I specialize in kitchen reviews. Of the countless gadgets I’ve evaluated, none gets more use than my superb Nespresso Essenza Mini. We’re coffee connoisseurs and get 99% percent of the quality we used to from time-consuming fiddling with my high maintenance Saeco Classico espresso machine. But is the Original Line as good as the more recently introduced Vertuo? Can Keurig complete with these European wonder machines? Read on to learn more:
First, if you are going to order an Original Line machine, this Essenza Mini is THE ONE to get. Don’t let its diminutive size scare you. It’s so small you can leave it on the counter or conveniently store it and effortlessly use it daily with wonderful simplicity. Everything about this machine is FANTASTICO—ease of use, simplicity of cleaning, and no maintenance whatsoever.
Second, if you are reading this review, may have a Keurig and possibly find its results mediocre. We sure did. The Nespresso gives you all of the convenience of Keurig, great coffee varieties, yet flavor worth of any expensive high end coffee house. Even the better Keurig coffees are simply not up to the flavor excellence of the Nespresso machines.
ORIGINAL LINE VS VERTUO: DOES IT MATTER?
So what about Original vs. Vertuo lines? It’s no secret that Americans like a big cup of java and Nespresso developed the Vertuo solely for the American market. Compared to Nespresso’s original line, the Vertuo claim to fame is the variety of drink sizes it offers. If dainty little Ristretto’s are not your thing, you can choose coffees that make cups of quite large sizes. For example, big mama Alto XL Intenso is the Mac truck of Nespresso coffees, yielding a giant 14 ounce cup.
But the downside of Vertuo is that it utilizes a different extraction method. While the Original is 99% undetectable from old school ground espresso that’s hand tamped (a pain let me tell you!) the Vertuo is more about convenience while still giving a very fine tasting cup. Time and time again, professional reviews give a slight nod to the Original machine’s flavor, though.
With the original system like with the Essenza Mini, you do get three size settings, tiny Ristretto which we never use, Espresso, and the largest volume Lungo. Although Nespresso makes lungo-specific pods with 20% more coffee, we like the Lungo setting while still using the regular sized pods. Compared to ploddingly slow Keurig machines, your amazing espresso (on any size setting) is ready in under 40 seconds!
WHICH TYPE OF CAPSULE IS MORE ECONOMICAL?
This was the deciding factor for us: The OriginalLine patent ran out some years ago and there is now a wonderful variety from competing brands, too. Some swear only true Nespresso-branded coffee is worthy of the machine and I am here to counter respectfully with one word: “Bunk!” I’ll admit that Nespresso’s coffees are consistency wonderful, yet they can be double the price of another famous brand we have found at our supermarket, Lavazza. Try the Deciso. It’s a 10 intensity roasted in Italy—fantastic and sometimes on sale as a BOGO at our market.
Another great brand found here at Amazon is Cafespresso. It’s half the price, or less, than Nespresso coffee. We have only tried the 6 intensity Medosto and it rivals any mid strength coffee from Nespresso at only .37 a pod! Truly wonderful.
One downside of Vertuo is that it is still under the patent. Unless you want the tedious habit of buying a contraption to tamp your own pods, you must use only Nespresso branded Vertuo at a fairly high cost, depending on size selected.
I PREFER A BIG CUP OF COFFEE: DOES THAT MEAN MY CHOICE IS VERTUO?
Nah! This machine, and any Original Line machine can knock out a double in less than 90 seconds! Just put your cup under the machine, add the capsule of your choice, brew. And QUICKLY repeat. Now, even with two capsules used, you have a cup as large as the Vertuo machine that remains very reasonably priced.
DO I NEED A MORE EXPENSIVE MACHINE WITH A FROTHER?
No! It is far better and cheaper to get a separate simple to use frother. We drink cappuccinos and lattes almost exclusively. The Nespresso Aeroccino frother is sometimes bundled with this machine but is quite overpriced. I’ve reviewed several frothers and highly recommend the Miroco ones. I use mine every morning. It’s half the price of the Aeroccino and easy to clean. In terms of quality froth and easy of use, the Nespresso Aeroccino and Miroco are equally good. Don’t bother with those cheap wand stick frothers. They are inferior and a pain to use. Here’s a link to Miroco’s stainless model review if this has frothed your interest:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3E10Y90RV2IZ0/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B07HH9BHL1
WHAT ABOUT NESPRESSO’S DOLCE GUSTO POD MACHINES?
