Nespresso Pixie Vs Citiz: Both machines excel at crafting espresso, and their compact, lightweight nature makes them suitable for home or office use. However, in my candid assessment, I have a stronger preference for the Nespresso Citiz due to its enhanced convenience and versatility compared to the Pixie.
The Nespresso Citiz boasts several additional features such as a larger water tank, double drip tray, and easier capsule loading, all of which contribute to its heightened convenience.
Nespresso Pixie is also a great option. You can opt for it if you’re content with a smaller water reservoir, have a deep appreciation for its design, or are looking to be more budget-conscious.
Nespresso Pixie Vs Citiz: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Pixie Vs Citiz: Differences
The Nespresso Citiz came out on top with a score of 1-0 and 3 ties when compared to the Nespresso Pixie. This preference is due to my affinity for the Citiz’s design, which offers greater convenience than the Pixie. Keep reading to explore these distinctions in more detail.
Flavor & Brewing Technology
The Winner: Tie
Pump Pressure
I was pleasantly surprised to find that both the Nespresso Pixie and Citiz pack a punch when it comes to pump pressure – a whopping 19 bars! That’s impressive for these compact machines. Having 19 bars of pressure is actually more than the minimum required for an espresso machine to pull off a perfect shot of espresso.
Heating system
When it comes to heating up for the perfect espresso shot, both the Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie rely on the same advanced technology – the Thermoblock heating system.
I’m a coffee lover who enjoys my brew piping hot, so I usually wait a good 2 minutes before diving into my coffee-making ritual. However, I couldn’t help but be pleasantly surprised by these little coffee dynamos. They claim to need only 30 seconds to heat up, and they deliver! In just half a minute, I’m all set to brew, and the temperature is more than respectable.
Coffee Quality
A rich, velvety crema crowns your espresso shot, and underneath that, a deep, flavorful, dark espresso is waiting for you to savor. That’s what you can expect from both the Pixie and the Citiz – a truly great pull of espresso.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Nespresso Citiz
Dimensions and Aesthetics
| Nespresso Pixie | Nespresso Citiz | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inch | 5.2 x 14.6 x 10.9 inch |
| Weight | 5.7 Pounds | 8.9 Pounds |
First up, the Pixie truly lives up to its name. It’s small, compact, and won’t gobble up valuable countertop real estate. Trust me, if you’re tight on space, you’ll love how the Pixie fits right in without dominating the scene.
On the other hand, the Citiz is taller, a bit broader, and has a more substantial presence. If you’ve got a bit more space to spare, the Citiz’s size won’t be an issue. Don’t get me wrong, I mean, both machines are compact, not bulky or taking up too much space. However, if your kitchen countertop resembles a battlefield for space, you might appreciate the Pixie’s compact size.
Lastly, these two machines differ in their aesthetics. The Pixie, with its stainless steel exterior, gives off a modern, industrial vibe. It’s got that premium, sleek look that I personally find quite appealing. But keep in mind that, due to its metal casing, you’ll mostly find it in gray with a couple of shade options.
On the other hand, the Citiz is crafted from hard plastic, which might make it seem a tad less luxurious, but it comes in four different colors. So, if you want a dash of retro flair in your kitchen or prefer a pop of color, the Citiz gives you more options.
Both machines feel sturdy and capable, so the choice here boils down to aesthetics and available space.
Water Tank
The Pixie got a 24-ounce water reservoir, which translates to about 3 cups of coffee. Plus, it has a handy backlit LED indicator that turns red when the tank is running low, giving you a heads-up to refill.
On the flip side, we have the Citiz, boasting a larger 34-ounce water tank. That’s a significant step up, allowing you to pull more shots before needing a refill. If you prefer a fuss-free, minimal maintenance approach, the Citiz’s generous water tank might be your go-to choice.
However, it’s worth noting that the Pixie’s clever red LED indicator provides a visual cue, while the Citiz doesn’t have this feature.
Drip Tray & Cup Clearance
| Nespresso Pixie | Nespresso Citiz | |
|---|---|---|
| Cup Clearance | 5.7 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Drip Tray | 1 drip tray | Double drip tray |
The drip tray system of Citiz is quite user-friendly, especially when it comes to accommodating taller cups. It’s as simple as folding up the tray’s plate.
