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
Last update on 2023-03-03 / 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
+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
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
- 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
Quick Rundown of De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus
- 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 2023-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Plus: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-plus-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en200b/p/EN200B
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.