Nespresso Pixie Review: Is This the Nespresso Machine for You?

My brother and sister-in-law introduced me to Nespresso a while back when I visited their new home. I usually only drink coffee I’ve made in my French press or Chemex with freshly ground beans, but I have to admit…the convenience of popping in a Nespresso pod and getting a shot of surprisingly delicious espresso in under a minute was pretty amazing.

So when a Nespresso boutique opened up near me, I decided to get my own machine. I opted for the tiny but mighty Nespresso Pixie. I’ve been using it on and off for about a year now, and I’ll discuss everything you need to know in this hands-on Nespresso Pixie review to decide if this is the best Nespresso machine for you.

Quick Nespresso Pixie Review

The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent single-serve espresso machine that provides great convenience without sacrificing too much on quality. While pod coffee is not true espresso, the Pixie comes reasonably close for how easy it is to use. If you’re an espresso aficionado, I’d steer clear. But if you just want a convenient coffee in the morning that’s kind of similar to espresso, I can’t recommend the Pixie enough.

What I really like about the Pixie is that it makes a solid, rich shot of faux espresso at the push of a button. The flavor is way better than cheaper pod coffee machines, in my opinion, so if you’re sick of watery, weak coffee from a Keurig, the Pixie might be right up your alley. Nespresso and Keurig are functionally very different, though, so they’ll appeal to different subsets of coffee drinkers.

The Pixie heats up in just 25 to 30 seconds from the time you turn the machine on, so your espresso is ready to drink in under a minute. That means it’s ideal for people who have minimal time in the morning to get their caffeine squared away.

The small footprint takes up minimal counter space, and the modern, stylish design looks great in any kitchen. If you’re someone who hates having to cram coffee equipment into a crowded cabinet because you like to keep your kitchen presentable, I’d say the Pixie is a good option for you because it’s nice enough to leave out all the time.

The 24 oz water reservoir is on the smaller side, but it’s fine for 1 to 2 people. The machine is also quiet in operation, so it won’t disturb people that might be sleeping during your morning routine. The Pixie is less expensive than most other Nespresso models, too, so it’s a great intro machine for anyone new to Nespresso.

There are a few downsides to note. Pod coffee still can’t quite match using freshly ground beans and a true espresso machine. The flavor can be a little inconsistent depending on the pod variety and age (and most pods, although hermetically sealed, do contain old coffee grounds). If you brew a lot, you’ll need to refill the water tank daily, so if you live in a house with multiple coffee drinkers, refilling might get annoying. Buying pods also creates more waste and comes with higher costs than ground coffee over time.

But for effortless at-home espresso that’s WAY easier than learning traditional espresso brewing techniques, the Nespresso Pixie is an excellent choice. The convenience factor is off the charts compared to traditional espresso methods. If ease of use is your top priority, you’ll love the Pixie.

Nespresso Pixie Review: In-Depth Look

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty details of the Nespresso Pixie so you can determine if it’s the right single-serve espresso maker for your needs.

Appearance

The Pixie lives up to its name with a super compact footprint of just 4.4 x 12 inches. It’s also shorter than other Nespresso machines at 9.3 inches high, making it easy to fit under upper cabinets. This is a great Nespresso machine for small spaces.

Despite its petite size, it has a very sleek, modern, and, in my opinion, stylish look. The sides curve in slightly towards the top and the top surface is tilted at a subtle angle. It comes in a few color options, but I love the bright pop of red on mine. It stands out nicely on my counter without screaming for attention. Overall the look and feel is very high-end.

Ease of Use

Using the Nespresso Pixie consistently puts a smile on my face because it’s just so easy. Lift the top lever, pop in a Nespresso capsule, close the lever, put a cup under the spout, and press either the espresso button or the lungo button. In 25 to 30 seconds you have a fresh, hot shot of espresso-like coffee. Compared to my manual level espresso maker which took weeks to dial in, and my electric espresso machine, which took days and still gives me trouble every so often, the Pixie is a breeze to use. It made good coffee the first time I turned it on.

