If you want convenient capsulized coffee without any fancy, unneeded frills, the Nespresso Pixie is our best selection among all Nespresso models. Simply said, the machine works.
It lacks controls for reordering capsules, WiFi connectivity, an integrated frother, and the capacity to brew conventional coffees.
It does, however, feature a fantastic design and the ability to brew high-quality espresso shot after shot from any OriginalLine compatible coffee capsule (including those not produced by Nespresso). In case you are looking for best Nespresso machine, we have a list you can check.
Nespresso Pixie Review: An In-Depth Look
This section of our Nespresso Pixie review delves into the inner workings of the Nespresso Pixie espresso machine and answers some of the most often asked questions about this little but powerful espresso machine from one of the world’s most renowned coffee brands.
Who Makes the Nespresso Pixie?
All of Nespresso’s brewers are based on proprietary technology, however they are not manufactured by the company. Instead, the machine will be manufactured by one of four companies:
- Breville and DeLonghi manufacture it in the United States and Canada.
- Krups and Magimix manufacture it in the United Kingdom.
- Each manufacturer manufactures an espresso machine that operates identically, albeit they may differ in appearance.
What Pods does the Nespresso Pixie Use?
The Nespresso Pixie is a Nespresso OriginalLine espresso machine that uses Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. Though Nespresso sells its own branded coffee capsules, compatible third-party coffee capsules for OriginalLine espresso makers are available from companies such as HiLine Coffee Gourmesso and others.
VertuoLine coffee machines, such as the Nespresso Vertuo Next Nespresso Evoluo, use DRM barcode scanning technology to use different capsules. The Nespresso Pixie does not accept VertuoLine capsules. All of the similarities and differences between Nespresso OriginalLine and VertuoLine are included in our comprehensive comparison.
How to Use the Nespresso Pixie
- The Nespresso Pixie machine is relatively easy to operate and has a straightforward brewing procedure:
- Fill the machine’s 24 ounce water tank with filtered water (the machine’s water tank does not have a water filter).
- To heat the water to brewing temperature, press one of the two buttons on the machine’s top. The two buttons will blink for around 25 seconds until the water temperature reaches brewing temperature, at which point they will stay on.
- Insert your preferred coffee capsule from Nespresso or a third-party roaster.
- Place your demitasse cup or mug on top of the drip tray, under the exit nozzle. To accommodate higher mugs, the drip tray can be removed.
You can choose between a 1.35 oz espresso shot or a 3.70 oz lungo shot. The machine also includes a simple “custom shot size” feature that lets you adjust the volume of the espresso or lungo button.
Press and hold the button you’d like to preset to customize your espresso shot. Your shot will be extracted by the 19 bar pressure pump. Release the button when you’ve attained the volume you want. Every time you brew with the same button, the machine will remember that volume.
The machine does not come with a milk frother, but you can purchase one alone or as part of a bundle to froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, flat whites, and any other Nespresso recipe you can think of. Enjoy a fantastic espresso shot or specialty cocktail made with espresso.
The used capsule will stay in the brewing chamber until you’re ready to brew again. When you open the chamber, the used capsule falls into the spent capsule container, which contains a spent capsule.
Beverages to Make using Nespresso Pixie
Using OriginalLine coffee capsules, the machine has two buttons for espresso and lungo shots. You may brew two beverages by default:
- a 1.35 oz shot of espresso
- Lungo shot, 3.70 oz
It lacks the integrated milk frother found in Nespresso Lattissima and Nespresso Creatista models for cappuccinos, lattes, and other speciality beverages, but you can buy an Aeroccino frother separately or hunt for a Nespresso Pixie bundle that contains both the espresso machine and the milk frother.
You can make an Americano if you enjoy a long cup of coffee every now and then (espresso plus hot water). The Pixie doesn’t have an Americano button like the Nespresso Essenza Plus, but you may configure either (or both) of the machine’s two buttons to create your own Americano system using your favorite Nespresso capsules or other OriginalLine coffee capsules:
- Make one of the buttons your favorite shot size.
- Set the other button to the volume of hot water you prefer.
Simply empty the capsule between pushing both buttons to avoid re-running water through the discarded coffee grounds. As a result, the espresso would be more bitter. Remove the drip tray to fit taller cups when creating milk-based beverages, Americanos, or other drinks with greater volume than a regular shot of espresso. When you’re ready to brew a regular shot, re-insert the drip and raise your cup to avoid splashing.
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