There’s a familiar morning ritual in my kitchen, and it often involves a frustrating shuffle. The toaster comes out, the kettle goes back, and the chopping board vies for prime position. Counter space is the ultimate kitchen currency, and for years, I believed that enjoying authentic, high-quality espresso at home required a significant real estate investment. The thought of a bulky, chrome-laden machine dominating my workspace was enough to keep me in the cycle of instant coffee or expensive café runs. The problem isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality. A cluttered counter leads to a cluttered mind, and the last thing anyone needs before their first coffee is a dose of spatial stress. This is the precise dilemma that sends so many of us searching for a solution that doesn’t force a compromise between quality and size.
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 speed, consistency, and convenience in our caffeine-fueled lives. These machines solve the problem of coffee waste, the time-consuming process of grinding and tamping beans, and the inconsistency that can plague manual brewing methods. With the press of a button, you get a precisely measured, perfectly extracted cup of coffee, every single time. The main benefits are undeniable: minimal clean-up, a vast variety of flavours available through pods, and a brewing process that takes seconds, not minutes. It’s about reclaiming your morning without sacrificing the quality of your coffee.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space-constrained kitchen, a busy professional who needs a quick caffeine fix without fuss, or even a student in a dorm room. It’s for the person who values consistency and convenience above the ritual of manual espresso making. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who host large groups frequently and need to brew multiple coffees simultaneously, or for the coffee hobbyist who enjoys the granular control of grinding their own beans and experimenting with extraction times. For those individuals, a larger bean-to-cup machine or a traditional espresso machine with a separate grinder would be a more fitting, albeit larger and more complex, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is paramount. Don’t just look at the width; consider the depth and height. Measure your intended spot, paying close attention to clearance under cabinets. A machine’s footprint can be deceptive in online photos, so always check the exact dimensions (D x W x H) to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the coffee. How large is the water tank? A larger tank means fewer refills. Also, consider the used capsule container capacity. A small one requires frequent emptying, which can be a minor but persistent annoyance. Finally, check the pump pressure, measured in bars; 15-19 bars is the industry standard for proper espresso extraction.
- Materials & Durability: The machine’s construction speaks volumes about its longevity. While many have plastic casings to keep them lightweight, look for key components made of stainless steel, such as the thermoblock heating element. A metallic exterior finish, as seen on the Piano Black model, not only looks premium but can also be more resistant to scuffs and scratches than plain plastic.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The whole point of a pod machine is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls—ideally one-touch buttons for different coffee sizes. Consider the cleaning process: are the drip tray and capsule container dishwasher safe? Does the manufacturer recommend a specific descaling routine? Easy maintenance is key to enjoying your machine for years to come.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.
While the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee 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: Does “Mini” Mean Compromise?
Unboxing the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine reveals just how committed Krups was to the “mini” concept. The box itself is compact, and lifting the machine out confirms its featherlight 2.3kg weight. My first thought was how effortlessly it could be moved for cleaning or even packed away if needed. The Piano Black finish is sleek and reflective, giving it a premium feel that belies its small stature. It feels solid and well-constructed, with no creaks or flimsy parts. Setup is virtually non-existent: you wash the 0.6-litre water tank and drip tray, plug it in (our unit thankfully came with the correct UK plug, a concern noted by some potential buyers), and you’re ready to brew. Included in the box was a welcome set of Nespresso capsules, a nice touch that lets you start experimenting with flavours immediately. Compared to larger Nespresso models like the Citiz, the Essenza Mini is noticeably narrower and shorter. While some users have noted it’s surprisingly long (33cm), it’s this narrow 8.4cm profile that is its true superpower, allowing it to slip into gaps on a countertop that no other machine could occupy.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly small footprint, perfect for tight spaces
- Fast heat-up time of under 30 seconds for quick coffee
- Powerful 19-bar pressure pump delivers authentic espresso with rich crema
- Simple two-button operation with programmable volumes
Potential Drawbacks
- Very small drip tray platform can be unstable for larger mugs
- Used capsule container is small, requiring frequent emptying
A Deep Dive into the Essenza Mini’s Daily Performance
A coffee machine is more than its spec sheet; it’s a daily companion. Over several weeks of intensive testing, we pushed the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine to its limits, using it for everything from the first espresso of the day to a mid-afternoon lungo. We evaluated it on the three pillars of a great single-serve machine: its design and impact on kitchen life, the quality of the coffee it produces, and the overall ease of use from brew to clean-up.
