Choosing the best Nespresso machine for you and your daily use can be somewhat daunting with so many Nespresso coffee machines available on the market.
If you are torn between Nespresso Inissia vs Essenza Mini, this tells me that:
- You are looking for a compact single-serve espresso machine
- You mostly like espresso drinks and want to use espresso pods for a quick coffee preparation
You have made the right choice! But now you need to understand the difference between Nespresso Inissia vs Essenza Mini to make the best pick for you.
Main Difference
– Nespresso Inissia is the older now discontinued model. (released 2014)
– Nespresso Essenza Mini is the follow-up model to Inissia (released 2017)
– Essenza Mini, being the updated and newer model, has an updated design. But that’s where the differences stop.
In this comparison guide, I’ll tell you which of these machines I really recommend over the other, and for a good reason.
The Differences
Both Inissia and Essenza Mini are entry-level espresso machines by Nespresso. They’re affordable, and they’re quite basic in features.
You get two serving sizes: Espresso and Lungo. And if you want to make milk based espresso coffees, use a separate milk frother to prepare the milk.
Dimension
The first difference you’ll notice between the Nespresso Inissia and the Essenza Mini is their size. Inissia is slightly larger than the Essenza Mini, measuring 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 inches, while the Essenza Mini measures 8 x 4.3 x 12.8 inches. If you have limited counter space, the Essenza Mini might be a better choice for you.
Design
Other than the size difference, there are design differences between Inissia and Essenza Mini. Both of these models are available from two brands: DeLonghi and Breville. These are Nespresso’s partners in manufacturing and distributing Nespresso machines.
There’s no difference in features between the two brands. They work the exact same way.
There are however slight aesthetic differences. DeLonghi has its own colors and small differences in accents, and so does Breville. So each brand has its own unique design,
When choosing between Nespresso Breville or DeLonghi, simply pick the design you like the most!
Nespresso Inissia Design and Colors
Inissia is available in different colors, each set of colors comes from either DeLonghi or Breville. The design from both brands looks the same.
- Inissia by DeLonghi is available in: Black, Cream and Gray
- Inissia by Breville is available in: Red, Titan
Nespresso Essenza Mini Design and Colors
Essenza Mini is available in two different designs and colors.
- Essenza Mini by Breville is slimmer in size and more modern looking. Color options are: black or white.
- Essenza Mini by DeLonghi looks a lot like Inissia’s design and is available in these color options: red, lime or black.
Picking between these is just a matter of what design and color preference you have. Don’t worry about functionality, because all of them work the exact same way.
Which is the Best Option for You?
The recap of everything I mentioned above is that: there’s no major difference between Nespresso Inissia vs Essenza Mini:
- Nespresso Inissia is the older discontinued model,
- Nespresso Essenza Mini is the current model
Then, there’s the design and color differences, which are totally aesthetic and up to your own taste.
Personally, I use my Essenza Mini on a daily basis for the past several years now, and I’ve NEVER had an issue with it. [read my review of Nespresso Essenza Mini]
I do recommend the Nespresso Essenza Mini over Inissia, but only because it’s the current model.
The only time you want to buy a discontinued model is if you can get it at a deep discount. Otherwise, always buy the current model.
If you want to buy Nespresso Inissia instead, for its design or maybe you did find it for a nicely discounted price, you’ll still get the same quality of espresso shots, the same compact machine and same bars of pressure. Actually, buying a discontinued Nespresso model will still also get you continued support and warranty from Nespresso.
I just don’t think it’s worth it to pay full price on an older discontinued model.
The Similarities
Coffee Serving Sizes
For serving sizes, you get to choose from two basic sizes: Espresso 1.35 oz and Lungo 2.7 oz. Each of these can be reprogrammed to your liking.
Coffee Pods
One of the great things about owning a Nespresso OriginalLine machine is the pod compatibility.
You can get your coffee pods from Nespresso or from Any third-party brand (Nespresso OriginalLine compatible pods) like Starbucks, Illy, Lavazza, L’or and many more.
There’s also the option of using refillable pods, which are not officially licensed from Nespresso so I can’t vouch for them, but they’re an option to consider.
Features of Nespresso Inissia
Here’s a closer look at the Inissia’s design and build, features and functionality, as well as its pros and cons.
Design and Build
Nespresso Inissia has a sleek and compact design, making it a great choice for those who have limited counter space.
It’s available in a range of colors, including black, white, red, and silver. The machine is made of plastic, which some users may find less durable than other materials. However, the plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to move around.
Functionality
Nespresso Inissia has a 19-bar pressure pump, which ensures that your coffee is brewed at the optimal pressure for the perfect cup. It also has a fast heat-up time of just 25 seconds, so you can quickly brew your espresso without waiting around.
The coffee machine has two programmable buttons, which you can customize to your preferred cup size. It also has an automatic shut-off feature, which helps to save energy.
Inissia also has a removable water tank, which makes it easier to clean or refill.
Pros and Cons of Nespresso Inissia
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Inissia:
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast heat-up time
- Affordable price point
- Programmable buttons for customized cup sizes
- Automatic shut-off feature
Cons
- Plastic construction may be less durable than other materials
- Limited features compared to other Nespresso machines
- Small water tank capacity (0.7 liters)
Coffee Pod Compatibility
Nespresso Inissia is a Nespresso OriginalLine espresso maker, so it uses Nespresso Original pods either by Nespresso or third-party brands. Read all about Nespresso Inissia Pods.
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Features of Nespresso Essenza Mini
Design and Build
The Essenza Mini is a compact and stylish coffee machine that is perfect for small kitchens or office spaces. It has a sleek and modern design that will fit in with any decor.
Essenza Mini has a small footprint, measuring just 4.3 x 8 x 12.8 inches. It is available in a range of colors, including black, white, red, and green.
Functionality
Nespresso Essenza Mini has two programmable cup sizes, allowing you to make either an espresso or a lungo with just the touch of a button. The machine also has a fast heat-up time, so you can enjoy your coffee in under a minute.
Using Nespresso OriginalLine pods, you can easily prepare and espresso shot or lungo to enjoy on its own, or as the base of a latte or cappuccino.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Essenza Mini:
Pros
- Compact and stylish design
- Two programmable cup sizes
- Fast heat-up time
- Energy-saving mode
Cons
- Small water tank (20.3 oz)
- No milk frother included (but can be bundled with the machine)
Overall, the Essenza Mini is a great coffee machine for those who want a compact and stylish machine that delivers a perfect cup of coffee every time. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive machines, it is a great option for those who want a simple and easy-to-use coffee machine to make delicious espresso with a press of a button.
Related: Cheaper Alternatives to Nespresso Machines
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Regular Coffee With Nespresso Essenza Mini?
No, Essenza Mini is an espresso maker, so you use Nespresso capsules to make espresso shots or lungo shots. If you prefer regular coffee, you might want to consider a Nespresso Vertuo machine, or a machine like L’or Barista which can make both espresso and coffee using Nespresso espresso pods or coffee pods.
Can Nespresso Essenza Mini Make a Latte?
Yes! Absolutely. You can make any milk based espresso drinks: Latte, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino… However, you will have to bundle your machine with a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother, or buy any milk frother from any brand you prefer.
Can Nespresso Make Hot Water?
If you want to dispense hot water for tea or an instant meal using a Nespresso machine, technically, you can by simply pressing any brew button without inserting a capsule.
But there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
– You’ll want to clean the machine first by dispensing a hot water shot to get rid of any residue in the pipes.
– Nespresso machines don’t have a dedicated hot water pipe, so the hot water dispensed will most likely have a coffee aftertaste or small residues
