The Best Small Nespresso Machines
Nespresso machines are well-known for their simplicity of use. Simply drop a pod in and press a button. Many devices have touchscreen displays and quick heating times.
They are also available in a range of sizes to suit different preferences. The smallest Nespresso machine that is the Essenza Mini, is designed to maximize space thanks to its slim footprint and small profile.
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is the simplest and least expensive machine from Nespresso. It is also the most user-friendly machine, since it can be turned on by pressing one button. Your coffee is ready in a matter of minutes. Nespresso’s capsule system allows you to enjoy coffee-shop quality espresso at home. The brand is known for its sleek machines which can fit into tiny spaces.
This model and its bigger cousin that is the Pixie 1, both belong to Nespresso’s Original Line of pod espresso machines. These machines do not have milk frothers. However, you can add hot milk or hot water to your coffee to give it a different taste. They're also a great option for those who don't want to face the mess and cleanup of traditional drip coffee makers.
You can also use a third-party milk frother to make milk if you prefer. The only downside to the Mini is that it only produces two cup sizes, an espresso and a lungo. This isn't an issue for most people, but it's something to consider if you intend to make use of the Mini regularly.
The Mini is half the weight and size of the other Original Line Nespresso machines, which is great if you are limited on counter space. The machine is also energy-efficient, using less power than most other coffeemakers. It's easy to refill its 20.3-ounce water tank and empty capsule containers, too.
We tried the Essenza Mini for our Single-Serve Coffee Makers review, and it scored well in our tests of first-cup speed, repeat speed and consistency of temperature between cups. We also found it easy to operate, easy to refill, and easy to clean.
The small nespresso comes in five colors and two shapes: black, white and gray. The Mini C is a boxy machine with straight lines while the Mini D has a triangular shape and more angles. Both models are priced the same and share the same brewing capabilities, but they differ in design and style. 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 most expensive however it's a great option for those who like to make cappuccino and espresso at home. It is simple to use and compact, and takes less space than other models. It is slim in its footprint, so it can fit well on crowded kitchen counters. It produces coffee using capsules that is convenient and mess free. The machine is quick to heat up and features a quick, automatic energy-saving function that turns it off after nine minutes of inactivity. It is sleek and modern design, and is available in four different colors that will suit any kitchen style.
The machine has two programmable buttons that allow you to select the amount you want to beverage. The machine will stop the flow of water when it reaches the desired quantity of Espresso or Lungo. It also comes with a foldable tray that allows it to accommodate taller recipe glasses. It is simple to use, so even those who are not experienced with technology can use it.
One disadvantage of the Nespresso CitiZ is that it doesn't have a separate button to dispense milk foam. The milk frother can only be used when the machine is turned on. This can be quite frustrating when you're making cappuccinos, or other drinks requiring a lot of froth.
The machine does not come with an automatic hot water dispenser. You'll have to add water manually each time you use it. This can be a hassle when you have a busy household or are away from home for a prolonged period of time. The machine doesn't come with an insulated travel cup, which is common among smaller Nespresso models.
The Nespresso machine is easy to keep clean and has a tiny footprint which makes it easy to store. It also comes with a simple, one-touch brewing mechanism. It takes around 25 seconds to warm up, which is fairly fast compared to other brands. It is also recommended that you descale the machine regularly to get rid of mineral buildup and ensure it is functioning at its peak. Nespresso provides a descaling solution that you can run through the machine to keep it in good working order.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus brings single-serve brewing to a whole new level. This machine can create a variety of different coffees and espressos at the pressing of one button. Ongoing can heat up quickly between 15 and 25 seconds. The Aeroccino milk frother is included, allowing you to make hot or cold froth in seconds for your most-loved coffee recipes.
The Vertuo Plus, like other Nespresso machines is easy to operate. All you have to do is insert a capsule, then press the button. The machine will scan the barcode on the capsule and adjust the brewing parameters according to. It will then spin the capsule up to 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee and water to make a thick crema.
This technology is unique to the Vertuo range which seeks to give an even and consistent extraction than other Nespresso machines. The result is a drink that is smoother with a richer crema than traditional pod drinks. The Vertuo Plus is also capable of producing longer drinks, like the alto and the gran lungo, something which wouldn't be possible with the traditional pod machines.
Another advantage of the Vertuo Plus is its design. The machine is made of plastic of high-quality and features a slim machine body. The water tank can be placed on either the left or right side of the machine. The drawer for capsules is also shut automatically. It also features cups that be adjusted 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 is also very heavy, and could be difficult to lift if you live in an upper floor. Having said that, most reviewers were pleased with the ease of use and quick brewing of the Vertuo Plus. Many also appreciated that the large 40-ounce water tank was never in need of refilling, and it was easy to clean.
4. Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie is Tinkerbell designed for small coffee machines. It's small, cute and magical (especially when you wake up in the morning). It can fulfill your black coffee desires with no hassle as does its fictional counterpart. It's a Nespresso single-cup espresso maker that can brew short shots of espresso in less than one second. It's also extremely energy efficient and can be turned off immediately after 9 minutes of inactivity.
The machine will reach 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 can be programmable to dispense 1.35-ounce espresso or 3.7-ounce lungo shots. The high-pressure pump that has 19-bar pressure gives you results that are comparable to the results you get from your local coffee shop.
It is available in various colors and has a sleek design. It looks stunning on any counter. The machine's body is made of aluminum that is lightweight and plastic. The cup support and side panels are made of thin aluminum and recycled ABS plastic. The handle latch is made of metal known as Zamak that is both light and robust.
In addition to the quick time to brew and the low energy consumption, the machine also has some other features that make it easy and convenient to use. The automatic shut-off function is a nice feature and the capsule container and used-capsule bin are removable for easy cleaning. It's also simple to refill the water tank and a red backlight lets you know when the tank is empty.
The Pixie as with all Nespresso machines, needs to be cleaned regularly. The process takes around 15 minutes and consists of filling the water tank with Nespresso descaling liquid, and then running an application to cleanse the system. This keeps the machine in good condition and protects it from calcium deposits that could hinder its performance.
The Pixie is not able to make Cappuccino or Latte drinks. If you want milky drinks, you will need to purchase a separate milk frother. It's not costly however it can be an inconvenience.