Ultra-Compact Design: The Counter Space Saviour
The single most compelling feature of this machine is its design. At a mere 8.4cm wide, it is genuinely one of the narrowest pod machines on the market. In our test kitchen, which suffers from a chronic lack of counter space, this was revolutionary. It fit perfectly behind our kettle, a sliver of space that had previously been useless. This is a sentiment echoed by countless users, with one aptly stating it’s “super slimline, takes up basically no space on the counter.” This isn’t just a machine for small apartments; it’s for anyone who wants to declutter their kitchen without giving up a premium coffee experience. The 33cm depth is something to be aware of—it’s longer than it is wide—but this long, thin profile is precisely what makes it so versatile.
However, this compact design does lead to its most notable flaw, which we also experienced firsthand. One user review described the cup platform as “badly designed,” noting that cups with concave bottoms can slip off. We can confirm this is a valid concern. The fold-up drip tray is tiny, and while it accommodates a standard espresso cup perfectly, a larger mug can feel precarious. The solution, as the user found, is simple: fold up the platform and place your mug directly on the counter. This works flawlessly and is a minor adjustment for the huge space-saving benefit. The 0.6-litre water tank is adequate for its size, providing enough water for about 5-6 lungos before needing a refill, and it detaches easily for filling at the tap. The used capsule bin holds around 5-6 pods, which means you’ll be emptying it every couple of days, but it’s a quick and mess-free task.
Espresso Quality: The 19-Bar Pressure Punch
A small machine is useless if it makes bad coffee. Thankfully, this is where the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine truly shines, proving that size has no bearing on power. It houses the same 19-bar high-pressure pump found in Nespresso’s much larger and more expensive machines. This is the crucial element for creating authentic espresso, forcing hot water through the ground coffee in the capsule at the optimal pressure. The result? A consistently excellent shot of coffee, time after time. During our testing, every espresso we pulled had a thick, stable, and beautifully coloured crema—the hallmark of a well-extracted coffee. We found the flavour to be rich and nuanced, just as you’d expect from Nespresso. As one user rightly put it, the coffee is “a MILLION times better than Dolce Gusto” and “pales” in comparison to other brewing methods short of a full manual setup. This machine delivers on the core promise of the Nespresso system: café-quality coffee at home.
The speed is another performance highlight. The fast heat-up system brings the machine to brewing temperature in under 30 seconds. From a cold start, you can have a fresh espresso in your hand in about a minute. This efficiency transforms the morning routine. There’s no waiting, no fuss. You insert a pod, press a button, and the machine works its magic. This level of performance and quality from such a diminutive device is genuinely impressive. For anyone who believes that a good coffee machine has to be big and intimidating, the Essenza Mini is a powerful and delicious counter-argument.
Effortless Operation and Smart Features
The user interface on the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine is the definition of simplicity. There are just two buttons, each backlit, one with a small cup icon (Espresso, 40ml) and one with a large cup icon (Lungo, 110ml). This minimalist approach removes all guesswork. What’s brilliant, and a feature some users might miss, is that both buttons are programmable. To set your preferred volume, you simply press and hold the button during brewing and release it when your cup is filled to the desired level. The machine remembers this volume for all future brews, a feature we found incredibly useful for tailoring it to our favourite mugs. One user confirmed this, noting that “the amount of coffee preferred is automatically saved for next times.”
Beyond the brewing, the machine is packed with thoughtful, energy-saving features. An Eco mode kicks in after just two minutes of inactivity, reducing power consumption. If you forget to turn it off, the automatic power-off function shuts the machine down completely after 9 minutes. This not only provides peace of mind but also contributes to lower energy bills over the machine’s lifetime. Cleaning is straightforward; the drip tray, cup support, and used capsule container can all be easily removed and washed by hand. Nespresso also has a clear descaling process to keep the machine running optimally. It’s this combination of dead-simple operation, clever customisation, and smart energy management that makes the Essenza Mini a joy to live with every day.
