De'Longhi Mini Me vs De'Longhi Piccolo XS
We compare the De'Longhi Mini Me and the De'Longhi Piccolo XS across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| De'Longhi Mini Me | De'Longhi Piccolo XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Best for | Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button | Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button |
| Not ideal for | Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup | Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup |
| Brand | De'Longhi | De'Longhi |
Coffee Quality and Pod System
De'Longhi Mini Me
Coffee quality on this pod coffee machine depends largely on the pod system. This is a pod coffee machine, and the pod type determines what flavours and strength are achievable, because the brewing is tied to pre-portioned pods rather than loose coffee. With no pod type, brewing pressure, water temperature, or cup size range provided in the available product title information, expectations should remain general: pods are typically consistent from cup to cup, but the overall taste and intensity are limited to the pod varieties available for the machine. The machine's automatic workflow reduces the need to manually manage brewing variables, yet switching flavour intensity depends entirely on what compatible pods are used.
De'Longhi Piccolo XS
Designed for pod coffee, the De'Longhi heats water and forces it through a compatible pod, so the cup's flavour depends primarily on the pod type and its freshness rather than adjustable brewing controls. As there are no settings for grind, dose or brew time, strength and extraction consistency track the pod variety used. Taste results can differ between lighter and darker roast styles, and can vary further if pods are stored improperly or are past their best date. Pod compatibility also matters, since non-compatible pods may under-extract or fail to seal properly.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
De'Longhi Mini Me
Beyond how pods shape the taste, the De'Longhi's ability to make milk drinks depends on what it can do with milk and which milk-based drink types it is designed to support. It is marketed as an automatic coffee machine for pod coffee, and also for "other automatic drinks" (not stated). For milk-based options, performance relies on the machine's milk handling, such as warming and creating consistent texture. If it supports only a limited set of milk drink styles (not stated), drink variety may feel narrow. Nevertheless, when compatible pods and milk are used, results are typically repeatable, though taste can vary with milk type.
De'Longhi Piccolo XS
With coffee flavour mainly tied to the pod used, milk drinks become the next test of how well the pod coffee machine fits everyday needs. This machine is intended for manual pod coffee, so cappuccinos and lattes depend on the user's approach to heating and frothing milk. The drink outcome therefore hinges on the consistency of milk texture, cup size and pour timing, because no steam control is described. Those making milk drinks may achieve repeatable results once they establish a routine, but versatility is limited by the lack of stated milk features.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
De'Longhi Mini Me
When considering the pod coffee machine (compact pod coffee automatic machine), size and day-to-day handling matter as much as drink quality. It is designed to suit smaller kitchens and worktops. Daily operation is based on pod-based automatic drinks, with pods loaded first and drink selection handled through the machine controls. Cleaning is described as straightforward.
De'Longhi Piccolo XS
Even before focusing on coffee quality, the De'Longhi Piccolo XS EDG210 comes down to its compact footprint and how easily the water tank can be accessed and managed, because the product title does not specify any dimensions or tank capacity. With no tank size figures provided in the background, buyers need to check the physical measurements and capacity in the full manual or the retailer listing. The machine is described as a manual coffee machine, so day-to-day operation involves user actions for each drink.
Pod Cost and Availability
De'Longhi Mini Me
Pod cost and availability can strongly affect how practical the De'Longhi is for daily use, because it is a pod coffee automatic machine rather than a bean or ground-coffee system. For this type, routine enjoyment depends on compatible pods being sold locally at reasonable prices. The review notes that if local retailers stock the needed range, refills are quicker and more straightforward. If stock is limited, buyers may rely on online orders, which can add delivery time and cost, and may affect how often drinks are prepared. Pod availability therefore matters for consistent, everyday use.
De'Longhi Piccolo XS
Pod cost and availability matters for the De'Longhi because its product title specifies it is a pod coffee machine, so ongoing drink costs depend on what pods it can use and how easily those pods can be found in the UK. Because the title does not specify pod format or compatibility, readers must check the manufacturer's official documentation before buying in bulk. Pod prices can vary by supplier and pack size, and convenience can drop if compatible pods are harder to find, pushing up the per-cup cost. For best value, compare local and online availability regularly.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
De'Longhi Mini Me
The pod coffee machine's Mini Me EDG155.BG is for people who want pod-based drinks from a compact automatic coffee machine, without using a grinder or buying whole beans. It suits smaller spaces such as small kitchens, desks, or households where counter space matters, because the machine is designed to be compact and automatic. It is also suited to users who prefer repeatable results, since pods remove the need for measuring and tamping, and the workflow is largely press, insert, and wait. It may not suit anyone looking for freestyle coffee, larger cups, or full control over strength.
De'Longhi Piccolo XS
The pod coffee machine is best suited to people who want a simple black pod coffee machine for everyday drinks, rather than a fully flexible coffee setup. It suits households or small offices where convenience matters, because pod machines typically make selection and cleanup straightforward. The all-in-one style fits users who prefer black coffee consistently. It also suits first-time buyers who want the De'Longhi manual pod machine with straightforward controls. People who need many cup sizes, milk drinks, or programmable features may find the range of options limited.
De'Longhi Mini Me: pros
- 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
De'Longhi Piccolo XS: pros
- 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
Our verdict
Our pick is the De'Longhi Mini Me (our score 9.4/10) - A practical pod coffee machine (compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home. The De'Longhi Piccolo XS is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.