Home » Coffee and Tea Makers » Dolce Gusto Piccolo vs Mini Me: Which One is Better?

Piccolo vs Mini Me

Piccolo Mini Me
Image Dolce Gusto Mini-Me
Pump Pressure 15 bars of pump pressure 15 bars of pump pressure
Compatible Beverage Capsule NESCAFÉ pods, Starbucks Capsule, etc. NESCAFÉ pods, Starbucks Capsule, etc.
Beverage Temperature Hot and Cold Hot and Cold
Water Tank Capacity 0.8 L or around 27 oz. 0.8 L or around 27 oz.
Automatic machine No Yes
Removable Drip Tray Yes, 2-level adjustment Yes, 3-level adjustment
Eco-mode functionality Yes, automatic turn off after 1 minute Yes, automatic turn off after 5 minutes
Inclusion of Coffee Pods No, pods are sold separately No, pods are sold separately
Product Dimension 17.65 x 28.65 x 30.1 cm 16 x 31 x 24 cm
Item Weight 2.1 kg 2.5kg
Wattage 1600W 1460W
Available colors Black, Red, White Black/Artic Grey
Price Check Price Check Price

Similarities between Dolce Gusto Piccolo and Mini Me 

Let’s see what these machines have in common.

Small and Compact

The ‘XS’ in Piccolo XS and ‘Mini’ in Mini Me say it all because both machines are small and compact. Fitting it on your kitchen countertop will never be a problem, regardless of its size. Any kitchen countertop, either big or small, will fit both of these machines.

Pump Pressure

The pump pressure specification of coffee machines tells you how much pressure it can create and how much flavor from the coffee beans it can push out. Despite their compact size and smaller frame, both the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS and the Mini Me can still produce 15 bar of pump pressure like their bigger brothers. 

Specialty Beverages and Beverage Pods

Since Nescafé has been on this kind of market a long time, they are one of the most popular single-serve coffee machine makers. Thus, many other coffee makers create their own coffee pods that are compatible with Dolce Gusto Machines. Starbucks, the most famous coffeehouse chain, has their Dolce Gusto-compatible coffee pods that consumers can enjoy. But it does not end with just coffee, other specialty beverages include teas, hot chocolates, and infusions.

Water Tank Capacity

Both the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS and Mini Me has 0.8-liter water tank on their backs. Despite this, you can still make 3-4 specialty beverages with one filling. 

Differences between Dolce Gusto Piccolo and Mini Me 

Automatic vs Manual

An automatic coffee machine is more convenient than non-automatic variants. You can leave the machine while its brewing your beverage and walk back with your drink already prepared. As for manual coffee machines, you need to be in front of the machine the whole time its brewing your beverage then manually stop it.

Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

Unfortunately, the Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS is not automatic. You have to manually move the lever back to its original position to stop brewing. Due to this, there may be a possibility of overflowing when you left it unattended. If you want more control, however, this is the machine for you.

Dolce Gusto Mini Me

On the other hand, the Dolce Gusto Mini Me is automatic. This is a set-and-go kind of machine. Set the amount of water specified on the label of beverage pod, and leave. When you come back, your specialty drink will be ready. Both machines still have the eco-mode functionality which turns them off minutes after being idle.

The Winner Is- Dolce Gusto Mini Me

Adjustable Drip Tray

Like all Dolce Gusto machines, the drip tray is removable and adjustable. However, some of them differs in the number of levels it can adjust to.

Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

The drip tray of Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS only has two-level adjustments. To accommodate a taller glass, you have to remove the drip tray entirely. 

Dolce Gusto Mini Me

In contrast, the Dolce Gusto Mini Me has 3-level adjustment drip tray. It can easily hold any height of beverage glass without needing to remove the drip tray entirely.

The Winner Is- Dolce Gusto Mini Me

Design

There are similarities in the design in both the Piccolo XS and Mini Me. In addition to them being small and compact, the water tank and the controls in both machines are in similar locations.

Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

The Dolce Gusto Piccolo is available in three different colors. You can choose among black, red, and white variants. The black variant has a very muted design with some red accents. In contrast, the red variant has black accents if you are feeling playful. Lastly, you can choose the white variant if you are going for a cleaner look.

Dolce Gusto Mini Me

Unlike the Piccolo XS, the Dolce Gusto Mini Me only comes in one color: black with artic grey accents. Its artic grey accents give the Mini Me a sleeker and more professional design.

The Winner Is- It’s a Tie

Pros and Cons

Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

Pros:

  • Available in more colors
  • Eco-mode functionality, automatic turn off after 1 minute
  • Small and Compact
  • Respectable water tank capacity
  • 15 bar pump pressure
  • Compatible with many beverage pods
  • Inexpensive vs other Dolce Gusto machines

 

Cons:

  • Non-automatic machine
  • Needs 40 seconds preheating
  • Has only two level of dray tray adjustments
  • Includes no beverage pods out of the box


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Dolce Gusto Mini Me

Pros:
  • Automatic set-and-go machine
  • Eco-mode functionality, automatic turn of after 5 minutes
  • Small and compact
  • Sizable water tank capacity
  • 15 bar of pump pressure
  • Compatible to many beverage pods
  • Inexpensive vs other Dolce Gusto machines
  • Has 3-level drip tray adjustments

 

Cons:

  • Only is available in one color
  • Includes no beverage pods out of the box




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Which Dolce Gusto machine to choose?

Both the Dolce Gusto Piccolo and Mini Me are awesome pickups because they are small, compact, and inexpensive. If you are looking for a Dolce Gusto machine that will not break the bank, you can choose either of them. However, in this comparison, the Dolce Gusto Mini Me trumps the Piccolo. It is automatic, has 3-level drip tray adjustments, and as inexpensive as the latter. However, if you are interested in other colors than black with grey accents, you can check out the Piccolo.