Those who are familiar with Nespresso know that the devices they offer are high-quality.
They also offer a few different machines that offer some different benefits, depending on what you’re looking for and how much space you have.
Furthermore, they are attributed to different Nespresso capsule lines that allow you to get some different flavor options.
For those who are interested in the Original line offered by Nespresso, two popular options the brand offers are the Pixie and the CitiZ.
These are both compact machines with a lot to offer, especially for those who want a convenient way to make their espressos at home.
Continue on, and you’ll learn just about all there is to know about these great machines!
Nespresso Pixie
Features
The Pixie is a fantastic option for those who want the lightest, most compact model available.
It’s an ideal choice for those who don’t have a lot of space for an espresso machine.
This model comes in at around 6 lbs, so it’s not going to be hard to move around or even take with you on the go.
While it’s still a very high quality device, there are some concessions that have to be made with the smaller size.
As such, there is no built-in milk frother and the water reservoir only holds about 24 ounces.
If you don’t mind buying your own milk frother and the machine is just for you, this may not be a problem at all.
Like many other Nespresso machines, the Pixie offers a 19 bar pressure pump to create the perfect espressos.
Furthermore, the Pixie comes in three colors that are completed with an aluminum siding.
This gives it a very interesting look that will surely add to your space.
Like with other Nespresso machines, you’ll also get a two year warranty to ensure the quality of the product.
Pros
- Provides you with an alert for an empty water reservoir.
- Includes an exterior portion made from aluminum.
- Highly compact.
- Creates fantastic crema.
- Includes a two year warranty.
- Heats up exceptionally quickly.
Cons
- The cord is shorter than the CitiZ.
- It comes with a smaller reservoir.
- You will need to use Nespresso capsules.
Summary
If you’re looking for something small and easy to use, the Pixie is going to be your best bet.
It’s a powerful little machine, capable of heating up very quickly and adding a delicious crema to your espresso drinks.
While it does make use of Nespresso capsules, some can find this to be much more convenient than trying to make espresso otherwise.
It is the smaller option between the two devices in this list, meaning you may not get as many bells and whistles.
If you want to compare the Pixie to other Nespresso machines, like the Inissia or Essenza Mini, you can check those out as well!
However, if you don’t need those extras then it’s a fantastic choice.
Nespresso CitiZ
Features
The CitiZ is the larger of these two options, but coming in at just under 9 lbs it’s still not a huge device.
Another aspect that makes this model stand out is that you can choose to purchase it with or without a built-in frother.
The included frother can increase the price quite a bit, but for those who want everything in one machine it can be worthwhile.
This option also provides you with a larger reservoir, containing 10 ounces more than the Pixie’s 24 oz reservoir.
You also have a few more interesting color options, such as black, white, red and chrome.
In addition, this is an option that heats quickly so that you won’t have to wait too long for your beverage.
Many consider the results to be delicious, which is why Nespresso machines are so popular overall.
You’ll also get the 19-bar pressure you come to expect for perfect drinks.
Once you make sure the water tank is full and the capsule you want is added, the rest of the process is largely automatic.
Because of that, you can save money over buying your daily espresso from a coffee shop – without having to spend a ton of time making the drink yourself.
Pros
- Offers a larger reservoir.
- Creates delicious results.
- Can include a built-in frother if you want one.
- Easy to clean.
- Very simple to set up.
- Highly compact.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer an empty reservoir alert.
- It’s a slightly bigger, heavier option compared to the Pixie.
- Cleaning and care may require a bit more effort.
Summary
The CitiZ offers a larger water reservoir, but without the alert for when it is empty.
Because of that, you will need to check to make sure you have plenty of water before you get started brewing.
You can also choose whether or not you want an added frother, which is a great option to have available as not all users want to have to froth milk themselves.
Though it is bigger, it’s still a rather compact device that can fit pretty easily into smaller spaces.
Many users also find that, like many Nespresso machines, it’s an option that is very easy to use.
Comparison
Cost
The pricing you’re looking at is really going to depend on the kinds of options you choose.
The Pixie by itself can range from around $160 to $230 depending on where you choose to purchase it.
Overall, it’s going to be the less expensive between these two options.
That said, you will need to purchase a milk frother separately from the machine, which can add a little bit to the price.
Both devices are also on the OrginialLine, so you won’t need to worry about a difference in capsule line prices or flavors that are going to be offered.
