Let’s find out the true winner between Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz. After 50+ brewing sessions, I believe De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini has a much better performance.
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini has a very compact footprint that will sit on top of any tiny countertop. It extracts flavorful espressos with an addictive aroma. Also, I enjoy this model’s descaling alert and eco mode. Overall, I suggest this product line to single users or those who live in small studios.
As for De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ, this model comes very close. I have nothing to complain about the espresso quality because it’s tasty and nuanced. But compared to Essenza Mini, it’s not as convenient. Please check out how these machines work for me below.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: Differences
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 3-1 against De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ. In fact, I think this debate should be a tie, but a tie result would not help much if you’re thinking of purchasing one for real. So, Essenza has more convenient features than Citiz, and I will explain further now.
Coffee Flavor: Tie
+Heating system
Delonghi primarily uses a Thermoblock heating system in its Nespresso product lines. From my experience, Thermoblock can bring water to brewing temperature quickly, and the system itself is perfect for affordable and small espresso makers.
The actual operation doesn’t stray far from the truth. The system works very efficiently for me. The heat-up time only takes 25 seconds and the brewing time adds 12 to 35 seconds more (I count the brewing time organically). In shorts, it takes less than a minute to get a cup of espresso or long/ lungo.
About the noise level, both models keep it quiet throughout the entire process, from preparing to extracting.
+Brewing technique
The pair uses a 19-bars pump system to extract espresso from the capsules, and they do a phenomenal job. The flavor is very similar: robust, balanced, and smooth. Texture-wise, De’Longhi Essenza Mini offers a more full-bodied consistency than Citiz. But the crema quality is very much the same.
Utilities: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Nespresso CitiZ from De’Longhi comes with a 2-tier drip tray that is adjustable to different cup heights. This is the feature that Essenza Mini doesn’t have. However, this is the only additional feature that Citiz wins over Essenza Mini.
As for Essenza Mini, this product line boasts of the Eco mode that puts the device in an idling state after 3 minutes. If you don’t extract any more coffee 6 minutes after the 3 minutes idling time, Essenza Mini turns itself off to save energy.
Personally, I find this feature to be a must on espresso makers since it’s more efficient and it makes sure that the devices are more durable. But many more expensive models don’t even consider adding it.
Also, De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini has a trustworthy descaling alert that tells users when to descale the water tank. I have brewed around 50 espresso shots with both machines, and the flavor isn’t affected by the tank. The difference is that I know when it’s time to clean Essenza Mini without having to keep a tab on the descaling schedule.
Cleaning & Maintain: Tie
Cleansing Nespresso machines is simple, as all we need to do is put the cleaning capsule in and press the brewing button. High water pressure and temperature, combined with the special cleaning solution, are the perfect combination for rinsing away any leftover coffee or odor.
Design & Material: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Both models are very compact and ideal for small apartments. If you like coffee but don’t drink very often, Citiz and Essenza Mini are excellent choices. Essenza Mini is a bit smaller, so if you want an extra compact Nespresso machine, Essenza is the better pick.
These machines are made of plastic, thus they are very lightweight. I prefer devices with metal or stainless steel compartments since they are studier and less prone to damage. But, for their prices, I think plastic is a reasonable material.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: Similarities
Let me show you 2 simple similarities between De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini and De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ: auto shut-off and short heat-up time.
Automatic power off
After 9 minutes of not being used, both Essenza Mini and CitiZ shut off automatically to save energy and avoid shortening the lifespan of the devices. I must say that these models stay very true to their advertisements since they are efficient in operation.
Heat-up time
After testing them, it’s true that they only take 23-28s to heat up and start brewing espressos. Nevertheless, with the 25s heat-up time that the instructions indicate, the temperature is good but not great. Therefore, I suggest you warm up these Nespresso machines for a few minutes to ensure that the drinks’ temperature is high.
Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- Quality: 19 bar high pressure pump creates a barista-like Coffee every time with 2 programmable buttons for the best single serve Espresso and Lungo beverages. The input power is 1150 watts
- Efficiency: Essensa mini single serve Espresso maker heats up in under 30 seconds with a single touch and powers off after 9 minutes. Reduced Energy consumption after 3 minutes.
- Complimentary gift: each Espresso machine includes a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profiles.
- Design: unique compact design makes the Essensa mini Espresso maker a natural complement to your kitchen.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- ESPRESSO MACHINE: Enjoy a full range of espresso coffee with Nespresso! Includes an integrated milk frother, 25 seconds heat up and energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE SELECTIONS: Brew better coffee at home with two programmable buttons with automatic flow stop for Espresso and Lungo coffee preparations.
- ONE TOUCH MILK RECIPES: Espresso maker with milk frother. Prepare the perfect froth and create an endless number of recipes like cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of a button!
- INCLUDES: One Nespresso espresso maker with an iconic red dot award winning design that fits perfectly in any urban kitchen.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B
- De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/en167b-citiz-nespresso-coffee-machines/p/EN167B
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.