Coffee lovers around the world have embraced the convenience of pod machines, and the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS promises to deliver that experience without demanding much from your countertop or your wallet. But does this compact machine live up to expectations, or does the affordable price point come with its own set of compromises? Here's an in-depth look at the Piccolo XS after putting it through its paces.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Piccolo XS presents itself as a petite and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its small footprint is a significant advantage for those with limited space. The plastic construction has a substantial feel; with a combination of glossy and matte finishes, it seems designed to withstand daily usage without compromising aesthetics. Despite the tank feeling a bit thin, it doesn't appear fragile or concerning. The vibrant red cable may divide opinion, but it adds a distinctive touch to the otherwise monochrome design.
Performance and Usability
Jumping straight into what matters most — the coffee — it's clear that the Piccolo XS doesn't disappoint when it comes to temperature. Early pod machines often struggled to produce a sufficiently hot brew, but this isn't an issue for the Piccolo XS. In tests, a hot chocolate, as an example, remained quite warm after several minutes, hovering around 63.5 - 64 degrees Celsius.
One of the most significant advantages of this machine is its readiness. There's minimal wait time thanks to a quick heat-up, saving those precious moments in the morning or whenever you're craving a cup. Whether you're indulging in a Nescafé Dolce Gusto pod or one of the many hot chocolate varieties, the output is consistent and swift.
Moreover, users have control over the quantity of their beverage. While this manual intervention might be seen as a positive or a negative, the option to customize the volume of your drink to your liking is worth noting. This does, however, bring a degree of trial and error when aiming for the optimal drink size for different types of pods.
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Range of Pods
The Piccolo XS is compatible exclusively with Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods, but fear not — the variety is impressive. From numerous hot chocolate options to classic coffees like lattes and cappuccinos, the machine caters to a diverse palette. However, quality comes at a cost, with pod prices around 40p per drink.
Noise levels are an often overlooked aspect of pod machines, but the Piccolo XS operates quietly, ensuring that your coffee-making process is as unobtrusive as it is quick.
Design Features
Drip Tray
The drip tray is adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes — a small but vital feature. It has a higher setting for espresso cups to prevent splashing and can be lowered for larger mugs.
Water Tank
For such a diminutive machine, the water tank is surprisingly generous. Holding 0.8 liters, it saves you from constantly refilling after each use — a clear win for convenience.
Temperature and Brew Strength
The hot and cold option adds versatility. However, what the Piccolo XS gains in speed and convenience, it loses in precision. It features no temperature control or automatic stop for the brew cycle. It's a manual process that, while potentially adding to the experience for some, could be seen as a step too much for others.
Important Considerations
Cost and Environment
While the Piccolo XS itself is budget-friendly, the ongoing cost of pods is a factor to consider. Moreover, there's a significant environmental impact to bear in mind — many of these pods are not recyclable, contributing to plastic waste.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The design of the drip tray poses a minor challenge when it comes to cleaning, collecting residue that can be tedious to wipe away. Any spills or splashes also tend to be more apparent due to the machine's design, meaning more frequent wipe-downs may be necessary.
Manual Operation
The most considerable potential downside of the Piccolo XS is the required manual intervention. Users must monitor the brew to stop it manually, which could lead to inconsistent results if timings are not carefully controlled.
Conclusion: Is the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Worth It?
The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS has much to offer for those seeking a no-frills, compact coffee machine. Its quick heat-up time, variety of available drinks, and compact size make it an attractive option for first-time pod machine buyers or those with limited space. But potential users should weigh the cost of pods, manual operation, and environmental considerations. For its price, the Piccolo XS is a solid performer, but those seeking more advanced features may need to look at higher-priced alternatives.