In this Nespresso Inissia review you’ll meet a simple coffee machine that’s the answer to fulfil your espresso cravings.
The Nespresso Inissia espresso machine is a lightweight brewer that can make superb espressos.
A bestselling model from the popular De’Longhi brand, the Nespresso Inissia is a step above the Essenza Mini and can make both regular and long shots of espresso.
(Updated on February 23rd, 2023)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – What’s In This Coffee Machine Review? |
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine : Pros & Cons
Features:
- With a pressure of 19 bars, you’ll brew better espresso than other coffee makers.
- Compact and lightweight, the Nespresso Inissia fits into small spaces and is readily portable.
- There’s a choice of 7 colors to match any interior decor and satisfy even discerning buyers.
- A perforated drip tray can accommodate even large cups and automatically drops down to catch any spills.
- Rapid brewing, ready for operation in just 25 seconds.
- Programmable button to choose between espresso and the bigger lungo.
- Large water reservoir with 24 oz capacity can brew upto 9 cups of coffee before you must refill.
- Auto-off function powers down the machine after 9 minutes, saving on energy bills.
Pros:
- Excellent pump pressure brews better espresso
- Fast and easy to use, beginner-friendly
- One-touch sizing, quickly adjust brew size
- Fast heating up, starts brewing sooner
- Can make either espresso or lungo (double espresso)
- Auto-off function saves on energy bills
- Solidly built, durable
- Multiple color choices
- Compatible with all Nespresso Original capsules
- Uses 3rd party coffee pods also
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordably priced, low upfront cost
- Large container stores many used capsules
- Pods can be recycled
- Tasty and delicious coffee
Cons:
- At 24 oz, water tank is smallish
- Coffee pods are expensive, cost adds up over time
- No milk frother
- Somewhat noisy operation
Technical Specs
Brand: Nespresso
Line: Original Line
Manufacturer: De’Longhi
Material: ABS plastic
Wattage: 1260 W
Auto-off: after 9 minutes
Brew size: 1.35 oz (espresso), 3.7 oz (lungo)
Reservoir capacity: 24 oz
Pressure: 19 bars
Heat up time: 25 seconds
Capsules/Pods: All Nespresso
Used capsules: 10 pods
Frother: Sold separately
Warranty: one year
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Dimensions:
Width – 4.7 in
Depth – 9 in
Height – 12.6 in
What’s In The Box?
- Nespresso Inissia coffee machine
- Welcome pack with 16 Nespresso Grands Crus pods
- Instruction manual
- Information and documentation
Nespresso Inissia Review
The Nespresso range of espresso machines has two product lines:
- Original Line is a traditional 19-bar pressure pumping espresso maker.
- Vertuo Line is modern, and based on innovative Centriusion technology.
Taste Test
The taste of coffee brewed using the Nespresso Inissia espresso maker is delicious. Aromatic, rich and strong with a layer of crema on top, this machine delivers on the promise of quick, good espressos.
The limitation is of course one imposed by the nature of Nespresso’s coffee capsules. They won’t taste as great as fresh brewed coffee, even though it gets pretty close for the price and convenience of a home espresso maker.
Nespresso Inissia Review
Performance
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker can make shots of 1.35 oz (single espresso) to 3.7 oz (double, or lungo).
It’s easy to switch between them using a simple programmable brew button.
- You turn the machine on and let it warm up for 25 seconds.
- Then pop in a coffee capsule.
- Press a button to select a standard espresso or lungo.
- Release the button – and you’re ready to brew.
- Eject the capsule after use.
- Clear out the container when it’s full.
- You may switch off the coffee maker – or let it auto-shut down in 9 minutes.
Until you reset it, the machine stores these settings and will revert to it in the next brewing session.
How Does It Work?
Needles puncture the coffee pod and force hot water through the grounds in spraying jets. This ensures optimal extraction of flavor.
After adequate contact time, the flavor-rich liquid is allowed to drip down into your cup. The pod is expelled into the storage container and can be recycled.
You can customize the strength and size of your drink using control buttons. Everything else is automated. No more bothering about how to grind, measure or pack your coffee.
Pause & Serve
There are some other convenient features like the one which lets you pause the flow of coffee at any time.
You can even top off your drink by pulling another shot by pressing the button.
Only Few Indicators
One limitation is that there isn’t much feedback on what’s going on. You won’t need to keep referring to the user manual. But you also won’t know at what stage your brew is proceeding.
No warning tells you when the water tank is empty. And there’s no indication of when to empty the container bin or descale your machine.
You also cannot regulate brewing temperature or duration, though you can adjust the size of your brew.
Nespresso Inissia Review
Design
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker is elegantly designed, stylish and small.
It’s a compact machine that weights barely 5.3 lbs and won’t take up much space in your kitchen. And you don’t need other accessories like a coffee grinder, saving you even more space.
