I just think that this is a production issue and will appear on most machines eventually. Plus after about three days I forgot it was even there, and it doesnt bother me anymore. Not worth the hassle of a return and exchange for me.
Complaint
Kitchen & Dining
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Espresso Machines
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is Nespresso's smallest Original Line machine — just 3.3 inches wide with a 25-second heat-up time and two-button control for single espresso or lungo. Available on Amazon.ca (ASIN B07Q6MSFZC) at around $149 CAD.
6 mentions · 3 threadslast mention Jun 20267.9/ 10
ClearPick Score
Decent
Score informed by 6 owner mentions across 3 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
4 positive1 mixed1 negative
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Espresso Machines
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
~$149 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
It is indeed absolutely crazy how much better the Nespresso capsules are compared to third-party capsules, especially given some (Peet's) are *more* expensive than most of the first-party capsules. ... pretty much none of the third-party capsules engage completely and correctly with the brew chamber... every single Nespresso cap is ejected with identical, symmetrical, complete indentations (and dumps far less water into the drip tray).
Comparison
I don't drink milk in my brewed coffee and I would rebuy the bundle. The Aeroccino works really well and it is just plain cool how is changes the state of milk. Plus, it gives you the option to make special drinks and the foam is tasty. Also, adding milk changes the tasting experience of each capsule and gives you more flavor profiles to enjoy.
Praise
I have these too, been there since I bought the machine. It's a shame, but nothing we can do unfortunately.
Complaint
This is excellent. Great work! I also did a bunch of tests like this when I first got my Nespresso OL. May I suggest that instead of lungo, you set the lungo button to 55-60 ml and run one blank shot and one pod. I find it noticeably better than a standard lungo and friendly to more capsules. From the espresso range, anything from Roma/Arpeggio and stronger works.
Praise
I used a French press daily for the last five years, always drinking my coffee black with no cream, milk, or sugar. I recently switched to a Nespresso Essenza Mini and started exploring which pods work for my taste and routine.
Praise
✅ What Works
- The Essenza Mini is Nespresso's smallest machine and it's genuinely compact — 3.3 inches wide, narrow enough to sit between a toaster and a mixer on a crowded counter. For studio apartments, small kitchens, or office desks, this is the espresso machine that actually fits.
- Twenty-five seconds from cold to espresso is faster than any other method. No grinding, no tamping, no waiting for a boiler to heat — just insert a pod, press a button, and have an espresso in under a minute including heat-up. For daily espresso drinkers who value speed and simplicity, the workflow is unmatched.
- The 19-bar pump produces espresso with genuine crema — the machine isn't pretending to make espresso with drip pressure. Nespresso's pod-and-machine combination is calibrated together, which means the extraction is consistent across pods in a way that manual espresso setups require skill to achieve.
- Two-button control with programmable volume means the machine adapts to personal preference with zero complexity. Hold the button down to program your preferred volume, and from then on a single press delivers exactly your cup size every time. Nothing to learn beyond that.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Nespresso Original pods cost $0.90–$1.10 CAD each at current pricing. For two daily espressos, that's $55–$67 per month in pod costs — more than comparable grocery store ground coffee by a significant margin. The machine cost is secondary to the ongoing cost if you drink espresso daily.
- The 0.6L water tank holds roughly 8–10 cups before refilling. For single-person use this means refilling every few days; for office environments or households making multiple drinks daily, this small tank becomes a regular chore.
- Nespresso Original pods are widely available at grocery stores and directly from Nespresso, but third-party pods vary significantly in quality. The best Nespresso experience comes from Nespresso's own capsules, which carries a premium over grocery-brand compatible pods.
- There is no milk frothing capability built into the Essenza Mini. A separate milk frother (Nespresso's Aeroccino, sold separately, ~$79 CAD) is required for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine price doesn't include this — a meaningful add-on cost if you drink milk drinks.
ClearPick Verdict
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the best espresso machine for Canadians who prioritize compact size, speed, and simplicity above all else. It fits anywhere, heats in 25 seconds, and makes consistently good espresso from Nespresso's excellent pod lineup with two button presses. The pod cost, small tank, and absence of a built-in frother are real ongoing considerations — if you drink 2+ espressos daily and want milk drinks, the total cost of ownership at 12 months is meaningfully higher than the $149 purchase price suggests.
