Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine Review: The Ultimate Space-Saving Espresso Powerhouse

There’s a universal truth for coffee lovers living in modern homes: countertop space is the final frontier. My own kitchen, which I love, is a testament to clever storage and compact appliances. For years, I wrestled with the desire for a truly excellent cup of espresso and the reality of a workspace already crowded with a toaster, a kettle, and a blender. The thought of adding a bulky, complex coffee machine felt like a surrender—a final admission that my culinary ambitions had outgrown my square footage. I tried everything: French presses that left a sludgy mess, moka pots that required constant vigilance, and even instant coffee in moments of sheer desperation. Each method was a compromise, trading either quality, convenience, or precious space. The problem isn’t just about making coffee; it’s about starting the day with a moment of simple, satisfying ritual, not a cluttered, complicated chore. This is the precise dilemma the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine was built to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Serve Coffee Machine

A Single Serve Machine is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your morning routine with speed, consistency, and simplicity. In a world where time is a luxury, these machines eliminate the guesswork of grinding beans, measuring grounds, and tamping espresso. They offer a perfectly extracted, café-quality coffee at the touch of a button, in under a minute. This revolutionizes the home coffee experience, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their barista skills. The primary benefits are threefold: unparalleled convenience, a vast variety of flavours through capsules, and a remarkably small footprint that respects your kitchen’s layout.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily rush—be it a busy professional, a parent juggling school runs, or a student in a compact dorm room. It’s for the person who values both a high-quality espresso and the efficiency of getting it quickly and without fuss. It’s also perfect for households with diverse tastes, where one person might prefer a strong Ristretto while another wants a decaffeinated Lungo. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are passionate about the craft of manual espresso making, who enjoy the process of dialling in a grinder and perfecting their tamping technique. For these individuals, a traditional semi-automatic espresso machine might be a more rewarding, albeit more involved, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor in the single-serve category. Before you even look at features, measure the intended spot on your counter, paying attention to width, depth, and height (especially under cabinets). Machines like the Essenza Mini are specifically designed to be ultra-narrow, making them champions of space efficiency. Don’t just think about the machine; consider the space needed for your mug and a capsule holder.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance in a capsule machine is defined by pressure (measured in bars) and heat-up time. Look for a machine with at least 15 bars of pressure for proper espresso extraction; the gold standard is 19 bars, which ensures a rich, stable crema. Water tank capacity, typically between 0.6L and 1L, dictates how often you’ll need to refill. A smaller tank means a more compact machine, a trade-off many are willing to make.
• Materials & Durability: Most single-serve machines feature a durable plastic housing to keep them lightweight and affordable. Pay attention to the internal components and the feel of the mechanics, like the capsule insertion lever. A solid, well-constructed mechanism is a good indicator of longevity. While plastic is standard, look for a robust build quality that doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal of these machines is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls—ideally one or two buttons for different shot sizes. Key maintenance features include a removable water tank for easy refilling, a drip tray that can be taken out for cleaning or to accommodate taller glasses, and an automatic ejection system for used capsules. Regular descaling is crucial for long-term care, so check if the manufacturer offers an easy-to-use descaling program.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.

While the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine 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: A Tiny Titan of Coffee

Unboxing the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is a lesson in minimalism. The box is compact, and inside, the machine is securely packed with minimal fuss. Our grey model, manufactured by Krups, has a sleek, modern aesthetic that feels both understated and sophisticated. Picking it up, the first thing we noticed was its weight—at just 2.3 kg, it’s incredibly light and easy to handle. The second, and most striking, feature is its impossibly narrow profile. At a mere 8.4 cm wide, it’s slimmer than a paperback novel stood on its spine. It immediately found a home in a small nook on our counter that no other appliance could ever occupy.

The setup is laughably simple. You rinse the 0.6L water tank, fill it, plug the machine in, and run a few water-only cycles by pressing the Lungo button. The entire process takes less than five minutes. The controls consist of just two backlit buttons: one for Espresso (40ml) and one for Lungo (110ml), both of which are programmable to your preferred volume. The tactile feedback of the lever used to open the capsule chamber is solid and satisfying. While some users have reported issues with receiving European plugs or missing the complimentary capsule selection, our unit arrived ready for UK sockets, though it’s a point worth being aware of when purchasing. The immediate impression is of a product that has been ruthlessly engineered to do one thing perfectly: make great coffee without getting in the way.

