Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
Quick take: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ costs $51 less; the Nespresso Essenza Mini heats up faster (25 seconds).
| Spec | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Original Line Capsules, One-Touch, Compact, Two Cup Sizes | Centrifusion Extraction (No Pump), Barcode Capsule Recognition, 5 Cup Sizes, Bluetooth/WiFi Auto-Updates, 30-Second Heat-Up |
| Approx. price | ~$180 | ~$129 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | — |
| Water capacity | 20 oz | 25.4 oz |
| Warm-up time | 25 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | Capsule | — |
| Best for | Beginners | Beginners |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 12.8 x 8 in | 8.6 x 14.0 x 10.4 in |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs | 7.7 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 Vertuo Pop+
- ✓Cheapest entry into the Vertuo line at $129, and frequently discounted under $100
- ✓Tiny footprint fits dorms, offices, and cramped counters
- ✓Barcode scanning auto-sets brew parameters for every capsule size from espresso to 12 oz
- ✓WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity keeps brewing firmware updated automatically
- ✗Uses centrifugal spinning, not 19-bar pump pressure - crema is frothy rather than true espresso
- ✗Small 25.4 oz water tank needs refilling constantly if you brew for two
- ✗Locked into pricier Vertuo capsules with no third-party alternatives
- ✗Brews slightly cooler than larger Vertuo models and runs loud at around 70 dB
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 Vertuo Pop+: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso Essenza Mini or the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+?
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is the cheaper of the two at roughly $129, about $51 less than the Nespresso Essenza Mini at ~$180. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which heats up faster, the Nespresso Essenza Mini or the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+?
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is ready sooner — 25 seconds against 30 seconds for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.