Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black Review: A Detailed Look at a Modern Classic

There’s a specific kind of disappointment that comes with a mediocre cup of morning coffee. It’s that moment when you’re rushing to start your day, craving that rich, aromatic espresso kick, only to be met with a watery, flavourless brew from an old drip machine or a messy French press. For years, I found myself in this cycle. The dream was a barista-level coffee at home, but the reality of large, complicated, and expensive espresso machines felt daunting. They demand space we don’t have, a learning curve we don’t have time for, and a cleaning routine that can feel like a second job. The alternative—daily trips to the local coffee shop—is a drain on both time and finances. The problem is simple: we want exceptional coffee with ultimate convenience, and finding a machine that truly delivers both can feel like an impossible task.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Serve Coffee Machine

A single-serve coffee machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your mornings and elevating your daily coffee ritual. It bridges the gap between the instant-coffee jar and a full-blown semi-professional espresso setup. The main benefits are speed, consistency, and simplicity. Within a minute, you can have a perfectly extracted espresso or lungo with a rich crema, identical to the one you had yesterday, with just the press of a button. There’s no grinding, tamping, or temperature surfing involved. This product category solves the problem of time-consuming preparation and messy clean-up, making high-quality coffee accessible to everyone, regardless of their barista skills.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a busy lifestyle who refuses to compromise on the quality of their coffee. This includes working professionals, parents juggling school runs, and anyone living in a home where counter space is at a premium, like an apartment or a smaller kitchen. It’s for the person who appreciates the nuances of a good espresso but doesn’t want the hobbyist’s learning curve. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who enjoy the hands-on ritual of making coffee—the grinding of beans, the art of tamping, and the process of pulling a manual shot. It’s also not ideal for households that need to brew large carafes of coffee at once. For those individuals, a high-quality bean-to-cup machine or a classic drip coffee maker might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your countertop carefully. While many single-serve machines are designed to be compact, their footprint can vary. Consider both width and depth, as some models, like the CitiZ, are slim but long. You’ll also need vertical clearance under your cabinets to comfortably access the water tank and capsule lever.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at two key numbers: water tank capacity and pump pressure. A larger water tank (1 litre is a good standard) means fewer refills throughout the week. Pump pressure, measured in bars, is critical for proper espresso extraction; 15 bars is the minimum standard for true espresso, with 19 bars, as found in many Nespresso machines, being the gold standard for creating a dense, stable crema.
• Materials & Durability: The machine’s construction will dictate its longevity and feel. While many have plastic bodies to keep them lightweight and affordable, look for models with metal components in key areas like the lever and drip tray. This not only adds a premium feel but also enhances durability over thousands of uses, a sentiment echoed by users who praise the solid build quality of certain models.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls—ideally one or two buttons for different drink sizes. Consider the maintenance routine: how easy is it to access and clean the drip tray, water tank, and used capsule container? Most machines also require periodic descaling, so check if the process is straightforward or if the machine has a built-in alert for it.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Design Icon

Opening the box of the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black, the first thing we noticed was the thoughtful packaging and the immediate sense of quality. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight appliance. With a reassuring weight of 3.4 kilograms, it feels solid and substantial. De’Longhi has manufactured a machine that feels built to last, a point many users agree on, often commenting on its premium feel compared to cheaper alternatives. The design, inspired by urban architecture, is sleek and striking. Its narrow profile (just over 11 cm wide) is genuinely impressive, making it an immediate contender for even the most cramped kitchen counters. The glossy black finish combined with chrome accents on the lever and spout gives it a timeless, professional look that blends seamlessly into any modern decor.

Setup was incredibly simple, taking less than five minutes from unboxing to brewing. It involved a quick rinse of the 1-litre water tank, plugging it in, and running a cycle of plain water through to prime the system. The machine also arrives with a ‘Welcome Set’ of Nespresso capsules, which is a fantastic touch, allowing you to start sampling different coffee profiles immediately. The two backlit buttons for Espresso (40ml) and Lungo (110ml) are clear and intuitive, leaving no room for confusion. From the very first interaction, the CitiZ projects an air of sophisticated simplicity.

