The Best Small Nespresso Machines
Nespresso machines have a reputation for being user-friendly. You simply drop the pod in and press a button. Many devices have a fast temperature-up time as well as touchscreen displays.
They are also available in a range of sizes to meet different preferences. The most compact Nespresso machine, the Essenza Mini, is designed to save space with its small footprint and slim profile.
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is Nespresso's most basic and least expensive machine. It's also among the most convenient machines, as you can turn it on with the pressing of a button and you can have your coffee ready in just a few seconds. Nespresso's portioned capsule system makes it easy to bring espresso that is coffee shop quality to your home and the company is renowned for its sleek machines that can fit into tight spaces.
This model, along with its larger cousin the Pixie 1, are both part of Nespresso's Original Line of pod-based espresso machines. They don't come with milk frothers, but you can easily add the addition of milk or hot water to your coffee for more variety. They're also a great option for those who don't want to deal with the mess and cleaning of traditional drip-style coffee makers.
You can also use a third-party milk fender using this machine if prefer. The only downside to the Mini is that it can only produce two cups of sizes: an espresso and a lungo. This isn't a problem for most people, however should you plan to use the Mini frequently, it's something worth considering.
The Mini is roughly half the size and weight of other Original Line Nespresso models, which is great if you have limited 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 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 temperatures between cups. It was also easy to use refill, clean 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 angular lines. Both versions are priced the same and have the exact same capabilities for brewing, however their aesthetics differ. The best choice for you will depend on your personal taste and the amount of storage space you have.
2. Nespresso CitiZ
The Nespresso machine may not have a lot of bells and whistles but it's a great choice for those who want to make cappuccino or espresso at home. It is easy to use and compact, taking less space than other models. It's slim and will be placed on even the most crowded kitchen counters. It produces coffee using capsules that is convenient and mess free. The machine is quick to heat up and has a fast, energy-saving feature that automatically shuts it off after nine minutes of idle. It also features an elegant design and comes in four colors to match different kitchen styles.
The machine is equipped with two programmable buttons that let you select the quantity you wish to beverage. The machine will stop the water flow when it reaches the desired amount of Espresso. The machine also comes with an adjustable tray that can fold down to allow it to accommodate taller recipe glasses. It is simple to use, and even those who aren't comfortable with technology will be able to operate it.
The Nespresso CitiZ does not have an option that is devoted to dispense milk foam. The milk frother is located inside the machine and can only be activated when the machine is turned on. This can be quite frustrating if 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'll have to manually add water each time you use it. This can be a pain when you have a busy family or are away from home for a prolonged period of time. The machine does not come with the travel mug that is a standard feature on smaller Nespresso machines.
The Nespresso machine has a tiny footprint and is easy to clean. This makes it easy to store. It also has an easy one-touch brewing system. It takes around 25 seconds to warm up, which is relatively quick compared to its competitors. It is also recommended that you descale the machine regularly to get rid of mineral buildup and keep it working at its best. Nespresso provides a descaling solution that you can use to maintain the machine in top shape.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus takes the single serve brewing process to a whole new level. It can make many different coffees and espressos with the press of one button. It's also easy to heat up it takes between 15 and 25 seconds to heat up. It also comes with the Aeroccino milk froth maker that makes cold or hot foam for your favorite coffee recipes in just a few seconds.
As with other Nespresso machines, the Vertuo Plus is easy to use. You simply need to insert the capsule and then press the button. The machine will automatically scan the barcode on the capsule and adjust the brewing parameters in accordance with. It will then spin the capsule at up to 7,000 revolutions per minute, combining ground coffee and water to create a rich crema.
This technology is unique to the Vertuo range, and it is designed to provide more evenly extracted drinks 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 making longer drinks such as the alto or the gran lungo, something which would not be possible with traditional pod machines.
Another benefit of the Vertuo Plus is its design. The machine is made from a high-quality plastic and has a slender machine body. coffee machines nespresso pods can be set either on the left or the right side of the machine, and the capsule drawer closes automatically. It also has a cup support that can be adjusted to tall travel mugs.
One thing to note is that the Vertuo Plus isn't the best choice for small spaces. At 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep, it could take up a lot of countertop space. It's also fairly heavy, so you could be unable to lift it when your kitchen is situated on an upper floor. Most reviewers were happy with the Vertuo Plus's simplicity of use and quick brewing. Many loved the large 40-ounce tank, which was easy to clean and never required refills.
4. Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie is Tinkerbell for small coffee machines. It's small, cute, and magical (especially in the morning). It will fulfill your black coffee dreams without fuss, just like its fictional counterpart. It's one Nespresso single-cup espresso maker that can brew short shots of espresso in less than an hour. It's also incredibly energy efficient, and can be shut off after nine minutes of idleness.
The machine can reach the ideal temperature in about 25 seconds, meaning you can enjoy a shot of espresso or lungo ready to work in a flash. The single-touch buttons can be set to dispensing 1.35-ounces of espresso or 3.7 ounces of lungo shots. The high-pressure pump with 19-bar pressure delivers results that are comparable to the results you get from the coffee shop you frequent.
It comes in different colors and a elegant design that looks good on your counter. The body of the machine is made from lightweight aluminum and plastic. The cup support and side panels are made of thin aluminum and recycled ABS plastic. The handle latch is made from the metal Zamak which is lightweight and robust.
In addition to the fast brewing times and low energy consumption, the machine comes with some other features that make it simple and comfortable to use. The automatic shut-off feature, and both the capsule container and the capsule bin that's used can be removed for simple cleaning. The water tank is simple to refill, and the red backlight indicates when it's empty.
The Pixie, like all Nespresso machines, needs to be descaled periodically. The process takes around 15 minutes and consists of filling the tank with Nespresso descaling liquid and running an application 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.
The Pixie can't be used to make Cappuccino or latte drinks. If you're looking for a milky beverage, you will need to purchase a separate milk frother. It's not the least expensive alternative, but it can be somewhat of a hassle.