Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: 2 Most Compact Capsule Espresso Machine? Which Has Better Quality?

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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

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Nespresso CitiZ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, Black, 9.3 x 14.6 x 10.9 inches
Model
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Delonghi Nespresso Citiz
Dimensions (wxdxh)
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 Inches
14.6 x 8.61 x 10.9 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
20.3 oz
30.4 oz
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1150W/ 120V
1710W/ 110-120 V
Color
Black
Black
Weight
2.3 Pounds
8.9 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
25s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Descaling alert
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
No
Capsule container
6 capsules
11 capsules
Interface
Buttons
Buttons
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$179.00
$242.47
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
Model
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Dimensions (wxdxh)
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
20.3 oz
Material
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1150W/ 120V
Color
Black
Weight
2.3 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Descaling alert
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
Capsule container
6 capsules
Interface
Buttons
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$179.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Nespresso CitiZ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, Black, 9.3 x 14.6 x 10.9 inches
Model
Delonghi Nespresso Citiz
Dimensions (wxdxh)
14.6 x 8.61 x 10.9 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
30.4 oz
Material
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1710W/ 110-120 V
Color
Black
Weight
8.9 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Descaling alert
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
Capsule container
11 capsules
Interface
Buttons
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$242.47
More Info

Last update on 2023-11-30 / 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. 

Nespresso Citiz: Brewing Technique
Nespresso Citiz: Brewing Technique

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: Design & Material
Nespresso Essenza Mini: Design & 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

Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
  • 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.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
  • 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 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Eco mode after 3 minutes, shut off after 9 minutes
  • Very small footprint
  • Good price, good quality
  • Balanced and nuanced espresso flavor
  • Quiet operation and fast brewing time
  • Simple and sleek design
  • Very quick heat-up time
Cons
  • The whole machine is made of plastic

Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ

Sale
Nespresso CitiZ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, Black, 9.3 x 14.6 x 10.9 inches
  • 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
  • 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 coffee and 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

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • The machine accommodates both tall and short cups
  • Robust espresso flavor with pleasing aroma
  • Very quiet operation
  • Quick brewing time, it takes only 10 for a single shot
  • Simple operation, perfect for first-timers
Cons
  • The machine drips a bit after brewing

Product Videos

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5/5 - (2 votes)