When you put down this plate, it narrows the gap between the spigot and the cup’s rim, ensuring that your espresso pours directly into the cup without any messy splashes. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s essential for preserving the beautiful crema – that golden, creamy layer that crowns a perfectly pulled espresso shot.
The Pixie also offers the convenience of folding up its tray to accommodate taller cups.
Another difference is that you can not remove the tray on the Pixie because if you do that, you’re going to pull out the used capsule reservoir. In the case of the Citiz, you can pull out this tray and get a little more space.
Capsule Loading
When it comes to loading Nespresso capsules into these espresso machines, both the Pixie and the Citiz offer a user-friendly experience, but there is a subtle distinction.
With the Citiz, the process is just a touch more straightforward. You simply drop the Nespresso capsule into the designated slot without dealing with any moving parts. It’s a quick and hassle-free action.
On the other hand, the Pixie is also quite intuitive. To load a capsule, you lift the lever, which simultaneously pushes the brew head forward, exposing the capsule slot. It’s a minor extra step, and it doesn’t significantly impact the overall user experience. However, it’s worth mentioning for those who appreciate simplicity.
User Interface
The operation of each machine is pretty much the same. Regarding the control panel, they couldn’t be more minimalist with just two programmable buttons, one for espresso and one for lungo. So there is no need to navigate a complex menu or decipher a multitude of settings. Just a simple press of a button, and you’re on your way to a delightful coffee experience.
Milk Frothing System
The Winner: Tie
While these machines excel at brewing excellent espresso, they don’t come with a built-in milk frother.
This is okay for pure espresso enthusiasts, but if your heart is set on one of them but you also crave those creamy lattes and frothy cappuccinos, you’ll need to consider getting a separate Aeroccino milk frother, which is renowned for its ease of use and simplicity in cleaning.
By the way, you can opt for a bundle deal that includes both the machine and an Aeroccino frother, ensuring you have everything you need to create a wide range of coffee drinks.
Utilities
The Winner: Tie
Auto Shut-off Feature
Both the Pixie and the Citiz come with an auto shut-off feature, which is a great energy-saving addition to these machines.
The Pixie defaults to turning off after just nine minutes of inactivity. However, if you prefer a bit more time, you have the option to extend it to thirty minutes.
On the other hand, the Citiz stays powered on for a bit longer before it activates the auto shut-off feature. The exact duration may vary, but rest assured that it will also auto power off to save energy.
Cord Length
The Pixie, being the compact little powerhouse that it is, comes with a relatively shorter cord. In my kitchen, I found that the Pixie’s cord length was just right to reach the nearest power outlet without any extra slack or mess.
Meanwhile, the Citiz comes with a cord that’s approximately one foot longer than the Pixie’s. This extra length can be quite handy, especially if your kitchen setup requires reaching electrical outlets that are a bit farther away.
Quick Rundown Of Nespresso Citiz
- High performance: The 19 bar pump system offers barista-style single-serve coffee or Espresso every time, perfectly extracting the delicate flavor of each Espresso Original Coffee capsule
- Speed and Energy saving: the fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic Energy saving function Switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity and can be extended from 9 to 30 minutes
- Versatility: Adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1. 35 oz. ) and Lungo (5 oz. ) buttons, making CitiZ a great coffee maker for all your single-serve coffee needs
- Design: citiz's look continues to Please both Espresso drinkers and design lovers, adding a touch of elegance to coffee rituals.
- Complimentary gift: Each machine includes a Espresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profile..Power: 1710 Watt
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Nespresso Pixie
- Ultra-compact design: Elegant profile perfect for urbanites with limited kitchen counter space
- 19 bar high-performance pump and automatic piercing and brewing of capsules with unique drop stop technology. Fast heating time of only 25 seconds
- Tactile interface: One-touch controls with 2 programmable buttons: Espresso and Lungo
- Energy-saving: Power save mode automatically switches machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Nespresso Citiz: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-citiz-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en167b/p/EN167B
- Nespresso Pixie: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-pixie-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-aluminum-en124s/p/EN124S
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.