Are you looking for a Nespresso machine? Take my review on the debate of Delonghi Nespresso Pixie vs Citiz, then! After comparing the most minute differences between them, Citiz is the product line that convinces me more.
Delonghi Nespresso Citiz is equipped with a 34 oz water tank, slightly bigger than that of Pixie. The devices use the 19-bar pump to extract robust and aromatic espresso consistently. I also like its simple interface with 2 buttons for espresso and espresso lungo, both customizable for more or less volume!
As for Delonghi Nespresso Pixie, espresso flavor also is its biggest strength. The device even boasts a light indicator that tells when the water tank needs refilling. Unfortunately, the Pixie loses to the Citiz due to its manual lever for opening the capsule slot, which I personally don’t like, and a smaller water tank.
Delonghi Nespresso Pixie vs Citiz: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi Nespresso Pixie vs Citiz: Differences
Delonghi Nespresso Citiz wins 2 – 1 against Nespresso Pixie. It’s much better designed with its simple interface and larger water reservoir. And it also brews hot and delicious espresso. Check out my detailed review below!
Coffee flavor and brewing system
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Espresso flavor
If you’re looking for high-quality coffee in various flavors, the De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie espresso machines are great choices.
These machines come with a strong 19-bar pump that makes extracting rich flavors from espresso coffee pods possible, resulting in a delightful sensory experience. Nespresso capsules come in various flavors to suit different tastes, whether you prefer a strong or mild flavor.
Both machines produce a notable amount of crema, enhancing the coffee presentation’s visual appeal. The capsule choice influences the coffee flavor, and Nespresso provides various options. I have tried several options, all are of good quality.
However, I want to emphasize that these machines are not designed to replicate barista-made coffee’s intricate process and flavors from expensive espresso machines. Suppose you prefer barista-quality espresso made from a high-end device and don’t mind grinding, compressing, and fine-tuning for a single shot. In that case, the Nespresso Citiz and Pixie may not meet your needs.
Additionally, these machines are unsuitable for producing Americano-style coffee. While using 2 or 3 pods to achieve the desired volume is possible, this approach may not be the most cost-effective solution.
Heating system
The De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie espresso machines use a thermoblock heating system to heat the water for brewing. Based on my experience, this system generally produces a satisfactory temperature. If you prefer your coffee to be very hot, the brewing temperature may not always meet your desired level.
In that case, there’s a quick solution to achieve the desired temperature. Simply preheat your cups before brewing. One effective method is to heat your cups in the microwave before brewing. This ensures that your coffee stays hotter for a longer period of time.
Typically, these machine takes only 25 seconds to warm up. However, I recommend you wait for an additional minute or two before starting to brew your drink to ensure that it comes out hot and stays that way.
Milk system
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Both the De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie espresso machines have a unique advantage regarding their milk systems. Although these machines don’t have a built-in milk frother, they include a separate milk steamer, which is useful for people who love milk-based coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
With a separate milk steamer, these espresso machines offer the opportunity to try out various types of milk, including almond, coconut, oat, etc. I have found that the milk frother performs best with fresh, whole milk. Besides, you should avoid overfilling the container, as it may lead to spillage.
In my experience, I prefer the milk to be heated to a moderate temperature to avoid scalding. I have faced challenges in achieving a consistent frothiness level, as sometimes the milk is only slightly warmed while other times it becomes super frothy.
Design and convenience
The winner: Delonghi Nespresso Citiz
Build quality
De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie espresso machines feature a sleek and elegant design that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. Both models are primarily made of plastic, which gives them a feeling of durability and sturdiness. Don’t worry; the material does not affect their performance and longevity. You can use them regularly without any concerns about their durability since they are designed to withstand regular use.
Regarding portability, the Nespresso Citiz and Pixie weigh about 7.5 pounds, similar to a stick vacuum cleaner. This weight is not really lightweight but still makes them easy to move around and reposition, which is very convenient if you need to move them around your house or take them with you while traveling.
Besides, these two machines share the same dimensions, which is pretty compact. Both Citiz and Pixie espresso machines deliver exceptional performance without being bulky, making them an excellent choice for those who value counter space.
