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




Last update on 2023-11-30 / 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

+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.

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
- 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
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.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
Product Videos
Related Articles to Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo
Related Articles to Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups vs Delonghi: The Same Product Line But Different Brands. Do These Capsule Machines Work The Same?
- Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Vertuo Next: Compact Vs Bulky. Which Espresso Machine Has Better Design And Beverage Quality?
- Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Which Is Better? Reviewing Flavor, Operation, Convenience
- Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: 2 Most Compact Capsule Espresso Machine? Which Has Better Quality?
- Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Pixie: 2 Capsule Machines With Extra Small Footprint. Which Is The Winner?
References:
- De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-vertuo-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-env135b/p/ENV135B
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B

Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.