Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie has been a difficult comparison because of their similar designs, making it hard for me to pick a winner. DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini, however, emerged as the winner after extensive testing and numerous brewing sessions.
Because of its dependable performance, great espresso flavor, and stylish appearance, the DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini triumphs. The operation of this device is quite simple and standard. Every beginner who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on expensive espresso equipment should try it.
Regarding the Delonghi Nespresso Pixie, this design is likewise capable of producing great espresso flavor and texture. The housing is plastic combined with metal, making it feel solid and durable. This is also a great option for an entry-level, affordable, and high-quality machine.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Pixie: Differences
DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 2-1 and ties 1 against DeLonghi Nespresso Pixie. Both models can brew nuanced espresso and deliver hot cups, but the Essenza Mini is still superior in utility and price. Check out the detailed reviews below.
Heating system and brewing technique
The winner: Nespresso Pixie
Heating system
Regarding their heating system, the Nespresso Essenza Mini and Pixie use thermoblock technology, heating your water to the perfect brew temperature in just about 25 to 30 seconds. That’s barely enough time to grab a mug!
After conducting a more thorough investigation, I tested the temperature of the espresso produced by both machines. Interestingly, the Pixie machine generated a shot a few degrees Celsius hotter than the one produced by the Essenza Mini machine. For this little test, I kept things consistent—same coffee pod, same cup, same space—just to be fair. But, overall, this is still based on my personal experience, so take it with a grain of salt.
If you desire a hotter cup of coffee, try this pro tip: allow the machine to warm up for another minute or two before brewing. Espresso drinks that are hotter taste properly balanced instead of watered-down or weak.
Brewing technique
Like other Nespresso product lines, these machines use a 19-bar pump pressure technology to extract espresso. As you may likely know, many high-quality espresso machines typically operate between 9 and 15 bars, but these two machines exceed that by reaching 19 bars. This increased pressure results in a rapid and forceful water flow through the coffee grounds, extracting all the desirable elements, such as flavor and oils.
The machine has two buttons, one for espresso and the other for lungo. The strength of the coffee will differ based on which button you choose. When you select the espresso button, the volume of coffee will be less, and the taste will be stronger. However, with the lungo button, more water will be added, resulting in a milder flavor and less intensity.
Apart from a minor difference in temperature, their espresso is nearly identical in taste and appearance. The shot boasts a beautiful layer of caramel crema on the surface, and the espresso itself is deliciously rich.
The flavor isn’t sour or bitter to me. Most of the time, it is well-balanced and nuanced. Overall, I always receive delicious drinks from them. While it may not quite compare to a shot from a top-of-the-line machine, it certainly surpasses the majority of espresso beverages produced by average consumer-grade machines.
Design and convenience
The winner: Nespresso Essenza Mini
Weight and dimensions
Regarding their dimensions and weight, I can confirm that both machines are extremely compact and won’t take up much space in your kitchen. They measure less than 4.5 inches in width and stand at a height of approximately 12.8 inches.
When comparing the two machines, the Nespresso Essenza Mini has the advantage as it weighs only 5.1 lbs, while the Pixie weighs 5.7 lbs.
Despite the small difference in size between the two machines, the Pixie appears significantly larger when placed next to the Essenza Mini, even when viewed from above. The Essenza Mini’s head has a sleek design that gives the device a smaller feel than its actual size, whereas the Pixie does not have this design feature.
Build quality
The Nespresso Essenza Mini and Pixie have completely different housing designs. When it comes to durability, I would recommend the Delonghi Nespresso Pixie due to its combination of plastic and metal materials in its body. It features some stainless steel parts, including the lever, the drip grid, and the front of the capsule container. It also has an aluminum side panel. Therefore, overall, this machine feels more solid than its opponent.
Meanwhile, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is made entirely of plastic. While the quality of the plastic is good, I personally feel that there may be an excessive use of plastic in its construction.
Water tank design
Their water tank is located at the back of the machine. The tanks are all made of clear plastic with a black lid at the top. To be honest, their water reservoirs seem quite delicate.
In terms of capacity, the Pixie has a slightly larger water tank of about 0.7 liters compared to the Essenza Mini’s 0.6-liter tank. However, these tanks are not very large in general. In my view, the capacity is sufficient for serving the coffee needs of 1 to 2 individuals per day.
Foldable cup support
The cup support design of the two machines is also different. Let me make that clear to you.
The Nespresso Pixie is equipped with a foldable cup support that allows for the use of taller cups. However, the downside of this design is that the cup support is unstable as it folds and can collapse unexpectedly, so it may push your cup away from its position. As a result, the coffee can leak out and form an annoying mess.
Meanwhile, I appreciate how the Essenza Mini’s cup support can be effortlessly disassembled and reassembled at any time. It’s one of my favorite features of the machine.
The Pixie has a spout that is higher in design compared to the Essenza Mini. For example, I can utilize a Nespresso Touch Travel Mug to make coffee with the Pixie, but this is not possible with the Essenza Mini.
Ease of use
The two machines are incredibly user-friendly, featuring only two control buttons at the top: one for espresso and the other for lungo. The LED lights on these buttons will flash or blink to give you important indicators. With Essenza Mini, the machine will alert you when it’s time for descaling, while the Pixie won’t do the same thing for you.
Besides, these machines also allow you to program the water volume for your coffee. To dispense the water, press and hold the Espresso or Lungo button. Let go of the button when you’ve poured the amount you want. But keep in mind that adding too much water will dilute your coffee.
Alright, let’s discuss a bit about their lever design. In this aspect, I prefer Essenza’s flip-lever design since inserting the coffee pod is easier. Meanwhile, you have to pull the lever of the Pixie all the way to load the pod. It seems like a small detail, but it’s worth noting.
Noise
In this aspect, I must say that there is a significant difference in the noise level produced by these two machines. To be honest, the Essenza Mini is noticeably quieter than its competitor, the Pixie. The pump on the Pixie is quite loud, especially if you are making coffee in the early morning or in a quiet environment.
Luckily, the noise only lasts between 20 and 30 seconds, so it doesn’t bother me too much. However, if you are noise-sensitive or concerned, it’s important to carefully consider whether the Nespresso Pixie is the right choice for you.
Additional features
The winner: Nespresso Essenza Mini
Both of the machines come equipped with an auto-shutoff feature. You can set the timer to 9 or 30 minutes, after which the machine will turn off automatically. If you want to turn off the machine without using this function, simply press both the Espresso and Lungo buttons simultaneously, and the machine will immediately shut down.
Additionally, the Essenza Mini comes with an eco-mode feature that helps you save energy. After 3 minutes of inactivity, it automatically switches to a mode that consumes less energy.
Cleaning and maintenance
Tie
Keeping your coffee machine clean is crucial to getting the best flavor from your coffee. Fortunately, these machines are simple to maintain, with features like a removable water tank and used capsule container. The cleaning and maintenance process is straightforward, and following the instructions in the user manual for optimal device care is recommended.
If you want to keep your Nespresso machine in good condition, you can use Nespresso descaling solutions and cleaning capsules. These capsules can be bought and used just like regular coffee capsules.
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 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of De’Longhi 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 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- De’Longhi Nespresso Pixie: 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.