Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Vertuo: Small vs Big Capsule Machines. Which Brews Better Espresso?

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Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Vertuo has been an interesting debate for me to find out the winner since their designs don’t cross. But after many brewing sessions, De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo is the better model.

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo has a bulky design with a large water tank, making this model perfect for families and couples. The espresso flavor has been robust, balanced, and nutty. But the thick crema is what impresses me the most. For me, this product is a good pick in terms of value for price.

As for De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini, the model is compact and efficient. I recommend it to single users who look for delicious espresso flavor. Nevertheless, a few points in its operation make the model good but not great. 

Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Silver
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Black
Model
De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Dimensions (wxdxh)
9 x 12.2 x 12.3 Inches
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
54.1 oz
20.3 oz
Material
Plastic and metal
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1350W/ 120V
1150W/ 120V
Color
Black
Black
Weight
11 Pounds
2.3 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
25s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Descaling alert
Side Water Tank
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
No
Capsule container
17 capsules
6 capsules
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Alto, Coffee
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$196.01
$174.80
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Silver
Model
De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo
Dimensions (wxdxh)
9 x 12.2 x 12.3 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
54.1 oz
Material
Plastic and metal
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1350W/ 120V
Color
Black
Weight
11 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Descaling alert
Side Water Tank
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
Capsule container
17 capsules
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Alto, Coffee
What I Like
Price
$196.01
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 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
Side Water Tank
Eco Mode
Milk frother
No
Capsule container
6 capsules
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$174.80
More Info

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo: Differences

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo wins 3 to 1 against De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini thanks to its ability to brew delicious espresso with full-bodied texture. The operation is stable, and the heat-up time is efficient. Please find out how these machines work for me below.

Coffee Flavor: De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso Essenza Mini: Coffee Flavor
Nespresso Essenza Mini: Coffee Flavor

+Heating system

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini use thermoblock heating system to brew espressos and coffees. I believe this is why they have such great similarities when it comes to heat-up time and temperature.

About the heat-up time, according to the instructions, both models take around 25 seconds to warm up water. I have tested the theory, and they are indeed ready to extract after around this amount of time.

However, I notice that with 25s preparation, the espresso temperature isn’t very hot. So I usually preheat the cups or start up the devices for 2-3 minutes. These methods help me greatly to achieve hot coffees.

+Brewing technique 

With Centrifusion technology, De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo can extract every note of flavor. I would describe the espresso quality as: strong and smooth.

With 19 bars pump pressure, De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini easily extracts rich and diverse coffee flavor. I would describe the espresso quality as: nuanced, robust, and balanced. 

But texture-wise, De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo does a better job. I believe that the centrifusion applies more pressure on the puck and the rotating motion helps form thicker crema. That’s how I get tasty espressos with a good mouthfeel. 

Utilities: De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo

+Water tank capacity

Vertuo boasts of a 54.1 oz water tank, which is much bigger than the tank of Essenza Mini. If you are looking for a capsule machine that can serve up to 3-4 drinks per day, I highly recommend Vertuo.

+Auto shut-off

If you were a forgetful user like me, you would often leave electronic devices without knowing. And what are the consequences?: Environmental problems, energy inefficiency, and lifespan reduction. 

That’s why the auto shut-off function impresses me so much. And luckily both De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini have it.

Cleaning & Maintain: Tie

To clean both Vertuo and Essenza Mini, all we need is some cleaning capsules. Delonghi sells this product, and according to their instruction, it’s best to use their capsules with their devices. The capsules aren’t expensive. I advise that you wash the brewing path twice a week. 

Design & Material: De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo is made of plastic and metal, while Essenza Mini is made entirely of plastic. I choose Vertuo to be the winner since the plastic parts keep the model lightweight, and the metal parts give it a sturdy feel. 

Design of Nespresso Vertuo
Design of Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo: Similarities 

Delonghi has done a fantastic job at adding convenient features that assist brewing operation. Check out 2 features of De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini  that impress me the most.

Eco Mode

Both models come with an eco mode, which I want to comment on. The shutdown function kicks in after 9 minutes of inactivity. But the eco mode reduces energy consumption after 3 minutes only. De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini are efficient and energy-saving.

Quiet operation

The products aren’t “designed” with this feature since I don’t find any part of the instructions that mention it. But after almost 50 brewing sessions, I can tell that they have a consistent and quiet operation. I believe both models are ideal for families with small children. 

Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo

Sale
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Silver
  • SINGLE SERVE COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy saving automatic shut off.
  • COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine! Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
  • VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz & 8oz coffee, single & double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
  • INCLUDES: One Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine with an extra-large 54 ounce water tank, a 17 count used pods container.
  • COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules (capsule assortment may vary from picture).

Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Sturdy and long-lasting build quality
  • Robust espressos and coffees that come out hot
  • Quick and effective brewing performance
  • Large water capacity for less frequent refills
  • Quick capsule collection system that saves time
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • The crema is too thick sometimes

Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini

Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 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
  • 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

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

Product Videos

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3.5/5 - (2 votes)