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For those of us short on space but long on coffee passion, the Nespresso Pixie promises a compact solution.
However, let’s face it—size isn’t everything. A machine can be as tiny as a teacup, but if it can’t brew a decent shot, what's the point?
That's why I reviewed this espresso machine, ensuring that everything—from performance to design— is explored.
By the end of this review, you'll know if this little marvel is just about size or if it truly measures up in performance.
Nespresso Pixie Review – My Ratings & Top Features
Brew Quality
4.0
Build Quality
4.5
Ease Of Use
5.0
Overall Rating
4.5
Overall, I would rate the Nespresso Pixie a 4.5 out of 5. A few standout features that bolstered its score include:
Pros
Cons
Who Should Buy The Nespresso Pixie?
If you're short on counter space but don't want to skimp on flavor, the Nespresso Pixie is for you. It's perfect for city dwellers with cozy kitchens or office workers craving top-notch espresso at their desks.
While it's simple to use, it doesn't compromise the coffee quality.
If you're dreaming of intricate latte art or complex brew settings, you might want to explore other options, but for compact, consistent espresso? Pixie's your jam.
Why I Decided To Review The Nespresso Pixie
While we all dream of having that top-tier espresso machine humming away in our kitchen, only some have the space or the budget to make that happen.
However, I firmly believe everyone deserves a killer espresso without breaking the bank or cramming another gadget on the counter.
That's why I made this Nespresso Pixie review, a contender in the world of compact coffee makers.
Testing Conditions | |
|---|---|
Days Tested | 60 |
Cups Brewed Per Day | 2 |
Level Of Experience Needed | Beginner to Intermediate |
Reviewer Background | Home brewing hobbyist who started with a basic drip coffee machine and gradually upgraded to espresso machines. My current machine is a Rancilio Silvia Pro X. |
Environment Tested | Home and office |
Money Saved Per Year | Approximately $700 – because those daily coffee runs add up! |
Favorite Drink To Brew | Espresso |
What’s It Like To Live With The Nespresso Pixie
I've seen those endless Nespresso Pixie espresso machine reviews cluttering up your search pages. You're probably wondering, "Is this just another review?" Nope!
This time, I did things differently. For 60 straight days, the Pixie was my morning sidekick, whipping up my daily brew before the sun had even thought about rising.
My verdict? Impressive. For its price range, you get to have high-quality espresso drinks (barista quality!) every single time.
However, don't just take my word for it. Let's dive deep and see what living with the Pixie truly feels like, cup after aromatic cup.
What's In The Box?
Unboxing my eagerly-awaited Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker, my fingers were crossed for that coffee shop espresso experience. The delivery? Perfect.
No dings or dents. As I got to the unveiling, here's what greeted me:
Heads up, though, no separate milk frother in my box. If you're eyeing one, you might want to do a quick check on the Nespresso website.[1]
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
After setting everything up, my excitement levels were honestly off the charts.
Having tried a bunch of espresso makers in the past, from the fancy semi-automatics to that all-singing, all-dancing automatics, I've gotten used to the shot-pulling process, but this?
This was refreshingly simple. Pop in a coffee pod, hit the espresso button, and a shot of espresso dripping with rich, thick crema starts flowing.
A couple of things to note. You won't need a grinder with the Nespresso Pixie machine, which is a blessing in disguise, especially if you're a newbie.
It's all about popping in the pod and letting the machine do its thing.
The espresso shot the Pixie makes is honestly legit. The aroma, the taste, that delightful crema - it felt like it was whipped up by some of the best espresso machines out there.
It's evident that the aptly named Nespresso Pixie makes no compromise on quality.
If you ever wondered whether the Pixie could serve up a proper coffee shop espresso experience, well, let me tell you, it does, and then some.
How Much Control Do You Have Over The Coffee Experience?
Unfortunately, the Nespresso Pixie espresso machine doesn’t give you full control over your coffee experience.
If you're one of those folks who loves tinkering with every possible setting on a coffee machine, you might be a smidge disappointed.
The Pixie, as fab as it is, isn't made for the uber-coffee geeks among us.
I did feel a twinge of sadness realizing I couldn't play around much with the settings. Still, not all machines are made for all types of coffee lovers.
