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Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini: What You Should Know (2024)

Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini

The Pixie and Essenza Mini are part of Nespresso’s Original line. Unlike the Vertuoline models, these machines only brew espresso. Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, just over an ounce in size. It’s used to make drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. If you are looking for a Nespresso espresso machine at an affordable price, you are probably trying to figure out which is best for you between the Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini. Keep reading to learn how these two Nespresso machines compare.

Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini Summary

I’ll dive into all of the differences in specs for these two models below, but the key takeaway is that the Essenza Mini and Pixie are very similar machines. They are both reliable and make exactly the same high quality espresso despite the difference in price. The big difference is going to be the machine size, including the overall footprint, used capsule container and water tank size.

ModelThis is the best Nespresso machine for…
Essenza Minipeople especially tight on counter space or who want a brewer they can travel with
Pixieretro design enthusiasts

Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini Drink Options

Espresso & Lungo Pods

There is no difference between the Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini in terms of drink sizes or pod selections. Both machines brew two different pod sizes (1.35 oz espresso and 3.7 oz lungo) using the same exact 19 bar pressure system. That means you’ll get the same, great tasting espresso no matter which one you pick. Official pods are available from Nespresso and Starbucks, but you can also find store brand pods at retailers near you, including Target and Trader Joe’s.

nespresso essenza mini

Milk Frothing For Lattes & Cappuccinos

While you can drink espresso black, most people buying a Nespresso want to be able to make lattes and cappuccinos. To do that, you’ll need an something that can steam and froth milk since neither the Pixie, nor Essenza Mini have this capability built in. You can buy the Aeroccino milk frother separately or in a bundle with your brewer. I find the Aeroccino very easy to use and clean.

Americanos & Hot Water

If you regularly like to drink an americano, you may value this convenience, though I find it pretty easy to make an americano with any Original Nespresso. It is easy to get hot water from both of these machines.

Both models will allow you to easily program a custom shot size if you want to extract more or less from each pod. I personally don’t recommend this, but if it tastes good to you then great. You can always reset your machine to go back to the default sizes.

Regular Coffee

Note that you cannot make regular coffee with either of these models. If you want to be able to brew both coffee and espresso, you should buy a Nespresso Vertuo.

Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini Specs

Power And Speed

There is not much of a difference in the power rating across the Essenza Mini and Pixie models. Both heat up in about 25 seconds. They will both take about 30 seconds to brew a pod.

Essenza MiniPixie
Heating Power Rating1200-1310 watts1150-1260 watts

Machine Size

After design, size is probably the next biggest difference between the Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini. The Essenza Mini is the most compact and lightest of these two models. If you are looking for a machine you can travel with, the Essenza Mini a great choice.

Essenza MiniPixie
Dimensions (WxDxH)4.3 x 8.0 x 12.8 in4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 in
Weight5 lbs6.6 lbs

Water Tank And Used Capsule Container

The most frequent caring for my Nespresso that I do a few times a week involves cleaning and refilling the water tank and emptying the used capsule container. The bigger the water tank and used capsule container, the less often you will need to attend to them. With the smallest water tank and used pod holder, the Essenza Mini has the clear disadvantage here vs the Pixie. The Pixie has a red light alert that tells you when the water tank is empty.

Essenza MiniPixie
Water Tank Size20.3 fl oz24 fl oz
Used Capsule Capacity6 pods11 pods
nespresso pixie red light
nespresso pixie red light

Breville vs De’Longhi Pixie and Essenza Mini

As you are browsing stores, you will likely see two of each of the models listed above. One will be made by De’Longhi and the other by Breville. Both are Nespresso manufacturing partners. The differences between De’Longhi and Breville are mostly minor design details. The “guts” inside the units are the same and designed by Nespresso. Unless you have a really strong design preference, I suggest you pick the model you want and then buy whichever one is cheaper.

Nespresso essenza plus de'longhi
Essenza Plus De’Longhi
Nespresso essenza plus breville
Essenza Plus Breville
Breville Pixie Nespresso
Pixie by Breville
De'Longhi Pixie Nespresso
Pixie by De’Longhi

Still unsure about Nespresso?

If you are still on the fence about buying one of these machines, you can read more about why I think a Nespresso is worth it or learn more about the other models out there.

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