I’ve been an avid Nespresso user for since late 2017 and the first unit I bought was the Inissia followed shortly thereafter by the Essenza Mini.
When I made that second purchase I really came close to buying the Pixie instead because I figured it was a better unit due to the higher price tag.
Soon thereafter however I started wondering a very common question. This questions has since been posed to me here at TOMC virtually every day since: What is the difference between the Essenza Mini and the Pixie anyway?
Obviously the Pixie costs a bit more and the Essenza Mini is marketed as their most compact model but is that really it?
I did some digging and eventually I purchased the Pixie as well (I’ve got a problem, I Know)… and now I know exactly what sets them apart! I can now summarize the differences for you.
The Nespresso Pixie vs the Essenza Mini
The main difference between these two espresso machines is that the Pixie is a bit heavier and durable housed in an aluminum casing that can hold 20% more water in the reservoir and almost twice as many spent capsules before needing to be emptied. It is a bit more expensive and a tiny bit louder than the Essenza Mini but the quality of espresso is exactly the same between the two units.
Around here I like to recommend most people to buy the Essenza Mini because it works great at a lower price but there are a number of lesser reasons why the Pixie my be a better match for you in your home so lets explore those reasons and points of differentiation in greater detail below.
You can see pricing and specs for the Essenza Mini on Amazon here or the Pixie on Amazon here.
Below I’ll be explaining the differences between these models in sections. You can jump to any section you want using the following index of links:
- Build Quality & Casing
- Usability Differences
- Differences in Capacity & Size
- Looks & Design
- Performance and Espresso Quality Comparison
Alternatively, you can see the following page to get a grasp on how all of the various Nespresso machines are different.
Build Quality & Casing
The Pixie is an older model but it’s made to a higher standard than the Essenza Mini and their other entry level Nespresso machines such as the Inissia and the CitiZ.
Its casing is aluminum which is a notable upgrade from the plastic casing on the cheaper Esssenza Mini and Inissia.
Additionally the casing and body of the unit is heavier and simply feels better and stronger.
The Pixie weighs a full 1.5 lbs more. That doesn’t seem like much but considering how skinny the Essenza Mini is compared to the Pixie it’s somewhat easy to tip over. I’ve done it twice already!
The Pixie is simply more sturdy due to increased weight and width.
Usability Differences
One of my favorite things about using the Essenza Mini is that it is noticeably quieter than the Pixie and the other low priced alternatives.
From what I can tell this is the newest model in the Nespresso Original line of espresso machines and although it still uses a similar 19 bar pump to operate it just does it better and quieter. It’s not really faster and doesn’t produce a better quality espresso in my opinion but the improvement in loudness is a big selling point to me.
Additionally I love the new design of the capsule handle. It goes up and down without moving the spout in and out like the older models do.
On both the Pixie and the Inissia the espresso spout literally moves in and out as the lever is raised and lowered. This sometimes pushes mugs around when I’m not paying close attention. This isn’t a big deal but I do think the new lever on the Essenza Mini is an improvement.
Related: The Pixie vs The Inissia
The drip tray however is a big disappointment on the Essenza Mini when compared to the Pixie. The Pixie’s drip tray folds up for larger mugs, something not possible with the Essenza.
For me this comes into play when I plan on brewing a couple of lungo shots back-to-back into a regular coffee mug. With the Essenza I just can’t do this unless I use a special short mug. This limitation is annoying because I do this frequently, at least once or twice a week.
Capacity & Size
Obviously the Pixie is larger than the Essenza Mini and for some this is a bad thing but having brewed thousands of capsules since 2017 I can tell you that I think the extra size in the pixie is worth it!
On the Essenza Mini I can only hold roughly 5 spent capsules before having to empty the chamber. That means I have to empty it every day or so because I usually make 3-5 capsules a day for myself and my wife.
The Pixie on the other hand holds twice as much, roughly ten used capsules!
Not only that but the drip tray is also smaller on the Mini and it fills all the way up nearly to the brim more often than I care for, presumably due to it’s super small size.
The water reservoir is also 4oz larger on the Pixie (which isn’t a big difference) but this does represent a 20% increase in water capacity.
For me, I hate having to refill the reservoir (even though it’s easy to do) so the Pixie is nice in this regard.
Looks & Design
The Pixie has more options for looks although many of those options are quite similar.
It is made by both De’Longhi and Breville and comes in a few different styles of metallic silver: Titan, Electric Titan, and Silver.
In contrast the Essenza Mini is also made by both Breville and De’Longhi but both manufacturers use different shaped cases to encapsulate the inner-workings of the machine.
Breville’s unit comes in only black and it’s shaped like a very sleek and skinny rectangle while the De’Longhi models come in a triangular shape in a few different colors: black, green, and red.
For me I prefer the piano black Breville model but many others would prefer the other style.
Performance and Espresso Quality
This is probably the area where the two units are least differentiated.
I’ve used both so many times and I cannot tell a difference between espresso brewed from the the Pixie vs the Essenza Mini.
