Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

History, Culture, and Brewing Principles of Coffee

Coffee is a beverage with a long and rich history, originating from the Ethiopian region of Africa, reportedly discovered by a shepherd who noticed the energizing effect of coffee beans. Subsequently, coffee spread across the Arabian Peninsula and gradually made its way to Europe in the 16th century. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, with diverse coffee cultures and customs around the world.

The brewing principles of coffee are relatively simple, primarily involving the filtration of hot water through coffee grounds or capsules, allowing the caffeine and other compounds in coffee to dissolve in water, forming coffee brew. Different coffee machines and brewing methods can influence the taste and quality of coffee, while factors such as pressure, temperature, and steeping time affect the strength and flavor of coffee.

The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish single-serve espresso maker that delivers barista-quality coffee drinks in seconds. With its sleek design and small footprint, this little machine packs a powerful punch. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, ease of use, and overall value of the Breville Essenza Mini.

Overview

The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish single-serve espresso maker produced by Breville, a renowned Australian appliance brand known for its innovative kitchen products. It delivers barista-quality coffee drinks in seconds. With its sleek design and small footprint, this little machine packs a powerful punch. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, ease of use, and overall value of the Breville Essenza Mini.

Key Features

The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine boasts several key features that make it a standout choice for coffee lovers:

• 19 Bar Pressure System: Delivers professional-grade espresso extraction.
• Fast Heat-Up Time: Ready to brew in just 25-30 seconds.
• Programmable Coffee Volumes: Customize your espresso and lungo sizes.
• Compact and Portable Design: Perfect for small kitchens or travel.
• Energy Efficiency: Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
• Complimentary Welcome Set: Includes 16 Nespresso capsules to get you started.
• Wide Range of Nespresso Capsules: Choose from a variety of Nespresso Original Line capsules, offering a wide range of flavors, intensities, and blends to suit your preferences.

Design

This little espresso maker features a sleek, minimalist design with smooth, high-quality plastic housing available in several elegant colors like Piano Black, Pure White, and Intense Grey. Chrome accents add a touch of sophistication. The user-friendly interface includes two buttons on top: a large one for Espresso and a smaller one for Lungo. The water tank and removable drip tray are conveniently located at the front of the machine, making them easy to access and clean. Used capsules are ejected into an internal receptacle that can hold up to 6-10 capsules.

Ease of Use

Using this mini espresso maker is incredibly simple! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Fill the water tank: Lift the water tank from the back of the machine, fill it with fresh water, and reinsert it.
2. Turn on the machine: Press either the Espresso or Lungo button. The lights will blink while it heats up and become steady when ready.
3. Insert a capsule: Lift the lever, place a Nespresso capsule into the slot, and close the lever.
4. Choose your size and brew: Place your cup under the coffee outlet and press the Espresso or Lungo button. The machine will automatically stop when your coffee is ready.
5. Eject the capsule: Lift and close the lever to eject the used capsule into the container.

The water tank and used capsule container are simple to remove, refill/empty, and replace as needed. Overall, it’s one of the most user-friendly single-serve espresso makers out there.

Coffee Quality

The coffee produced by the Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini coffee machine is rich in flavor and aroma, highly favored by users. The machine’s 19-bar high-pressure pump and precise temperature control ensure optimal extraction, delivering a rich and flavorful cup every time. Its high-pressure extraction system ensures that each cup of coffee fully extracts the aroma and flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich, full-bodied taste.

Crema Quality

The machine produces velvety and rich crema, with a perfect consistency ideal for crafting cappuccinos and lattes. The consistency of the crema allows users to easily create satisfying coffee beverages.

User Satisfaction

Users generally express satisfaction with the coffee produced by the Essenza Mini coffee machine, praising its rich flavor, creamy crema, and consistent quality. Many users compare its quality to coffee brewed at professional coffee shops, believing they can enjoy high-quality coffee experiences at home.

Wide Range of Nespresso Capsules

One of the biggest advantages of the Nespresso system is the vast selection of coffee capsules available. Nespresso offers a wide range of Original Line capsules, each with its unique flavor profile, intensity, and aroma. Whether you prefer a bold, dark roast or a smooth, light roast, there’s a Nespresso capsule to suit your taste. You can also find a variety of limited edition and seasonal flavors throughout the year.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Essenza Mini delivers exceptional espresso! The 19-bar pressure system extracts maximum flavor from the Nespresso pods, resulting in a thick, aromatic crema layer on top. The coffee comes out piping hot at the ideal temperature. Both espresso and lungo sizes offer a rich and flavorful experience, with the intensity and bitterness depending on the specific Nespresso capsule selected.

The rapid 25-30 second heat up time means you can brew cup after cup with virtually no downtime between. Despite its small water tank, you can make up to 9 espresso shots before having to refill, which is impressive for a single-serve machine. The Essenza Mini is surprisingly quiet during brewing as well.

