Nespresso Researched
Essenza Mini
The smallest, cheapest way into Original-line espresso — barely bigger than a mug.
Tiny kitchensBudget pods
Nespresso CitiZ
Original-line espresso with a thick crema and the widest third-party pod ecosystem.
ResearchedTrue espresso shotsThird-party pods
8.1
BrewSift Score
Excellent
$297.49
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Should you buy it?
Buy it if
- True espresso shots
- Third-party pods
- True espresso-style shots
- Huge third-party pod ecosystem
Skip it if
- Espresso & lungo only (no mug-size)
- No milk without an add-on
- Smaller water tank
Not for you? Consider the Nespresso Essenza Mini — or see all pod & capsule machines .
The verdict
The Original system pulls a genuine 19-bar espresso-style shot and works with hundreds of compatible third-party capsules, so you can shop pods on taste and price. The CitiZ is the stylish, compact pick of the line; add an Aeroccino for lattes.
BrewSift Score breakdown
Scored across the dimensions that matter for pods. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.
Drink quality8.2
Convenience8.8
Drink variety7.2
Pod cost & value7.8
Build quality8.0
Pros & cons
What we like
- True espresso-style shots
- Huge third-party pod ecosystem
- Compact, well-built
Watch-outs
- Espresso & lungo only (no mug-size)
- No milk without an add-on
- Smaller water tank
Specifications
- System
- Original (19-bar)
- Pods
- Nespresso + 3rd-party
- Sizes
- Espresso, Lungo
From the journal
Where the CitiZ comes up in our guides.
Complete your setup
The gear that pairs with the CitiZ to make a complete, working setup.
Pick the capsules
Bestpresso
Bestpresso Original-compatible Variety, 120 ct
Original machines take third-party capsules from about 32 cents; Vertuo is locked to Nespresso-made capsules from about $1.24.
$38.99Buy
Froth the milk
Maestri House
Automatic Milk Frother & Steamer
A standalone frother adds café-style milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos without a steam wand.
$80.99Buy
Take it with you
Zojirushi
Stainless Steel Mug 16oz
A vacuum-insulated mug keeps your coffee hot for hours and doesn't leak in a bag.
$29.59Buy
Compare it head-to-head
Read the rival's review:Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe
Alternatives to consider
All pod & capsule machines
Nespresso Researched
Vertuo Plus Deluxe
The pick for mug drinkers, not espresso: barcoded pods auto-brew everything up to a 14oz cup — priced into Vertuo's costlier capsule system.
Crema & cup-size varietyNo-fuss mornings
Keurig Researched
K-Elite
The premium K-cup machine: strong-brew mode, iced setting, big sizes, and a large reservoir.
K-cup householdsBig mugs & iced
Nespresso Researched
Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe
The cheapest current route into Vertuo — five cup sizes, a side-mounted tank, and a footprint built for a small counter.
Cheapest way into VertuoSmall counters
Keurig Researched
K-Café SMART
The K-Cup machine for households that also want lattes — a built-in frother handles the milk the rest of the Keurig line ignores.
Lattes from K-CupsHouseholds split between coffee and milk drinks