Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S vs De'Longhi Piccolo XS
We compare the Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S 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
| Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S | De'Longhi Piccolo XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.2/10 | 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 | Dolce Gusto | De'Longhi |
Specifications compared
| Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S | De'Longhi Piccolo XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | EDG226.A | EDG210.B Label only |
| Colour | Anthracite | Black, red Two-tone body |
Coffee Quality and Pod System
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S
Coffee quality for the Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S (EDG226.A) depends mainly on the Dolce Gusto pod system. Each drink uses pre-portioned pods rather than whole beans or ground coffee, so dosing is fixed by the pod contents instead of by adjustable grinding or bean selection. The result is consistent and predictable, but there is limited control over strength and grind. Flavour comes from the sealed pod format and its blend, which reduces flexibility for users who want to experiment with roast levels compared with fresh coffee.
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
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S
Milk drinks and other beverages are largely driven by the pod coffee machine pod system used by the NESCAFÉ EDG226.The Dolce Gusto Genio S Automatic coffee machine. With milk-based pods, the machine can produce café-style lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate, as long as suitable pods are chosen. Because the system relies on pods, variety depends on which pod types are available, and customisation options are limited. Consistent results are expected across drinks. For non-milk drinks, coffee pods can also be used, keeping routines flexible.
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
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S
When people think about making lattes, cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks, the machine's physical setup matters as much as the pod choice, because it affects how quickly drinks can be prepared and how often the unit needs attention. For day-to-day use, the controls and pod-loading steps are straightforward: a compatible Nescafé The Dolce Gusto pod is inserted, a drink is selected and dispensing begins.
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
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S
Pod cost and availability matter because the pod coffee machine is built to use Nescafé The Dolce Gusto pods. That means the ongoing expense depends on which pod packs are accessible locally and online, and whether specific flavours are in stock. Prices can vary by flavour and pack size, so comparing unit costs can be more useful than looking only at a single-pack total. This dependence on The pod coffee machine pods is a trade-off, but compatible sourcing is usually straightforward, provided the right pod system is chosen.
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?
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S
Who is this pod coffee machine for, and who might want to look elsewhere? It suits people who want an automatic pod coffee machine designed for Nescafé The Dolce Gusto pods, with an emphasis on coffee and milk drinks made through that system. It suits small kitchens or households where single-serve drinks are the main routine, rather than brewing multiple cups at once. It may not suit someone who prefers loose coffee, as the machine uses pre-portioned pods. Buyers who want to use pods from another system, or who want broader menu variety beyond the Dolce Gusto Genio range, may want to look elsewhere too.
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.
Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S: pros
- Uses the Dolce Gusto pod system
- 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 Piccolo XS (our score 9.3/10) - A practical pod coffee machine for fuss-free pod coffee at home. The Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.