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.
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: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo: Differences
De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo wins 2 to 0 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
The Winner: 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.
Design
The Winner: De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo
Material
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.
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.
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
- 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 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Compact machine offers 2 programmable cup sizes; Espresso Lungo
- 19 bar high-pressure pump for barista-style flavor and aroma
- Fast heat-up system reaches ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Automatic shut-off feature 9 minutes after last use
- Machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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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.