A Nespresso Essenza Mini review will highlight the pros and cons of a compact, affordably priced, well-designed budget espresso maker.
The Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee maker has a remarkably tiny footprint, offers a choice between two brew sizes, and features an auto-cleaning system that makes it convenient for busy users.
But while it’s excellent for those short on space, is that the only reason to get a Nespresso Essenza Mini – or is there more?
(Updated on 11th January, 2023)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – What’s In This Coffee Maker Review? |
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review : An Overview
Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smallest model from this lineup, barely 4.3″ wide and 13″ deep, weighing just 5 pounds.
Our Rating: 4.8/5
Special Features:
- 2 unique designs – traditional Mini C, and modern Mini D
- Can make a single shot espresso, or a lungo (double)
- Makes strong espresso shots with a nice crema
- 2 programmable cup sizes on offer
- Brews at an impressive 19 bars of pressure
- Bold color choices
- Compact, fits easily into any kitchen or small spaces
- Comes with a starter kit of Nespresso pods
- Works only with pods, so has ongoing costs
Pros:
- Can make either an espresso or lungo
- Easy to use
- One-touch brew sizing system
- Fast heating-up time
- Compact design, saves space
- Durable and sturdy internal construction
- Energy-efficient Eco-mode and auto shut off
- Affordably priced
- Brews consistently good espresso with crema
- Uses 3rd party coffee capsules also
- Lightweight, can be readily portable
Cons:
- Lacks water level indicator
- Few customization options
- Small container for used capsules
- Somewhat noisy operation
Technical Specs
Brand: Breville, DeLonghi
Model: Nespresso Essenza Mini
Type: Espresso machine
Capsule/Pod Type: Nespresso Original
Color: Piano Black
Material: Plastic
Wattage: 1300 W
Capacity: 0.6 liters (20 oz)
Programmable: Yes
Settings: Espresso (1.35 oz), lungo (3.7 oz)
Water tank: Removable
Pressure: 19 bars
Milk frother: Sold separately
Weight: 5.1 pounds
Dimensions:
Width – 4.3 in
Depth – 8.1 in
Height – 12.8 in
Used Capsule: Stores 5-6 pods
Auto-off: 9 minutes
Heat Up Time: less than 30 seconds
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Two Nespresso Models
There are two ‘original line‘ (non-VertuoLine) Nespresso Essenza Mini models:
- the traditional Mini C made by Breville and
- the modern Mini D made by DeLonghi
Both are similar in
- price
- capacity
- brewing system
The only difference is in the design aesthetic and appearance.
With its box-like straight sides, the Mini C is more traditional and comes in gray, white and black colors.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Taste Test
The key to choosing a coffee maker is the quality of your espresso.
And the Nespresso Essenza Mini brews a delicious espresso.
It’s simple and fast. Here’s how it works:
- You’ll insert the espresso capsule/pod into the machine.
- It punctures the pod and pumps in hot water at 19 bars pressure.
- The water extracts flavor, releasing the brew into a waiting mug.
You get strong coffee with a nice crema on top. Maybe it isn’t quite the same quality you’d get at a barista shop – but it’s really good for a homemade brew.
What makes the difference is dose of your coffee. Where a professional-made espresso shot has 7 to 10 grams, your Nespresso Essenza Mini pod only has 5 grams.
No wonder these shots aren’t quite as stimulating. Still it has a delicious strong flavor, especially when you use darker roasts.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Performance
Just 3.2″ wide and weighing 5 pounds, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is among the smallest espresso machines. You can brew an espresso or lungo within 2 minutes – at the push of a button!
Speed
In barely 25 seconds, it heats up to a temperature that’s ready to brew – which is far quicker than most other espresso makers.
Brewing coffee takes just another minute. And in 3 minutes, the machine automatically switches to low-consumption Eco mode.
It will power down completely in 9 minutes, further saving on energy.
Brewing Pressure
Brewing pressure is optimal for espresso extraction, at a somewhat steady 19 bars. (Anything over 15 bars is fine).
You’ll consistently get a rich, strong, delicious espresso from whichever ground or pod you’re using.
Customization Options
There are only few, but they are useful.
You can choose between an espresso of 1.35 ounces, and the lungo of 3.70 ounces using programmable brew buttons.
1. Insert a pod or capsule
2. Press down on the brew button and wait till you reach your shot volume
3. Release the button
This setting is stored in the machine, and used for future brew volumes (unless you change it again).
Nespresso Essenza Mini doesn’t have milk frothing capacity.
You can’t make a latte or cappuccino with it. But you can buy the popular Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother separately.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Ease of Use
The set up process for a Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee maker is painless, quick and easy.
- Plug in the machine, turn it on, and let it warm up.
- Once the buttons stop flashing, you’re ready to begin.
- To begin brewing your coffee, lift the top lever.
- Insert the Nespresso pod.
- Select your preferred cup size, and coffee will dispense into it.
- When it’s done, the machine will shift to eco mode, and then power down after 9 minutes.
You only have to choose one of two buttons – to pick a regular espresso or a double lungo brew size.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Unique Features
This espresso machine has several interesting and useful features that make it a joy to use.
Portable
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is lightweight and compact.
You can keep it in any tiny space in your office cubicle, an RV, or a dorm room.
