Nespresso Inissia Vs Pixie: Which One Has The Edge?

Some of the recent Nespresso coffee makers are some of the prettiest – and smallest – single-serve coffee makers on the market. both the Pixie and the Inissia would probably come quite high on the “prettiest Nespresso machine” list.

With their quirky appearance, they make a perfect addition to just about any kitchen, dorm room, RV, houseboat, holiday home, or anywhere else you can think of that needs its own coffee maker.

Which Machine Is Better?

Our Winner: Nespresso Pixie

 

The Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

The clue’s in the name with the Nespresso Pixie. It’s a slightly mischievous-looking machine, with a surprising amount of charm and toughness under its chrome and black exterior. It was launched in 2011 and is still one of the most innovative and ecological models in the range, as well as one of the smallest machines available from any manufacturer.

The device uses hermetically sealed aluminum capsules, so you know you’re always going to get a fresh, barista-style beverage. The coffees in this range are especially good and lend themselves particularly well to small servings.

 

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker 

The Pixie is programmable to some extent, with two one-touch buttons for a 2.7-ounce espresso or a 5-ounce Lungo. The item typically ships with a Nespresso Original welcome kit, which usually contains 14 different-flavored capsules. The water reservoir is removable for easy refilling and cleaning and holds 24 oz of water.

While this isn’t a Smart espresso maker in one sense, as it isn’t connected to the Internet or your mobile phone, the LED backlights illuminate to alert you when the water tank needs refilling.

The machine might be a little on the noisy side for some, but what’s nicer than the sound and scent of freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning? (Or any other time of day, come to that!)

These models are usually made in Switzerland, and this tiny machine is at the same time alluringly retro and alarmingly modern. They’re perfect for smaller households, one or two-person workplaces, student accommodation, a holiday cabin, or anywhere where space is at a premium.

 

Pros & Cons

 

The Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker is a little less well-known than the Pixie Nespresso machine, and depending on stockist it can run a little cheaper than the Pixie or around the same price. It’s another machine in the Nespresso range that really is as cute as a button. Like the Pixie machine, it’s programmable to some extent, and the machine heats the water to the optimum temperature for your coffee in around 25 seconds.

If iced coffee drinks make your day, they’re easy enough to make, despite the lack of programmed options for these beverages: just brew your drink over a cup of ice. The coffee is consistently fresh-tasting and delicious: the pump boasts 9 bars of pressure.

 

Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine 

The nifty folding drip tray is an integrated feature that allows you to make beverages larger than the standard 2.7 ounces or 5-ounce options which are the preset choices on the machine. One difference when it comes to Nespresso Pixie vs Inissia Nespresso machines we should point out is that the Inissia would be most suitable for smaller households, students, and those regularly on the move.

It doesn’t have the capacity required for larger households or workplaces, unless coffee is only an occasional treat, or there is someone who is willing to empty and refill the machine very regularly.

 

Pros & Cons

 

Comparing the Nespresso Pixie And The Nespresso Inissia

Both of these machines are super-cute. Both have 9 bar high-pressure pumps which give barista-style results each time, and Nespresso machines produce a small but expertly chosen selection of coffees in their range of pods.

One particularly attractive aspect is that there is more than one decaffeinated option, and another delicious fact is that you can obtain extremely strong coffees for these machines. Limited edition coffees are also produced frequently. Both ship with a Nespresso welcome pack, which usually contains 14 capsules to get you up and running as soon as possible.

 

Water Reservoirs And Brew Sizes

Both of these machines have 24 oz removable water reservoirs, and both machines are super-easy to operate and to keep clean. Both machines heat the water to the perfect brewing temperature in around 25 seconds, and both turn off automatically if, after 9 minutes, there has been no activity.

The standard cup sizes for both machines are on the small size, at 2.7 ounces, and 5 ounces, but since they are marketed as espresso machines, and the pods are particularly effective for shorter coffee drinks, this is to be expected, to some extent.

 

Brew Strengths And Temperatures

Typically, Nespresso pods produce a strong, rich beverage; if you want a milder tasting brew, go for a larger serving. It isn’t possible to alter the brewing temperature on either of these machines: it’s pre-set.

One way around this, if you’re someone who likes your coffee boiling hot, is to warm the cups beforehand, with boiling water, for example. Those who like to take their coffee with cream could try heating the milk or cream in the microwave or on a stovetop beforehand.

 

The Nespresso Pixie And The Nespresso Inissia: Innovative Aspects

Both the Inissia Nespresso and Nespresso Pixie machines share the adorable folding drip tray feature. If you do want a larger serving of coffee than the pre-programmed sizes, you can simply slip a bigger cup, mug or travel mug under the spout.

 

Environmental Aspects

As a company, Nespresso is making huge efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the single-serve machines they produce. With this in mind, you can now get reusable Nespresso capsules, and Nespresso capsules can be returned to the company for repurposing. The aluminum pods themselves can often be recycled in your household recycling, and you can use the coffee grounds for a range of purposes.

 

Inissia Vs. Pixie – The Main Differences

The Pixie has been in play since 2011, and is truly tiny, measuring just 4.4 inches wide, 12.8 inches deep, and 9.3 inches high. It’s extremely light, at 6.6 pounds, and the power is 1160 watts. The shipping weight is 7.1 pounds.

The Nespresso Inissia, on the other hand, is still pretty much the baby of the family, arriving in the world in 2014. It’s very slightly wider than the Pixie, but considerably lighter, weighing just 5.29 pounds (6.4 with shipping). The measurements for this machine are 4.7 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 12.6 inches high.

 

Cleaning, Colors, And Warranties

The Pixie receptacle allows you to store 11 used coffee capsules before it needs to be emptied; the Inissia capsule container takes 10. Both machines are easy to refill and clean, and need very little in the way of maintenance: an occasional descaling is likely to help keep your drinks tasting as fresh as can be.

While the Pixie comes in several neutral colors, the Inissia gives you a wider choice, depending on your shipping agent. Inissia and Nespresso typically give you a one year warranty.

 

Nespresso Pixie Vs. Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machines: Conclusion

Our Winner: Nespresso Pixie

Both of these machines are attractively designed, slightly quirky-looking, small but perfectly formed options for the smaller coffee-drinking household.

Both have excellent high-pressure pumps, an adequately sized water tank, and design features such as the folding drip tray. This results in the machines being more adaptable than their small size might suggest. It takes about a minute to whip up an espresso, and with both machines, you do also get a little crema – or at any rate a little foam – on the top.

Overall, however, though there’s not much between them, we favor the Nespresso Pixie over the Nespresso Inissia.

 

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine 

Users and owners like the nice, rich-tasting coffee and the fact the Pixie is super easy to use. It looks really cute: you need hardly any space for it, and it has an elegant simplicity about it. For such a small machine it’s also reasonably sturdy.

It’s proved itself over the first eight years of its existence, and it’s also a well-liked little machine, garnering around six times as many positive reviews as negative.

 

  Last update on 2023-03-30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.