A Deep Dive into the Nespresso Citiz’s Performance

A coffee machine can look beautiful, but its true value is measured in the cup. We spent weeks putting the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black through its paces, using it for everything from the first espresso of the day to afternoon lungos and even hosting coffee for guests. This is where the machine truly shines, moving beyond its aesthetic appeal to prove its worth as a serious coffee-making tool. Its performance is defined by a holy trinity of coffee excellence: quality, speed, and consistency.

Brewing Performance & Coffee Quality: The 19-Bar Advantage

The heart of any espresso machine is its pump, and the CitiZ boasts a high-performance 19-bar pressure system. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s the driving force behind the quality of the coffee it produces. This level of pressure is essential for forcing hot water through the finely ground coffee in the capsule at the optimal force, extracting the full range of flavours and aromatic oils. The result, cup after cup, is a consistently excellent shot of coffee topped with a thick, hazelnut-coloured crema. This rich foam is the hallmark of a properly extracted espresso, trapping the aromas until you take your first sip. We found this to be true across a wide range of capsules, from Nespresso’s own intense Ristretto to third-party Starbucks and supermarket brands. As one user aptly put it, it makes a “fantastic coffee with creme off the oils in coffee.”

Speed is another area where the CitiZ excels. The thermoblock heating system brings the water to the ideal brewing temperature in a mere 25 seconds. For anyone accustomed to waiting several minutes for a traditional machine to warm up, this is a game-changer. The two programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo come with pre-set volumes, but we were pleased to find they can be easily reprogrammed. By simply pressing and holding the button, you can dispense the exact amount of water you prefer and the machine will remember it for next time. We also confirmed a useful tip shared by another user: after a Lungo shot is finished, you can press and hold the button again to run more hot water through the same pod for a longer, albeit weaker, coffee. This versatility, combined with the auto-off function that powers the machine down after 9 minutes of inactivity, makes for a brilliantly efficient and user-focused brewing experience.

Design & Usability: Compact Elegance Meets Daily Practicality

The design of the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black is one of its most celebrated features, and for good reason. It strikes a perfect balance between form and function. Its slim, vertical profile is a masterclass in space-saving engineering. We found it slid easily into a narrow gap on our counter, fitting comfortably under standard overhead cabinets with plenty of room to spare. As one user confirmed, “this thing is a lot smaller than I expected… it takes up hardly any space.” This makes it an ideal choice for city apartments, offices, or anyone looking to de-clutter their kitchen.

Beyond its size, the day-to-day usability is exceptional. The operation is boiled down to its essentials: lift the chrome lever, drop in a capsule, close the lever, and press one of the two brew buttons. It’s foolproof. The folding cup support is a small but brilliant design choice, allowing you to use a standard espresso cup or flip it up to accommodate a taller mug for a Lungo or a latte macchiato. The 1-litre water tank is easily removable from the back for refilling, and its generous capacity means you can make around 8-10 Lungos before needing to top it up. The used capsule container, neatly integrated into the machine, holds up to 10 spent pods before it needs emptying. These thoughtful features remove all the friction from the coffee-making process, turning it into a seamless and enjoyable ritual.

Everyday Living: Maintenance, Noise, and Pod Freedom

Living with the CitiZ day-to-day reveals its robust and practical nature. Cleaning is remarkably simple. The drip tray, cup stand, and used capsule container all slide out as one unit for easy rinsing. We found that using filtered water, as one user suggested, is a great tip for minimizing scale build-up, especially in hard water areas. While we didn’t experience any leaks, as one user unfortunately did, the overall build quality feels solid enough that such issues seem to be rare exceptions rather than the rule.

