Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Nespresso Pixie
vs
Quick take: The Nespresso Essenza Mini costs $49 less.
| Spec | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Nespresso Pixie |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Original Line Capsules, One-Touch, Compact, Two Cup Sizes | 19-Bar High Pressure Pump, 25-Second Heat-Up, Programmable Espresso & Lungo Buttons, Aluminum Side Panels, Folding Drip Tray, 9-Minute Auto Shutoff |
| Approx. price | ~$180 | ~$229 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | 19 bar |
| Water capacity | 20 oz | 24 oz |
| Warm-up time | 25 seconds | 25 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | Capsule | — |
| Best for | Beginners | Tiny Kitchens |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 12.8 x 8 in | 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 in |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Nespresso Essenza Mini
- ✓Incredibly compact
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Good espresso for pods
- ✓Simple operation
- ✗Locked to Nespresso pods
- ✗Tiny water tank
- ✗No milk steamer
- ✗Only 2 cup sizes
Nespresso Pixie
- ✓Real 19-bar pump extraction of OriginalLine capsules - proper crema, unlike centrifugal Vertuo machines
- ✓At 4.4 inches wide it squeezes into spots no other pump machine can
- ✓OriginalLine format means cheap third-party capsules from dozens of roasters work fine
- ✓Metal side panels and folding drip tray feel built to last versus plasticky rivals
- ✗Tiny 24 oz water tank empties after about five espressos
- ✗No milk frothing at all - an Aeroccino or separate frother adds $50-100
- ✗Only two cup sizes (espresso and lungo) with no ristretto button
- ✗Costs more than the newer Essenza line while making the same shots
What owners say
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is Nespresso's smallest, cheapest OriginalLine machine — a tiny 19-bar pod machine that makes espresso and lungo sizes. It's beloved as a no-fuss, space-saving pod option: it heats fast, takes up almost no counter space, and uses the OriginalLine pod format that has a huge ecosystem of both Nespresso and inexpensive third-party capsules. Full owner insights →
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Nespresso Pixie: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso Essenza Mini or the Nespresso Pixie?
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the cheaper of the two at roughly $180, about $49 less than the Nespresso Pixie at ~$229. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.