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| Piccolo | Mini Me | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| 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
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
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.