Nespresso Pixie espresso machine review: a mini-Nespresso at an unreasonable price?

Why choose Nespresso Pixie espresso machine over others?

Nespresso Pixie is an interesting choice in the Nespresso portfolio.

While the differences between Nespresso Vertuo, Vertuo Plus and Vertuo Plus Deluxe are fuzzy, at best, Nespresso Pixie is a distinct and unique offering.

There are 2 advantages of this coffee maker:

• Compact size that fits most kitchens and spaces (from a small NY-style studio to a student dorm). The machine is easy to store, clean and use.
• A powerful 19-BAR pressure pump. The pump helps the machine brew creamy, flavorful coffee.

So if you are a coffee lover with a shortage of kitchen counter space, but who still wants to enjoy a good cup of espresso at home, the Pixie might be a great choice for you.

Who is Nespresso Pixie espresso maker perfect for?

In the preparation of this Nespresso Pixie review, one question resonated with us: who would most likely benefit from this machine?

This coffee maker primarily targets individuals who love the ease and convenience of brewing, but have a small space at home.  This machine can also be a great choice for espresso lovers, who do not have a vast experience in coffee baristing. This machine is very simple to use, and can be a huge asset to those who want to enjoy great coffee quickly and effortlessly.

In my opinion, Nespresso Pixie espresso machine can be an excellent choice for the following:

✓ Users without much experience or knowledge on brewing espresso

✓ Coffee lovers who enjoy Nespresso coffee capsules

✓ Rich, creamy and one-of-a-kind coffee

✓ Small and compact machine for a space-constrained space

Who is Nespresso Pixie NOT perfect for?

I would love to remain honest in this Nespresso Pixie review. I think that there are a couple of examples where where this machine not be a perfect choice:

✗ Consumers who would like to get more for their buck (better value at lower price)

✗ A machine that uses coffee grounds instead of capsules

✗ A more advanced machine with functionalities and features that will customize brewing

✗ Ownership and flexibility in a coffee brewing process

✗ Nespresso machine that’s more affordable

Nespresso Pixie Review and Evaluation 🕵️

→ Appearance

Nespresso Pixie has a minimalist, elegant design that can fit in many kitchens. The machine is EXTREMELY easy to use. It has only 3 buttons: the on/off button, and two backlit buttons for selecting either the Espresso or the Lungo brewing option.

The machine can be bought in a variety of colors, though Amazon has only a black version with silver accents. Pixie espresso maker has a sleek body made of aluminium and plastic materials.

The poring spout is right at the front of the machine, and the drip tray can be folded upright so that tall Latte macchiato glasses can fit under the spout. The capsule chamber is right on top of the poring spout. To open it, all I need to do is to lift the lever. After brewing, the lever needs to be lifted again so that the used capsule could be dropped in the capsule container.

The 24oz removable water tank is located at the back of the machine. The water tank has its own lid meant to protect the water from dust, flying insects, and other contaminators.

→ Features and technical specs

Voltage: Nespresso Pixie is made for 120V, and can be used in Canada and the US only.

Basket size: Nespresso Pixie does not have a portafilter and cannot be used with coffee grounds. This machine uses the Nespresso capsules that can be bought separately through the Nespresso mobile app, online, by telephone or in one of the Nespresso boutiques.

Beverage size: The Nespresso Pixie coffee machine comes with settings for two cup sizes:

• Espresso (40 ml/1.35 oz), and
• Lungo (110 ml/3.7 oz).

I was able to select my desired size by pressing the corresponding one touch button located on top of the machine. Further, I was able to re-program the water volume for the two cup sizes available, by long-pressing one of the buttons and allowing the machine to brew. Once the button has been released, the information about the new water volume is stored and used for future brewings.

Weight: This is a very light machine that allows easy transportation. I was able to move the machine effortlessly from one place to another. It weighs about 6 pounds.

Unit size: Living true to its name, the Nespresso Pixie machine is of a small size. The small size makes it a perfect choice for urban apartments and cramped kitchen counters. It is 12.8 in height, 9.3 in length, and only 4.4 in width.

Milk frother: This coffee machine does not come with a milk frother. Those who like to add some milk to their coffee will need to buy a hand frother separately.

Pressure / pressure gauge: Nespresso Pixie does not have a pressure gauge. Nevertheless, it is equipped with a 19-BAR electric pump, which allows for a balanced, creamy extraction of the delicate notes and flavors.

Water reservoir: This coffee machine has a 24oz (0.7 litres) removable water tank. It was super easy to detach it from the machine to refill. The water tank is placed at the back of the machine and has an elegant, transparent design. The sides of the tank become illuminated once it needs to be refilled with water.

Additional perks: I was so excited for this Nespresso Pixie review. The machine comes with some really great and unparalleled features.

✓ Rich and creamy coffee to enjoy week after week, day after day. The 19-BAR pressure system may make coffee just that. Nespresso Pixie by DeLonghi might be small, but that does not mean that it is not powerful. The machine brews creamy espresso by applying a 19 bar pressure on the coffee.

✓ Fast brewing for faster satisfaction. The fast heat up system allows the machine to reach the ideal temperature for brewing in only 25 seconds.

✓ Brew coffee the way you like it, every day. Although the machine comes with the pre-programmed quantities for espresso and lungo style coffees, I was able to adjust the quantities. To do that, I had to insert a coffee capsule in the machine, and then press and hold the Espresso or the Lungo button. Once the desired quantity of coffee has been poured into the cup, I releaseed the buttons. This water volume was later used for further brewings.

