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The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS 9781 is a compact, manually controlled capsule machine: you insert a Dolce Gusto capsule, move the lever to start hot or cold water, and move it back to stop the pour. It has a reported 0.8 L water tank and 15 bar stated pump pressure, but the published size and weight vary by listing. The available sources do not establish hands-on test results for the exact 9781 unit, so this review focuses on documented specifications, operation and ownership considerations.
What does “9781” identify?
CHOICE lists a product review under the name “Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS 9781.” An Argentina retailer identifies a black Piccolo XS as SKU 9781.B, GTIN 8445291106505, with 220 V input. That ties the 9781 designation to a documented regional listing, but it does not prove that every Piccolo XS sold under a similar name has the same electrical configuration. Check the rating label on the machine and the product documentation for your market before buying or plugging it in. CHOICE’s 9781 listing; Novogar’s Argentina listing for SKU 9781.B.
Specifications: compact footprint, with listing differences
The specifications below come from distinct regional and retail sources, not from measurements of a single independently tested unit. Small differences in dimensions and weight are not explained by the available listings, so treat them as source-specific rather than universal measurements.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11| Source or variant | Tank | Stated pressure | Dimensions | Weight | Electrical rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHOICE, Piccolo XS 9781 | 0.8 L | 15 bar | 28 × 14 × 25 cm (H × W × D) | 1.9 kg | Not stated on the listing |
| Novogar Argentina, SKU 9781.B | Not stated on the listing | Not stated on the listing | 27.6 × 13.6 × 26.6 cm | 2 kg | 220 V; 1500 W |
| NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Singapore, Piccolo XS | 0.8 L | 15 bar | 14 cm wide | Not stated on the product page | Not stated on the product page |
| NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Spain, manual Piccolo XS variant | 0.8 L | Not stated on the product page | Not stated on the product page | Not stated on the product page | 220 V |
Sources: CHOICE, Novogar, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Singapore and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Spain.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Arc Pro 5-in-1 Single Serve Coffee Maker】KOTLIE Arc Pro is designed for coffee lovers who want more choices from one stylish machine. Compatible with K-Cup pods, Nespresso Original capsules, Dolce Gusto capsules, ESE 44mm pods and ground coffee, it makes it easy to enjoy different coffee styles at home, in the office or when serving guests
- 【LED Touch Panel & 7 Cup Volume Settings】The LED touch panel keeps daily brewing simple and clear, letting you adjust 7 cup volume settings directly from the control panel. Choose the right water amount for your taste, whether you prefer a short espresso-style drink, a stronger coffee or a larger cup
- 【3 Temperature Settings for Hot & Iced Coffee】With 3 temperature options, Arc Pro gives you more control over every cup. Select a hotter setting for cold mornings, a balanced temperature for everyday coffee, or the low-temperature setting to make refreshing iced coffee and cold coffee drinks with ice
- 【19 Bar Extraction & 25s Fast Preheating】Powered by a 1400W heating system and 19 bar high-pressure extraction, this single serve coffee maker preheats in around 25 seconds for quick daily brewing. It helps extract rich aroma and smooth crema for your morning coffee, afternoon break or guest drinks
- 【Premium Curved Design, 34oz Tank & 6 inch Cup Space】The curved body design gives Arc Pro a modern, premium look for kitchens, home offices, break rooms and guest spaces. The removable 32oz water tank supports more cups between refills, while the tall cup area fits cups up to 6inch high, making it easier to use larger mugs, travel cups and iced coffee glasses
How the manual controls work
The Piccolo XS is not an automatic machine that stops at a capsule’s programmed volume. Manufacturer instructions describe filling the tank, inserting a capsule and moving the lever to select hot or cold water. You control the pour by moving the lever back when you have dispensed the amount you want. That gives you direct control over volume, but means you need to monitor and stop each drink yourself. See the regional product descriptions from NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Spain and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Singapore.
Capsules and drink options
The machine is designed for the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto capsule system. Do not assume that capsules for another system, including Nespresso, will fit. Before choosing the Piccolo XS, check that the Dolce Gusto drinks you want are sold where you live and account for capsule purchases as an ongoing ownership cost; verified local capsule prices are not established here.
Krups UK describes more than 40 drinks across a Piccolo XS model range, including espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot chocolate, tea and cold beverages. That is the manufacturer’s range description, not a guarantee that every drink is available in every country or a tasting assessment of the 9781. Krups UK Piccolo XS instructions and FAQs.
Descaling and routine care
Descaling advice can depend on regional documentation and water hardness. The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Australia Piccolo XS manual (2023) says to descale at least every 3–4 months, use NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto liquid descaler and not use vinegar. Its wording is explicit: “Do not use vinegar for descaling!” The manual also identifies an orange descaling indicator, slower beverage flow or a cooler drink as signs that descaling may be needed. Follow the manual supplied with your machine for the correct procedure. NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Australia Piccolo XS User Manual (2023).
Rank #3
- ULTRACOMPACT: Compact and advanced high pressure capsule machine (up to 15 bar) compatible with the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto capsules
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: Exceptionally good coffee with a thick velvety cream layer in less than 30 seconds.
- USER-FRIENDLY SETTINGS: quick and easy preparation of over 30 coffee creations, with hot and cold drink options created at the touch of a button with an intuitive LED control wheel
- ADJUSTABLE SIZE: With the XL function, you can easily adjust the size of your drink, from small to XL (max 300ml)
- REMOVABLE WATER RESERVOIR: A removable 0.8 litre water tank for easy cleaning, combined with an automatic LED descaling notification that alerts you when it's time for maintenance
Krups UK says water hardness is the main reason for calcification and recommends frequent descaling—every three months or less depending on water hardness. Treat that as regional manufacturer guidance, not a universal schedule that overrides your machine’s own manual. Krups UK support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider the Piccolo XS?
The documented design points to a machine suited to someone who wants a compact Dolce Gusto setup and is comfortable controlling each pour manually. It may be a poor fit if you want automatic volume stopping, depend on another capsule ecosystem, or need a different electrical configuration. For comparisons with other capsule machines, focus on the actual decision points: manual versus automatic dispensing, counter width, tank capacity, local capsule availability and recurring cost, electrical compatibility, and descaling requirements.
Rank #4
- Nescafe Dolce Gusto for Nescafe Dolce Gusto Brewers, Espresso, 16 Count (Pack of 3)
- COFFEE
- Nescafé Dolce Gusto
Present-day local pricing, stock, warranty terms and verified cost per cup are not established by the cited sources. No hands-on test of the exact 9781 unit is established either, so there is no evidence here to support claims about taste, speed, noise, reliability or a performance score.
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Best Value
- LOWER YOUR COSTS: Our coffee capsules are reusable, you don't need to buy disposable coffee capsules repeatedly, saving your money and waiting time for the pods to arrive by mail
- COMPATIBILITY: These reusable pods compatible with Nescafe Dolce Gusto Machine Mini Me, Piccolo, Genio, Esperta and Circolo
- SAFE TO USE: Fit for dolce gusto reusable pods are made of food-grade PP material, 100% BPA free and recyclable
- HOW TO USE: Take about 8g coffee grinds into the reusable capsules , press lightly, close the capsule lid tightly and put into coffee machine in correct way make sure that the hole in the lid is at the 6 o'clock position
- PACKAGE: Include 6 pack refillable coffee capsules compatible with dolce gusto (2 * black+2 * brown+2 * purple)+ 1 pack coffee spoon + 1 pack brush
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
