In terms of the quality of the drinks they make, all Nespresso machines are basically the same, so the least expensive one is your best bet. The Essenza Mini is our pick because it makes the same espresso-like drink as any other model in the Original line for a fraction of the cost. You can even program it to brew your preferred volume of coffee. The Essenza Mini’s slim, tidy frame takes up less space than a hot water kettle and can be easily squeezed between kitchen appliances with countertop to spare. Plus, it comes in two shapes and five colors to blend in well with any kitchen.

The Essenza Mini is a fully functional, if basic, Nespresso machine. A Nespresso representative confirmed to us that the brewing technology inside the Essenza Mini is exactly the same as every single other machine in the Original line. So when you buy a more expensive Nespresso, such as the $330 Expert or $440 KitchenAid (prices as of the time of writing), what you’re actually paying for is Bluetooth compatibility or a glossy, retro red steel frame. Sure, more expensive machines also offer larger water tanks and can hold more used capsules. But refilling the Essenza Mini’s water tank or emptying the waste container takes mere seconds, and we don’t think the extra storage is worth a hundred dollars more.

The waste container can hold up to six used capsules. Photo: Michael Hession

The Essenza Mini has a removable drip platform to accommodate larger cups that can hold lungos. Photo: Michael Hession

The LED brewing buttons light up when the machine is heated. Photo: Michael Hession

The waste container can hold up to six used capsules. Photo: Michael Hession

The Essenza Mini has a removable drip platform to accommodate larger cups that can hold lungos. Photo: Michael Hession 1 of 3

The compact machine doesn’t take up any unnecessary space. At 4.3 by 8 inches, it’s smaller than a toaster. Its removable water tank still contains around 20 ounces, enough to make eight espressos or four lungos without needing a refill. And its used capsule container filled up after five or six drinks, which didn’t feel inconvenient. We like that the Essenza Mini lacks some of the space-filling features of more expensive Nespresso machines, such as the stylized head of the KitchenAid or the blocky milk containers of the Lattissima series. These omissions make it not only smaller but also easier to use and clean.

With just two buttons (one for an espresso and one for a lungo), the Essenza Mini is super simple to operate. And if you want to adjust the size of your espresso or lungo (or make a smaller ristretto), it’s easy to reprogram each setting to produce your preferred volume. Nespresso has handy video instructions, but essentially you just hold down the espresso or lungo button when brewing, rather than pressing and releasing it. Let go of the button to stop brewing when your drink is the size you want, and the machine will be set to brew that amount every time. Just note that if you set the machine to make ristrettos, you’ll probably prefer to use Nespresso pods that are labeled for espresso or ristrettos (mainly the Intenso line). Other pods may be too weak when brewed as a smaller ristretto.

The brewing technology inside the Essenza Mini is exactly the same as every single other machine in the Original line.

Like any other machine in the Original line, the Essenza Mini makes espresso with a richer crema than the machines in the Vertuo line. The crema produced by the Original line is impressive, with an even layer of tiny microbubbles. The Vertuo line, however, produces a ridiculously aerated hat of bubbles that can reach a quarter of the height of the espresso. It’s less of a froth and more of a foam. The presence or size of the crema does not indicate a better espresso, and too much crema can make an espresso too bitter, according to Seattle Coffee Gear. The Vertuo line’s undesirable crema, as well as its non-negotiable heft and persnickety barcodes that restrict you from using third party capsules, made the Original line an easy top pick.

The Essenza Mini comes with a one-year warranty and lifetime assistance from Nespresso’s technical hotline. If your machine requires repair, Nespresso will send you a loaner machine as yours is fixed. The Nespresso site also includes instructional videos that explain how to clean and descale your machine, which they recommend you do every three months. You can buy descaling kits on the site.

Staff writer Daniel Varghese has had a Nespresso Essenza Mini conveniently placed at the corner of his desk since late 2017. He said that it has shown minimal wear and tear and the coffee tastes fine but finding espresso capsules can be a hassle at times. Other staffers also use Daniel’s Essenza Mini frequently. Product manager Omri Sass said, “I use it at least once a day, every workday; sometimes I use it twice and sometimes I make a few cups one after the other for a group of people. In all these cases it has never failed me.” He also noted that “very rarely the mechanical closing mechanism doesn’t pierce the pod and coffee isn’t properly made (this doesn’t waste the capsule, just requires a re-run of the machine).” Despite the minor inconvenience, Omri thinks that the Essenza Mini consistently makes great coffee.