Nespresso machines are a popular option for coffee lovers who are wanting an effortless way to get their morning fix. The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine is a mid-range model that is straightforward to use without a lot of extra features.
Nespresso Pixie
The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine is one of the more affordable models within the Nespresso range. This espresso machine is known for its compact and sleek design, quick heat-up times, and simple brewing. While the Pixie is an older model, it is still very popular.
Nespresso Pixie Review
Specs
Design
The aptly named Nespresso Pixie is a compact machine and one of the smallest in the Nespresso lineup. The machine comes in two slightly different designs, depending on whether you opt for the Breville or Delonghi model. From the front, both machines look identical but feature different hammered metals on the sides. The Breville titan model has a more industrial look, whereas the Delonghi has a sleek aluminum look.
Being one of the more basic machines, much of the Pixie is made from ABS plastic which isn’t exactly high-end. However, the addition of the metallic side panels gives it a more premium look and elevates it above other similar machines like the Inissia and Essenza mini.
Despite the compact footprint, the Pixie packs a large, removable water reservoir complete with a red light alert to notify you when the water level is low. The clearance between the drip tray and the coffee outlet is rather small, however, a flip-up cup support accommodates larger cups. The used coffee capsule container is integrated into the drip tray and holds up to 10 used Nespresso capsules.
The Pixie has a simple design and affordable price but this does come at the expense of features. So let’s see how it performs.
Performance
The Nespresso Pixie is an OriginalLine machine, so uses a 19-bar pump to extract espresso. All the OriginalLine coffee machines contain the same pump brewing system, so produce identical quality drinks. The pump system produces a more authentic espresso topped with thick crema. The other advantage of this system, as opposed to the VertuoLine system, is that the machines are compatible with more affordable third-party capsules.
The Pixie has been designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. The machine has a fast heat-up time, coming to temperature in just 25 seconds. Brewing itself then takes around 40 seconds making it ideal for time-poor mornings.
The Pixie is very straightforward to use, with only two buttons used to control the machine. To turn the Nespresso machine on you press either the Espresso or Lungo button and wait for the light to turn steady. You then lift the lever to insert the coffee capsule, then close the lever again. Place a cup under the coffee outlet, select your drink and you’re away laughing.
The Pixie offers two sizes of drinks; an Espresso (1.35 fl oz / 40ml) or Lungo (3.7 fl oz / 110ml). Both drinks use the same capsules, and thus the same amount of ground coffee, to brew them. So the Lungo is a longer, but weaker coffee.
After brewing, lifting, and closing the lever will eject the capsule into the used capsule container.
Make Your Life Easier Features
Each of the machines in the Nespresso lineup offers a different selection of features to make your life easier. Which features you prioritize will determine what Nespresso machine you opt for. The Lattissima range offers one-touch brewing, the Creatista machines offer cafe-quality milk, and the Vertuo range brews both coffee and espresso.
The Nespresso Pixie is one of the compact machines in the lineup so has a small footprint, but limited extra features.
Compact Design
The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine falls into the sweet spot, having a compact footprint while still offering a decent capacity. The water reservoir holds 24 oz of water and the used capsule container can accommodate 9-11 Nespresso capsules. This means you won’t constantly be needing to refill or empty the machine.
Programmable Brewing Sizes
The Nespresso Pixie offers two brewing sizes; Espresso and Lungo. These brewing sizes can be tweaked according to your preferences by pressing and holding either the Espresso or Lungo button and releasing it once the desired volume has been reached. The machine will then automatically save this new setting.
Removable Water Tank
The water tank is located at the back of the espresso machine, which can make it difficult to monitor. Thankfully, the Nespresso Pixie machine has a red backlight that lights up when the water tank is empty. The water tank is removable and easy to rinse and refill.
Energy Saving Mode
The Nespresso Pixie espresso maker automatically turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity to conserve power. This time can be extended to 30 minutes if required.
Capsule Recycling Program
One of the downsides of capsule machines is the sheer amount of waste they produce. Thankfully, Nespresso is doing its best to minimize this by offering a free recycling program for pods. You can order a free recycling bag from the Nespresso website, and fill it with your used capsules. Once it is filled it can be dropped at any UPS and Nespresso takes care of the rest.
Milk Frother
Unfortunately, the Nespresso Pixie espresso maker does NOT come with a built-in milk frother. However, when purchasing, you do have the option of buying the coffee maker with a separate Aeroccino. We highly recommend this, especially if you are a fan of milk-based drinks, as it will allow you to top your espresso drinks with frothy milk.
Cleaning
Like all Nespresso machines, the Nespresso Pixie is remarkably easy to clean and maintain. On a daily basis, you simply need to eject the used capsule after brewing.
Other regular cleaning tasks include emptying the drip tray and used capsule container and rinsing and refilling the water tank. These parts are all removable and can be washed in warm, soapy water. A quick wipe down of the body and coffee outlet and the machine is good to go.
Asides from this, the Pixie needs to be descaled after brewing 1000-4000 cups of coffee (depending on your water hardness). The Pixie has a descaling program that can be run to do this. It takes around 15 minutes to complete and involves filling the water tank with Nespresso descaling liquid, running the program, and then rinsing the machine with clean water several times after. While descaling is not a fun task, it is necessary for every coffee machine to extend its lifespan and keep it performing at its best.
Who Is The Nespresso Pixie For?
The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine is an older Nespresso model, but still a goodie. It would be a good option for someone looking for a compact coffee machine that still offers a decent capacity. It is quick to heat up, simple to use, and easy to customize the shot volume. It has a slightly larger capacity than some of the other compact Nespresso models and the side panels give it a more stylish look.
Pros:
Cons:
Do Not Buy If…
Nespresso Pixie vs Essenza Mini
These two machines are very similar in terms of specs and performance. The main difference comes down to design. The Essenza Mini is slightly smaller and thus has a smaller water reservoir (20 oz vs 24 oz) and used capsule container (6 vs 11). The Essenza Mini also incorporates more plastic into the design. Given this, the Essenza mini is slightly cheaper than the Pixie.
Nespresso Pixie- The Verdict
The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine is an older model that has long been a popular coffee machine. With a compact footprint, fast heat-up time, and simple brewing it is still a good option for someone looking for a basic single-serve coffee maker. In comparison to the other compact Nespresso machines (the Inissia and the Essenza Mini), the Pixie has a slightly larger capacity than the Essenza and a more premium build than the Inissia. All of these machines produce identical quality coffee though, so the decision will come down to aesthetics.