The water tank is easy to remove, fill up, and slide back into place. The used capsule container slides out smoothly from the back. An auto-off timer turns the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity to save energy.

Overall, the Nespresso Pixie couldn’t be much easier to use on a daily basis. It’s ideal for you if you’re looking for convenience without any complexity and don’t mind not being able to tinker with your brewing parameters.

Coffee Quality

Here’s where we get down to what’s really important…because a machine can be beautiful and convenient, but if it doesn’t make coffee you want to drink, then what’s the point?

For a coffee aficionado like myself who loves the art and science of manual brewing methods like French press and pour over, pod coffee will never quite stack up. Pre-ground coffee in a sealed pod that brews very quickly doesn’t allow you to get the absolute optimal flavor you can from freshly grinding beans right before brewing. The short brew time and lower temperature of pod machines also extract less from the coffee overall, so the flavors are often a bit muted.

However, Nespresso pods are some of the only pre-ground pod coffees I’ve found that come reasonably close to a high quality shot of espresso. Nespresso machines don’t technically make espresso, but it’s a close approximation. The fine grind and pressure used in Nespresso brewing extract more from the coffee than other pod systems. The result is an espresso or lungo shot with surprisingly rich crema and robust coffee flavor, especially if you stick to the higher intensity pod options.

A quick note: the Nespresso machines in the Vertuo line use different pods and a totally unique brewing process that involves rapidly spinning the pod during brewing to create pressure and faster extraction. The Pixie doesn’t do this and instead brews like a standard espresso machine. It’s still pretty delicious and does make something closer to real espresso, while the Vertuo machines make larger cups of bold coffee, kind of like an Americano.

Could the coffee from the Pixie be better? Sure. But for a single serve machine, I’m consistently impressed with the coffee. It’s FAR better than any brew I’ve had from a Keurig or cheaper pod machine. For a quick at-home espresso, it hits the spot for me.

Counter Space and Footprint

With dimensions of just 4.4 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 9.3 inches high, the Pixie has one of the smallest footprints of any Nespresso machine. It fits easily on my small kitchen counter and tucks neatly under my upper cabinets.

If counter space is at a premium in your kitchen, the Pixie is a great option to consider over larger machines like the CitiZ or Vertuo Next. In fact, I think it’s the best Nespresso machine for small spaces.

Nespresso Pod Compatibility

The Pixie uses Nespresso’s smaller OriginalLine coffee pods, NOT the larger VertuoLine pods. OriginalLine pods make espresso and lungo shots, while VertuoLine makes full cups of coffee akin to an Americano in addition to espresso.

So if you want the ability to brew larger coffee drinks, you may want to consider one of Nespresso’s Vertuo machines instead. But if espresso and lungos are your thing, the Pixie has you covered. You can also use refillable pods to brew your own ground coffee, which I highly recommend if you have a good coffee grinder.

Price

The Nespresso Pixie typically retails around $230, but the price fluctuates, so be sure to check Amazon for the latest deal. That puts it on the more affordable end for Nespresso machines, aso some reach as high as $850.

The popular VertuoPlus retails for around the same price, and the CitiZ is a little more expensive at around $260.

While not dirt cheap, the Pixie offers great value. It’s pricier than a basic Keurig, but far more affordable than a standalone espresso machine. And it produces coffee closer to an espresso machine than a Keurig, in my opinion.

Related Article: Difference Between Keurig and Nespresso: Which Is Right for You?

Quality

The Pixie is made primarily of plastic but feels sturdy and solid. The buttons still work well, and the lever moves smoothly. After a year of frequent use, I have no functional complaints. All parts move and operate like new.

It’s not going to last as long as a $2,000 espresso machine, but it also probably won’t require any expensive ongoing maintenance. The quality is such that I think this is a solid investment that should get you 4 or 5 years of good coffee, even with regular use.

