The Best Small Nespresso MachinesNespresso machines are famous for their user-friendly. You simply insert a pod and push the button. A lot of devices have touchscreens and quick heating times.
They are also available in a range of sizes to meet different preferences. The smaller Nespresso machine is the Essenza Mini, is designed to maximize space thanks to its small footprint and slim profile.
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is Nespresso's most basic and cheapest machine. It is also the most convenient machine, since it can be activated by pressing a button. Your coffee is ready in a matter of minutes. Nespresso's portioned capsule system makes it simple to deliver espresso from a coffee shop to your home and the company is renowned for its sleek machines that can fit into small spaces.
This model, as well as its bigger cousin, the Pixie 1, are both in Nespresso's Original Line of pod-based espresso machines. They do not come with milk frothers. However you can add hot milk or hot water to your coffee to give it a more varied taste. They're also a great option for those who don't want to deal with the mess and clean-up of traditional drip-style coffee makers.
If you'd rather, you can make use of a milk maker from a third party with this machine. The only drawback of the Mini is that it produces only two cups, a coffee and the lungo. This isn't a problem for most people, but it's worth considering if you plan to use the Mini frequently.
The Mini is half the size and weigh of the other Original Line Nespresso machines, which is ideal for those with limited counter space. The machine is also energy efficient and uses less power than most other coffeemakers. It is easy to refill the 20.3-ounce tank and empty used capsules.
We tried the Essenza Mini for our Single-Serve nexpresso coffee maker Makers review and it scored highly in our tests for first-cup speed, repeat speed and consistency of temperature between cups. We also found it was easy to use, simple to refill and clean.
The small nespresso comes in five colors and two shapes: black, white and gray. The Mini C is a boxy machine with straight lines while the Mini D has a triangular shape and more angles. The two versions have the same price and share the same brewing capabilities, however, they are different in terms of aesthetics. The best option for you will depend on your personal style and the amount of storage space you have.
2. Nespresso CitiZ
The Nespresso machine isn't the cheapest however it's a great option for those who like making cappuccino or espresso at home. It is easy to use and compact, taking up less room than other models. It is slim in its footprint, which means it can be easily tucked away on kitchen counters. It uses capsules, which are a convenient and mess-free way to make coffee. The machine is quick to heat up and has a fast, energy-saving feature that automatically shuts off after nine minutes of inactivity. It is sleek and modern design and comes in four different colors to suit any kitchen design.
Two buttons that can be programmed allow you to choose the amount you wish to beverage. The machine will stop the flow of water once it reaches the desired amount of Espresso or Lungo. The machine comes with a foldable tray which allows it to accommodate glasses that are taller. It is easy to use, and even those who aren't experienced with technology can use it.
The Nespresso CitiZ does not have a button that is dedicated to dispense milk foam. The milk frother is only available when the machine is turned on. This can be quite frustrating when you're making cappuccinos or other drinks that require a lot of foam.
Another issue is that the machine does not have an automatic hot water dispenser, which means you have to fill it manually with water each time you use it. This could be a problem when you have a busy family or are away from home for a prolonged period of time. The machine does not come with a travel cup, which is typical in smaller Nespresso models.
The Nespresso machine is easy to tidy and has a small footprint that makes it easier to store. It also has simple one-touch brewing process. It takes about 25 seconds to heat up, which is relatively fast compared to other machines. Descale the machine regularly to remove mineral deposits and keep it operating at its peak. Nespresso provides a descaling solution that you can run through the machine to help keep it in good working order.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus brings single-serve brewing to a new nespresso coffee machine level. It can make many different coffees and espressos at the press of one button. It's also easy to get hot, taking between 15 and 25 seconds to warm up. It also includes the Aeroccino milk froth maker, that makes cold or hot froth for your favourite coffee recipes in just seconds.
Like other Nespresso machines, the Vertuo Plus is easy to use. All you have to do is insert a capsule, then press the button. The machine will scan the barcode on the capsule and adjust the brewing parameters accordingly. It will then spin the capsule at up to 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee with water to create a rich crema.
This technology is exclusive to the Vertuo line and is designed to create an extraction that is more even than other Nespresso products. The result is a drink that's smoother and has a more rich crema when compared to traditional pod drinks. The Vertuo Plus is also capable of delivering longer drinks like the alto and gran lungo, something that wouldn't be possible with the traditional pod machines.
The design of the Vertuo plus is a major advantage. The body of the machine is made of premium plastic. The water tank can be placed on either the right or left side of the machine. The drawer that is used for capsules can also be closed automatically. It also comes with a cup support that moves and can be adjusted to accommodate tall travel mugs.
One thing to note is that the Vertuo Plus isn't the ideal option for smaller spaces. It can take up a lot of counter space, measuring 12.8 inches high and 12.7 inches wide. It's also fairly heavy, so you may have trouble lifting it when your kitchen is situated on an upper floor. Most reviewers were happy with the Vertuo's ease of use and rapid making. Many also appreciated that the large 40 ounce water tank never needed refills, and was easy to clean.
4. Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie is Tinkerbell for small nespresso machine (view site…) coffee makers. It's tiny, cute, and magical (especially in the morning). It will fulfill your black coffee dreams without fuss like its fictional counterpart. It's one Nespresso single-cup espresso maker that can make short espresso shots in less than a second. It's also extremely energy efficient and can even be turned off automatically after nine minutes of idleness.
The machine will reach perfect temperature in 25 seconds. You can take a shot of lungo or espresso while you're on the way to work. The one-touch buttons are programmed to give 1.35-ounces of espresso or 3.7 pounds of lungo shots. The high-pressure pump has 19 bars and gives you results similar to those you get from a local coffee shop.
It comes in a variety of colors and has an elegant design. It looks great on any counter. The machine's body is made of aluminum that is lightweight and plastic. The cup support, side panels, and other components are made of recycled ABS plastic and aluminum that is thin. The handle latch is made from a metal called Zamak which is light and durable.
In addition to the fast boiling times and low energy consumption, the machine comes with a few other features that make it simple and comfortable to use. The automatic shut-off is a nice feature as is the fact that both the capsule container as well as the bin that is used for capsules can be removed for simple cleaning. The water tank is easy to refill and the red backlight shows when it's empty.
The Pixie as with all Nespresso machines, needs to be cleaned regularly. The process takes 15 minutes and involves filling up the water tank with Nespresso descaler liquid and running the program to cleanse the system. This helps keep the machine in good condition and shields it from calcium deposits that could affect its performance.
The Pixie is not able to make Cappuccino or Latte drinks. If you want milky drinks it is necessary to purchase a separate milk frother. It's not the cheapest option, but it could be a bit of an inconvenience.