However, no machine is perfect, and the most common critique we found, and experienced ourselves, is the noise level. The powerful 19-bar pump, while excellent for coffee quality, is undeniably loud. During brewing, it produces a significant amount of vibration and noise, far more than a quieter Tassimo or Dolce Gusto machine. One user described being “instantly shocked at how noisy it was,” even noting that their cup would vibrate on the base. While we didn’t find the vibration severe enough to move a cup, we can confirm it is loud. For us, this is an acceptable trade-off for the superior quality of the espresso, but it’s an important consideration for those with open-plan living spaces or who are particularly sensitive to noise.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of choosing a machine from the Nespresso Original system is the incredible freedom of capsule choice. Unlike the newer Vertuo system, which is locked into Nespresso’s own patented pods, the Original patents have expired. This has opened the door to a massive market of compatible capsules from countless brands. We tested pods from supermarkets, coffee roasters, and major brands like Starbucks, and all worked perfectly. As a user celebrated, “The pods are widely available so you aren’t forced to order from one place.” This freedom not only allows you to explore a universe of different coffee flavours and price points but also provides peace of mind that you’ll never be stuck if you run out of your favourite Nespresso blend. For those who value both quality and choice, this single feature makes the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black an incredibly compelling option.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment towards the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently praising its core functions. Many echo our findings, with one person stating, “I love this machine, the coffee it makes is really good. The machine is compact, can fit almost everywhere… and looks beautiful and modern.” The longevity of the device is another common theme, highlighted by a remarkable review from a household of “four heavy coffee drinkers” whose machine was still going strong after more than six years of daily, heavy use without ever being descaled. This speaks volumes about the durability and build quality De’Longhi has achieved.

However, the negative feedback highlights a few consistent issues. The most prevalent complaint is the noise and vibration during operation, which some find jarring. One user noted, “I didn’t dare leave the cup on its own as it was vibrating off the base.” Another recurring point of frustration, particularly for UK buyers, is the potential for the machine to arrive with an EU plug fitted with a UK adapter, which some find misleading and bulky. While these are valid criticisms, they are often presented as trade-offs for an otherwise “great product.”

How Does the Nespresso Citiz Compare to the Alternatives?

The Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black exists in a competitive market. While it excels in its niche of providing high-quality, convenient espresso, different users have different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. Sage The Bambino Plus Compact Coffee Machine with Milk Frother

The Sage Bambino Plus represents the next step up for the aspiring home barista. Unlike the pod-based CitiZ, this is a traditional espresso machine that uses ground coffee. Its key advantages are ultimate control and a superior, automatic steam wand for creating perfectly textured microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. The trade-off is a steeper learning curve, more manual involvement (grinding, tamping), and a significantly more involved cleaning process. The Bambino Plus is for the coffee enthusiast who wants to engage in the craft of coffee making, while the CitiZ is for someone who wants to enjoy the excellent result of that craft with none of the work.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee Machine

The Vertuo Pop is Nespresso’s own alternative to its Original line. Instead of pressure, it uses a proprietary “Centrifusion” technology to spin the capsule, resulting in a different style of coffee with a very thick, foamy crema. Its main advantage is its ability to brew a wider range of coffee sizes, from single espresso shots to large 230ml mugs, by automatically reading a barcode on the pod. However, this comes at a cost: you are locked into using only Nespresso’s more expensive Vertuo pods, with no third-party options available. The Vertuo Pop is better for those who primarily drink large cups of black coffee, while the CitiZ remains the superior choice for espresso purists and those who value pod variety and affordability.

3. NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Coffee Machine

The Genio S from NESCAFÉ’s Dolce Gusto system is a direct competitor in the pod machine space, but with a different focus. Its strength lies in variety. The Dolce Gusto system offers a huge range of drinks beyond black coffee, including milky lattes, cappuccinos, and even hot chocolates, all from a single pod. While this is convenient, the general consensus is that the pure espresso quality doesn’t match the 19-bar extraction of the Nespresso system. The Genio S is an excellent choice for a family with diverse tastes or someone who prioritizes milky, flavoured coffee drinks over authentic espresso. The CitiZ, by contrast, is for the dedicated coffee lover.

The Final Verdict: Is the Nespresso Citiz Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black is a phenomenal machine that continues to justify its iconic status. It delivers on its promise of fast, convenient, and genuinely high-quality espresso. Its slim, stylish design is a triumph of form and function, making it a perfect fit for modern kitchens where space is a luxury. The 19-bar pump extracts a beautiful, crema-rich shot every time, and the freedom to use a vast array of compatible Original line pods is arguably its greatest strength, offering endless variety and value.

While the machine’s loud operation is a valid point of consideration, we view it as a small price to pay for the power and quality it delivers. For anyone looking to upgrade from instant or drip coffee to the world of authentic espresso without the fuss and expense of a traditional machine, the CitiZ is an outstanding choice. It is a reliable, durable, and elegant workhorse that will elevate your daily coffee ritual for years to come.

If you’ve decided the Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine by De’Longhi Espresso Pods Black is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.