Warranty

The Nespresso Pixie comes with a 2-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. This is about double what you’d get from other single-serve coffee makers like Keurig. More expensive espresso machines often have longer 3- to 5-year warranties, but those are pricier machines.

For an affordable single-serve like the Pixie that costs around $230, a 2-year warranty is pretty good. The warranty provides peace of mind that any manufacturing issues will be taken care of—an important consideration for any appliance purchase.

Water Reservoir

The Pixie’s 24 oz water reservoir is on the smaller side. My preference would be for a larger 40+ oz tank so I could brew more drinks before needing a refill. But the smaller tank does match the target use case for this machine. The Pixie brews small espresso shots and lungo shots, not full cups of coffee. So, while the reservoir is small, you’ll probably find that it’s plenty big not to feel inconvenient to refill constantly.

It’s designed for 1 to 2 people making 2 to 4 espresso-based drinks per day. If that sounds like your needs, the 24 oz tank won’t be an issue. You’ll just need to top it off daily. But if you have a larger household with multiple coffee drinkers, you may want a machine with a larger reservoir. Just keep in mind that it will take up more counter space.

Nespresso Pixie vs. Essenza Mini: What’s the Difference?

The Essenza Mini is the most comparable machine to the Pixie. It’s nearly identical in size, shape, and specifications. The two main differences are:

1. The Essenza Mini has a 20 oz water tank vs 24 oz on the Pixie.
2. The Essenza Mini can only flow water through the coffee pod for a 40ml espresso shot, while the Pixie offers a second lungo button for larger 110ml beverages.

So for just a little more money, the Pixie gets you a bit more water capacity and the ability to brew lungos. Other than that, the machines are very similar. Choose based on price and if you want the larger drink size option.

Wrapping Up: Is the Nespresso Pixie Right for You?

The Nespresso Pixie is an excellent single-serve espresso maker that balances convenience and quality. While pod coffee has its limitations, the Nespresso system extracts surprisingly nuanced flavor for an exceptionally easy-to-use machine.

If you’re seeking a small footprint, fast heat-up time, and push-button espresso at the touch of a button, the durable and stylish Pixie is tough to beat. Its compact size makes it a great option for small kitchens, offices, and anywhere you want delicious espresso without much fuss.

Just keep in mind the smaller water reservoir and compatibility with only Nespresso’s OriginalLine pods. As long as your needs and preferences align with the Pixie’s strengths, it’s an espresso maker that consistently impresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of drinks can the Nespresso Pixie make?

The Pixie can make standard 1.35oz espresso shots as well as 3.7oz lungo shots, which are somewhat similar to an Americano. You can also make latte and cappuccino style drinks by using the espresso shots and adding foamed or steamed milk. It doesn’t make full cups of coffee like the VertuoLine machines do. Just espresso-based drinks.

How often do I need to descale the Nespresso Pixie?

You should descale your Nespresso Pixie every 3 to 6 months, based on your water hardness and how frequently you use the machine. The Pixie will alert you when a descale is needed. Descaling regularly helps maintain optimal brew temperature and pressure. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for descaling. You can buy Nespresso’s cleaning and descaling kit, or you can use another store-bought descaling solution.

What temperature does the Nespresso Pixie brew at?

Nespresso does not provide exact specifications but states the Pixie reaches optimal coffee brewing temperature between 25-30 seconds. Based on testing, the brew temperature of the Nespresso Pixie is around 180 to 185 degrees (F), which is lower than the 195 to 205 degrees (F) ideal temperature. However, the pressurized extraction and fine grind size help compensate for the lower heat.

Can I use my own coffee in the Nespresso Pixie?

Yes, you can use reusable pods to fill with your own ground coffee in the Nespresso Pixie. For best results, be sure to use an espresso grind and tamp the grounds firmly into the pod. This helps create the needed pressure. Expect some trial and error when dialing in a recipe.