Nespresso Pixie Breville vs Delonghi is the next debate of machines from the same product line that I will debunk. After testing their espresso flavor and extraction performances, the Breville has convinced me that it is better than the Delonghi.
The winner, the Breville Nespresso Pixie, can brew bold espresso and pairs very well with milk foam for other milk-based recipes. In addition, it’s quiet and doesn’t leak through the water tank as many devices do. If you want an affordable and stable model, this is it!
As for the runner-up, the Delonghi Nespresso Pixie, it has a bit of a leak problem, but nothing too severe that makes me dread using the device. It still brews rich espresso with good crema on top. I also like how its drip tray is foldable for larger cups to fit under the group head.
Nespresso Pixie Breville vs Delonghi: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2025-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Pixie Breville vs Delonghi: Differences
After experiencing Breville and Delonghi Nespresso Pixie for a while, I want to emphasize that both are worth buying. These machines can produce deliciously rich espresso, perfect for those who enjoy strong coffee. While both machines have similar technologies and features, there are a few noteworthy differences that I will highlight for you shortly.
At first glance, the main distinguishing feature between the De’Longhi Pixie and the Breville Pixie is their housing. The former boasts a smooth side panel, while the latter has a grated one.
I encountered an issue with the water tank of my Delonghi Nespresso Pixie. Whenever the tank was full, I could see a bit of water leaking through the platform of the water tank, but not too much. It shouldn’t be a severe issue. What I do is avoid overfilling to diminish the leaking problem. This prevents any mess on the countertop. As for the Breville Nespresso Pixie, I did not experience the same issue.
Nespresso Pixie Breville vs Delonghi: Similarities
Heating system and brewing technique
Heating system
Both the Nespresso Pixie Breville and Delonghi heat up really fast, thanks to their Thermoblock heating systems. No kidding, these two machines get ready to brew in just 25 seconds flat. If you’re always on the run and your mornings are a mad dash, this quick heat-up is an absolute godsend. This is particularly useful if you have a busy morning schedule; it ensures your espresso routine won’t add any delays.
Now, here’s a useful tip for the espresso geeks out there: consider warming your cup first to enjoy your espresso at its warmest. At the same time, let the machine heat up a tad longer, like leave it on for a couple of extra minutes. Trust me, this gives the machine time to really warm up and get that perfect temp for a shot that’s on point in both flavor and aroma.
Brewing technique
These two espresso machines use a solid 19-bar pump pressure. Now, for those who might not know, the “bar” is just a unit of pressure. A lot of good espresso machines sit around 9 to 15 bars, so at 19 bars, these two are really pushing the envelope. This high pressure means the water shoots through the coffee grounds fast and hard, pulling out all the good stuff—flavor, oils, you name it.
So, what’s the payoff? You get an espresso shot that’s not just good but downright deluxe. It’s rich, full-bodied, and topped off with a layer of crema—that frothy golden goodness. If you see crema, you know you’ve got a well-made shot.
As for this pair, the crema is just right – not excessive nor insufficient. The espresso is smooth and has a pleasant texture. You can rely on these machines to consistently produce espresso with a gorgeous layer of crema on top.
According to my experiences, both Nespresso Pixie from Breville and Delonghi go the best with Nespresso Pods. In reality, each machine offers users a delightful welcome set, which is a fantastic opportunity for novices to explore various coffee pod flavors.
Design and convenience
Build quality
Overall, these machines are well-constructed and give off a sturdy and long-lasting vibe. Both of them are mainly made of plastic and metal. They have an aluminum side panel with a lever, spout, and drip grid, and the front of the capsule container is crafted from stainless steel. The rest is made of plastic. Their water tanks are also clear plastic and have a black plastic lid at the top.
I like the metal lever design of these two machines because it feels solid when lifting or holding the whole machine. Some other Nespresso models on the market have a plastic lever, so it does feel a bit fragile.
Weight, dimensions, and capacity
Nespresso Pixie Breville and Delonghi share the same dimensions and weight. Both of them weigh less than 6 pounds, making it effortless to take them along with you, whether you’re heading to an outdoor event like a picnic or simply repositioning them within your home. I appreciate the compact size of the machine. The footprint is really small, so the machine can coexist with a stand mixer and a toaster on the tiniest kitchen counter I’ve ever encountered.
They even have the same water tank capacity, about 0.7 liters. This capacity may be a bit small for some of you who crave coffee all day, right? But since these are really small and compact machines, this tank size is logical.