The beauty of the Pixie lies in its simplicity. It's straightforward and foolproof, and that's its charm.
While it won't let you tweak every minute detail, you do have control over your cup size.
Thanks to the espresso and lungo buttons, you can decide if you're in the mood for a quick shot of espresso or lungo if you want to brew larger cups.
What's great, though, is that despite the limited controls, the espresso quality remains top-notch.
The brewing sizes are on point, and each shot you pull exudes that authentic espresso vibe we all crave.
How Does It Handle Different Roasts?
The Nespresso Pixie espresso maker is versatile when handling different types of roasts. However, let's clear up one thing: this isn't your typical bean-grinding machine.
It's a pod machine. Instead of using regular ground coffee, the Pixie dances to the tune of Nespresso pods or, as they fancy calling them, coffee capsules.
This means your roasting choices come in these neat little packages, but don't let this pod business put you off. The variety is impressive!
From dark and sultry roasts to lighter, brighter ones, there's a coffee capsule for almost every coffee whim.
You're not grinding the beans yourself, but the Pixie ensures the coffee grounds in those capsules get the respect they deserve.
As long as there's a Nespresso coffee capsule for your favorite roast, this little Nespresso machine has got you covered. Easy peasy, right?
Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine
So, about the Nespresso Pixie's looks and vibe—let me tell you, I was genuinely impressed. This is one compact machine with dimensions of 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 in!
It boasts a sleek design that not only felt at home in my kitchen but also managed to add a touch of chic to my office space. Yeah, I loved it so much I brought it to work!
The small footprint is a blessing for those of us who don't live in mansions, and for the indecisive ones, it comes in two colors: classic black and fiery red.
Either way, it's easily one of the most compact Nespresso machines that doesn't compromise the coffee shop espresso experience.
Every time I glance over, I can't help but appreciate how it seamlessly blends with my decor.
This little pod coffee machine, with its compact and stylish design, sure knows how to make a statement!
What Drinks Can It Make?
At its core, the Nespresso Pixie espresso maker primarily serves up two stars: both espresso and lungo. Every cup of espresso boasts a rich and aromatic flavor that rivals a coffee shop's espresso.
However, if you're dreaming of a variety of coffee choices like regular coffee, cappuccinos, or mochaccinos, remember, this is a Nespresso machine we're talking about.
With capsule-based espresso machines like this one, it’s all about the authentic espresso experience. So, for pure, true espresso and lungo delights? Pixie's your gal.
If you have a soft spot for milky cups of coffee like lattes, hang tight. We're diving into that in the next section.
What Is The Aeroccino 3? (Should You Get It Too?)
The Aeroccino 3 is Nespresso's fancy milk frother. Now, if you're dreaming of creamy lattes or velvety cappuccinos with your Pixie, this little gadget is what you'll need to froth milk like a pro.
I grabbed one for myself, and seriously, it's as easy to use as pie. Just pour in the milk, press a button, and you’re in frothy milk heaven!
Now, should you get it with your Pixie? I'd say, "Why not?" Especially if you love an espresso-based drink every morning.
So, if you want to elevate your coffee game, get the Nespresso Pixie bundle and have a milk frother and a single-serve coffee maker all in one go.
How Easy Is It To Use?
The Nespresso Pixie is a total breeze to use. Remember those days wrestling with manual and semi-automatic espresso machines, trying to perfect that pull? You can forget that with the Pixie.
Nespresso Pixie features two buttons: an espresso button and a lungo button. This makes brewing espresso shots or whipping up hot water for your tea as simple as a single press.
It's the dream machine for people who want their single-serve coffee without the learning curve.
If you've never ventured into the espresso-making territory before, you'll get the hang of this in no time.
The convenience of capsule-based espresso machines and the features packed into this little beast make it user-friendly.
Basically, with the Pixie, you're on the fast track to becoming a coffee connoisseur (even if you won't admit it!).
How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)
The Nespresso Pixie heats up pretty quickly. From a cold start, you're looking at a swift 25 to 30 seconds to heat up.
Yes, in less time than it takes to check your phone notifications, you've got an authentic cup of espresso waiting for you.
As for the Aeroccino? Add another minute or so to froth your milk. We're still talking about a great espresso shot, all from the convenience of your kitchen, in under 2 minutes.
How's that for efficiency?