A clear transparent water reservoir is situated in the back. You may not easily be able to see when it’s empty. The limited 24 oz capacity makes around 9 cups of coffee.
A drip tray is adjustable to accommodate mugs of various sizes. It also pops up when you remove the cup, catching up any spills without leaving a mess.
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker heats up within a few seconds. It is easy to operate, though a bit noisy while at work.
The Nespresso Inissia is available in a range of colors like:
- sky blue
- white
- ruby red
- sunny yellow
- vanilla
- fuschia velvet
- black
You can select the one that best matches your decor. With a reasonably long 33 cm cable, you can place your coffee maker conveniently in range of a power outlet.
With a plastic body and metal handle, durability is a minor concern. But users have not complained about this. Many are happily using the machine they bought several years back.
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker Review
Ease of Use
A Nespresso Inissia coffee maker is designed to be easy to operate.
It’s a barebones espresso machine with few add-ons and customizations, but delivers on its promise of a quick and tasty espresso.
A one-touch button turns the device on automatically. In just 25 seconds, the coil has heated up and is ready to begin brewing. Once finished, the machine turns off automatically in 9 minutes. You can manually switch it off earlier.
An internal bin holds used containers and pods. It can store upto 11 used capsules. After this, you have to empty it out.
The water tank is easy to refill after every 9 cups. It has a lid to avoid spilling.
Nespresso Inissia Review
Special Features
The Nespresso Inissia espresso coffee maker doesn’t automatically eject used capsules. To do this, raise and lower the lever once you’re finished brewing.
Used pods are stored away in the container. You can periodically empty it and ship the capsules back to Nespresso via UPS for recycling.
Warranty
A one-year warranty from the manufacturer safeguards you against faults and failures, though not user-induced damage.
Nespresso offers excellent customer service and troubleshooting guidance if there’s a malfunction.
Make sure you register your purchase to avail of these benefits.
Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine Review
Clean Up & Maintenance
A Nespresso Inissia espresso maker needs frequent cleaning.
Most of the clean up process is automated – even a descaling cycle runs for 15 minutes, at the push of a button.
There’s no indicator to tell you when to do a deep cleaning. So every 6 months or so, remember to run a descaling cycle. For the rest of the time, just wiping down the outside using a damp cloth will do.
Oh, and don’t forget to empty the used pod container.
How to Descale a Nespresso Coffee Machine
- In the water reservoir, pour in descaling solution.
- Run a full brewing cycle.
- After this has ended, you can run another couple of cycles using clean water.
- This will help to wash away the residue, so that you’ll enjoy delicious coffee again.
Nespresso Inissia Review
Price
The Nespresso Inissia espresso coffee maker is one of the brand’s least expensive models. If your budget is tiny but you want an espresso maker, this is a great choice.
Maybe there aren’t as many features included as a high-end espresso machine. But what you lose on customization you’ll gain in convenience and ease of use.
Also, there’s no argument that the Nespresso Inissia brews delicious coffee.
The only thing to keep in mind is ongoing expense of using Nespresso coffee pods/capsules. This can add up over time. Only proprietary pods are compatible with this model.
Nespresso Inissia Review
Our Verdict
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker is an affordable, compact and efficient coffee maker with limited programmability and excellent taste.
If you want an espresso maker that’s easy to operate, convenient to clean, and inexpensively priced, then this is a good choice.
This is a no-frills machine. You cannot customize many options other than brew size. But you’ll have delicious hot espresso-on-demand ready in a minute or two.
Being compact, it’ll fit comfortably even in small kitchens. An array of color options means it will match any interior decor. And it works without noise or mess, needing to be descaled only once or twice a year.
It’s a minor nuisance that it only works with Nespresso coffee pods, but there’s a range of choices there – and the pods can be recycled. In time, the costs add up – so factor that into your buying decision.
The nicest part about the Nespresso Inissia espresso maker which will guide many buyers to it is the affordable price. For the quality and convenience you’ll enjoy, this is excellent value for your money.
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of capsules work in the Nespresso Inissia?
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker works with any original line Nespresso pods.
Can you brew a full cup of regular coffee?
The Nespresso Inissia espresso maker only brews short or long shots of espresso.
You cannot make regular coffee using this machine – unless you’re willing to work more to build upon the espresso base.
What brew sizes can you choose?
There are 2 options: 1.35 oz (regular) and 3.7 oz (lungo) shots.
You can pause midway, or top up at the end of a brewing session by pulling the handle one more time.
Who manufactures the Inissia coffee maker?
While Nespresso is the owner, the Nespresso Inissia is made by De’Longhi. Another version is manufactured by Breville. Both models have a few differences. But both make a delicious espresso shot.
Can you make a latte with a Nespresso Inissia?
No, there is no milk frother in the Nespresso Inissia espresso maker.
You can order a Nespresso’s Aeroccino3 milk steamer separately if you make milky coffee drinks often. But it might be better to get a different model which can make lattes, like the Lattissima or the Creatista.