Today, let’s find out which machine between De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next brews better espressos and coffees. After a few brewing sessions, I conclude that Essenza Mini is the winning option.
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini has a very compact design yet a potent espresso extraction. The machine has reasonable control over the coffee temperature, and the flavor is good. I’m impressed by its many convenient additional features like Eco mode. Everything about this model has been stable for me.
On the other hand, Vertuo Next hasn’t offered me as much as I want it to. The espresso quality is good, and there are convenient extra functions, but the temperature hasn’t been great, and there is a bit of a leaking problem. You can find out more below.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next: Differences
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 3 to 1 against De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next thanks to its stable operation, compact footprint, and good coffee temperature. Check out for more details.
Coffee Flavor: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
+Heating system
Thermoblock is what De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini and De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next use to heat water to brewing temperature. However, despite having the same heating system, the pair works distinctively for me.
Essenza Mini performs between when it comes to water temperature. The drinks come out at 165-170F if I don’t preheat the cup or take extra effort to make sure that the water is steaming hot. The espressos and longs are warm enough to drink right away, but they aren’t too cool either.
I suggest starting up these devices 2-5 minutes before brewing time, even though it only takes 25s to warm up according to the instruction.
Vertuo Next doesn’t perform as well as Essenza Mini regarding beverage temperature. I usually get espressos around 160F, which is a bit too cool. Overall, the temperature is decent for enjoying right away, not for slowly sipping. I recommend preheating the cup to keep the drinks warm for longer.
+Brewing technique
Essenza Mini uses 19 bars pump system while Vertuo Next uses Centrifusion to extract espressos. The espresso flavor that I get from these devices has been similar: fresh, nuanced, and balanced. But the texture has been quite different.
With Essenza Mini, the texture isn’t as full-bodied, but the crema is good, not too thick nor too thin. With Vertuo Next, the drinks have a better mouthfeel. However, the crema layers are too much for me to drink. They are more like coffee foam than coffee crema.
Utilities: Tie
+Eco mode
Essenza Mini boasts of an Eco mode that puts the machine to sleep after 3 minutes of inactivity. After 9 minutes of not being used, not counting the 3 minutes for Eco mode, the device shuts off automatically.
+Cup size
Vertuo Next has 5 cup sizes: Espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, alto. Essenza Mini has 2 cup sizes: espresso and long.
Cleaning & Maintain: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Cleaning these Nespresso machines doesn’t take much effort, especially Essenza Mini.
We can descale and clean these machines using the brewing buttons, even though they make espressos and coffees. With Essenza Mini, Delonghi assures that by descaling the device, it’s not necessary to clean it with cleaning capsules. And to start the descaling process, we hold the 2 espresso and long buttons for 5 seconds.
However, I still recommend cleaning the brew path with cleaning capsules once per week to avoid mold formation or unwanted outcomes.
As for Vertuo Next, to start the cleaning/ rinsing process, we click the brewing button on top 3 times, and to start the descaling process, we hold it for 7s.
Design & Material: Tie
About Essenza Mini, this product line has a more compact design that will sit nicely on any kitchen counter without taking up much space. The primary material of this product is plastic, which explains why it’s so lightweight. If you live in a small studio or dorm without separate rooms, I highly recommend this Nespresso machine.
Is plastic a good material choice? Tbh, I prefer stainless steel since it’s sturdier and can resist damage better. However, it’s almost impossible to get a new machine made of stainless steel in this price range. So plastic is a good material choice in this price range.
As for Vertuo Next, its recycled plastic background impresses me. The body is lightweight and exceptionally durable as well. If you are environmentally conscious, this device makes a good option.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next: Similarities
Despite having distinctive designs, Essenza Mini and Vertuo Next share some minor, convenient similarities. Please check out below.
Descaling alert
Both models are equipped with a system that tells users when to descale the water tank and the heating compartment. You won’t have to remember how many days you have used the machines since the last time you descaled them.
Quiet operation
I find the pair to function very smoothly and silently. This is not a special feature they are designed with, but after many brewings, I can assure that these Nespresso machines are even adequate enough for households with small children. You won’t have to give up coffee drinking to avoid waking them up with the machines.
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.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 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Next
- SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Vertuo Next coffee maker offers a variety of coffee formats in 6 sizes, including 5, 8, 12 and 18oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos brewed hot or over ice.
- SLIM & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Nespresso’s newest innovation, Vertuo Next, is the most compact, sustainable, and smart Vertuo machine yet. It’s made of partially recycled materials, and is only 5.5 inches wide.
- PRECISION BREWING: unlocks a smooth full bodied coffee topped with a velvety layer of coffee foam, for a perfect cup every time.
- PREMIUM COFFEE BLENDS: Nespresso offers an array of over 40 permanent specialty Vertuo coffees, from dark and strong to mild and smooth, as well as unique limited edition blends and flavors. A complimentary tasting pack is included with your machine (assortment may vary). Capsules exclusively compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Nespresso capsules are fully recyclable. Recycle the aluminum capsules through Nespresso's free program.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-vertuo-next-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-with-rose-gold-env120b/p/ENV120B
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B
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.