Before Nespresso developed the Vertuo line, it tried another pod system for the American market called Dolce Gusto. Think of it as Keurig-deluxe but no where near the quality of either of its Original or Vertuo lines. Nespresso is no longer marketing Dolce Gusto consumers but instead to the professional market of businesses, etc. Pods are only available through Amazon and each pod is expensive. We have a little used Dolce Gusto and abandoned it in favor of this magnificent Esssenza Mini.
Jumpin’ Java! This sure has turned out to be a long review. Hope it has been of some help. Now time for good cup of coffee, for sure!
HAPPY BREWING!
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From the manufacturer
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Small, but boldA bold personality is brought to you in a compact package with the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Clean-cut lines give this small coffee machine a big presence in any kitchen. And thanks to its light, 5.1 lbs frame, it'll fit wherever you need it. |
Espresso and LungoWith two programmable coffee cup sizes, the Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee machine fits any space, and any taste. Its high-pressure pump prepares either Espressos or Lungos, just the way you like them. |
Rapid heat-up and Energy savingTo keep things moving, the Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee machine heats up in under 30 seconds. And no energy is wasted: its eco-mode kicks in after 2 minutes, and it switches off after 9 minutes of inactivity. |
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With every cupWe cultivate some of the finest coffee in the world that preserves our best of our world. With human care and creativity. |
Commitment that bears fruitThrough our AAA Sustainable Quality Program, we pay above market prices for coffee, and invest in social programs such as pensions and insurance, to ensure coffee farming is a profitable business for future generations. |
Doing is everythingWe commit that by 2022 your cup of Nespresso will be fully carbon neutral. We are continuing to reduce the footprint of each cup and are expanding tree planting in and around coffee farms to compensate the remaining emissions of a cup of Nespresso with our NGO partners Rainforest Alliance and PUR Project. |
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How to order your capsules?You can easily order your coffee for delivery to the address of your choice. Internet: Place your orders easily at Nespresso.com, 24/7. Phone 24/7: Contact our Coffee Specialists 24/7, on the free toll number 1-800-562-1465 Nespresso on Mobile: Download our applications available on iPhone, iPad and Android and place your order anywhere you are, 24/7. Boutiques: Visit our nearest Nespresso Boutique. |
Machine AssistanceIn case you need assistance for your machine, call Nespresso on 1-800-562-1465. You will receive an immediate technical diagnosis and a solution to your problem (24/7). If your Nespresso machine needs repairing, Nespresso will collect your machine and will deliver you a loan machine, free of charge (subject to conditions). |
Coffee VarietiesNespresso offers a wide variety of Coffees to satisfy every taste at any moment of the day. All Nespresso Coffees can also be enjoyed with milk or milk froth to create a variety of different recipes such as cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos. |
RecyclingNespresso offers complimentary recycling services to its members. Recycle your used coffee capsules at the nearest UPS drop off location, Nespresso Boutique, partner locations or Add a recycling bag to your Nespresso coffee order. |
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| Essenza Mini | Inissia | Pixie | |
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4,498
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5,417
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2,653
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| Price | — | — | $163.03 |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | 19 bar | 19 bar |
| Empty water tank detection | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Fast 25" heat-up | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Programmable, one-touch buttons | Espresso & Lungo | Espresso & Lungo | Espresso & Lungo |
| Movable drip tray for large cups | ✖ | Foldable drip tray | Foldable drip tray |
| Energy consumption class | A-40% | A-40% | A-40% |
| Automatic power off | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water tank capacity | 20.3 oz. | 24 oz. | 24 oz. |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.3 x 8 x 12.9 in | 4.7 x 9 x 12.6 in | 4.4 x 9.3 x 12.8 in |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs | 5.29 lb | 6.6 lb |
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This Item  Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by ,0.6 Liters, Piano Black, 15.25 x 5.5 x 12.25 in |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | -17% $99.99 List: $119.99 | $124.39 | $279.00 | -28% $115.00 List: $159.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Easy to use | |||||
| Flavor | |||||
| Easy to clean | |||||
| Blending power | |||||
| Value for money | |||||
| Sold By | — | CHULUX | cutesun | Amazon.com | Zuzu Cares 4u |
| capacity | 0.6 liters | 24 fluid ounces | 800 milliliters | 34 ounces | 5.0 fluid ounces, 8.0 fluid ounces |
| material | Plastic, Metal | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| input interface | buttons | buttons | touch screen | buttons | buttons |
| voltage | 100120 volts | 120 volts | 110 volts | 240 volts | 120 volts |
| wattage | 1255 watts | 1400 watts | — | 1260 watts | 1350 watts |
| model name | Nespresso Essenza Mini | Espresso Machine | cute-826 | EN167B | VertuoPlus |
Reviews with images
La mejor inversión que he podido hacer
No dudes ni por un segundo en comprar esta maravillosa cafetera
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
I am not a connoisseur of coffee. I was used to drip coffee with a Moccamaster by Technivorm; I quit grinding my own beans and used folgers from Costco instead, further reducing my coffee credibility. Then I got a keurig and loved a cup of flavored coffee (two shots worth). THEN I got this Breville Essenza Mini and it is unexpectedly one of the best things to enter my kitchen. I LOVE hearing it brew--there's a magic to the depth of the sound that it makes, I liken it to a throaty car engine--you know, the kind that bypasses your ears and goes straight to your bones? I adore it. Anyway, I love a tall drink with fake sweetener-the sweetness permeates the foam and is delicious to slurp. This machine is the best. I want to order another one as a means to demonstrate my appreciation for the product. Did I mention I ADORE it's tiny countertop footprint? It's perfect. It might leak a bit, but I don't care. It's so fun to have around.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2017
Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
TL;DR:
Solid machine at a great price with a clean design. Counter footprint so small it’s hard to believe. Starts fast. Operation feels secure and reliable. (Hello solid steel lever!) Altogether great update to the already winning Nespresso formula.