On the other hand, the CitiZ can come at two different prices, depending on whether or not you want that built-in frother.
By itself, the CitiZ can range from $180 to $250 depending on where you decide to buy it.
Meanwhile, the CitiZ including the milk frother can range from $260 to $300.
Generally speaking, the prices on the Nespresso website can be higher than other places so that’s going to be important to keep in mind while you shop.
It’s also worth taking a look into the prices of capsules and milk frothers to make sure you have the budget for these added expenses.
Features
Nespresso is well-known for providing high-quality espresso machines.
Because of that, you’re sure to get a fantastic device regardless of whether you choose a more expensive machine or something that is easier on a budget.
Both of these machines are rather compact and able to heat up quickly.
They also both make use of Nespresso capsules, which are thought by most to be quite delicious.
You’ll also get a great 19 bars of pressure from both devices.
Overall, there isn’t a huge gap between these two devices, but there are some that might be important to you.
To start, the CitiZ offers a few more color options, a larger water reservoir and the option for a built-in frother.
Meanwhile, the Pixie is smaller and doesn’t include a frother but it does have an alert for when the reservoir is empty.
The CitiZ is also able to hold one more capsule than the Pixie, allowing the CitiZ room for 11 Nespresso capsules and the Pixie room for 10.
While that isn’t a huge difference, it can add just that much more to the convenience you get from each machine.
Overall, they are both fantastic options.
Which Is Better?
Naturally, this is ultimately going to be a subjective decision for the buyer.
That said, those who are looking for the absolute most possible value for their money, the CitiZ is a clear winner.
It offers a larger reservoir, the option of choosing a built-in milk frother and space for one more capsule than the Pixie.
With those features included, it’s still a conveniently compact device that is great for those who may not have a lot of space to offer.
There are also a few more color options available for this device to match your space and create the ideal look overall.
While you’re shopping, it may also help to take a look at some espresso cups as well!
Essentially, the choice is likely to come down to exactly how tight the space you have available is as well as the amount you’re wiling to spend on an espresso machine.
For those who are on the tightest budgets, the Pixie is a great option that is compact, easy to use and is an option you can take while traveling.
Otherwise, the CitiZ is the ideal choice for many, especially if you’re looking for something that includes a built-in frother.
Nespresso Pixie vs CitiZ: Which is Better & What’s Different?
Nespresso machines are a common household name these days, as the convenience of making a delicious brew from a pod has become widely popular. Not to be confused with the Keurig, although the two have many similar qualities, Nespresso machines come in a variety of models.
If you’re trying to decide between two popular Nespresso machines, the Pixie and the Citiz, you’ll need a good idea of their similarities and differences in order to make the right choice. Different features work better for different people.
If you’re looking for a machine to brew a lot of coffee on the daily, choosing the Pixie would not be the most efficient decision because it can only pack 24 ounces of water at a time. That goes fast when you have a lot of people drinking, or even if you just want more than a couple of cups at breakfast.
For someone who just wants to make a delicious cup of coffee, without the hassle of figuring out the perfect steps for brewing, a Citiz machine is probably not worth the extra additional cost for the extra features.
We will be examining the features of each of these machines and comparing their functions for this article, in order to help anyone who may be struggling to choose the perfect machine for their needs.
Let’s begin with the Nespresso Pixie.
Main Features of the Nespresso Pixie
This machine offers both espresso and lungo, so you can switch up the way you take your coffee. Lungo means more water is added to the espresso shots to create a more coffee-like drink rather than just espresso shots.
It comes with a milk frother as well, which is a big plus for anyone looking to get more creative with their espresso. Learning to properly steam milk for a latte or cappuccino can be a challenge, but it is fun to be able to practice in the comfort of your own home.
The machine itself is built very efficiently, and with making your life easier in mind. The machine heats up in just 25 seconds, which means less energy used to get your coffee going. It also shuts itself off automatically after nine minutes, which is great for anyone who may deal with weekly sinking panic at the office when you realize you can’t remember if you turned off the coffee maker.
The automatic shut off is also a nice function because if you leave the machine on for another person in the house to potentially make a cup after you, they won’t have to turn the machine back on immediately after you’ve shut it off. If nobody comes through to make another cup, the machine will turn off and you won’t need to do anything more.
