside coffee-pod specialist sellers, where bundles may include capsules and standalone listings may sell the machine only. When buying the machine alone, check that the listing matches the KP1A3510 model and that the Dolce Gusto capsule system is the one needed for the intended coffee and milk multi-drinks. For bundles, compare the capsule variety and delivery details, since these can change between listings.
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 (the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3510 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 Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3510 take?
This pod coffee machine uses The Dolce Gusto pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS KP1A3510 machine only takes The Dolce Gusto pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
Nespresso, The pod coffee machine or Tassimo - which is best?
Each is a different, non-compatible system: Nespresso focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); This 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 Piccolo XS KP1A3510 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.