Nespresso Citiz & Milk Review [Pros, Cons + Is It Worth It]

This is my in depth review of Nespresso Citiz and Milk.

I’ve recently been experimenting with Nespresso pods, and I got in touch with a compact machine and intact Aeroccino 3 frother, the Nespresso Citiz and Milk.

Be with me as we dive into details about Nespresso Citiz and Milk.

Features of Citiz & Milk

Nespresso Citiz & Milk Overview

Nespresso machines come with their two trademarks, Original and Vertuoline.

The OriginalLine coffee machine uses a 19-bar high-pressure system to extract every note and they’re finer than VertuoLine ones due to the earlier genuine and hot espresso.

Hence, if you’re looking for a duo of compact and sufficing, look no further than the Nespresso Citiz and Milk espresso machine. It has upgraded features over its other single-serve machines like Pixie, Innisia, Essenza Mini, and Essenza plus.

First, it has a 34 oz water reservoir which is more than 10 oz larger than its counterparts. And second, it comes with an integrated Aeroccino 3 frother. The integrated milk frother, the 19-bar pressure system, and auto-off features make it parallel to the Nespresso Lattissima series (though the milk frother is an attached one in Lattissima).

Citiz and Milk has two pre-programmed buttons, one for 1.35-ounce espresso shots and the other for 3.7-ounce lungo shots. Pre-programmed buttons mean that in Citiz and Milk, you can’t tweak the perfect temperature and pressure for your espresso shot except for water volume.

This works by pressing any brew button until you reach your desired shot volume. Once you release the button, your espresso maker will remember it. The amount of water used per shot will eventually affect the strength and size of your espresso.

Pros:

1. Aeroccino 3 frother available.
2. Pre-programmed and one-touch brewing system.
3. Won’t dismantle as manufactured in Switzerland.
4. Heats up and brews fast.
5. Uber-compact size.
6. Compatibility with non-brand capsules.

Cons:

1. Unsteady 19-bar pressure.
2. Milk frother doesn’t attach to the machine.
3. Missing features i.e. no descaling alert.
4. Noisy pressure system.
5. Limited to only two brew options.

Things to consider before buying Nespresso Citiz & Milk

Read below to know more about its features.

Design and Compact Footprints

Citiz & Milk has a slender size that will fit on even the most congested kitchen counter, even your office. Though Pixie is the leanest machine in the Nespresso OriginalLine series, Citiz and Milk also have nominal dimensions (WxDxH) of 8.6 x 14.6 x 10.9 inches. Both machines have almost the same footprints, but the Citiz and Milk are considerably taller and a bit wider (because of Aeroccino 3 Frother).

Citiz’s drip tray is removable and foldable, which makes it easy for you to place large cups.  Also, it has a plastic casing and transparent plastic water reservoir.

Its polished minute steel handle will make the outer look more sturdy and boost its overall durability. But users find the handle a bit stiff, and it’s not smooth as it assumes to be. It weighs 7.5lbs, unlike the Pixie, which you can put in a bag before going on a picnic or vacation.

When it comes to its manufacturing partners (Breville and Delonghi), I noted a slight difference in the spout design. Other than that, the actual technology and features are similar.

Delonghi Nespresso Citiz & Milk	Breville Nespresso Citiz & Milk
Citiz and Milk by Delonghi has a delicate spout.	Citiz and Milk by Breville has a bit bulging and broad in size spout.

Nespresso Citiz and Milk has been declared the winner of the 2011 Red Dot Design Award because of its compact design that fits in every kitchen. The Nespresso Citiz and Milk comes in five colors (on Amazon), Limousine Black, White, Chrome, Silver, and Cherry Red.

Better coffee quality 

Nespresso Citiz and Milk offers high-quality espresso, and it is because of its 19-bar electric pressure system that allows you to make a silky extraction with crema on the top.

According to my observation with the Nespresso Citiz and Milk espresso machine, it brews a better shot of espresso as compared to the VertuoLine coffee makers, and it outperforms the espresso made by the Keurig K-Cafe or any other pod-based coffee maker.

But if we technically examine Citiz and Milk espresso, it lacks actual espresso’s three main attributes, i.e., 200ºF temperature and consistent 9 bar pressure pump.

Whereas, Citiz and Milk don’t cater to any. Its espresso is 177ºF hotter instead of 200ºF, and it offers an inconsistent 19-bar pressure pump, not a consistent 9-bar pressure pump.

Though, these are the technicalities for a choosy espresso lover; if you’re not, then I’m sure Citiz and Milk will not dismay you.

Water Tank Capacity:

Although Citiz and Milk is known for its urban compactness, it offers you a moderate size 33 oz elegant and transparent water reservoir. That removable water reservoir is positioned at its hindmost site. That’s why some users claim that it’s difficult to monitor as it doesn’t have a red light alert for empty water tanks, similar to Pixie.

