Due to the significant similarity in design, Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie has been a tough debate for deciding the ultimate winner. But after testing with many brewing sessions, DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini is the victor.
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins thanks to its stable operation, delicious espresso flavor, and sleek design. This machine is very standard and straightforward to operate. I recommend it to every first-timers who don’t want to spend too much on expensive espresso machines.
As for Delonghi Nespresso Pixie, this model also can deliver excellent espresso flavor and texture. The operation doesn’t produce much noise either. But, compared to Essenza Mini, this model’s design isn’t as convenient. I will get into details below.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie: Differences
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 3 to 1 against Delonghi Nespresso Pixie thanks to its fantastic coffee flavor, simple yet effective capsule slot design, and other convenient additional features like descaling alert and eco mode. Here is how the espresso makers actually work.
Coffee Flavor: Tie
+Heating system
Since both models use a Thermoblock system to heat water, I don’t have to wait long to get my coffees. It takes around 25-30s for the pair to heat water to brewing temperature, and I think this waiting time is excellent if you prefer hot but not too hot coffees.
For me, I prefer steaming coffees since I’m not a hurried drinker. So I usually leave the devices on a few minutes beforehand. The result is hotter espressos with a perfectly balanced flavor.
+Brewing technique
Like many product lines of Nespresso, this pair uses 19 bars pump pressure system to extract espresso. They have 2 buttons, one for espresso and one for long. Each option affects the strength of an espresso shot or a cup of coffee.
The Espresso button offers a smaller volume with a heavy coffee flavor. On the contrary, the Long button adds more water, thus smoothening the taste and the strength.
From my experience with the two, they deliver a quite similar espresso quality. I don’t find the flavor sour or bitter. It’s balanced and well-extracted most of the time. Overall, I get consistently tasty drinks with them.
Utilities: DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
There are 2 additional features that help this model win the round: descaling alert and eco mode.
As for the descaling alert, it notifies users when Essenza Mini needs descaling so I don’t have to keep an eye on the task myself.
As for the eco mode, after 3 minutes of not being used, this Nespresso machine idles to save energy, and it shuts off completely after 9 minutes, counting from the start of inactive time, not idle time.
Cleaning & Maintain: DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
It’s easy to clean Nespresso machines since all we need is to buy cleaning capsules and use them the same way we use regular coffee capsules. This process doesn’t change on DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini and Delonghi Nespresso Pixie.
However, since Essenza Mina has a descaling alert, which tells us when to descale the Thermoblock, it is slightly more convenient than Pixie in terms of maintenance.
Design & Material: Tie
Each model has strengths and weaknesses in this aspect, and I will get into the details now.
About DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini, this machine has a sleek and simple design that makes brewing espressos convenient for any user. However, its body is made entirely of plastic. Thus, it gives off a less expensive and sturdy feel, even though the material is lightweight.
As for Delonghi Nespresso Pixie, I like that it cooperates with both plastic and aluminum in its design. As a result, it is more durable and less prone to damage. However, I’m not too fond of the lever design, whose purpose is only to open and close the capsule slot. It takes more upper space and is less convenient when I put a capsule in since the lever is in the way.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie: Similarities
Let’s find out some small similarities between DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini and Delonghi Nespresso Pixie.
Auto shut-off
The first thing that these espresso makers share in common is the auto shut-off function. After 9 minutes of inactivity, they turn themselves off to save energy and avoid short durability in the long run.
Compact footprint
These Nespresso machines have very similar sizes. They both can fit small countertops, and you won’t have a hard time moving them around either, given that the devices are lightweight.
However, Essenza Mini saves more space since its capsule slot is covered with a simple open and close lid.
On the contrary, Pixie uses a lever system to pull up and down to open the capsule slot. It takes more upper space, so you need to design a good spot with no cabinet or object too close to the surface where you put Pixie.
No milk frother
Capsule machines value simplicity and compactness. Thus, it’s explained why both DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini and Delonghi Nespresso Pixie aren’t equipped with milk frothers. You can use Aeroccino 3, a popular external frother option.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi 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 Pixie
- 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 a fast heating time of 25 seconds 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.
- FOR ALL COFFEE DRINKERS: Embody the expertise of Nespresso with a user friendly, classic Espresso machine. The Nespresso Pixie is a compact coffee maker, withh a width of only 11 cm, it will fit any kitchen.
- INCLUDES: One Nespresso espresso maker with a compact design that is easy to place and move around in any kitchen.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Videos
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- Nespresso Pixie Vs Citiz: Most Compact And Affordable Espresso Machines Ever? Do They Make Strong Espressos?
- Delonghi Nespresso Pixie vs Citiz: Best Comparison Review For Espresso Lovers
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 Pixie: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-pixie-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-aluminum-en124s/p/EN124S
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.