Ease of use
Using both the Nespresso Pixie by Breville and Delonghi is effortless, as their operation is practically identical and user-friendly. Both machines feature only two control buttons for espresso and lungo, as well as a lever located at the top.
To use the machine, fill the water reservoir with fresh, filtered water located at the back. Then, load the capsule and close the lever. Finally, choose between two buttons for either a “lungo” (long shot) or an espresso shot (short shot). If you’re not into drinking straight espresso shots, then a lungo shot may be the perfect choice.
When these machines are ready to brew, the light around the control buttons will flash. Additionally, the buttons on the machine can be programmed to your liking. Simply press and hold the button to dispense water until you reach the desired amount, then release. However, be mindful that excess water can produce a less flavorful taste.
You can easily access and disassemble the removable capsule bin and drip tray assembly by sliding it out from the front of the unit. This makes it convenient for you to empty and clean them whenever necessary.
Foldable cup support
Alright, let’s talk about the Pixie’s foldable cup support. This feature is meant for taller glasses. However, it’s important to consider the size of your cup. If your cup is exceptionally large, the compact Nespresso machines may not be able to handle it. But if you’re using a shorter cup, you can just fold down the drip tray and have a towel nearby in case of spills. It’s better to be cautious and prepared.
Now, I want to address one more issue that I have with the machine. It’s no deal-breaker, but it’s worth mentioning. The coffee exit is like, right up against the machine’s body. Because of this, your coffee drips super close to your cup’s edge, and the cup stands so near the coffee exit that you might struggle to fit your mug there.
It seems like the manufacturer has tried to solve this by letting you raise the cup stand, but here’s the twist: it’s anchored to the tray and goes straight up. This just makes your coffee hit the inside wall of your cup, and the stand doesn’t stay put, so it may end up pushing your cup away. Hence, ensure you’ve got a couple of cup sizes that jive with the machine: one for your 2-ounce espresso and another for your 4-ounce lungo.
Noise
So, do you want to know if these Nespresso Pixies from Breville and Delonghi are loud? The short answer is yeah, they make some noise. The pump kicks up a racket, especially if you’re trying to brew an espresso while the rest of the house still sleeps. But here’s the catch—the noise is like a flash in the pan. It’s over in about 20 to 30 seconds.
Now, is this a big deal? Honestly, I don’t think so. Given the quality cup of coffee these machines crank out, plus their price point, a little morning symphony seems like a fair trade-off.
Auto shut-off
Are you someone who tends to forget to turn off appliances, or are you simply mindful about conserving energy? Either way, the Nespresso Pixies from Breville and Delonghi have covered you with their convenient auto-shut-off feature.
You have two timer options: the machine can turn off after either 9 or 30 minutes. However, if you’re in a hurry and want to shut it down early, press the Espresso and Lungo buttons together, and the machine will turn off immediately.
This feature is valuable for those who want to reduce their energy expenses. It may seem a small advantage, but it can be greatly appreciated once utilized. I applaud Nespresso for including this feature, as it is a subtle yet convenient addition that simplifies life.
Cleaning and maintenance
Are you curious how much maintenance the Nespresso Pixies from Breville and Delonghi require? You’ll be pleased to know that taking care of these machines is effortless.
For the water tank, capsule bin, and drip tray, just pop them out and give them a quick rinse. It’s best to avoid using heavy-duty cleaners or putting them in the dishwasher. For the coffee outlet, simply use a damp cloth to clean it. Just remember to give it some attention now and then.
When it comes to descaling, the process is the same for both machines. The manufacturer suggests using the Nespresso descaling liquid. The user manual provides clear instructions and images to guide you through the process, so there’s no need to worry. It’s a hassle-free process that won’t cause unnecessary stress or mess.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Nespresso Pixie
- 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
- ESPRESSO MACHINE: Enjoy a full range of espresso coffee with Nespresso. Includes a fast heating time of 25 seconds and energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE SELECTIONS: Brew better coffee at home with two programmable buttons with automatic flow stop for Espresso and Lungo coffee preparations.
- FOR ALL COFFEE DRINKERS: Embody the expertise of Nespresso with a user friendly, classic Espresso machine. The Nespresso Pixie is a compact coffee maker, with a width of only 11 cm, it will fit any kitchen.
- INCLUDES: One Nespresso espresso maker with a compact design that is easy to place and move around in any kitchen.
Last update on 2025-04-21 / 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 2025-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Breville Nespresso Pixie: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bec430.html
- Delonghi Nespresso Pixie: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-pixie-espresso-machine-with-aeroccino-by-de-longhi-aluminum-en124saeca/p/EN124SAE
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.