They both heat up similarly fast, they both take just as long to brew, they both create similar crema or head on the espresso, and they taste basically the same.
If this is your only concern then definitely the cheaper Essenza Mini will be a better choice for you over the Pixie.
Is the Pixie Better Than The Essenza Mini?
The Pixie is a great model from their entry level products. It is bordering on $200 most places these days compared to the mid $100’s for the Essenza Mini.
With the Pixie you are paying a premium for a larger unit that can hold more water and spent capsules.
It’s a bit easier to brew into larger cups and it is more stable on your countertop.
It’s also got the aluminum case which is a nice luxury that the Essenza Mini can’t boast.
These points alone may not be worth spending the extra money on the Pixie considering the espresso quality is basically the same in every way. If however you do actually prefer a model to be made with a durable metal body that will hold more capsules and water then the extra cost may be worth it.
For me I actually prefer using the Pixie most of the time because it’s bigger but at 5:30 in the morning I always brew from the Essenza Mini because it doesn’t disturb sleeping wives and children as much.
You can see current pricing for the Pixie here. It’s obviously not wildly overpriced so it may be just what you are looking for.
For comparison purposes you can see just how much less the Essenza Mini costs on Amazon right here.
For most people however I recommend opting for the Essenza Mini because it’s priced lower, makes espresso just as good as the Pixie, and it’s not nearly as loud. Your values may vary however.
Related Reading: Differences Between Nespresso’s Original Line and the Vertuo Line Machines.
Is There a Difference Between the De’Longhi and Breville Models?
From my experience the different brands that make Nespresso products are all basically the same and in fact there are more than just De’Longhi and Breville.
De’Longhi & Breville make the Nespresso units sold to North American markets like the USA but over seas in Europe and the UK companies like Krups and Magimix make the units.
Overall each company makes different colors and slight variations is case styling for the Nespresso units but the interior of all units uses the same high quality components resulting in identical brew quality from one manufacturer to another.
In other industries it’s common for some units or parts to be made in different parts of the world by different companies but it’s not always clear when this happens.
With Nespresso it’s different. Each manufacturer is easily identifiable on the products sold but it’s really only a regional thing with a slight slant on the aesthetic design.
One of the biggest design differences between the companies is probably the shape of the Essenza Mini. Breville makes theirs with a rectangular design while De’Longhi takes a more triangular approach.
Overseas Krups has a white version of the Breville design while the Magimix models more closely resemble those from De’Longhi.
How Do You Take Your Coffee?
I like mine black and my espresso with a touch of cream from time to time.
Usually the sub-$200 Nespresso units do the job just right but when you need or want a fuller cup or regular Joe did you know that Nespresso has a few options for you that may be better than any Keurig device?
Make sure to see this post comparing Nespresso to Keurig to see just how Nespresso can serve all of your needs.
You may also want to give a look into the Nespresso Expert which is an alternative to the Pixie & CitiZ. It will make espresso just like the Pixie but it also has a long black or Americano option where it will brew a shot of espresso and then top it off with straight hot water.
In my opinion this is awesome – you don’t have to over-extract a capsule just to get a deeper cup of pseudo-coffee, just make an Americano and call it a cup of coffee and all but the snobbiest of people will be able to tell the difference.
You can see my comparison of the Essenza Mini to the Expert right here.
Nespresso Pixie Vs Essenza Mini: Which Tiny Maker Is Best For Your Kitchen Counter?
The Nespresso brand is one that many espressos lovers turn to as an alternative to more complicated and expensive standard espresso machines.
These machines offer a fantastic way to make delicious espresso beverages at home, saving you money over frequent coffee shop trips but they cost a fraction of the price of automatic espresso machines and are dead simple to use.
Another benefit that customers love about Nespresso is the compact options available through the brand. These things actually fit in regular people’s kitchens! They are short and narrow and take up minimal counter space.
Two popular options in recent years have been the time-tested Nespresso Pixie and the newer model, and much more affordable, Essenza Mini.
Around here we like to recommend people opt for the Essenza due to it’s lower price point, smaller form, and for the ease of operation. We simply feel it’s made with a better design. Click here to see Essenza Mini pricing on Amazon.
While these machines are quite similar, there are some differences in the models such as price, extra features, reservoir size and available colors.
These features can really play a large part when it comes to deciding which is the right option for you.
Continue on to learn more about these fantastic machines!
Nespresso Pixie: Pint-Sized and Packed With Goodness
Features
Between these two compact devices, the Pixie is the less compact.
However, it is still a small, lightweight device that will be able to provide delicious espresso drinks.
There are a few additions that also add into the slightly larger size.
One of these added benefits is the built-in milk frother, which is an important tool for those who want to make espresso drink variations.
It’s also able to pump hot water at 19 bars, which is going to help with creating higher-quality drinks.
Furthermore, keep in mind that this is part of the Original line, meaning that it won’t be able to make standard kinds of coffee like some of the newer models can.
