Nespresso Researched
CitiZ
Original-line espresso with a thick crema and the widest third-party pod ecosystem.
True espresso shotsThird-party pods
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The smallest, cheapest way into Original-line espresso — barely bigger than a mug.
ResearchedTiny kitchensBudget pods
7.9
BrewSift Score
Good
$179.95
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Should you buy it?
Buy it if
- Tiny kitchens
- Budget pods
- Extremely compact
- Low price
Skip it if
- Small water tank
- Two sizes only
- Lightweight build
Not for you? Consider the Nespresso CitiZ — or see all pod & capsule machines .
The verdict
One of the most compact pod machines made, it still pulls a proper Original espresso and accepts third-party pods. Two cup sizes, a tiny footprint, and a low price make it the dorm/office/second-kitchen default.
BrewSift Score breakdown
Scored across the dimensions that matter for pods. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.
Drink quality7.8
Convenience9.0
Drink variety6.6
Pod cost & value7.8
Build quality7.4
Pros & cons
What we like
- Extremely compact
- Low price
- Third-party pod compatible
Watch-outs
- Small water tank
- Two sizes only
- Lightweight build
Specifications
- System
- Original
- Footprint
- About 3.3 in (8.4 cm) wide, per Nespresso
- Sizes
- Espresso, Lungo
From the journal
Where the Essenza Mini comes up in our guides.
Complete your setup
The gear that pairs with the Essenza Mini to make a complete, working setup.
Pick the capsules
Lavazza
Lavazza Original-compatible Variety, 60 ct
Original machines take third-party capsules from about 32 cents; Vertuo is locked to Nespresso-made capsules from about $1.24.
$28.99Buy
Froth the milk
Subminimal
NanoFoamer V2
A standalone frother adds café-style milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos without a steam wand.
$37Buy
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
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