Does It Have A Water Filtration System?
The Nespresso Pixie doesn't come with a built-in water filtration system. Bummer, I know. However, there's a silver lining here.
If you're into ensuring your water's always top-notch, there are separate filtration systems you can get that directly hooked to your water line.
That means with a press of a button, your water reservoir is instantly refilled with the good, filtered stuff.
Filtered water not only extends the life of your coffee machine but also makes a noticeable difference in the taste.[2]
Think of it as the secret sauce for a true espresso experience from the comfort of your home.
How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?
Cleaning the Nespresso Pixie espresso machine is a piece of cake. The removable drip tray and removable water tank make it super easy to just rinse out and wipe down.
And for the exterior? A quick swipe with a damp cloth does the trick.
On top of that, the used capsule container can hold up to 11 different capsules. This means that you won’t need to empty it frequently.
Now, as for the dreaded descaling? Honestly, it wasn't as terrifying as I'd thought. Nespresso sells its own descaling solution, which makes the whole descaling process foolproof.
Just follow their guide, and your machine is clean![3]
For the used capsule, Nespresso recommends you throw it at your nearest Nespresso recycling center.[4]
We all know that most Nespresso machines, like the Pixie, use single-use coffee pods, which generate a lot of waste.
Thankfully, Nespresso's recycling initiative allows us to enjoy Nespresso's Original line of pods and third-party capsules guilt-free!
These extra features outside the Nespresso coffee machines make this brand top-tier.
My Favorite Parts About The Nespresso Pixie
My Least Favorite Parts About The Nespresso Pixie
Nespresso Pixie Vs Similar Machines
Nespresso Pixie Vs Citiz
Both Pixie and Citiz are stylish single-serve coffee makers, perfect for a quick cup of espresso.
While the Pixie boasts a more compact design, the Citiz tends to have a slightly larger water reservoir.
In terms of aesthetics, the Citiz offers a more elongated design, while the Pixie focuses on minimal space consumption.
The main difference? The Nespresso Citiz often comes with an integrated milk frother in some models, enhancing its versatility for milky drinks.
Nespresso Pixie Vs Inissia
Both these models offer straightforward espresso-making processes. The Nespresso Pixie is more metallic and has a robust feel, while the Nespresso Inissia is lighter due to its plastic build.
Inissia might be a tad kinder on your wallet, but the Pixie feels more premium. What sets the Pixie apart? It heats a smidge faster, saving precious morning minutes.
Nespresso Pixie Vs Essenza Mini
These two are among Nespresso's most compact machines. The Essenza Mini, true to its name, is even smaller than the Pixie and has a more angular design.
Both machines focus on delivering espresso shots with efficiency.
However, the main difference is in their aesthetics and slight variations in water tank capacities, with the Pixie having a slight edge in size.
FAQs
The Nespresso Pixie is made by Nespresso, a brand owned by Nestlé. However, other coffee maker manufacturers like Breville (Breville Titan model) and DeLonghi have produced Pixie too.
The Nespresso Pixie uses Nespresso's original line of coffee and espresso capsules. There are also third-party Nespresso capsules you can use.
The Nespresso Pixie is relatively quiet compared to many espresso machines, producing only a soft humming noise during brewing.
The Nespresso Pixie operates at 19 bars of pressure, ensuring a rich extraction for its espresso.
A Nespresso Pixie should last several years, typically 5 to 10 years, based on usage and upkeep.
Conclusion - Is The Nespresso Pixie Worth Your Money?
The Nespresso Pixie is truly a value for money. It effortlessly combines quality with the kind of convenience that's a lifesaver on those rushed mornings.
Its sleek design and quick brew time have made my mornings smoother.
However, if you're dealing with a tighter kitchen space or just adore compact designs, I'd recommend the Essenza Mini.
While each machine has its charm, both guarantee that signature rich Nespresso flavor that we've come to love. Choose wisely, and happy brewing!
Nespresso Pixie
Brew Quality
4.0
Build Quality
4.5
Ease Of Use
5.0
Overall Rating
4.5
References:
1. https://www.nespresso.com/worldofcoffee/WCP/
2. https://sca.coffee/sca-news/news-from-our-partners/water-and-the-taste-of-coffee
3. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
4. https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/circularity
