The Best Small Nespresso Machines
Nespresso machines are renowned for being easy to use. You simply drop a pod in and press the button. Many devices have touchscreen displays and a quick heating time.
They are also available in a variety of sizes to suit different tastes. The smaller Nespresso machine is the Essenza Mini, is designed to save space with its slim footprint and small profile.
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is Nespresso's most basic and least expensive machine. It's also among the most convenient, since you can turn it on with the push of a button, and get your coffee ready in seconds. Nespresso's capsule system allows you to enjoy the best coffee shop espresso at home. The brand is well-known for its sleek machines, which fit into small spaces.
This model and its bigger cousin, the Pixie 1, both belong to Nespresso’s Original Line of pod espresso machines. They do not come with milk frothers. However, you can add hot milk or hot water to your coffee to provide it with a more diverse taste. They're also a great choice for those who don't want to deal with the mess and cleanup of traditional drip-style coffee makers.
You can also make use of a third-party milk maker using this machine if prefer. The only downside to the Mini is that it can only brew two cups one espresso and one lungo (double espresso). This isn't an issue for most people, but it's something to think about if plan to use the Mini often.
The Mini is about half the weight and size of other Original Line Nespresso models, which is ideal if you have a small counter space. It is also energy efficient and uses less power than other coffee makers. It's easy to refill its 20.3-ounce water tank and empty used capsule containers, too.
We tested the Essenza Mini for our Single-Serve Coffee Makers review, and it scored well in our tests of first-cup speed, repeat speed and the consistency of temperature between cups. We also found it easy to use, simple to refill, and clean.
This small nespresso machine comes in two different shapes and five colors: black white, gray, red, and lime green. The Mini C is a boxy machine with straight lines, while the Mini D has a triangular shape and more inclined lines. Both models are priced similarly and have the exact same brewing abilities, but their design and style differ. The best option for you will depend on your personal style and the amount of storage space you have.
2. Nespresso CitiZ
This Nespresso machine is not the cheapest but it's an excellent choice for those who prefer making cappuccino or espresso at home. It is streamlined, easy to use and takes up less space than other models. It has a small footprint, meaning it will be a good fit on kitchen counters. It makes coffee using capsules which is convenient and easy to clean. The machine heats quickly and has an energy-saving and automatic feature that shuts off the machine after nine minutes of inactivity. It also features a sleek design and comes in four colors to match various kitchen styles.
The machine comes with two programmable buttons that allow you to select the desired volume of your drink. The machine will automatically stop the flow of water once it reaches the desired amount of Espresso or Lungo. The machine comes with a folding tray that allows it to accommodate glasses that are taller. It is easy to use, meaning even people who are not experienced with technology will be able to operate it.
The Nespresso CitiZ does not have an option that is devoted to dispensing milk foam. The milk frother can only be used when the machine is on. This can be quite frustrating when you are making cappuccinos or other drinks that require a substantial amount of froth.
The machine also doesn't have an automatic hot water dispenser. You will need to add water manually each time you use it. This can be a hassle for busy household or have to leave home for a prolonged period of time. nespresso original machine does not come with an insulated travel mug, which is a common feature among smaller Nespresso machines.
The Nespresso machine is easy to clean and has a tiny footprint that makes it easier to store. It also features a simple one-touch brewing system. It takes about 25 seconds to warm up, which is relatively rapid compared to other brewers. It is also recommended to descale the machine on a regular basis to get rid of the buildup of minerals and keep it functioning at its peak. Nespresso offers a descaling solution that you can run through the machine to help keep it in good working order.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus brings single-serve brewing to a new height. It can make a variety of different coffees and espressos at the press of one button. It's also easy to heat up, taking between 15 to 25 seconds to warm up. It also comes with the Aeroccino milk froth maker, that makes cold or hot froth for your favorite coffee recipes in just a few seconds.
The Vertuo Plus, like other Nespresso machines, is simple to operate. You simply need to insert the capsule and then press the button. The machine will scan the barcode and adjust the brewing settings according to. The capsule is spun at up to 7,500 rotations per minute, combining ground coffee and water to create a rich crema.
This technology is unique to the Vertuo range, and it aims to deliver an even and consistent extraction than other Nespresso machines. The result is a drink that's smoother and has a deeper crema when compared to traditional pod drinks. The Vertuo Plus is also capable of making longer drinks like the alto or gran lungo, something that wouldn't be possible with the traditional pod machines.
The design of the Vertuo plus is another advantage. The machine is made of plastic of high-quality and features a slim machine body. The water tank can be positioned either to the left or the right of the machine, and the used capsule drawer closes automatically. It also has a cup support that can adjust to tall travel cups.
Vertuo plus is not the best option for small spaces. At 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep, it could be quite large and take up a lot of countertop space. It's also quite heavy, so you could struggle to lift it in the event that your kitchen is located on an upper floor. However, the majority of reviewers were happy with the user-friendly interface and quick brewing capabilities of the Vertuo Plus. Many people also liked that the large 40-ounce water tank rarely needed refilling, and it was easy to clean.
4. Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie is the Tinkerbell of small coffee makers. It's small, cute, and amazing (especially when you get up in the early morning). Much like its counterpart in the movie it can meet all your black-coffee desires without any hassle. It's a Nespresso single-cup espresso maker that can brew short shots of espresso in less than a second. It's also extremely efficient in energy use and can be shut off automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity.
The machine will reach the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. You can take an espresso shot or a lungo espresso while you're on the way to work. The one-touch buttons are programmable to give 1.35-ounce espresso or 3.7-ounce lungo shots. The high-pressure pump has 19 bars and produces results that are similar to those from your local coffee shop.
It is available in various colors and has an elegant design. It looks stunning on any counter. The body of the machine is made of aluminum that is lightweight and plastic. The cup support, side panels, and other components are made from recycled ABS plastic and thin aluminum. The handle latch is made from a metal known as Zamak which is light and durable.
The machine is easy to operate and has a number of features, including a quick boiling time and low energy consumption. The automatic shut-off feature and both the capsule container and the bin that is used for capsules can be removed for simple cleaning. The water tank is easy to refill and the red backlight will let you know when it's full.
Like all Nespresso machines, the Pixie requires descale occasionally. The process takes 15 minutes and involves filling the water tank with Nespresso descaler liquid and running the program to cleanse the system. This ensures that the machine is in top condition and prevents it from accumulating calcium deposits which could impact its performance.
One thing to be aware of about the Pixie is that it can't be used for latte or cappuccino drinks. If you're looking to make a milky beverage you'll need a separate milk frother. It's not expensive however it can be quite a hassle.