Not many things make a day better than a delicious cup of espresso. It’s even better when you don’t have to leave the house to enjoy it!
Nespresso is king when it comes to creating innovative, functional machines for use at home. With so many popular Nespresso models available, it can be hard to choose the correct one.
Nespresso understands that sometimes the biggest issue standing between espresso lovers and their own machines is space. They kept this in mind when creating the Inissia and Pixie which are designed to fit in even the smallest of kitchens, offices or even RVs.
Despite having their small size in common, there are a few differences between the Inissia and the Pixie.
Today we review the features and functionality of both Nespresso brewers to help you decide which machine will work best for you.
Contents
| Nespresso Comparison Chart | Nespresso Inissia | Nespresso Pixie |
| Dimensions | 4.7 in x 12.6 in x 9.1 in | 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inch |
| Beverages | Espresso | Espresso |
| Cup Sizes | 2 | 2 |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 24 oz | 24 oz |
| Drip Tray | Foldable | Foldable |
| One Touch Button Brew | Yes | Yes |
| Power Saving Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Frother | Yes | Optional |
| Empty Capsule Reservoir | Up to 11 Capsules | Up to 10 Capsules |
| Heating Time | 25 Seconds | 25 Seconds |
Nespresso’s Inissia
Buyer’s Guide
A huge selling point to this compact machine is that it comes standard with the Aeroccino milk frother. We will discuss the Aeroccino in more detail below.
Part of the Nespresso Original line, the Inissia brews exclusively espresso. It comes in several color options including the very popular black and red. It is made from a plastic material which makes it small, light and easy to transport.
The Inissia offers two different brewing sizes. You can choose an espresso size or a lungo if you want something slightly larger. As with all Nespresso machines, you have to use Nespresso capsules when brewing.
The Inissia comes with a used capsule bin allowing you to store up to 11 used capsules after brewing. This added convenience allows you to brew several cups before having to empty the reservoir.
The Inissia comes with a decent sized 24 ounce reservoir, given its small size. This allows you to brew several cups before having to refill it.
Another added convenience with this machine is the auto-turn off button which will automatically shut off the machine after nine minutes. The Inissia also comes with a power button that allows you to turn it off manually.
One of the best features about this machine is how quickly it heats up and brews. You can have a cup of espresso hot and ready to go in under a minute!
When considering buying a new espresso machine it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of the brewer. Here is our summary of pro’s and con’s for the Inissia:
Pros:
- Fast heat-up and brewing time
- Small, compact design can fit anywhere
- Affordable price point
- Easy clean up with foldable drip tray
- Energy-save mode
- Programmable
- Used capsule storage
- Creates delicious espresso with fluffy crema on top
- Simple to use and to clean
- Compatible with Nespresso’s Aeroccino Milk Frother
Cons:
- Only 2 drink sizes available
- Only brews espresso, not coffee
- Must use capsules
Nespresso’s Pixie
Buyer Guide
Tiny, compact, and energy-efficient, this machine is small but mighty. Part of the Nespresso Original line, the Pixie brews exclusively espresso.
The newest model of the Pixie is quiet when brewing and can make espresso and lungo size drinks at just a press of a button.
Given its tiny size, the Pixie comes equipped with a generous 24 ounce water tank which allows you to brew several cups of espresso before having to refill it.
Another great feature is that the machine has a 10 capsule reservoir where used capsules are deposited after brewing.
Like all Nespresso machines, you must use a Nespresso Capsule when brewing. The machine features an automatic power-off button that will shut-off the machine after nine minutes.
Arguably the greatest aspect of the Pixie is the super fast brewing time. A cup of espresso can be brewed in under 30 seconds!
Designed for simplicity, the Pixie is not a machine with every bell and whistle. If you are in the market for a single serve espresso maker with a lot of features, the Pixie will not meet your needs. Instead we recommend you consider the very popular Nespresso CitiZ which offers much more features and functions.
As with most machines, there are pros and cons to the Pixie:
Pros:
- Small, compact design can fit anywhere
- Fast-Brewing and heat up
- Programmable
- Has storage for used pods
- Automatic off
- Foldable tray
- Creates delicious espresso with fluffy crema on top
- Simple to use and to clean
- Compatible with Nespresso’s Aeroccino Milk Frother
- Has storage for used capsules
Cons:
- Only 2 drink size options
- Only brews espresso, not coffee
- Milk frother must be purchased separately
For more information on Nespresso’s Pixie take a look at our detailed review.
Nespresso Inisssia vs Pixie
Let’s examine their key similarities and differences to help you determine if Nespresso’s Inissia or Pixie is the right choice for you.
