We give Nespresso Pixie a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Nespresso offers a wide range of espresso makers, so how do you decide which model to buy? To help you shop, we took a close look at the Pixie. What’s the verdict? Keep reading to find out!
The Nespresso Pixie is a compact, mid-range model. It’s nicely designed, with an incredibly simple two-button interface and a removable water reservoir. You can program your ideal brew size and adjust the auto-off program. There’s also a handy automatic cleaning cycle, plus a handy low-water alert.
On the other hand, this model doesn’t have any milk frothing capabilities, so you’ll need to invest in a separate machine to make a latte or cappuccino. It’s also a little more expensive than it needs to be, and it can’t brew full-sized cups of coffee.
| Weight: | 6.2 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 4.6 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches |
| Pressure: | 19 bars |
| Settings: | Espresso (1.35 ounces) and lungo (3.7 ounces) |
| Water Tank Capacity: | 23.8 ounces |
| Used Capsule Capacity: | 11 capsules |
| Power Saving: | 9- or 30-minute auto-off |
| Heat Up Time: | 25 seconds |
| Capsule Type: | Nespresso Original |
| Warranty: | One year |
- Programmable cup sizes
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Removable water tank and used capsule container
- Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules
- Not especially sturdy
- No milk accessories
- Can’t brew full cups of coffee
Overall Design
The Nespresso Pixie is a sleek, compact machine that’s simple to use. It comes in two slightly different designs (made by Breville and De’Longhi), both with metallic sides, flip-up cup support, and two programmable brew buttons. It weighs just 6.2 pounds and has a moderately-sized 23.8-ounce water reservoir.
We found the capsule insertion somewhat awkward, and the water tank is in the back, where it can be hard to monitor and refill. Luckily, this model features red lights that will alert you when the tank runs dry.
The Pixie is made out of ABS plastic, which doesn’t feel especially high-end. Still, this espresso maker is nicely designed and won’t take up too much space on your counter.
Price
Given that it’s a Nespresso machine, this model is reasonably priced, falling somewhere in the middle of the company’s range. It’s not the cheapest espresso maker out there, but you’ll still save money on coffee shop espresso.
Settings
The streamlined Pixie doesn’t overflow with settings, which means it’s easy to use right out of the box. If you’re a picky brewer, there are a few ways to control your shot, however. The two brew buttons arrive programmed to brew 1.35-ounce espresso shots and 3.7-ounce lungo shots, but you can program them to use your preferred water volume. You can also top your cup off or pause the brew early by pushing the button again.
Coffee Quality
And how well does the Pixie pull espresso shots? We are happy to report that the Pixie pulls delicious, rich shots topped with plenty of Nespresso’s signature crema.
The Pixie works with Nespresso’s Original capsules, so you can choose among delicious varieties like the Roma and the Capriccio.
RELATED READ: See our full list of the five best Nespresso Original capsules here.
Extra Features
This model doesn’t come with any milk accessories, so if you’d like to make lattes, you’ll need a separate milk steamer. Nespresso sells an excellent standalone steamer, the Aeroccino3, but this will add to your cost.
There is a convenient auto-off feature, which will automatically shut down the machine after nine minutes. Not long enough? You can program it to wait 30 minutes, instead.
Nespresso also offers a dedicated recycling program for its aluminum coffee capsules. Just order a free bag through the website, ship it back to Nespresso, and the company will do the rest.
Cleaning
As with any coffee machine, you’ll need to clean and descale the Nespresso Pixie regularly. Fortunately, there’s an automatic cleaning cycle. Nespresso recommends that you only use its brand of descaling solution, available online. The cleaning cycle takes 15 minutes.
Warranty
Nespresso offers a one-year warranty on the Pixie, backed up by its famously responsive customer service. You’ll get free repairs or replacements, and you may even get a temporary espresso maker while yours is in the shop.
Nespresso Pixie Review: The Verdict
So what did we think of the Nespresso Pixie? This is a simple, compact machine with a fast start-up time. It’s easy to use and program, and the resulting espresso is robust and full of crema. The warranty is good, if not overly lengthy, and the dedicated cleaning cycle means you won’t have to spend much time descaling.
The downsides? This is a mid-range model, so you could spend less for a similar number of features. It’s also not in the VertuoLine, meaning that it’s not designed to brew larger cups of coffee. Finally, this espresso maker doesn’t offer very many alerts or smart features, so you’ll have to keep an eye on maintenance and descaling schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of capsules are compatible?
The Pixie works with all of Nespresso’s Original capsules.
What cup sizes does it brew?
Straight out of the box, the Pixie brews 1.35-ounce espresso and 3.7-ounce lungo shots. Not big enough? You can program the buttons to brew using your preferred water volume. Plus, you can top off the shot or pause it early.
Does the Pixie brew full-sized cups of coffee?
No, the Pixie isn’t designed to brew large cups of coffee. If you want to be able to brew up to 14 ounces of coffee, you may prefer one of Nespresso’s VertuoLine models, like the VertuoPlus or Evoluo.
Who makes the Pixie?
Nespresso partners with two well-known coffee companies on the Pixie: Breville and De’Longhi. These two models have slightly different designs and appearances, but the inner technology is all Nespresso.
Can you make a latte with the Pixie?
Not really, though you can pull a short or long shot of espresso using the Pixie. To turn it into a latte, you’ll need to buy a separate milk frother. Choose from our list of the best milk steamers or opt for Nespresso’s Aeroccino3.
