Nespresso Essenza Mini
Our score: 8.0/10 out of 100.6 L tank · 20.4 cm tall · 2-yr warranty
£119Out of stock
Check price at De’Longhi (opens in a new tab)Pod machines
Choosing a pod machine means choosing its pods, often for years, so pick the system first and the machine second. Nespresso Original takes small capsules that many brands make; Vertuo reads a barcode on Nespresso's own capsules and brews several cup sizes; Dolce Gusto makes cold drinks as well as hot ones, and Tassimo's discs include milky drinks, tea and hot chocolate. Then decide whether you want milk built in, a separate frother or none.
Before you buy
- Pick the pod system first. The pods are where the running cost is, and each system takes only its own. Check where you can buy them and whether other brands make compatible ones.
- Decide on milk. Some machines froth milk themselves (Vertuo Lattissima), some have a steam wand (Sage Creatista Plus); others need a separate frother or milk pods.
- Plan for descaling and recycling. Pod machines need descaling too, when the light comes on. Nespresso runs its own capsule recycling; Podback takes Tassimo and Dolce Gusto pods.
Pods or beans? Is a bean-to-cup machine cheaper than pods? shows how to work out the cost per cup, and which coffee machine should you buy? compares all four types.
Top picks
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Best overall
Nespresso Vertuo Up
Fast heat-up, big tank and every Vertuo cup size in a slim body
- 1.4 L tank
- 25.5 cm tall
- 2-yr warranty
-
Best premium
Sage Nespresso Creatista Plus
Auto-frothing steam wand with 11 temperatures and 8 textures
- 1.5 L tank
- 30.8 cm tall
- 2-yr warranty
-
Best for milk drinks
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
One-touch cappuccino and latte from a carafe, on the Vertuo system
- 1.6 L tank
- 31.5 cm tall
- 2-yr warranty
More machines
4 machines, sorted by our score
Philips L’OR Barista Sublime
Our score: 7.8/10 out of 100.8 L tank · 27.6 cm tall · 2-yr warranty
Tassimo by Bosch Style Friendly
Our score: 7.5/10 out of 100.7 L tank · 26.5 cm tall · 2-yr warranty
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus
Our score: 7.4/10 out of 102-yr warranty · None milk system · 15 bar pump pressure
Pod machines questions
What's the difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo?
They use different capsules that don't swap. Original machines take small capsules that many brands make; Vertuo machines read a barcode on Nespresso's Vertuo capsules and brew sizes from an espresso to a large mug.
Are De'Longhi, Krups and Sage Nespresso machines the same?
Nespresso machines are made by partners such as De'Longhi, Krups and Sage, so one machine can carry different model numbers. The Essenza Mini, for example, is sold by De'Longhi as the EN85. Each product page names the model number we matched.
How do I recycle the pods?
Nespresso UK collects used Original and Vertuo capsules in a free recycling bag, through Royal Mail or its boutiques. Podback takes Tassimo and Dolce Gusto pods in green bags, at the kerbside in some council areas or at drop-off points.
How often should I descale a pod machine?
When the descale alert comes on; setting your water hardness makes it more accurate. A cycle takes about 15 to 30 minutes with the maker's descaler. Tassimo says not to use vinegar or descalers with phosphoric acid.
Can a pod machine make lattes?
Yes, in three ways: a built-in milk carafe (Vertuo Lattissima), a steam wand (Sage Creatista Plus) or Tassimo's milk discs, which Bosch lists for cappuccino and latte macchiato. Machines without milk need a separate frother such as Nespresso's Aeroccino.
Pod machine guides
- The best pod coffee machines, sorted by pod system first and machine second.
- Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: which pods, which cup sizes and which machine.
- Dolce Gusto vs Tassimo for households that want tea and hot chocolate as well as coffee.
Other types of machine: bean-to-cup machines, espresso machines and filter coffee machines.
