Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Which Is Better? Reviewing Flavor, Operation, Convenience

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read more

It’s time to find out the winner between Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini. I haven’t owned these machines for too long. I have only brewed 50 times with each of them. But for me, De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini is much more convenient. 

Both devices brew delicious espressos, but De’Longhi Essenza Mini boasts of a convenient Eco mode and descaling alert. Cleaning this machine has been an easy task for me, and there isn’t anything that I have to complain about. I highly recommend this model to single users or those who don’t brew frequently.

As for the runner-up De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus, it boasts of a bigger water tank that can hold up to 33.8 oz of water. The flavor is just as impressive as with Essenza Mini. But, this one has less convenient features.  

Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus Espresso Machine (Black)
Model
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus
Dimensions (WxDxH)
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 Inches
15.63 x 4.65 x 21.07 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
20.3 oz
33.8 oz
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1150W/ 120V
1260W/ 120V
Color
Black
Black
Weight
2.3 Pounds
7.17 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
25s
30s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Thermoblock
Descaling alert
Automatic Power Off
Rotatable Water Tank
Eco Mode
Capsule container
6 capsules
11 capsules
Pump Pressure
19 bars
19 bars
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
Programmable Espresso, Lungo, Americano, Americano XL
What I Like
Price
$179.00
$299.99
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, 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
Descaling alert
Automatic Power Off
Rotatable Water Tank
Eco Mode
Capsule container
6 capsules
Pump Pressure
19 bars
Coffee Recipes
Espresso, Long
What I Like
Price
$179.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus Espresso Machine (Black)
Model
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus
Dimensions (WxDxH)
15.63 x 4.65 x 21.07 Inches
Water Tank Capacity
33.8 oz
Material
Plastic
Input Power/ Rated voltage
1260W/ 120V
Color
Black
Weight
7.17 Pounds
Average Heat-up Time
30s
Heating System
Thermoblock
Descaling alert
Automatic Power Off
Rotatable Water Tank
Eco Mode
Capsule container
11 capsules
Pump Pressure
19 bars
Coffee Recipes
Programmable Espresso, Lungo, Americano, Americano XL
What I Like
Price
$299.99
More Info

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Differences

De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 3 to 1 against Essenza Plus. But, If I had to rate them, I would give Essenza Mini a 8 and Essenza Plus a 7. Essenza Mini boasts of more convenient additional characteristics, and it offers identical aromatic, refreshing, and robust espressos as the Plus line. 

Coffee Flavor: Tie

DeLonghi Nespresso Plus: Coffee Flavor
DeLonghi Nespresso Plus: Coffee Flavor

+Heating system

Nespresso products from Delonghi use a Thermoblock heating system. Thermoblock, in my opinion, is an excellent heating technology for small espresso machines, as it quickly brings water to brewing temperature. 

The actual operation stays close to the advertisement since these product lines work the same way they are promoted. I have manually counted the heat-up and brewing time, and it takes me around 37 to 40 seconds in total to brew espresso. As for long coffee, it takes me approximately 55 to 60 seconds. 

If you are a busy worker or college student running deadlines, I highly recommend both Essenza Mini and Plus. 

+Brewing technique 

Using a 19-bar pump system, De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus extract espresso from the capsules to perfection. I understand that I sound like an advertisement, but I think the taste is impressive for the price of these product lines. 

I would describe the flavor as strong, nuanced, smooth, and “odorless”. I say odorless since I don’t notice the plastic smell in my espressos, which the water tank and Thermoblock can affect significantly.

In terms of texture, it’s undeniable that Essenza Mini and Plus aren’t as potent as models in more expensive price ranges, so the texture isn’t as full-bodied. But the smooth mouthfeel leaves a good impression. 

Utilities: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini

Both De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini and De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus have quite a few convenient features. But the Mini line still wins with ease. 

Essenza Mini boasts of the Eco mode that puts the device in “resting” mode after 3 minutes. And, after 9 minutes of inactivity, the machine shuts off automatically.

In addition, the De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini comes with a reliable descaling alert that lets users know when to descale the water tank. Without keeping an eye on the descaling schedule, I know when Essenza Mini needs to be cleaned.

As for Essenza Plus, I like the rotatable water tank located at the back of the machine. If you own a countertop with a peculiar design, the rotatable water reservoir will be of great use.

Cleaning & Maintain: Tie

In order to clean Nespresso machines, we only need to insert the cleaning capsule and press the brew button. The combination of high water pressure, hot water temperature, and a special cleaning solution is ideal for rinsing away any leftover coffee or odor. 

Design & Material: Tie

Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Design & Material
Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Design & Material

Both De’Longhi Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus are made of plastic. Many will think that plastic is a cheap material, and more or less, it’s true. The plastic design makes the devices affordable, and the quality of plastic is decent enough for you to use them for more than a few years if you handle the devices with care.

Do I prefer stainless steel models? Yes. Are these Nespresso machines durable and trustworthy? Also yes.

Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Similarities

If you wonder if Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus share any characteristics in common, we will show you 2 aspects worth mentioning below. 

Automatic power off

After 9 minutes of inactivity, Essenza Mini and Plus shut off without any extra setup. This feature is an excellent touch for users who are forgetful like me. It helps save energy and prolong the devices’ lifespan.

Small footprint 

Both models have a very small design. I would pick them any day if I lived in a small apartment or brewed not too many times per day. 

Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini

Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, 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.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

Pros
  • Eco mode after 3 minutes, shut off after 9 minutes
  • Very small footprint, fits perfectly on any kitchen stand
  • 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

Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus

Sale
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus Espresso Machine (Black)
18 Reviews
De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus Espresso Machine (Black)
  • OPTIONS: Nespresso Essenza Plus is always there when you need it. Whether it be for an espresso, a lungo, an americano or even tea, it’s here for you, and anybody else you want to treat
  • SMART SYSTEM: It features a smart reordering system that's activated at the touch of a button. That way, you'll never run out of your favorite capsules
  • PERFECT RESULTS: Fast heat-up time and 19 bar pump ensures perfect results
  • SENDS ALERTS: To show you how much it cares about your coffee, it even sends out an alert when it needs descaling. A little plus, which might just be essential
  • DESIGN: Featuring a stylish design, this machine fits into any kitchen seamlessly

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Easy and efficient programmability
  • Tasty espressos with good aroma
  • Rotatable water tank that helps save space
  • Quiet Operation
  • Affordable price
  • Quick brewing time, you will have espresso in under a minute
Cons
  • Not very hot coffee temperature
  • Not for tall cups

Product Videos

Related Articles to Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini

  1. Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups vs Delonghi: The Same Product Line But Different Brands. Do These Capsule Machines Work The Same?
  2. Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Vertuo Next: Compact Vs Bulky. Which Espresso Machine Has Better Design And Beverage Quality?
  3. Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Citiz: 2 Most Compact Capsule Espresso Machine? Which Has Better Quality?
  4. Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Vertuo: Small vs Big Capsule Machines. Which Brews Better Espresso?
  5. Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Pixie: 2 Capsule Machines With Extra Small Footprint. Which Is The Winner?

Related Articles to Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus

  1. Nespresso Citiz Vs Essenza Plus: Reviewing 2 Nespresso Machines And Finding One With Better Performance

References:

5/5 - (1 vote)