It’s time to determine which machine wins the debate of Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini. And after many months of owning these devices, I find that the Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus is considerably more practical, even though it may not be as popular as Essenza Mini on the coffee market.
The Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus offers a larger water tank carrying up to 33.8 oz of water. Its espresso performance is remarkable as this device allows me to taste all the flavor notes, from sweet to nutty. Cleaning it also Is hassle-free, and I really appreciate its descaling alert. I recommend you give it a try if you are buying a machine to share with your partner or 1 other roommate.
While both machines produce excellent espresso, the Delonghi Essenza Mini stands out with its significantly more compact espresso. There isn’t anything I have to complain about, and cleaning this machine was a simple effort for me. However, its “descaling alert” doesn’t really work, and many will find its 20.3 oz water a bit too small.
Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Differences
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus wins 3-1 against Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini. Its design is more practical and convenient, especially for its larger water tank. Flavor-wise, there is nothing to complain about, either. I will share more details on how both models work for me below!
Espresso flavor
Tie
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini and Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus use a 19-bar pump mechanism to extract espresso from capsules perfectly. I realize I sound like a commercial, but the flavor is excellent for the price of these product lines.
The taste is robust, subtle, smooth, and “odorless,” in my opinion. I say odorless because I don’t detect the plastic scent in my espressos. As for the authentic coffee aroma, it’s rich.
One-touch beverages
Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus
The difference isn’t that big, but it’s definitely impressive. The Essenza Plus is equipped with an extra hot water button, which changes the game entirely. When I simultaneously press and hold the espresso and hot water buttons, I get normal-sized Americano. And when I press the hot water button with the lungo, I get XL Americano. Thanks to the additional hot water feature, it’s fun to tweak the recipes.
As for Essenza Mini, it can brew standard espresso and lungo only. So the freedom of customizing is less impressive.
Heating system
Tie
Delonghi uses a Thermoblock heating device for its Nespresso products. I believe that Thermoblock is a superior heating solution for tiny espresso machines since it quickly raises the temperature of the water to the brewing level. So I have a lot of faith in Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus.
Since these product lines function the same way they are advertised, I can start brewing espresso quickly after starting up the machines. I personally timed the heat-up and brewing processes, and the entire time it takes me to make espresso is between 37 and 40 seconds. Regarding lungo or Americano, it takes me between 55 and 60 seconds. The performance is the same for both devices in this aspect.
Utilities
Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus boasts many more convenient features than Essenza Mini. Firstly, it has a one-touch order feature that helps users place an order for new coffee capsules without going through a lengthy process. It also boasts a much bigger water tank that can hold up to 33.8 oz, while Essenza Mini can only brew with its 20.3 oz water tank.
The pair also shares some convenient utilities, like the auto shut-off function. The devices will automatically turn off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
Cleaning and upkeep
Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus
Just insert the cleaning capsule and press the brew button to clean the Nespresso machines. High water pressure, hot water temperature, and a particular cleaning solution are great for removing residual coffee or odor.
As for descaling, it’s nothing complicated, either. All we need is water, a pack of descaling liquid, and a container over 1 liter or 33.8oz big. Then, mix the water with the descaling liquid in the tank and run the automatic descaling process. That’s all I have to do.
To start the descaling process with Essenza Mini, press and hold the espresso and lungo buttons simultaneously until the lights start blinking. With Essenza Plus, hold the hot water, espresso, and lungo buttons until they flash lights the same way as Essenza Mini.
There is a catch here, though. The Essenza Plus has an authentic descaling alert. The light is located on top of the control panel near the buttons and will start flashing orange when the device needs to be descaled. As for Essenza Mini, despite how the brand advertises it, I still can’t find any sign of a real descaling alert.
Nespresso Essenza Plus vs Mini: Similarities
If you’re wondering if Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus have anything in common, we’ll show you two noteworthy similarities that will concern your experience.
Material & Design
Both the Delonghi Essenza Mini and the Delonghi Essenza Plus are composed of plastic. Many people believe that plastic is cheap, and in some ways, they are correct. The plastic design keeps the gadgets inexpensive, yet the material’s quality is good enough that you can use them for more than a few years if you handle them carefully.
Also, thanks to the durable plastic design, these models are highly lightweight, especially Essenza Mini, which weighs only 2.3 pounds.
Rotary water tank
A rotary water tank is god-given. Thankfully, both Essenza Plus and Mini share this amazing feature. You can pull the tank to stay sideways or at the back of the devices. This allows you to design an adequate space for your Nespresso machines without worrying too much about the convenience of refilling the water reservoirs.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus
- OPTIONS: Nespresso Essenza Plus is always there when you need it. Whether it be for an espresso, a lungo, an americano or even tea, it’s here for you, and anybody else you want to treat
- SMART SYSTEM: It features a smart reordering system that's activated at the touch of a button. That way, you'll never run out of your favorite capsules
- PERFECT RESULTS: Fast heat-up time and 19 bar pump ensures perfect results
- SENDS ALERTS: To show you how much it cares about your coffee, it even sends out an alert when it needs descaling. A little plus, which might just be essential
- DESIGN: Featuring a stylish design, this machine fits into any kitchen seamlessly
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Plus: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-plus-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en200b/p/EN200B
- Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B
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.