Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Nespresso Pixie
Quick take: The Nespresso Essenza Mini costs $79 less.
| Spec | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Nespresso Pixie |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $229 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (18,000) | 4.5★ (707) |
| 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