The Pixie makes the whole process of using the machine as efficient as possible, with a light that alerts you when the 24-ounce tray needs more water. This is a big plus for me, as I often fail to check all the components before diving in to make my drink.
Switching between espresso and lungo is easy, as they each have just one button that corresponds with the desired drink. You won’t need to worry about how much water you’ve added, or how much espresso, as the machine will pull as much water as needed, and has the right amount of grounds in the pods.
The typical price fluctuates, so be sure to keep your eye on the product listing for the most accurate pricing.
Main Features of the Nespresso Citiz
While similar in a lot of ways to the Pixie, the Citiz has some key main features that vary from the Pixie.
The water tank is larger, making this a good choice for someone who plans to make a lot of espresso with their machine. The chamber holds 34 ounces, compared to the 24 ounces in the Pixie, which helps cut down the amount of time needed in between refilling the water.
Along with the larger water tank, this machine also offers an adjustable cup size, giving you more freedom to brew the exact amount you’d like. The drip tray is removable, so you can put larger cups or travel mugs underneath the machine and take them on the go faster.
If you tend to come back often between uses, it may not be ideal to use a machine that automatically turns off after nine minutes. A cool feature about the Citiz machine is that you can extend the automatic shut off time to from nine minutes all the way up to 30 minutes.
It’s great to have a machine turn off shortly after inactivity, but it can be just as wasteful to make the machine warm back up again shortly after turning it off, so this is a great feature for someone who makes a lot of espresso throughout the day. It would also be the better choice for placement in a lobby or room where people come and go and make coffee as they please.
Like the Pixie, the Citiz comes with a milk frother, which can make your espresso-making experiences more creative and smooth.
Again, prices tend to fluctuate, so if you want an accurate idea of how much a Citiz machine will cost, check out the product listing.
The Main Differences
While both Nespresso machines have similar features, and the ability to make a delicious espresso, there are some key differences between the two.
The Pixie has a water tank that holds 24 ounces, and the Citiz holds 34 ounces. This ten ounce difference can really affect the number of times you end up needing to refill the machine, so the bigger option may be best for someone who makes a lot of espresso at a given time.
The Citiz offers more flexibility, as the cup size is adjustable and the drip tray is removable, allowing you to put a larger thermos or cup beneath it.
You can also extend the automatic shutoff for the Citiz machine, moving it from nine minutes to 30 if necessary. This is convenient for anyone who comes back and uses their machine often, or in a lobby or place where many people are coming in and out and making espresso.
As far as looks go, they both are rather sleek and sophisticated, with the Pixie being a little shorter and wider than the Citiz. The Pixie also has silver walls on the side, whereas the Citiz is all black with a few silver edges.
Prices vary, but on most listings I found, the Pixie was just a bit less expensive than the Citiz. With the extra functions the Citiz can offer, the additional cost is probably worth it for anyone whose coffee-making needs would be fulfilled by the machine.
Conclusion
Adding a Nespresso machine can add a whole lot of convenience and the bold great taste of espresso to your life. Never having to measure the correct amount of beans or water again can save time and energy for those who’d rather not be bothered by it. If you’re like me and struggle to make espresso that tastes right, having all the steps laid out for you can be a huge help.
Not all machines are created equally though, so it’s important to look at all the main features of each machine before you buy one. Some features may be the biggest selling point, and others may be major drawbacks for your specific lifestyle.
If you’re someone who just makes a cup or two a day, you might find yourself choosing the machine with a smaller capacity. This is especially good if you are on the go, because you can brew a quick cup of espresso and head out the door, knowing the machine will automatically shut off in the next nine minutes.
The Pixie would not be a great choice for a household or common area that gets a lot of use, because the water would need to be refilled more often and the machine would turn off frequently.
Instead, the Citiz would be a better choice as it holds more coffee, and can stay on for longer amounts of time. The adjustable drip tray means many more cups and travel mugs can sit under the machine and be filled directly from the machine.
I prefer the Pixie, as I am the only one who consumes coffee in my house. I often wake up in a rush and need to get going, so I can easily stick a pod in the machine, brew a cup, and be out the door in a few minutes, without having to worry about if I shut off the machine or not.
There are so many different ways to brew coffee that it can be hard to keep up and know what to buy next. It all comes down to your personal needs, and what suits your lifestyle and aesthetics the best.
If you’ve got your mind set on a Nespresso machine, this article should help you narrow down what you really want out of your coffee maker.
