Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini vs Inissia: Major Differences

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Are you looking for an entry-level espresso machine? Why don’t you start with an affordable Nespresso instead? Check out my review of the debate of Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini vs Inissia and pick out a Nespresso machine that is: affordable, simple to use, and consistent at making delicious espresso.

After brewing with Breville Nespresso Inissia for months, I believe it wins in this comparison. This Nespresso machine never fails to brew me deliciously hot cups with nuanced and nutty espresso flavor, even though it’s a tad louder than Essenza Mini. It also boasts a larger capsule container capacity that holds up to 11 ones, and its foldable drip tray is a really fun, simple, yet effective feature. I highly recommend it if you want a good machine for up to 2 users.

On the other hand, those who value a compact espresso maker will find the Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini to be a great option. It’s crazily compact compared to Inissia, while its water tank is almost the same size as Inissia (20.3 oz and 24 oz, respectively). I also enjoy its balanced espresso flavor. However, this model is less convenient than Inissia because it requires more frequent cleaning of the capsule compartment.

Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini vs Inissia: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Nespresso BEC120RED Inissia Espresso Machine by Breville, 24 ounces, Red
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
Model
Breville Nespresso Inissia
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Dimensions (wxdxh)
10.7 x 13.5 x 10.7 inches
4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches
Water Tank Capacity
24 oz
20.3 oz
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Weight/ Power/ voltage
5.29 Pounds/ 1200W/ 110-120V
2.3 Pounds/ 1150W/ 120V
Color
Red
Black
Heating System
Thermoblock
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Foldable drip tray
Adjustable coffee volume
Flow stop
Average Heat-up Time
25s
25s
Capsule container
11 capsules
6 capsules
Coffee recipes
Espresso, lungo
Espresso, long
Pump pressure
19 bars
19 bars
Interface
Buttons and lever
Buttons
What I Like
Price
$139.99
$179.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Nespresso BEC120RED Inissia Espresso Machine by Breville, 24 ounces, Red
Model
Breville Nespresso Inissia
Dimensions (wxdxh)
10.7 x 13.5 x 10.7 inches
Water Tank Capacity
24 oz
Material
Plastic
Weight/ Power/ voltage
5.29 Pounds/ 1200W/ 110-120V
Color
Red
Heating System
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Foldable drip tray
Adjustable coffee volume
Flow stop
Average Heat-up Time
25s
Capsule container
11 capsules
Coffee recipes
Espresso, lungo
Pump pressure
19 bars
Interface
Buttons and lever
What I Like
Price
$139.99
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
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
Weight/ Power/ voltage
2.3 Pounds/ 1150W/ 120V
Color
Black
Heating System
Thermoblock
Automatic Power Off
Foldable drip tray
Adjustable coffee volume
Flow stop
Average Heat-up Time
25s
Capsule container
6 capsules
Coffee recipes
Espresso, long
Pump pressure
19 bars
Interface
Buttons
What I Like
Price
$179.00
More Info

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini vs Inissia: Differences

Breville Nespresso Inissia wins 2-1 and ties once against Delonghi Essenza Mini in a total of 4 rounds regarding 4 aspects: flavor, reservoir size, exterior footprint, and utilities. There are more convenient benefits of choosing Inissia over Essenza Mini, like its larger water tank and capsule container sizes.

Espresso flavor

Winner: Breville Nespresso Inissia

In the flavor department, Breville Inissia does a significantly better job, from my experience with the pair. Essenza Mini can extract good espresso, but the taste I get from Inissia is much bolder and more nuanced. This is different from what Essenza Mini offers: smooth, mellow, and floral, which is good but might not be for hardcore coffee enthusiasts.

Breville Nespresso Inissia brews rich and memorable espresso
Breville Nespresso Inissia brews rich and memorable espresso

In other words, if you prefer sweeter cups, you will want to get your hands on Inissia if you enjoy robust espresso and Essenza Mini.

The brewing technique of these devices is the same, so they surprised me a lot when their beverages’ flavors were so distinctive. Breville Inissia and Delonghi Essenza Mini use 19-bar pump pressure to extract full-bodied and memorable espresso. Speaking of the texture of the drinks, there isn’t any distinction between the 2 devices.

