Deciding the winner between Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups vs Delonghi gave me a headache as they are essentially the same coffee machine but come from two different brands. That said, they are still the same Nespresso espresso maker in terms of design and technology, and they brew the same delicious espresso as any other Nespresso machine.
After about two months of testing, I found that the Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini is more stable and quieter, which is why this machine outshines its competitor. Plus, it’s compact, making it an ideal addition to any kitchen. It’s also easy to use and beginner-friendly.
Otherwise, the Krups Nespresso Essenza Mini is not far behind its competitor. This model also brews tasty espresso but lacks some convenient additional features. I found it a bit noisy in operation, which is not appealing at all.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups vs Delonghi: Main Differences
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins (3 – 2) against Krups Nespresso Essenza Mini thanks to its steady coffee extraction, the ability to consistently produce delicious espressos with a balanced flavor, and convenient features.
ESPRESSO FLAVOR
The Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Brewing Technique
Both Essenza Mini machines come with a 19-bar pump system so that espresso extraction can take place at the best espresso pressure. Despite their small size, these coffee makers gave me rich, fully flavored cups of espresso with foamy crema. Generally, the brewing systems, in my opinion, are stable and good value for money.
Heating System
Thermoblock technology is used as a heating system in both Krups and Delonghi machines. But their performances differ a bit.
The Krups machine performs better regarding water temperature. The drinks come out steaming hot but not too hot, allowing you to drink immediately.
About flavor, I typically get very high-quality espresso that is full-bodied, aromatic, and smooth. However, the drink is sometimes slightly watered-down if I brew Lungo. In this case, adjusting the volume is essential.
Delonghi model, on the flip side, consistently offers delicious espressos with a balanced flavor and pleasing aroma. It is safe to say that this one has never given me lousy beverages.
About temperature, the coffee drinks come out warm-hot, ideal for enjoying right out of the spout. But if you’re into hot and steaming drinks, preheating the cups before is a good idea.
UTILITIES
The Winner: Delonghi Essenza Mini
The Delonghi Essenza Mini wins this round thanks to its descaling alert, which its competitor doesn’t have. It will remind you when you have to descale your machine with a special solution. So this feature is extremely handy for forgetful people like me.
Moreover, both machines share an auto-shutdown function. They will automatically turn off after nine minutes if not used. In fact, I found that they started to use less energy after the first three minutes. If nine minutes is too fast, just adjust your machine to half an hour.
So there is no need to worry that you forgot to disable your machine when you rush out for work every morning.
DESIGN
The Winner: Tie.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups and Delonghi measure 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches and 13 x 8 x 3.3 inches, respectively, allowing them to fit most kitchen tabletops. Undoubtedly, Krups and Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini machines are the smallest espresso makers on the market.
Their main material is plastic, which is why they are so lightweight. You can store these babies away in the cupboard after use or even bring them on travel.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups vs Delonghi: Similarities
CLEANING & MAINTAIN
Cleaning complex machines like coffee makers is a tedious chore. Fortunately, cleaning up Nespresso Essenza Mini Krups and Delonghi machines after each use is a breeze. It saved my precious time for testing more important factors, such as espresso flavor.
Both units are pod-based espresso makers, so you don’t have to struggle with cleaning up coffee powder. After each use, all you need to do is eject the used capsule into a container that can hold up to six capsules. So it is okay to wait several days before clearing used products.
Their water tanks, drip trays, and drip grids are easily removable for washing. Regarding cleaning the surface of these espresso makers, wiping them with a damp, clean cloth is enough.
I recommend descaling these machines once a week to remove the calcium buildup in the water container. The effort to do this is not much with the help of the Nespresso descaling agent.
EASY OF USE
No one wants to spend much time and effort on a coffee machine when it comes to the morning rush for work, right?
These Nespresso Essenza mini machines are very efficient in making espresso. They can heat up to the optimal espresso temperature in less than 30 seconds in most of my testing. But brewing Lungo can take a little longer, about a minute.
As pod-based espresso machines, there is no need to deal with messy coffee powder. All you need to do is drop the espresso capsule and press one button to choose either lungo or espresso.
Then, these coffee makers will take care of the rest to prepare your espresso. You don’t need to stay around these espresso makers as they will stop automatically once they reach the preset drink volume.
TWO COFFEE RECIPES
Both machines feature coffee recipes representing two cup sizes: Espresso and Lungo. Just choose the recipe depending on the capsule type and your personal preference.
Moreover, you can customize the volume of either Lungo or Espresso. Just press and hold the button of your choice until your preferred coffee/espresso volume is reached, and voila! They can even remember it for the next brew.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Compact machine offers 2 programmable cup sizes; Espresso Lungo
- 19 bar high-pressure pump for barista-style flavor and aroma
- Fast heat-up system reaches ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Automatic shut-off feature 9 minutes after last use
- Machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Krups Nespresso Essenza Mini
Product Videos
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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
- Krups Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.krups.co.uk/POD-COFFEE-MACHINES/NESPRESSO-BY-KRUPS/NESPRESSO-by-KRUPS-Essenza-Mini-XN110840-Coffee-Machine—Black/p/8000036220
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.