19 Bar Pressure System

The Essenza Mini’s 19 bar pressure pump is a standout feature, as it’s the same pressure used by professional barista machines. This high pressure ensures optimal extraction of flavor and aroma from the coffee grounds, resulting in a rich and full-bodied espresso with a thick, velvety crema.

Fast Heat-Up Time

One of the most convenient aspects of the Essenza Mini is its rapid heat-up time. In just 25-30 seconds, the machine is ready to brew, making it perfect for those mornings when you need a quick caffeine fix. This feature also contributes to energy efficiency, as the machine doesn’t need to be kept on for extended periods.

Programmable Coffee Volumes

The Essenza Mini allows you to personalize your coffee experience by programming two different cup sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (3.7 oz). This flexibility ensures you can enjoy your coffee just the way you like it, whether you prefer a short, intense shot or a longer, milder brew.

Energy Efficiency

The Essenza Mini is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It features an automatic shut-off function that activates after 9 minutes of inactivity, helping to reduce energy consumption. This eco-friendly feature not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of the machine.

Complimentary Welcome Set

To get you started on your Nespresso journey, the Essenza Mini comes with a complimentary welcome set of 16 Nespresso capsules. This allows you to sample a variety of flavors and find your favorites before purchasing additional capsules.

Removable Water Tank

The Essenza Mini features a removable 0.6-liter water tank, making it easy to refill and clean. The tank is located at the back of the machine and can be easily lifted out for refilling. This feature is particularly convenient for those who brew multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.

Used Capsule Container

The machine also has a used capsule container that can hold up to 6-10 capsules. This means you don’t have to empty the container after every use, saving you time and effort. The container is located at the front of the machine and can be easily accessed by lifting the lever. To empty the container, simply remove it from the machine and discard the used capsules.

Automatic Shut-Off

The Essenza Mini is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that activates after 9 minutes of inactivity. This energy-saving feature not only helps reduce electricity consumption but also provides peace of mind, as you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the machine on.

Cleaning

Overall, reviews indicate the Essenza Mini is easy to clean and maintain. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The drip tray, capsule container, and water tank are removable for quick rinsing or washing.

Many customers appreciate that there are minimal nooks and crannies compared to other models, making it more hygienic. The machine features an automatic used capsule ejection system, minimizing the need to clean the brew head. However, occasional cleaning may still be required to remove any residual coffee grounds. The internal parts are inaccessible to users so no deep cleaning is required.

The primary cleaning inconvenience mentioned is the overflowing drip tray. Some users note having to wipe up water from the base every time the drip tray is emptied. But regular cleaning and emptying prevents any buildup issues. Many reviewers say keeping the machine clean is quick and painless.

Noise

Most comments indicate the Essenza Mini is significantly quieter than other pump espresso machines. There is some normal espresso brewing noise but reviewers describe it as gentle humming or whirring. Several customers positively compare it to their previously loud machines.

The pumping and grinding sounds made when inserting and piercing a capsule are noticeable but not intrusive. Any noise is brief, only occurring while brewing. No reviews complain about excessive noise while in use.

Overall, the Essenza Mini appears to be quieter than average for an espresso machine. Customers seem pleased with the noise level, indicating it’s unobtrusive and not disruptive. The consensus is the machine can be used early morning or in offices without disturbing others.

Use Cases

• Quick morning espresso or lungo
• After-dinner espresso
• Entertaining guests
• Office/workspace
• Travel and vacations

User Feedback Analysis

The Nespresso Essenza Mini receives consistently positive feedback from customers. Many reviews mention that it brews a rich, high-quality espresso that rivals expensive coffee shops. Users find the espresso flavor to be bold, smooth, and aromatic with a thick crema layer.

The simplicity and speed of the one-touch operation is frequently praised. Customers describe the machine as easy to use, convenient, and fast. They appreciate the 25-second heat-up time and ability to brew a double shot espresso in under 90 seconds.

While most reviews are positive, some users note drawbacks. The small water tank and drip tray requiring frequent refilling and emptying is cited as an inconvenience by some. A few customers feel the espresso volumes are smaller than standard restaurant sizes. There is also feedback indicating the brew temperature may be slightly low for proper extraction.

However, the overwhelming consensus is that the Essenza Mini makes excellent espresso consistently, is fast and easy to use, and the compact size is perfect for small spaces. Customers highly recommend it for kitchen, office, or travel use.

Pros

• Compact and sleek design
• Fast heat-up and brew times
• Makes high-quality espresso and lungo
• Easy to use and clean
• Quiet operation
• Energy-saving mode
• Durable construction
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Small water tank capacity
• Used pod container could be bigger
• Short power cord

Value

With an MSRP of $149, the Breville Essenza Mini is very attractively priced for a well-made, compact espresso machine. When you calculate the cost per cup, it comes out to as little as $0.70-0.90 including the pod, which is on par with buying a premium espresso at a coffee shop.