A Deep Dive into the Essenza Mini’s Performance

After weeks of rigorous testing, brewing dozens of espressos, lungos, and everything in between, we’ve developed a deep appreciation for the engineering packed into this tiny machine. It consistently punches far above its weight class, delivering a coffee experience that rivals machines twice its size and price. We broke down our analysis into the three pillars that define this machine: its design, its coffee quality, and its everyday usability.

Design and Footprint: The Art of Minimalist Coffee

The single greatest achievement of the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is its design. It is the physical embodiment of “less is more.” The designers’ primary goal was clearly to create the smallest possible Nespresso machine without compromising the core brewing technology, and they succeeded spectacularly. Its 8.4cm width is the headline feature, allowing it to be tucked away on a bookshelf, a crowded office desk, or, as one user joyfully noted, in the compact kitchen of a motorhome. This isn’t just an appliance; it’s a space-saving solution.

Of course, this radical compactness comes with necessary trade-offs. The 0.6-litre water tank is modest. In our testing, this translated to about 4-5 lungos or 8-10 espressos before a refill was needed. For a single user or a couple, this is perfectly manageable, requiring a daily top-up at most. For a busy family or a small office, it might become a minor annoyance. Similarly, the internal bin for used capsules fills up after ejecting about five or six pods. A small light doesn’t indicate when it’s full, so you learn to empty it every couple of days as part of the routine. However, we found these to be minor compromises for the immense benefit of reclaiming so much counter space. The components, like the water tank and drip tray, are removable and feel well-made, slotting back into place with a reassuring click. It’s a thoughtfully designed ecosystem where every component is as small as it can be while remaining perfectly functional.

The 19-Bar Difference: Unpacking Coffee Quality and Flavour

A compact design would be meaningless if the coffee wasn’t up to par. Fortunately, this is where the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine truly shines. It houses the same 19-bar high-pressure pump found in Nespresso’s larger, more expensive models. This is not a trivial detail. This level of pressure is essential for correctly extracting the full range of oils and aromas from the coffee grounds within the capsule, creating the signature velvety crema that is the hallmark of a true espresso. Cheaper machines with lower pressure often produce a thin, bubbly foam and a weaker-tasting coffee.

In our taste tests, using a variety of Nespresso and third-party compatible pods, the results were consistently excellent. Espressos were rich, intense, and topped with a thick, hazelnut-coloured crema that lingered in the cup. Lungos were well-balanced and flavourful, without tasting watery or over-extracted. Several international users confirmed our findings, with one German reviewer noting the espresso tastes “intensive and creamy, just like in a café,” while an Italian user, a self-proclaimed “serial coffee consumer,” praised its ability to deliver a coffee that is “perfect, hot like at the bar, and with the right body.” The machine’s Thermoblock heating element brings water to the ideal temperature with remarkable speed and consistency, ensuring every single cup is as good as the last. For those who believe size dictates quality, this machine is a powerful counterargument.

Speed, Simplicity, and Sustainability: The Daily Experience

Living with the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is an exercise in effortless efficiency. From a cold start, it’s ready to brew in just 25 seconds. This speed is genuinely transformative for a morning routine. The time it takes to walk to the machine, select a pod, and place a cup is all the time it needs to be ready. The workflow is foolproof: lift the chrome lever, drop in a capsule, close the lever, and press one of the two buttons. The machine automatically stops the water flow at the pre-programmed volume, ejecting the used capsule into the internal bin when you next lift the lever.

We found the programmability to be a fantastic feature. By simply holding down one of the buttons during brewing and releasing it when your cup is filled to the desired level, the machine remembers that volume for all future uses. This allows you to perfectly tailor the shot to your favourite mug. The energy-saving features are also a standout. The machine automatically enters a low-power mode after just 3 minutes of inactivity and shuts down completely after 9 minutes. This Energy Class A efficiency provides peace of mind and contributes to lower electricity bills over the long term. One user who had owned a previous model for four years mentioned it eventually broke, which is a reasonable lifespan for a heavily used appliance in this price category. Their immediate decision to replace it with the exact same model is perhaps the strongest endorsement of its overall value and daily performance. If you value a machine that delivers exceptional coffee with zero fuss and maximum speed, the Essenza Mini is an incredibly compelling choice.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback largely mirrors our own positive experience, centering on its compact size and high-quality coffee. One user perfectly summarized its appeal, stating it’s “ideal in our kitchen and to take away in motorhome where space more restricted,” and praises the “great coffee due to good working pressure of 19 bar.” Another simply says, “I use every day. Love my coffee.” This sentiment of daily satisfaction is a recurring theme.

