Nespresso Inissia vs CitiZ – How To Pick [When There’s No Real Difference]

Nespresso Inissia is now (as of 2023) a discontinued OriginalLine model, yet, it’s still going strong as is being sold by retailers that sell Nespresso machines (not available from Nespresso directly).

And there’s a reason why this model is still a favorite amond Nespresso fans. It’s small, light and affordable. And it does the job of making great espresso, lungo or other milk based drinks when bundled with an Aeroccino milk frother.

Another contender is the Nespresso Citiz. Also compact in size, makes espresso as well and is identical in features to Nespresso Inissia. But, it’s around double the price.

Which leads to the question: What is the difference between Nespresso Inissia and Citiz?

The main difference between Nespresso Inissia and Nespresso Citiz is the design. They have the same functionality, same brew sizes and use the same Nespresso pods, but they’re made of different materials which makes the Citiz more expensive than Nespresso Inissia.

This comparison guide will help you understand why Citiz costs more than Inissia, and which should you buy.

Nespresso Inissia vs Citiz – Top Differences

Design Differences

Since design is the biggest difference between Nespresso Inissia and Citiz, let’s start with pointing out these differences in design.

Nespresso Inissia has a more modern design that is available in several colors, some that are quite bright and playful.

When compared to Nespresso Citiz, which has more of an upscale design with it’s chrome accents, it’s available in neutral colors like black or cream white, or for the ultimate upscale look, a full chrome housing.

Variations

Nespresso Inissia is available as a standalone machine or can be bundled with an Aeroccino milk frother.

Nespresso Citiz gives you three options: You can get a standalone machine, the machine with a bundled Aeroccino or you can go for the Nespresso Citiz and Milk, which has the Aeroccino frother built-in.

What is the difference in getting a Nespresso Citiz and Aeroccino as a bundle or built-in?

• The Citiz and Milk version has the Aeroccino built into the base of the machine, they use one electric plug to power both the Citiz and the frother.
• The bundle Aeroccino is a stand alone frother, it is powered separately.

Either way, both Aeroccino frothers make the same froth. But I would personally prefer the Built-in model because they share a single power cord.

Dimensions

Nespresso Inissia is the smallest compared to Citiz, or Citiz with Milk, which has a larger width that includes the attached Aeroccino frother.

Water Reservoir Capacity

Nespresso Citiz has a 34oz water reservoir capacity, which is larger than Inissia’s 24 oz capacity.

Both machines water reservoirs are removable. Which means they are easily refilled and picked up for cleaning.

Neither the Nespresso Inissia or Citiz have a low water indicator, so you’ll have to manually check for the water level. If you start the brew with little to no water in the water tank, the machine will simply stop and the light buttons will flash.

Type of Nespresso Machines

Both Nespresso Inissia and Nespresso Citiz are Nespresso OriginalLine machines. Which means, they are Espresso machines and can brew two main sizes: Espresso and Lungo.

To make a Latte or a Cappuccino, you’ll need to use an Aeroccino milk frother to heat and froth the milk.

Nespresso Serving Sizes

by Default, Nespresso Inissia and Citiz can do two serving sizes:

Espresso – 1.35 oz

Lungo – 2.7 oz

You can reprogram the dispensed volume from each button, but you’ll want to be careful not to overdo it so the coffee does not taste watered down.

Nespresso Pod Compatibility

Being Nespresso OriginalLine machines, Inissia and Citiz use Nespresso OriginalLine espresso or lungo pods.

Inissia and Citiz are not limited to pods by Nespresso. You can use any Nespresso compatible pods from third party brands like Starbucks, Lavazza, L’or, Illy and many more.

Related:

• Nespresso Pod Caffeine Chart
• Nespresso Pod Color Code
• Nespresso Decaf Pods Colors

Which Model Do You Pick?

Picking between Nespresso Citiz and Inissia is going to be purely on design differences. Because when it comes to functionality, they are 100% the same machines.

If you make a lot of milk based espresso drinks (Lattes and Cappuccinos), getting a Nespresso machine with an Aeroccino milk frother is a no-brainer.

If your budget allows for the Nespresso Citiz & Milk model, which has the built-in Aeroccino frother, you’ll be very happy with this choice. You will be very thankful for that one electric plug operation.

If you simply make espresso shots or lungo shots, you can go with either model. Nespresso Inissia is the budget-friendly choice, while the Nespresso Citiz is the fancier looking machine.

Either way, you’ll enjoy the same espresso quality from both models.

Features of Nespresso Inissia

Nespresso Inissia, even though it is now a discontinued model, is one of the most popular single serve espresso machines on the market, and for good reason. The Inissia is a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use machine that delivers delicious espresso at the touch of a button.

Design and Aesthetics

The Nespresso Inissia has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. It’s available in a variety of colors, including black, white, and red, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

Size and Portability

One of the best things about the Nespresso Inissia is its size and portability. It’s a compact machine that won’t take up too much space on your countertop. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

The dimensions of the Nespresso Inissia are: 4.7″W x 9″D x 12.6″H

Brewing Capabilities

Nespresso Inissia is a compact and easy-to-use espresso machine that is designed to deliver great tasting espresso with a press of a button. It comes with a powerful 19-bar pressure pump that ensures that your coffee is brewed to perfection every time.

