| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nespresso Pixie |
|
|
 |
Nespresso CitiZ |
|
If you’re considering purchasing a Nespresso machine for your home or office, you may be deciding between the Pixie and the CitiZ, both of which belong to Nespresso’s original line.
At first glance, they probably seem very similar to you, and they are in many ways. However, some key differences can have a significant effect on your brewing experience. Below, we’re comparing these two machines so you can decide which is a better option for you.
Pixie Overview
The Pixie uses an electric pump to force hot water through a pre-packaged coffee capsule at 19 bars of pressure. There is a water reservoir and a tank for holding spent capsules, and the Pixie can be purchased with or without a milk frother for making mixed espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and cafe au laits.
What It’s Good for/When to Choose
The Pixie is nearly identical to the CitiZ, but the most significant difference is the water reservoir’s size. The Pixie’s water tank can hold 24 ounces, making it significantly smaller than that of the CitiZ. The Pixie will need to be refilled more often, but, unlike the CitiZ, it does have a low water indicator to prompt you to refill.
The Pixie also differs from the CitiZ in appearance. The Pixie comes in just two shades of grey and has a very modern, industrial design. The exterior is stainless steel, which makes it appear more premium. It’s important to note that the two machines feel to be the same quality, so this difference only affects the appearance and the actual price, which is cheaper than that of the CitiZ.
The Pixie has a power cord that’s just over 2.5 feet long, which is a foot shorter than that of the CitiZ. The cord length isn’t a significant issue and seems plenty long, but if outlets are few and far between in your kitchen, you may want to decide against the Pixie.
The Pixie is also slightly less convenient to use. It has a lever that you need to close manually before each brew, and the storage tank for spent capsules only holds ten as opposed to the CitiZ’s, which holds 11. These may seem like small differences, but over time it leads to a less convenient experience.
Read our full review of the Nespresso Pixie!
- Low water indicator
- Looks more premium
- Less expensive
- Smaller water reservoir
- Fewer color options
- Shorter power cord
- Holds fewer spent capsules
CitiZ Overview
Like the Pixie, the CitiZ uses 19 bars of pressure to push hot water through a pre-packaged capsule. It pulls water from a water reservoir, and stores spent capsules in a separate tank. The CitiZ can also be purchased with or without a milk frother, just like the Pixie.
What It’s Good for/When to Choose
The CitiZ has a larger water reservoir that can hold 34 ounces. The bigger tank size may not seem like a big deal, but when each shot of espresso is around 2 ounces, it can add up to a significant difference in how often you need to refill the tank. Because there is a larger reservoir, there is no low water indicator, so you’ll have to check the tank before each use to make sure there’s enough water for your coffee.
The CitiZ is offered in a variety of colors: red, grey, black, and white. While the machine is made out of a durable plastic that looks a little cheaper than the Pixie, it feels just as durable and offers some choice as far as colors go. The appearance is more retro, so if that suits your taste, the CitiZ might be a better option for you. It is cheaper than the Pixie as well, which may sway your decision.
The CitiZ’s power cord is a foot longer than that of the Pixie, so it gives you more options for placement, depending on where your outlets are.
Except for the lack of a low water indicator, this machine is a bit more user-friendly. There is a mechanical release for loading the coffee capsule, so it’s a bit easier to begin the brewing process. You’ll also need to empty the spent capsule bin less often, as it holds an additional capsule.
Read our full review of the Nespresso CitiZ!
- Larger water reservoir
- Multiple color options
- Longer power cord
- More convenient to use
- No low water indicator
- More expensive
- Looks cheaper
Convenience vs Price
When you’re comparing the CitiZ vs Pixie, there are a few things to think about. The Pixie has a smaller water reservoir than the CitiZ, which means it will need to be refilled more often. The Pixie’s spent capsule tank is also just a touch smaller, so that will have to be emptied more often as well. Overall, the Pixie is a bit less convenient in terms of clean up.
The Pixie has a low water indicator to help with water management. It is less expensive, so if you don’t mind the minor inconvenience of refilling the water and emptying the spent capsule bin more often, you can save some money by buying the Pixie.
Machine Placement
Along with the functional differences in these machines, some physical differences will make finding a home for your device easier or harder, depending on which you choose.
The Pixie is thinner at 4.4 inches, making it easier to place than the CitiZ, which is 5.5 inches wide. However, the CitiZ has a power cord that is a foot longer than the Pixie’s, so if you have few outlets in your kitchen or office, the CitiZ will make placement easier for you despite its larger size.
Appearance
Lastly, these two machines differ in their appearance, which may be a significant factor for you. If you’re choosing between the Nespresso Pixie vs CitiZ, you’ll want to consider what they’ll look like on your kitchen counter. The Pixie has a more modern and industrial look with its stainless steel exterior. It certainly looks a bit more premium. However, because it has a metal exterior, it only comes in one color (grey) with two shade options.
The CitiZ is made of hard plastic, so while it might look a bit cheaper, it offers four different color options. These machines look a bit more retro, which may fit your style and taste better.
It’s important to note that both machines feel very durable and are equally as capable, so these differences are strictly aesthetic.
Nespresso CitiZ vs Pixie: Which is Right for You?
The Pixie and the CitiZ both have pros and cons in their subtle differences. You’ll need to choose which options suit your space and needs best.
If you want some color customization or a retro look and don’t mind paying a little more for a machine that’s a little more user-friendly, the CitiZ is probably best for you. If you want a more premium-looking machine that is less expensive and you don’t mind a smaller water reservoir and spent capsule tank, the Pixie will suit you best and save you some money.
Both machines produce the exact same quality espresso, so you’ll just need to decide which is better suited for you and your needs. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the differences and choose one for your home!
SEE ALSO: Nespresso Inissia vs Pixie: Which Should You Choose?