However, two notable criticisms appear consistently. The most common is what we’ve termed the “plug lottery.” Numerous UK-based customers have expressed frustration at receiving machines fitted with a 2-pin EU plug, sometimes with a “large clunky EU to UK adapter,” which undermines the machine’s sleek aesthetic. Others received a proper UK plug, making the experience inconsistent. The second common gripe is the missing “Welcome Gift Set” of capsules, which is often advertised on the box but has seemingly been removed from some shipments. While these issues don’t relate to the machine’s excellent performance, they are significant logistical frustrations that potential buyers should be aware of. One user who had their machine for four years before it broke noted that despite the “disappointing lifetime,” its small size and the affordability of its pods led them to immediately buy another one—a powerful testament to its overall value proposition.

How Does the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine Compare to the Alternatives?

The Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is a formidable contender in the compact coffee space, but it’s not without competition. Here’s how it stacks up against three other popular models.

1. Nespresso Essenza Mini EN85.B Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine

This is the De’Longhi-manufactured version of the Essenza Mini, and it is functionally identical to the Krups model we reviewed. It features the same 19-bar pump, 0.6L water tank, fast heat-up time, and programmable buttons. The primary difference lies purely in aesthetics. While the Krups model has a longer, sleeker, rectangular shape, the De’Longhi version is more compact and trapezoidal. The choice between the two comes down entirely to personal preference in design and which shape better fits your specific counter space. If you prefer a slightly more angular, stout look, the De’Longhi EN85.B is an equally excellent choice that delivers the exact same high-quality coffee experience.

2. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Automatic Coffee Machine

The Vertuo Plus represents a different branch of the Nespresso ecosystem. While the Essenza Mini uses the “OriginalLine” pods known for espresso, the Vertuo line is designed for those who prefer larger coffees, from a standard mug up to a large Alto. It uses a patented “Centrifusion” technology instead of a pressure pump and reads a barcode on each pod to brew it to specific parameters. The Vertuo Plus is for the coffee drinker who wants the simplicity of a pod system but prefers Americano-style coffee over traditional espresso. The trade-offs are significant: the machine is much larger, the Vertuo pods are more expensive, and third-party compatible capsules are not available. Choose the Vertuo Plus if you primarily drink long coffees; stick with the Essenza Mini for espresso excellence and pod variety.

3. Nespresso Krups Inissia Ruby Red

The Inissia can be seen as the slightly older, slightly bulkier predecessor to the Essenza Mini. For years, it was the go-to entry-level Nespresso machine, and it remains a very capable performer. It shares the same critical internal technology: a 19-bar pump and a fast-heating Thermoblock. However, it is wider and has a slightly larger footprint than the Essenza Mini. Its design is more rounded and playful, available in a variety of bright colours. Often available at a slightly lower price point, the Inissia is a fantastic value proposition for someone who wants the proven Nespresso performance but doesn’t require the absolute minimum footprint that the Essenza Mini offers. If you have a little more counter space to spare, the Inissia is a reliable and budget-friendly alternative.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine Worth It?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our answer is a resounding yes. The Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is an exceptional piece of engineering that delivers on its promise with precision and style. It successfully solves the problem of limited kitchen space without compromising on the quality of the coffee it produces. The potent 19-bar pump extracts a genuinely delicious, crema-topped espresso that rivals machines costing significantly more. Its lightning-fast heat-up time, dead-simple operation, and thoughtful energy-saving features make it a joy to use every single day.

While the small water tank and capsule bin are necessary trade-offs for its ultra-compact size, they are minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of its performance. The primary caveat remains the potential for receiving a unit with a European plug or missing welcome pods, an issue of fulfillment rather than product quality. For anyone living in an apartment, a dorm, or simply a home with a cluttered kitchen, this machine is a game-changer. It’s the perfect choice for the espresso purist who values minimalism, efficiency, and, above all, a superb cup of coffee to start their day.

If you’ve decided the Nespresso Essenza mini Capsule Machine is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.