Water Tank

Winner: Breville Nespresso Inissia

The Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini has a 20.3 oz water tank capacity and espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo are the two programmable espresso sizes it offers (5 oz). This implies that you can use up to 14 espresso shots and 4 lungo shots before needing to refill.

On the other hand, the Inissia boasts a 24-ounce water tank capacity, slightly more spacious than Essenza Mini’s reservoir. The difference isn’t much, but it still equals 2 extra espressos before having to refill the tank.

Size and footprint

Winner: Delonghi Essenza Mini

Delonghi Essenza Mini’s dimensions are 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches. The same parameters of Inissia are 10.7 x 13.5 x 10.7 inches. Undoubtedly, Essenza Mini is much more compact and will easily fit any corner or space you have left for it. The device also weighs 2.3 Pounds, half the total weight of Inissia.

Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini is more lightweight
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini is more lightweight

Utilities

Tie

First, there is a major difference in these models’ capsule container capacity. Essenza Mini can only hold up to 6 used capsules with its small dreg drawer, while Inissia can store up to 11 before users dump them. Therefore, cleaning Essenza Mini should require more effort.

On the other hand, Inissia boasts a foldable cup support that helps users brew into a taller cup and doesn’t require users to remove it completely in the process. Essenza Mini boasts a different convenience in this aspect. I had to completely remove the drip tray to brew a taller cup.

Breville Nespresso Inissia has a foldable cup support
Breville Nespresso Inissia has a foldable cup support

Nespresso Delonghi Essenza Mini vs Inissia: Similarities

Being Nespresso machines, Essenza Mini and Inissia share many similarities. Learn more about their price and value aspects, alongside the material that the brands Delonghi and Breville use to construct the devices.

Price and value

There is no doubt that Essenza Mini and Inissia are 2 highly affordable, judging by their price. Their brewing features are standard, and there isn’t any major flaw about them that makes me question their value. The espresso flavor comes out rich, and the temperature is always hot if I allow the Thermoblock to prime for 1-2 minutes. The consistency of espresso quality is top-notch as well if I don’t brew over 4 cups per day. Overall, I’m satisfied with the price and value relation.

Plastic frame and compartments

The entire construction of these machines is made of plastic, and I think they have both good and bad sides. The type of plastic used is durable and food-grade, so there is nothing flimsy or dangerous about it. Another plus point is that plastic espresso machines are generally more lightweight than metal ones.

But, of course, plastic is more prone to damage than stainless steel or aluminum. It’s not arguable. So it’s advisable that users are more cautious when handling the machines, especially when they need to move them around or take them apart for monthly deep-cleaning.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Nespresso Inissia

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • It creates the richest, thickest crema
  • Improved taste, smell, and consistency
  • Without vibration, noise, or unnecessary energy use
  • Compact footprint for even most cramped space
  • Flipable cup support
Cons
  • Loud operation

Quick Rundown Of Delonghi Essenza Mini

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 0.6 liters, Red
  • 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
  • Performance: create a barista-style coffee or Espresso drinks every time, thanks to our one-touch operation and extraction system which delivers up to 19 bars of pressure.
  • Size: discover the newest and smallest ever single-serve Espresso maker from espresso by De'Longhi, without compromising on exceptional Coffee and espresso moments. This compact Espresso machine is effortlessly portable and features a sleek design and modern smooth lines, allowing it to fit into anywhere saving valuable counter space.
  • Complimentary gift: Each Espresso machine includes a Espresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profile.
  • Versatility: Adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1. 35 oz. ) and Lungo (5 oz. ) buttons making essen mini a great coffee maker for all you single-serve coffee needs. Pour over ice to create your favorite Iced Coffee drinks.

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Assembly is simple and quick.
  • Compared to other single-serve machines, the warm-up time is much quicker
  • Reliably produces robust and full-bodied espresso
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • No flipable cup support
  • The capsule container is very small

Product Videos

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Rating 5/5 - (3 votes)