Nespresso Essenza Mini Review [ Delonghi or Breville? ]

Nespresso Essenza Mini is the smallest Nespresso model. Interestingly, Nespresso has partnered with 2 different companies to create this espresso maker. Thus you get to see 2 different versions of this espresso maker – one by Breville and another by Delonghi. Keep reading this Nespresso Essenza Mini review to learn more about this extremely compact and portable espresso machine as well as the differences between its 2 versions.

 

 

Nespresso Essenza Mini Review: Who it is for?

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The Nespresso Essenza Mini is an automatic pod-based espresso maker. Thus, this machine is ideal for busy coffee addicts who prefer to get their espresso dosage conveniently. They do not want to spend too much time on preparing their espresso or cleaning up after use.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is also compact. For those who do not wish to carve up a large space on their kitchen tabletop for their espresso machine, this is one of the smallest espresso maker in the market.

If budget is one of your priorities, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is priced really affordably.

 

7 Benefits of the Nespresso Essenza Mini

1. It is a really REALLY Compact Nespresso Machine

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is no doubt that it is one of the smallest espresso makers in the market. It has a really small footprint of about 4.3 inches by 8.1 inches. Its height is only 12.8 inches. Its compact and sleek design has also won the Red Design Award in 2017

If you are like me with many kitchen appliances on the kitchen tabletop, you will love this espresso maker too. With such a small size and a light weight of 5.1 pounds, you can even choose to store it away in the cupboard after use. In fact, you can even bring this portable Nespresso espresso maker on travel.

2. It is easy to use and fast

We all want to spend little time and effort in the kitchen when it comes to the morning rush for work. Taking out time to make coffee is really a luxury. But we can’t do without our morning caffeine dose.

With the Nespresso Essenza mini, it is very efficient to make espresso. It heats up to the optimal espresso temperature less than half a minute.

Being a pod-based espresso machine, there is no need to deal with the messy coffee powder. All it takes is to pop in the espresso capsule and press just one button to choose either espresso or lungo.

The coffee maker then takes over to prepare your espresso. There is no need to standby the espresso maker as the machine will stop automatically once the preset drink volume is reached.

Just check out the video. It’s that easy to use.

3. The espresso tastes great!

With its 19 bar pressure pump, espresso extraction can take place at the ideal espresso pressure. This will allow the maximum extraction of the flavours and aromas in the espresso capsule during brewing. The end result is a delicious and rich crema layer on top of your espresso.

4. You can override your preferred espresso volume!

The espresso maker comes with preset drink volume for espresso and lungo options. If you prefer to have a different drink volume, you can easily re-programme the drink volume for these two drink options.

Basically, just switch on the machine. Once its lights are steady, pour water into the tank and place your cup under the coffee outlet. Then hit either the espresso or lungo button, whichever one you wish to re-programme the drink volume for. And hold on to the button until your preferred drink volume is reached. It’s that simple.

The cup stand is also removable. So the espresso maker can accommodate the small espresso cup or a larger mug.

5. There’s no complicated cleaning or maintenance involved.

Cleaning up after use is easy.

With a pod-based espresso maker, there is no need to clean up coffee powder. After use, just eject the used capsule into the capsule container. The used capsule containers can store up to 6 used capsule. So you can even wait a few days before a need to clear the used product.

The water tank, drip tray, drip grid are all easily removable for washing. For the surface of the espresso maker, simply clean it with a damp cloth.

To clean the calcium buildup in the water tank, descaling has to be done periodically. However, the descaling efforts is not much, thanks to the help of the Nespresso descaling agent.

Basically, after emptying the drip tray, drip base and used capsule container, pour the agent into the water tank and add some water. Then hold the espresso and lungo buttons for 5 seconds. When the LEDs blink, press the lungo button again. The machine will then start to empty the water tank and deliver the descaling solution out of the the coffee outlet. It’s really easy. After a few times, I can even memorise the 11 steps in the manual.

6. It saves energy.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso maker is also energy efficient. It automatically powers off after 9 minutes of non-use. In fact, at the 3^rd minute, it will start to use lower energy consumption. So you don’t have to worry that you forgot to switch off your machine when you rush out for work in the morning.

If 9 minutes is too fast, you can also adjust it to 30 minutes.

7. You get a complimentary Nespresso Capsule Package

This espresso machine comes with a 16 Originalline Nespresso capsule package as a gift. This package covers a variety of capsule. This will allow you to savour the different taste and pick those of your liking before ordering in bulk.

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Key Specifications of Nespresso Essenza Mini

• 19 bar high pressure pump
• 20.3 oz water tank.
• 2 programmable buttons for espresso and lungo options
• heats up in under 30 seconds
• automatically power off after 9 minutes.

• Dimensions :
  • Delonghi : 4.33 inches wide x 8.07 inches deep x 12.8 inches tall
  • Breville : 4.3 inches wide x 8.1 inches deep x 12.8 inches tall
• Weight: 5.1 pounds
• Water Tank Capacity: 0.6 litres
• Used Capsule Capacity: 5 to 6 capsules
• Power: From 1100 Watts to 1450Watts
• Pump Pressure: 19 Bar
• Heat up time: 25 seconds.

Related:

Nespresso Essenza Plus Review

Potential Shortcomings of the Essenza Mini

Smaller water tank

Its water tank can only hold up to 0.6 litres. No doubt this will still make you a number of espressos. But when you are serving guests, you may have to make a few trips to the sink to refill your water. Guess that there’s always a trade-off. In this case for the compact size.

Nespresso Essenza Mini by Delonghi and Breville : What’s the difference?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the Nespresso Essenza Mini is made by two different companies, the specifications are the same. The only difference lies in the design. (In US, the 2 designs of Essenza Mini is made by Breville and Delonghi respectively. In UK, they are made by Krups and Magimix respectively)

The Nespresso Essenza Mini made by Delonghi is more traditional. It has a boxy shape and is only available in 2 traditional colors – piano black and pure white.

In contrast, the Nespresso Essenza Mini made by Breville has a curvy design and more rounded edges. Beside black, it is also available in bold colors – lime and red.

Although they have different design, their dimensions differs only a little. The Breville version has a footprint of 4.33 inches by 8.07 inches while the Delonghi version has 4.3 inches by 8.1 inches. Their heights are the same at 12.8 inches.

Personally, I like the red one made by Delonghi as it looks more fun and gives my room a lively touch

Differences between Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Inissia

Essenza or Inissia? Which is better?

Essenza is really an upgraded version of Inissia. In fact, Inissia has already been discontinued although you may still find some balance stock being sold online.

Comparing the both of them, Essenza is really the better option.

And here are the reasons:

• smaller
• quieter
• more energy efficient
• better looking

 

 

Should I buy Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Maker?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is one really compact and sleek espresso maker. Despite its size, it produces pretty good crema. The quality of espresso may not be comparable to that produce by a higher end espresso machine like the Gaggia or Rancillo espresso makers. However, it’s pretty close.

The design is intuitive and easy to use. There is only 2 buttons for the two drink options. There is no need to tamper coffee grounds or knock out used coffee pucks. Just slot in a capsule and press a button. And you have made an espresso with a touch of the button. And all this takes place in just a couple of minutes.

And best of all, this automatic pod-based espresso maker is affordable with a price under 200 dollars. Hopefully, this Nespresso Essenza Mini review has helped you to make your decision now!

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