With this machine, you can make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, lungo, and ristretto. And bundled with a milk frother, you can make any milk based drink like a Latte or cappuccino.

Energy Efficiency

Nespresso Inissia has an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the machine after 9 minutes of inactivity, which helps to conserve energy. This feature also ensures that your machine stays safe to use, even if you forget to manually switch it off.

Water Tank Capacity

The Inissia has a water tank capacity of 24 oz, which is enough to make several shots of espresso before needing a refill. The water tank is removable, which makes it easy to refill and clean.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Nespresso Inissia

• Easy to use: The Nespresso Inissia is incredibly easy to use. Simply insert a coffee capsule, press a button, and you’ll have a delicious cup of espresso in just a few seconds.
• Compact design: The Inissia is small and lightweight, making it perfect for small kitchens or apartments.
• Fast heating time: The machine heats up in just 25 seconds, so you won’t have to wait long for your morning coffee.
• Wide variety of capsules: Nespresso offers a wide variety of coffee capsules, so you’ll be able to find the perfect flavor for your taste buds. You can also buy pods from third party brands or use refillable pods.

Disadvantages of Nespresso Inissia

While the Nespresso Inissia is a great machine, there are a few disadvantages to consider:

• Limited customization: Unlike other espresso machines, the Nespresso Inissia doesn’t offer much customization. The only customization you get is the ability to reprogram espresso volume.
• Limited milk options: The Inissia doesn’t come with a milk frother, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to make cappuccinos or lattes. If you plan on making milk based coffee drinks, make sure to buy a bundle of Inissia + Aeroccino, which is less expensive than buying the Aeroccino on its own.

Features of Nespresso Citiz

Design and Build Quality

The Nespresso Citiz has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen. It has a compact size that makes it easy to fit into small spaces, but it still has a sturdy build quality that ensures it will last for years to come.

The machine is made of high-quality materials, including a stainless steel accents that gives it a premium feel. The drip tray and capsule container are both made of durable plastic that is easy to clean, and the water tank is made of clear plastic so you can easily see when it needs to be refilled.

One of the standout features of the Citiz’s design is its folding cup shelf, which can be adjusted to accommodate different cup sizes. This makes it easy to use a variety of different cups and mugs with the machine, from small espresso cups to larger travel mugs.

Ease of Use

Set Up Process

When it comes to setting up your Nespresso Citiz machine, you’ll find that it’s a relatively straightforward process. The machine comes with a user manual that provides clear instructions on how to get started. You’ll need to fill the water tank, turn on the machine, and wait for it to heat up. Once it’s ready, you can insert your Nespresso capsule and start brewing your coffee.

Operating Method

The Nespresso Citiz is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are new to the world of espresso machines. To brew your coffee, simply lift the lever and insert your capsule. Then, press the button for the desired cup size – either espresso or lungo. The machine will begin brewing your coffee immediately, and it only takes a few seconds to complete.

One of the benefits of the Citiz is that it’s programmable, so you can customize the amount of coffee that’s brewed for each cup size. This can be helpful if you prefer a stronger or weaker cup of coffee.

Another feature that makes the Citiz easy to use is the automatic shut-off function. The machine will turn off automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity, which helps to conserve energy and prevent accidents.

Brewing Speed

When it comes to brewing speed, the Nespresso Citiz is a top performer. It heats up quickly and is ready to brew in just 25 seconds. This is perfect for busy mornings when you need your coffee fix fast. Additionally, the machine has a fast and efficient brewing process, taking just 30 seconds to make a shot of espresso.

Coffee Taste Quality

The Nespresso Citiz doesn’t disappoint when it comes to taste quality either. The high-pressure pump ensures that the espresso is brewed at the perfect temperature and pressure, resulting in a rich, creamy crema on top of each shot. Combined with your choice of espresso capsule, you’ll get the perfect shot of espresso every time.

In addition, the Citiz’s automatic milk frother ensures that your milk-based drinks are just as delicious as the espresso shots. The frother heats the milk to the perfect temperature and creates a velvety foam that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. Depending on the Aeroccino whisk you use, you can adjust the froth level.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Quick and easy: With just a few clicks, you can have a delicious cup of coffee in less than a minute.
• Variety of pods: Nespresso offers a wide range of coffee flavors and intensities to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. You can also buy your pods from generic or 3rd party brands, which expands your choices even more.
• Compact size: The Citiz is small enough to fit on your kitchen counter and won’t take up too much space.
• Easy to clean: The machine is easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep it looking and functioning like new.

Cons

While the Nespresso Citiz has many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the cons:

• More expensive: Citiz model is more expensive than other Nespresso OriginalLine machines, even though it offers the same performance.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Dee

Addicted to all things coffee. I keep up with espresso and coffee makers to bring all my knowledge to this blog.

Latest posts by Dee (see all)

• Bottomless Portafilter Too Fast? Slow Your Flow! -
• Bottomless or Spouted? Which Portafilter Should You Use? -
• Is a Bottomless Portafilter Better Than a Pressurized One? Here’s a Comparison Between Them -