What Other Users Are Saying
After thoroughly testing the machine, we dove into broader user feedback to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the compact size being the most frequently praised feature. One owner called it the “perfect one” for an apartment, highlighting that it’s “super small, stylish, compact and good quality.” Another stated, “It’s really easy to use and super slimline, takes up basically no space on the counter.” This perfectly aligns with our findings that its small footprint is its greatest asset.
The coffee quality also receives consistent acclaim. We saw numerous comments like “awesome machine that makes great coffee” and praise for its ability to produce a “lovely shot of espresso, with a good crema.” This confirms that the 19-bar pump is delivering the quality Nespresso is known for, even in this smaller package.
On the critical side, the most common complaint, which we also identified, is the small cup platform. A user detailed the issue clearly: “The platform for the cup is so small, any cup with a slight concave bottom slips off the edge and dumps coffee everywhere.” While this is a genuine design flaw, most, including us, find the workaround of placing the cup on the counter to be an acceptable compromise for the space saved. A few users also mentioned the machine is “a bit noisy,” which is true during the extraction phase, but we found it no louder than most comparable pod machines and the noise is very brief.
How Does the Essenza Mini Compare to the Alternatives?
The Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine excels in its niche, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your specific needs for milk-based drinks or different design aesthetics, one of its siblings might be a better fit.
1. Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine with Milk Frother
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is the all-in-one solution for lovers of milky coffees. Where the Essenza Mini is a pure espresso and lungo specialist, the Gran Lattissima incorporates an integrated automatic milk frother. With one touch, it can create cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, and flat whites. This convenience comes at a cost, both in price and counter space; it is significantly larger and more expensive than the Essenza Mini. If your daily drink is a latte and you want the simplest possible process without a separate frothing device, the Gran Lattissima is the superior choice. However, if you are primarily an espresso drinker or are happy to froth your milk separately, the Essenza Mini’s compact size and lower price point are far more compelling.
2. KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 Coffee Machine
This is, for all intents and purposes, the twin of the machine under review. The KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 shares the exact same internal technology, including the 19-bar pump, 0.6L water tank, and fast heat-up system. The performance, coffee quality, and user experience are identical. The only significant difference is the colour—this model comes in a clean, minimalist white. The choice between this and the Piano Black XN110840 is purely aesthetic. If a white appliance better suits your kitchen décor, the XN110140 is the obvious pick. If you prefer the classic, sleek look of black, then our reviewed model is the one for you. Functionally, you can’t go wrong with either.
3. Nespresso DELONGHI Essenza EN85 Coffee Machine
Here we have another variation of the Essenza Mini concept, this time manufactured by De’Longhi. While it shares the same core Nespresso technology (19-bar pump, programmable buttons, compact philosophy), the De’Longhi EN85 features a different external design. It has a more rectangular, blocky shape compared to the sleeker, slightly angled design of the Krups models. Some users may prefer this more traditional aesthetic. The dimensions are very similar, and the performance is identical. Nespresso licenses its technology to both Krups and De’Longhi, so the choice between them often comes down to brand preference, current price, and which design you find more visually appealing. The red colour of this particular model offers a vibrant pop for those looking to make a statement.
Final Verdict: Our Expert Take on the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine
After weeks of daily use, our conclusion is clear: the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine is an exceptional piece of engineering that punches far above its weight class. It delivers on every key promise: it occupies a minuscule amount of counter space, heats up in seconds, and most importantly, produces a consistently delicious, crema-topped espresso that rivals machines twice its size and price. It masterfully solves the problem of limited kitchen real estate without compromising on the quality of the coffee.
While it’s not perfect—the small cup stand is a notable quirk and the used capsule bin requires frequent attention—these are minor trade-offs for its incredible compactness. We wholeheartedly recommend this machine to anyone living in an apartment, a home with a small kitchen, or simply anyone who values minimalism and efficiency. It is the perfect choice for the espresso and lungo drinker who wants premium results without the fuss or footprint of a larger machine.
If you’ve decided the Nespresso Essenza XN110840 Mini Coffee Machine is the right fit for your kitchen and your coffee cravings, you can check its current price and purchase it here.