Price
Both the Inissia and the Pixie are budget-friendly coming in as some of the lowest priced Nespresso machines, however, the Inissia is the most budget-friendly of the two models.
Milk Frother
If you prefer a cloud of frothed milk to go with your drink, then a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother is a feature for you to consider adding to your Pixie purchase. The good news is the Inissia comes with the Aeroccino included!
The Aeroccino has the ability to make cold foam as well as hot milk foam and is the perfect compliment to either machine.
Both the Inissia and Pixie are compatible with the Aeroccino milk frother, allowing you to make delicious cappuccinos and lattes at home.
With the Pixie you have to purchase the milk frother separately, however, the Inissia comes standard with the brewing machine.
Water Reservoir
Given its size, both the Inissia and Pixie have a decent sized 24 ounce water reservoir. This size equates to approximately 20 espresso shots or nine lungo shots before having to refill the water in the reservoir.
This is a very convenient feature in that the number of times you will have to refill between brews will be less the larger the brewer’s water reservoir is.
Additionally, both the Inissia and Pixie’s water reservoir is fully removable, which makes it very accessible and easy to refill.
Nespresso Capsules
The quality of coffee offered in Nespresso’s capsules is one of the many reasons Nespresso is very popular.
Originating from the Nespresso Original Line, both the Inissia and Pixie offers different blends that have their own unique taste and intensity.
This offers a one-of-a-kind espresso drinking experience that includes Nespresso’s signature rich crema on top.
It is important to mention that like all Nespresso machines, the Pixie must be paired with an original capsule type in order to brew.
Nespresso capsules are made exclusively for the machine it is designed for. This means the Nespresso Original capsules will not be compatible with other Nespresso machines that are not in the Nespresso Original line and vice versa.
The Nespresso Original line features six capsule collections: Intenso, Lungo, Decaffeinato, Master Origin, Espresso and Crafted for Milk. With the capsules available in both sizes the Pixie offers the 1.35 ounce espresso or the 3.7 ounce Lungo.
Design
The Inissia and the Pixie were both designed to fit in small places. Despite the compact construction they are made to last. The Inissia loses some points due to the plastic material used, making it lighter but slightly less durable than the Pixie.
Features
The Inissia and the Pixie are simplistic, straight forward brewing machines when compared to Nespresso’s more expensive machines.
Overall, most of the features found on both of the machines are the same or similar.
Both brewers have a convenient used capsule container. The Inissia’s capsule reservoir is slightly bigger than the Pixie’s, with the ability to hold 11 used capsules at a time. This is only a slight increase over the Pixie’s used capsule capacity that can hold 10 used capsules at a time.
The empty capsule containers work by automatically dropping the used capsule container into the reservoir when you pull the handle to open the brew chamber. This eliminates the need for you to go back and forth between the espresso Crema is the bubbly, foam-like substance that is found on top of a shot of espresso and results from the chemical reaction that occurs during the espresso brewing process.
The Inissia comes with a power button allowing you to manually turn the machine off when your cup is done brewing instead of having to wait the nine minutes for the automatic turn off button like you do with the Pixie.
The Crema on Top
One of the hallmarks of Nespresso’s is the layer of crema that is on top of each drink you brew. The Original Line results in drinks that are brewed with a light but satisfying crema.
Nespresso vs Keurig
You will find that the most popular single-serve machines are made by two brewing giants the Nespresso vs Keurig. Nespresso is one of the most popular brands when it comes to espresso brewers, whereas Keurig models are king of the single serve coffee makers.
Cozy’s Bottom Line
Nespresso’s Pixie and Inissia are two of the fastest and smallest espresso brewers on the market. Both have the ability to provide you with a crema topped cup of espresso in under 60 seconds.
Their compact and light design allows each model to be extremely portable and both are able to find a comfortable home in even the smallest spaces.
If you want simplicity and a great user experience then both the Pixie and Inissia are great options for you.
However, if you are in the market for a Nespresso that has all the bells and whistles we suggest you opt for a different model such as the Nespresso Creatista.
When it comes to choosing between the Inissia or Pixie, your decision really comes down to the Aeroccino Milk Frother.
If you know you want the milk frothing feature, then we recommend that you go with the Inissia. If milk frothing is not your thing, then opt for the Pixie.
Cozy Conclusion
Nespresso machines are designed to remove the guesswork, measurement and tools needed to brew an espresso at home and instead allows the machine to do all the work. The end result is a hot, delicious brew at just the touch of a button anytime and every time you want one.
If you’re looking for a compact, single-serve machine you can’t go wrong with either the Inissia or the Pixie. When trying to make your determination it really comes down to whether you want the milk frother included or not. Either way, you’ll be getting a quality, compact machine at a decent price.
Wishing you a crema filled cheers!