Espresso quality: 4.5
Aesthetics: 5
Ease of use: 4 (see cons)
Durability: 5?
Value: 5+
PROS:
-1-- QUALITY
This machine kicks out high quality shots and long pulls that hardly anyone will have any complaint for at all. The taste depends only on the choice of pod, using pure water (see below), and keeping your machine clean (as in past Nespresso models). The only thing I'd knock it for would be that the crema isn't *quite* as good (robust and foamy) as you'd get on a full Italian machine. Short of dropping $12-25k+ (seriously) for one of those beasts, this is the best you'll get at home and it's ~95% of the way there. (Just my opinion, but as a former barista, I have used multiple such machines.)
-2-- DESIGN
The design is what sold me on this one in particular. Past Nespresso models have had a variety of attractive looks, but nothing beats Bauhaus minimalism in my book. Sadly the sides of the machine are glossy and show fingerprinting (see photo), but not too badly. The stark white Breville logo looks glaringly out of place on front an otherwise so beautiful machine. Wouldn't be a problem if they had simply used a dark grey instead of white and/or placed the logo on the back. Far from a deal breaker though.
-3-- SPEED
Starts up very quickly; <30s from cold to ready. Espresso pulls at a normal speed; up to a minute for long shots. See video.
-4-- +
No skill necessary! And faster! And easier! And no clean up! Minimal maintenance!
-5-- ++
The price is right! (Personally, paid $75 on Black Friday. Check camelcamelcamel.com for price history.)
CONS:
-1-- EASE OF USE
The only real con here is refilling the water tank. You can kind of lift the lid a bit but really you have to remove the tank to fill it easily. The tank is at the back so there's a reach around every time. Plus who knows how much abuse the little rubber gasket at the mount will take before failing? I'd feel better if it could be filled without removing and if the tank could swivel around like the old Nespresso U machines. Altogether not a big deal though.
FYI:
> Water tank comfortably holds one full standard (16.9oz/0.5L) water bottle worth of water. (Always use filtered or purified water in ANY espresso machine! Nespresso included.) See picture. I use bottled water (and recycle the bottles).
> The two buttons come preset at 1.35 and 3.72 ounces, but can be easily reprogrammed, like most Nespresso machines. You can also hold the button after pulling a shot to add water to taste.
> The machine has an auto-off eco feature that is on by default but can be disabled. Startup is so fast I didn't find that necessary. Leaving your machine on constantly can encourage the growth of bacteria (due to the heat), so it's a helpful feature. Plus good for the environment and your utility bill.
> Descaling your machine regularly can have a dramatic effect on the quality of the espresso. To reduce the frequency that's needed and to improve shots in the mean-time, always use filtered or purified water. This is true of any espresso machine. To descale you run liquid descaler from Nestle through the machine. You can get instructions and materials from the Nespresso website.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
The pods are recyclable using postage-paid bags you can get for free with any Nespresso order. Each bag holds about 70-100 pods.
Solid machine at a great price with a clean design. Counter footprint so small it’s hard to believe. Starts fast. Operation feels secure and reliable. (Hello solid steel lever!) Altogether great update to the already winning Nespresso formula.
Espresso quality: 4.5
Aesthetics: 5
Ease of use: 4 (see cons)
Durability: 5?