Many treat it as a portable device to carry along on holidays and use it in hotel rooms or an AirBnB.
Auto Shut Off
An auto shut-off mechanism in the Nespresso Essenza Mini saves energy and spares you the trouble of remembering to shut it down after every use.
Water Reservoir
The Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso machine comes with a removable water tank with 20.3 ounces capacity.
In both models, this reservoir is behind the machine where you can’t easily monitor the water level.
It’s also a little inconvenient to refill.
After brewing 6 espressos or lungos, you should empty out used capsules and refill the tank.
There’s no light or sound indicator to let you know when it’s time – so you’ve got to be watchful and remember to check it from time to time.
Easy to Clean
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is compact and only needs minimal cleaning.
The storage bin can hold upto 6 used Nespresso pods. So until then, you won’t need to hunt for a trash bin.
Wiping down the machine with a damp cloth suffices for regular cleaning.
Once in every 300 to 1200 espresso shots, your machine will need deep cleaning and descaling. You can do this with the Nespresso Essenza Mini by pressing both brew buttons.
A full descaling packet is available from Nespresso to automate this process completely.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Design & Aesthetics
The Nespresso Essenza Mini has a minimalist design that’s in keeping with its miniature design to fit small spaces.
The entire machine is one solid color, but you can choose from several bold options to match your decor.
It’s a striking and eye-catching model you’ll enjoy having around, and stands out from other coffee machines.
Unlike many other inexpensive coffee machines, the Nespresso Essenza Mini looks classy and elegant.
Programmable Functions
Two settings allow some flexibility with your coffee brewing.
- First, you can brew either a standard 1.35 oz espresso shot or a longer 5 oz double-espresso using the ‘Lungo’ setting.
- The other setting offers an energy-saving mode. The machine will automatically shuts off after nine minutes. You can extend this to 30 minutes.
Warranty
Nespresso extends a one-year warranty on the Essenza Mini against manufacturing defects. It covers repairs or replacements of defective machines.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Price
Given the ease of use, programmable functions, consistent performance and compactness, the Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso machine is affordably priced.
It’s among Nespresso’s least expensive coffee makers, and excellent value for money when you consider the fresh, delicious coffee you’ll enjoy each day – ready for you in just minutes.
Buying Guide : Is The Nespresso Essenza Mini Right For You?
This Nespresso Essenza Mini review hopefully has given you enough data to be able to make up your own mind about this.
Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve covered:
Don’t buy the Nespresso Essenza Mini if
- Small size isn’t really important
- You like brewed coffee, not espresso
- You enjoy milky coffee drinks (this doesn’t have a foamer)
But if you’re on a tight budget and looking for an inexpensive introduction into the Nespresso universe of espresso makers, then the Nespresso Essenza Mini is a great choice.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
What Other Alternatives Are Good Coffee Maker Options?
It depends on what your needs are.
If you like full-sized cups of coffee, the Nespresso VertuoLine of cofeemakers is worth a look.
Do you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos? Upgrade to a milk frother bundle. Or look at other models like the Nespresso Lattissima Pro (though you should be prepared to pay more for them).
If you want a larger coffee maker, try the Nespresso Inissia with a 24 oz reservoir and spent capsule capacity of 10 pods.
For a more modern, feature-rich espresso maker, try the Essenza Plus. It looks like the Nespresso Essenza Mini but has a larger 34 oz reservoir and brew sizes for an Americano, along with wireless functionality.
Other alternatives include:
- Breville Vertuo BNV220CRO1BUC1
- Nespresso by De’Longhi ENV135B
- Breville BNE800BSSUSC Nespresso Creatista Plus
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Our Verdict
If you enjoy full-flavored high-quality espresso and want to make it at home, then you can’t beat the Nespresso Essenza Mini for affordability.
By combining convenience with compact design and pricing it to match any household budget, the Nespresso Essenza Mini has carved out a niche uniquely for itself in a crowded marketplace of coffee makers.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of coffee capsules can you use with the Nespresso Essenza Mini?
It works with all Nespresso Original line coffee capsules. You get a range of flavors, and can order them online at Amazon or from Nespresso directly.
Can it make lattes?
No, not unless you combine it with a Nespresso Aeroccino foamer accessory. That’s because the Nespresso Essenza Mini is an espresso maker, but lacks a frother or steamer.
Is the Nespresso Essenza Mini dishwasher safe?
No, none of the parts are recommended for cleaning in a dishwasher.
Can it make regular coffee?
No, you can’t make a drip coffee using the Nespresso Essenza Mini.
It pulls espresso shots, which you can combine into other milky drinks. But unless you enjoy pulling multiple shots just for the purpose, you don’t want to use this machine to make regular coffee.
Who manufactures the Nespresso Essenza Mini?
Nespresso has two partners – Breville and De’Longhi – who make these espresso machines.
The technology belongs to Nespresso, and quality is consistent across both brands/makers.
Can you brew coffee using coffee grounds with a Nespresso Essenza Mini?
No, you cannot. It only works with Nespresso coffee capsules/pods.
Which coffee pods fit a Nespresso Essenza Mini?
All Nespresso-compatible pods can be used to make espresso using the Essenza Mini coffeemaker.