Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S vs Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
We compare the Delonghi Dolce Gusto Genio S and the Dolce Gusto 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 | Dolce Gusto 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, including milk drinks |
| 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 | Dolce Gusto |
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.
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
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
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.
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
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
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.
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
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
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.
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
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?
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.
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS
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.
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
Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS: 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
Our verdict
Our pick is the Dolce Gusto De'Longhi Piccolo XS (our score 9.3/10) - A practical pod coffee machine (The Dolce Gusto De) 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.