However, it’s excellent if you love your daily dose of espresso!
In addition, there’s another added benefit in that it’s able to alert you when the water in the reservoir is too low.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Uses an auto-shutoff feature.
- Capable of brewing quickly.
- Allows you to control the strength of the resulting drink.
- Crema from this machine is delicious.
- Simple to clean.
Cons
- Requires the use of Nespresso pods.
- This model is on the expensive side.
- Only makes espresso drinks, not coffees.
Summary
One of the aspects that users love about Nespresso machines is that they are able to heat up and brew quickly.
You’ll also be able to control the strength of your drink, allowing you to adjust it to the taste you prefer.
It is important to keep in mind that the Pixie is one of the more expensive options when it comes to the compact Nespresso machines, but it backs up the cost with some really great benefits.
Also, this isn’t the machine to look into if you want standard types of coffee as well as espresso drinks.
Many do find that the espressos made with the Pixie are delicious, and the crema is especially so!
Essenza Mini: A Mini Maker With Extra Style
Features
Like the Pixie, the Essenza Mini is a compact device.
The Essenza Mini is the lighter and more compact between the two, which is really great for those who don’t have a lot of space or who want to take their Nespresso machine on the go.
It does have a smaller water tank, at about 20.3oz. This should work well for most espresso beverages, but will require you to fill the device more often.
As can be expected from many Nespresso machines, the Essenza Mini also heats up quickly and uses a 19-bar pump to ensure you get delicious espresso beverages as a result.
You can also expect both machines to use Nespresso capsules, which can be somewhat limiting.
However, if you’re a fan of these capsules then it will make things quick, clean and easy during the brewing process.
Do keep in mind that the Essenza Mini doesn’t have a built-in milk frother, so you’ll need to get one separately if you want it.
Like the Pixie, it’s also able to make two different espresso sizes and allows you to adjust the strength of your beverage.
Pros
- Less costly than other models.
- Quick to heat up and brew.
- Lightweight, easy to clean.
- Offers some convenient color options.
- Comes with intuitive controls.
- Capable of creating delicious brews.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a drip collector.
- No empty water indicator.
- Requires the use of Nespresso pods.
Summary
The Essenza Mini is the ideal option for those who want the most compact device available that can still provide Nespresso quality.
It’s easy to clean and easy to travel with if need be.
However, this device does lack a few of the beneficial features that you see with the Pixie.
If those features aren’t a big deal to you and you’d prefer to pay less, this is still a great option!
You can expect the same high-quality espresso drinks from both machines, so you won’t have to sacrifice quality for the lower cost!
Do keep in mind that the brewing process can be slightly messier due to the absence of a drip tray.
Comparison
Cost
For those who are on a tighter budget, it’s important to consider that there is a pretty big difference in the prices of these two machines.
Typically, you can find the Essenza Mini for around $110, but the prices can vary a little depending on the color you want or where you look.
This is going to be the less costly between the two options, which makes it great for those who don’t want to break the bank on a new espresso machine.
Meanwhile, the Pixie is going to be a little more costly and can be found for around $170.
Of course, there are some differences in the features that lead to these different pricing tiers.
What is nice to know is that if you prefer the slightly larger option, it’s not going to be an immense increase in cost over the Essenza Mini.
You will also want to keep in mind that both machines will use Nespresso capsules, which can be more costly than standard types of coffee grounds available.
Because of that, you’ll want to make sure you’ve budgeted for the cost of the capsules as well as the price of the machines.
If you’re keen on saving on the capsules, there are some reusable Nespresso filter options that you can look into.
However, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a little more attention to the kind of coffee you use to ensure it will still allow the machine to make high-quality espresso beverages.
Features
When deciding between these two fantastic machines, it’s a good idea to think about the features you want most.
Is the build important to you? Are you okay with a machine that has a plastic exterior or would you prefer more metal?
Would you be okay with purchasing a milk frother by itself or is it important to you that it be attached to the device?
These things are going to be important to keep in mind as you shop so that you can end up with a Nespresso model that you’re happy with.
Keep in mind that the Essenza Mini is smaller, more portable and less costly, but doesn’t include a milk frother and has a slightly smaller water reservoir.
The outside is also largely made of plastic, which does allow you to choose from a few different colors.
Meanwhile, the Pixie is a little larger and contains some metal to the design.
The Pixie the more expensive of the two, but includes a milk frother and water reservoir that sits at about 24ozs as opposed to the 20oz that the Essenza Mini provides.
Which Is Better?
That decision is going to be one that is purely up to you.
Once you’ve taken a look at both models and what they have to offer, make sure to look at the available capsules as well to get an idea of the flavors and costs available.
There are truly a lot of options out there that can help you with making the perfect espresso beverages.
Make sure to take your time to consider the idea option, so that you’ll be more likely to end up with the perfect fit in your home.
You may just find that once you’ve tried out a Nespresso machine, you never want to use anything else!