Value: 5+
PROS:
-1-- QUALITY
This machine kicks out high quality shots and long pulls that hardly anyone will have any complaint for at all. The taste depends only on the choice of pod, using pure water (see below), and keeping your machine clean (as in past Nespresso models). The only thing I'd knock it for would be that the crema isn't *quite* as good (robust and foamy) as you'd get on a full Italian machine. Short of dropping $12-25k+ (seriously) for one of those beasts, this is the best you'll get at home and it's ~95% of the way there. (Just my opinion, but as a former barista, I have used multiple such machines.)
-2-- DESIGN
The design is what sold me on this one in particular. Past Nespresso models have had a variety of attractive looks, but nothing beats Bauhaus minimalism in my book. Sadly the sides of the machine are glossy and show fingerprinting (see photo), but not too badly. The stark white Breville logo looks glaringly out of place on front an otherwise so beautiful machine. Wouldn't be a problem if they had simply used a dark grey instead of white and/or placed the logo on the back. Far from a deal breaker though.
-3-- SPEED
Starts up very quickly; <30s from cold to ready. Espresso pulls at a normal speed; up to a minute for long shots. See video.
-4-- +
No skill necessary! And faster! And easier! And no clean up! Minimal maintenance!
-5-- ++
The price is right! (Personally, paid $75 on Black Friday. Check camelcamelcamel.com for price history.)
CONS:
-1-- EASE OF USE
The only real con here is refilling the water tank. You can kind of lift the lid a bit but really you have to remove the tank to fill it easily. The tank is at the back so there's a reach around every time. Plus who knows how much abuse the little rubber gasket at the mount will take before failing? I'd feel better if it could be filled without removing and if the tank could swivel around like the old Nespresso U machines. Altogether not a big deal though.
FYI:
> Water tank comfortably holds one full standard (16.9oz/0.5L) water bottle worth of water. (Always use filtered or purified water in ANY espresso machine! Nespresso included.) See picture. I use bottled water (and recycle the bottles).
> The two buttons come preset at 1.35 and 3.72 ounces, but can be easily reprogrammed, like most Nespresso machines. You can also hold the button after pulling a shot to add water to taste.
> The machine has an auto-off eco feature that is on by default but can be disabled. Startup is so fast I didn't find that necessary. Leaving your machine on constantly can encourage the growth of bacteria (due to the heat), so it's a helpful feature. Plus good for the environment and your utility bill.
> Descaling your machine regularly can have a dramatic effect on the quality of the espresso. To reduce the frequency that's needed and to improve shots in the mean-time, always use filtered or purified water. This is true of any espresso machine. To descale you run liquid descaler from Nestle through the machine. You can get instructions and materials from the Nespresso website.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
The pods are recyclable using postage-paid bags you can get for free with any Nespresso order. Each bag holds about 70-100 pods.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
I first used this exact machine in a hotel. It worked perfectly and was delightfully better to have a real coffee drink. Returning home, I ordered one immediately. It arrived with the sample pack. Another plus! I set the machine up in about 5 minutes. Tasted one of the blends that was new to me. Delicious. As I host dinner parties, this machine will get a workout as I give my guests the option of a coffee choice from the varieties I keep in stock, most of which are fantastic. I also like the aluminum pod better than plastic. Goes in my recycling with the cans. This is a great value machine. Looking forward to using it every single day.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Tim G.
No regrets. Don’t let it’s small size fool you. Essenza Mini (Breville) vs. Innisia (DeLonghi)
Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2018Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Tim G.
Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2018
Black Friday sales galore and the Essenza Mini came home with us. At almost half the size of the Innisia, the platform at which your cup sits on is surprisingly tall enough to fit a standard size mug for your frothy latte. This can be done without having to lift or remove any parts from the machine like in the Innisia.
It is much quieter and vibrates less and much easier to keep clean. Our Innisia had many books and crannies that got funky over time unless you gave it a good brush. The mechanism for the pod has a nice machine gun “clunk” to it, however it is missing the nice “pop” sound the Innisia makes when it punctures the coffee pod right before extraction. The coffee pods seem less prone to getting stuck compared to the Innisia. Oftentimes we are fishing for pods that didn’t drop in properly or got stuck dropping out. This has yet to happen with the Essenza Mini
Créma is good, almost better than other machines I’ve used and as long as you’re using Nespresso branded coffee pods the taste is always as good to be expected.
Overall it’s compact, no-nonsense and quality crafted as you would expect from both Nespresso and Breville.
Images in this review
Krista Dwyer
wonderful espresso
Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2020Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Karen
Yummy coffee
Reviewed in Canada on November 11, 2019Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Brigitte Therrien
Decue
Reviewed in Canada on July 14, 2022Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Tristan
Great to spike a regular keurig
Reviewed in Canada on August 20, 2021Style: MachineColor: BlackVerified Purchase
