One of the most talked about coffee machines is undoubtedly the Nespresso Pixie. But does this machine meet the expectations of our expert team? And what is so special about this espresso maker? Let’s find out in this Nespresso Pixie review!
Nespresso Pixie Review: a budget Nespresso machine
Overall Performance: 10/10
There are many aspects we look at when it comes to a review, but performance is certainly one of the main things. We took a thorough look at this espresso maker’s performance, and we were pleasantly surprised.
It surprised us that the Nespresso Pixie is actually a high performance espresso maker, especially when you see the compact design of it. That’s right, this machine is surprisingly powerful.
We do need to say that you should not experience some of the advanced user interfaces you get with espresso machines in a higher price bracket, as this is not present with the Nespresso Pixie.
However, the overall capabilities of the Pixie far outweigh the absence of the advanced user interface.
When you choose the Pixie, you can choose between the espresso and the lungo cup sizes. Then, all you really need to do is press the brew button. It couldn’t be much easier than that.
Another great performance feature of this espresso maker is that it has an automatic shutdown function. Not only does it save energy, it also increases the maximum lifespan of your Nespresso machine.
When your Nespresso shuts down, all you need to do is press the power button to restart it. And, you only have to wait about thirty seconds for the machine to be ready for the next coffee. It’s really that simple.
The Pixie is an OriginalLine machine, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for capsules.
Brewing Quality: 10/10
Since this is primarily and espresso machine, we had high expectations for it. And the brand delivered on the expectations, as it makes a really mean espresso for a real sharp price.
The espresso machine delivers a consistent water temperature of 190 degrees fahrenheit, which is considered within the ideal range for espresso. The amount of espresso can also be customised to meet your requirements, which makes the coffee machine quite easy to use too.
While this fact does not really belong in the brewing quality section, we would like to mention that each used capsule for this device is fully recyclable.
The Nespresso capsule is made from aluminum, this means a used capsule goes to the recycling plant and not the landfill! For those environmentally conscious coffee lovers, this is an amazing benefit!
Design: 9/10
When you look at the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker, it is clear to see that this machine has quite the retro design. Of course, retro is not for everyone, so some might find that the design of the Nespresso pixie espresso maker does not fit in their kitchen.
However, the streamlined look and compact nature of the Nespresso pixie espresso does make it a strong choice for smaller kitchens.
Durability: 9/10
This is quite an important part of an espresso machine review, as most machines can be an investment and you want them to last for as long as possible. Fortunately, you have nothing to worry about.
Of course, we executed an independent Nespresso review to check overall durability too.
Most of the exterior housing of the Nespresso is made from metal. Many other brands use plastic to keep the cost down, but this can have an impact on overall durability. So, the stainless steel construction is a welcome addition.
Another concern when it comes to durability is the coffee maker’s performance over time. Some brands struggle to maintain the same performance, so this is something everyone should look into before they purchase any coffee machine.
The Nespresso scores well when it comes down to performance over time. The performance of the espresso machine stays consistent, even after regular daily use and brewing several cups after one another. So, the Nespresso gets a big plus from us.
Maintenance: 9/10
Whenever we review a coffee machine, we always look at maintenance. Maintenance should be a priority for many reasons, this includes the overall lifespan of your coffee machine and the quality it delivers over time.
Even though the Pixie is extremely compact, it is easy to clean and maintain. While the mounted rail in the front makes access a little tricker, there are variables that caused us to give this coffee machine a good maintenance rating.
Firstly, the water tank is easy to remove. We recommend emptying the water tank once you are done brewing. Not everyone does this, and this could cause problems with your water tank down the line.
And while the water tank is made from a mold resistant material, leaving water in the tank for longer periods of time can still cause mould problems. So, when you are done brewing, simply empty the water tank to avoid issues down the line.
Another handy feature where maintenance is concerned is that the drip tray can be removed. The drip tray is often the part of a coffee machine that gets dirty pretty quickly, so being able to remove that part makes maintenance of the coffee maker so much easier.
Most coffee makers need descaling from time to time, and this is no different for the Nespresso. To keep this coffee maker in pristine condition, a good descaling every two to three months is recommended.
Many manufacturers of coffee makers provide their own descaling products, and this is no different for Nespresso. As these descaling products are specifically created for these machines, they can be more effective at the descaling process. so, if you want to maximise the performance of this device over time, be sure to have a look at their descaling products.
The manufacturer of the Pixie also recommends running some hot water through the device every week; this means leaving the coffee capsule out. By rinsing with hot water every week, you give the interior parts of the coffee maker a good maintenance and it keep your espresso tasting great.
Sometimes, especially if you use your Pixie often, there can be a lot of residue inside the machine. If this is the case, you want to run a couple of water cycles until the water runs clear. If this keeps happening, you may want to increase the frequency of the rinsing cycles to keep the maintenance to a minimum.
Points For Improvement
Even though we think this Nespresso is pretty perfect, there are always some points for improvement. This does not solely apply for this device though, as many other coffee machines often get small upgrades over time. So, we do have some suggestions for the future version of the Pixie.
We sought long and hard to find something wrong with this coffee machine, and it was a little difficult to pinpoint something. However, if we would have one criticism, it would be the overall noise level during the brewing process.
Compared to some other options, this device is a little noisier. So, future versions could benefit from quieter operation.
Related
Should I Get A Nespresso Pixie?
We think the Nespresso Pixie is one of the better Nespresso options out there, so we can certainly recommend it. The device is compact, which means it fits into any kitchen.
It also creates some amazing espresso with minimal effort, so who can say no to an amazing feature like that. However, Nespresso is a point of contention among coffee lovers. You either hate the pod system and feel like it’s not really coffee, or you swear by it and won’t touch anything else.
Frequently asked questions
Who Makes The Nespresso Pixie?
As you may expect from the name, the Nespresso Pixie is made by the Nespresso company. Interestingly, this also means you will find that many other products form this brand are compatible with this machine.
Where Is The Nespresso Pixie Made?
While many coffee machines are made in China, this is not the case for the Nespresso Pixie. In fact, this espresso machine is made in Switzerland. Of course, the location does have an impact on the overall durability of the device, as the manufacturer chose stronger and more durable materials throughout the design.
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