Ease of use
Both the De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie are easy to operate. These devices have an interface that is easy to use and intuitive controls, making them effortless to operate even for beginners. You can quickly and easily savor a delicious cup of espresso in just a few simple steps.
To brew a cup of coffee, start by turning on the machine, inserting a coffee pod, and pressing a button. The device is equipped to handle the rest of the process, ensuring consistent results. When brewing is done, the used pod drops into a drawer for easy removal, either immediately or later.
The buttons on these machines are programmable. Just press and hold the buttons to control the water flow until you reach your desired amount. When preparing espresso, you should maintain the amount of water to use since excessive water can dilute the flavor of the espresso.
The Nespresso Pixie has a bit different in design. To access the contents of the new capsule container, you need to lift the manual lever upwards and place it into the designated slot. The lever blocks the capsule gate, and users need to wiggle the capsule in to get it through.
Capacity
The water tank capacity is one of the main differences between the De’Longhi Nespresso Citiz and Nespresso Pixie. The Nespresso Citiz has a bigger water tank than the Nespresso Pixie, which makes it more convenient for people who want to refill it less often. The Nespresso Citiz has a water tank that can hold up to 34 ounces, providing enough capacity for multiple servings without the hassle of frequent refilling.
In contrast, the water tank of Nespresso Pixie is slightly smaller, holding 24 ounces. Although it may seem small, this capacity is still enough for three people to enjoy a generous serving of coffee each morning. The water tank of the Pixie is designed to be compact yet practical, making it a great option for smaller households or those who prefer smaller servings of coffee.
Cleaning & Maintenance
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These two machines have user-friendly features that make cleaning up quick and easy. You can easily disassemble the machine to empty the used coffee pods and rinse off the components.
Additionally, I recommend you occasionally run the machine without a coffee pod. Incorporating this process into your cleaning routine helps keep the internal components of your machine clean by flushing out any lingering coffee particles or oils. This simple step ensures that your device stays in optimal condition.
The manufacturer recommends using a descaler every 6–8 months, especially if you use tap water. Descaling your machine is crucial to removing mineral buildup, maintaining consistent brewing performance, and extending the device’s lifespan.
Delonghi Nespresso Pixie vs Citiz: Similarities
Nespresso machines usually share more similar features than differences, but only some similarities are crucial to mention. Below are three aspects that I find most relevant.
Auto shut-off
Both of these machines share the same energy-saving feature that prioritizes the user’s convenience and extends the device’s lifespan. The devices will automatically shut down to save energy and reduce power consumption if they remain inactive for more than 9 minutes.
Adjustable coffee volume
While these espresso machines may not provide a wide variety of customization options like some others, they do have a notable feature in coffee volume adjustment. This allows users to adjust their coffee servings to their liking, resulting in a more personalized coffee experience.
Users can adjust the coffee volume to brew smaller or larger cups of coffee according to their desired strength or serving size, adding versatility to the Nespresso Citiz and Pixie machines. This feature allows users to customize their coffee output to match their specific tastes and preferences.
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Nespresso Citiz
- High performance: The 19 bar pump system offers barista-style single-serve coffee or Espresso every time, perfectly extracting the delicate flavor of each Espresso Original Coffee capsule
- Speed and Energy saving: the fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Versatility: Adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1. 35 oz. ) and Lungo (5 oz. ) buttons making CitiZ a great coffee maker for all your single-serve coffee needs
- Design: citiz's look continues to Please both Espresso coffee and espresso drinkers and design lovers, adding a touch of elegance to coffee rituals.
- Complimentary gift: Each machine includes a Espresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profile
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Nespresso Pixie
- Ultra-compact design: Elegant profile perfect for urbanites with limited kitchen counter space
- 19 bar high-performance pump and automatic piercing and brewing of capsules with unique drop stop technology. Fast heating time of only 25 seconds
- Tactile interface: One-touch controls with 2 programmable buttons: Espresso and Lungo
- Energy-saving: Power save mode automatically switches machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
Last update on 2024-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-citiz-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-chrome-en167c/p/EN167C
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-pixie-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-aluminum-en124s/p/EN124S
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.