Considering you’re getting excellent espresso drinks in under 30 seconds, without leaving your kitchen, the Essenza Mini provides tremendous value. It’s backed by a 1-year limited warranty as well. For espresso lovers with limited space, this little machine delivers big.

Summary

The Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini packs an impressive punch in a petite package. It’s beautifully designed, easy to use, and makes barista-quality espresso and lungo as good as any coffee house. While the water tank could be slightly larger, it’s easy enough to refill as needed. For the price, performance, and convenience, the Essenza Mini is tough to beat. This mighty mini espresso maker earns our hearty recommendation!

Specifications

• Dimensions: 4.3 x 8 x 12.8 inches
• Weight: 5.95 lbs
• Materials: Plastic, metal
• Power: 1255 watts
• Capacity: 0.6 liters
• Pressure: 19 bars
• Programmable cup sizes: Espresso, Lungo
• Energy Consumption: 1255 watts

Box Includes

• Essenza Mini machine
• Welcome folder
• 16 Nespresso capsules (assorted flavors)
• Drip tray
• Instruction manual

User Manual: Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

Safety Precautions

• Caution: Read all safety instructions carefully before operating the machine.
• Electrical Safety: Only plug the appliance into a grounded outlet with the correct voltage. Do not immerse the appliance in water or other liquids.
• Operational Safety: Never leave the machine unattended during operation. Do not insert fingers or objects into the capsule compartment or coffee outlet. Always close the lever completely before brewing.
• Water Tank: Fill the water tank only with fresh, cold, drinking water. Empty the tank if the appliance will not be used for an extended period.
• Cleaning: Unplug the machine and let it cool down before cleaning. Do not use harsh cleaning agents or solvents.

Machine Overview

1. Water Tank Lid
2. Water Tank (0.6 liters)
3. Lever
4. Capsule Container
5. Drip Tray
6. Drip Base
7. Coffee Outlet
8. Espresso Button
9. Lungo Button

Specifications

• Power: 1255 watts
• Pressure: 19 bar
• Heat-up Time: 25 seconds
• Automatic Shut-off: After 9 minutes of inactivity

First Use or After a Long Period of Non-Use

1. Rinse the water tank and fill it with fresh drinking water.
2. Place a container (at least 1 liter) under the coffee outlet.
3. Plug in the machine and press either the Espresso or Lungo button. The lights will blink while heating up (25 seconds) and then turn steady when ready.
4. Press the Lungo button to rinse the machine. Repeat 3 times.

Coffee Preparation

1. Ensure the machine is on and ready (steady lights).
2. Lift the lever completely and insert a Nespresso capsule.
3. Close the lever and place a cup under the coffee outlet.
4. Press the Espresso (40ml) or Lungo (110ml) button to start brewing.
5. After brewing, lift and close the lever to eject the capsule into the used capsule container.

Programming the Water Volume

1. Turn on the machine and wait for it to be ready.
2. Fill the water tank and insert a capsule.
3. Place a cup under the outlet.
4. Press and hold the Espresso or Lungo button until the desired volume is reached.
5. Release the button. The LED will blink fast 3 times to confirm the new setting.

Energy Saving Mode

• The machine automatically enters Auto Off mode after 9 minutes of inactivity.
• To change the setting, press and hold the Espresso button for 5 seconds while the machine is off. Press the Espresso button again to toggle between 9-minute and 30-minute Auto Off modes.

Reset to Factory Settings

1. With the machine off, press and hold the Lungo button for 5 seconds.
2. The LEDs will blink fast 3 times to confirm the reset.

Cleaning

1. Empty and clean the drip tray, drip base, and capsule container daily.
2. Clean the coffee outlet and the inside of the machine regularly with a damp cloth.

Descaling

1. Follow the instructions provided with the Nespresso descaling solution.
2. The descaling process takes approximately 15 minutes.

Troubleshooting

• No light indicator: Check the power source, plug, voltage, and fuse.
• No coffee, no water: Fill the water tank, descale if necessary.
• Coffee comes out very slowly: Descale if necessary.
• Coffee is not hot enough: Preheat the cup, descale if necessary.
• Capsule area is leaking: Position the capsule correctly.
• Irregular blinking: Contact Nespresso customer service.

Disposal and Environmental Protection

• This appliance complies with EU Directive 2012/19/EC.
• Packaging materials and appliance contain recyclable materials.

Limited Warranty

• Breville guarantees this product against defects for two years for domestic use.
• Contact Nespresso customer service for warranty claims.

Contact Nespresso Club

• For assistance or further information, contact Nespresso customer service.

Recycling

• Nespresso offers complimentary recycling services for its capsules.