✓ Easier refilling. The 24 oz (0.7 litres) water tank has a modern, transparent design. It is easy to remove and to fit back into place. Red backlights along the sides of the machine light up to alert me when I need to refill the water tank.

✓ Reducing environmental impact through energy saving technology. Nespresso Pixie helped me minimize my electricity consumption by switching itself off after 9 minutes of inactivity. The auto shut off can be programmed to happen after 30 minutes of inactivity instead of 9 minutes. To do that, I just needed to turn the machine off first. Then, I need to press the Espresso and the Lungo buttons simultaneously, and then, while still pressing these two buttons, I also need to press the on/off button.

✓ Complimentary gifts for someone extra like you. Nespresso Pixie came with a Nespresso capsule welcome kit containing a selection of 16 Nespresso Grand Crus coffee capsules with different aromas and profiles.

→ Performance

Brewing time: The time to heat water is very short. Nespresso Pixie works on a fast-heating system that heats up in only 25 seconds. Once started, the preparation process takes no longer than one minute, depending on the beverage I have selected (it will take a little bit longer to brew Lungo coffee).

Flavor: The machine can brew only two types of coffee drinks: espresso and lungo. However, because it uses Nespresso cups, the flavor of the coffee can differ with every cup depending on the inserted capsule. However, Nespresso Pixie is similar to other Nespresso machines: it brews phenomenal coffee. I cannot believe that such delicious coffee is brewed from capsules.

Temperature: Unfortunately, Nespresso Pixie does not allow a user to adjust brewing temperature. In my tests, water was anywhere between 180 to 185 F degrees, which is close to the optimal brewing temperature.

Noise levels: The noise levels this machine makes are acceptable. There is only a discreet buzzing sound coming from the machine while brewing.

Cleaning: Nespresso Pixie is easy to clean. The exterior of the machine should be cleaned with a damp cloth regularly. The water tank, the drip tray and the used capsules compartment are removable and can be easily emptied and cleaned with water.

We strongly recommended that water should be run through the machine after each use by selecting the Espresso setting. To descale the machine, only descaling solution should be used. We do not, however, recommend using the vinegar. It can change the taste of the coffee and it can damage the internal system of the machine.

Customer-reported technical issues

This Nespresso Pixie review comes only after a couple of weeks of testing this product. I have personally not encountered any challenges or problems with the unit. Overall, it seems that Nespresso Pixie is a highly rated and loved product.

There are a couple of user complaints about this product. Some of those complaints have nothing to do with the machine itself, but the capsules. Here’s a recap of the most commonly reported problems:

• Leaked for some consumers
• Stopped working for some consumers
• Coffee tasted differently from coffee brewed with ground coffee
• Capsules from the welcome kit were expired

→ Health and safety

I was rather very disappointed about DeLonghi Nespresso Pixie. I was not able to find any official statements regarding chemicals, materials and plastics used in this machine. I went through instructions, manuals, user guides, and Amazon’s product page.

That being said, I do not know whether this machine is BPA-free. I am not sure whether this machine uses other types of plastic, such as BHPF (fluorene-9-bisphenol), TPP (triphenyl phosphate), and bisphenol S (BPS).

What I do know is that Nespresso Pixie contains a lot of plastic. Therefore, I will be reaching out to DeLonghi to inquire about the materials used in this coffee maker.

Further, what I do know is that this machine utilizes aluminium pods. Thus, I strongly recommend that anyone who thinks about purchasing a machine that uses coffee pods should first do a thorough research on the health and environmental concerns that have been associated with the use of coffee pod brewers over the years.

→ Price to value: is Nespresso Pixie espresso maker worth the money?

From what we have seen, the Nespresso Pixie’s price is extremely volatile. In the past month, it has swung between $100 to $228.

If available in the low $$$ price point, the machine can be a really neat investment. It’s simple, easy, and brews delicious coffee. Also, it comes with a power 19-BAR pump.

However, in a $$$$+ price point, this machine might his machine might yield a mediocre price-to-value ratio. It does not have some essential functions that other espresso machines come with, such as milk frothing wand or any special features.  Nespresso Pixie brews only 2 coffee styles.

Also, to the initial investment, we need to add the cost of the capsules. Nespresso coffee cups have prices of about $1/cup. Therefore, Nespresso Pixie might be a good choice for someone who doesn’t drink coffee every day. However, costs will add up for every day users.

Should I buy Nespresso Pixie coffee maker? Owly’s verdict! 🔨

This machine can be a nice choice for Nespresso lovers who are space constrained. Pixie is an expensive option, but can be a neat investment.

Overall, there are other espresso machines (including other Nespresso models) that come at more affordable cost and are more advanced. As a result of more advanced features and technology, they brew tastier coffee even more conveniently and quickly.

With Nespresso Pixie, we need to ask how much we are willing to pay for the espresso machine of this size? Yes, it brews great coffee and it performs well. Is it worth paying more than a more advanced and better equipped coffee maker?

Will you get a Nespresso Pixie? Have you used other Nespresso machines, including Nespresso Vertuo or Vertuo Plus? How does Nespresso Pixie perform compared to Nespresso Vertuo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, under this Nespresso Pixie review!