Note: Citiz and Milk’s downfall is that it doesn’t have a filter in the water reservoir; that is why I recommend using filtered water for a better taste and delaying the descaling procedure.

Brewing a cup of espresso

The brewing process is pretty transparent. After inserting your preferred Nespresso OriginalLine pods into the capsule container, you’ll choose a brew option.

The Citiz and Milk will pump hot water into the flat top of the pod. The pod is then spun at an incredible pace of 7000rpm (rotations per minute), aggressively infusing the hot water and crushed beans. Finally, the coffee pours out of the pod of the dispenser via multiple perforated holes in the pod into your mug.

Citiz and Milk brewed a shot of espresso via its two pre-programmed buttons, one for 1.35-ounce espresso shots and the other for 3.7-ounce lungo shots. Citiz and Milk will take 25 seconds to heat up because of its thermoblock tech. Once it turns green, it is ready to brew your beverage in less than a minute.

You can fold the tray grid upward when you’re brewing lungo shots or full-sized cups.

Does the Nespresso Citiz and Milk espresso maker brews a standard cup?

The answer is yes. The Nespresso Citiz and Milk espresso machine, like Keurig coffee machines, allows you to fit a large cup or travel-size mug.

It is because of the Citiz foldaway platform located above the drip tray. Once you fold this platform in an upward direction, there is space between the dispenser and the drip tray for a large-sized cup.

Energy-efficient and programmable espresso maker

Citiz and Milk utilizes less energy than standard espresso machines, making it better for not just the environment but also saving your bucks on bills.

It has an automatic shutdown that turns the machine off after nine minutes of inactivity (you can set it to 30 minutes, too). This function drastically cuts energy use and saves you the headache of remembering to switch it off when you’re in a hurry.

Note: This auto-off feature consumes 40% less energy than other espresso machines designated as A by FEA/CECED labeling.

Coffee capsule Compatibility and pod bin

Citiz and Milk is from the Nespresso Original Line model, which is why it is compatible with OriginalLine Nespresso capsules and not the VertuoLine. It offers compatibility with non-Nespresso coffee pod brands like Gourmesso or HiLine Coffee.

The Nespresso capsule system provides great flavor and distinctive smells by preparing high-quality coffees in hermetically sealed and recyclable aluminum capsules for the highest degree of coffee pleasure.

Furthermore, the machine presently offers a welcoming gift of Grand Cru coffee capsules that include 14 distinct types of espresso flavors, allowing you to select the best flavor.

For more information about where to buy Nespresso Citiz and Milk Pods, read our guide on where to buy Nespresso pods.

Nespresso Citiz and Milk have a used capsule container capacity that can store 9 capsules located under the spout. The insertion and ejection system of capsules in Citiz is completely manual. This means you need to raise the holder after making a cup for capsule ejection.

Milk accessory of espresso maker

If you buy the basic model, you will not receive any milk accessories; however, you may upgrade to the Nespresso Citiz with milk frother model, which includes the Aeroccino 3 milk frother incorporated into the machine’s side.

Citiz with Aeroccino will increase your expense a bit, but by Citiz and Milk model, Aeroccino 3 will cost you only $35, and you’ll save $59.

Thus, it may be a good alternative, as it’s less expensive than other models like the Nespresso Creatista and Nespresso Lattissima.

This simple frother comes with two whisks, one for cold froth and the other one for hot froth. Its single button can froth your milk in a barista-like style.

Cleaning and maintenance

Citiz and Milk detachable parts, including folding drip tray, drip grid, cup support, water reservoir, spent pod storage, and aeroccino 3, make the cleaning more practical.

Citiz and Milk water reservoir and milk frother have a lid that prevents the water or milk from contaminants but changing the liquid frequently prevents it from mold.

Tap water may be used to make a great espresso, but Nespresso prefers filtered water. If you use tap water, descale it once a month.

For more guidance regarding the cleaning of Citiz and Milk, take help from its Intermittent cleaning guide.

To get a practical experience for proper descaling, read Citiz and Milk’s descaling guide, which explains the prerequisites. For the desired outcome, give this descaling method at least 15 minutes.

Just purchase the Nespresso descaling kit, and don’t use any other harsh cleaner for descaling. For more guidance, go through our blog on how to descale Nespresso machine.

Ease of Use:

Citiz and Milk is pretty easy to use because of the espresso maker’s two-button interface. Also, when you press the one-touch button again, you can halt the brew or even add more once it has finished. The Citiz has an enticing feature in that you can teach the machine your preferred water volume by holding the buttons down.

How to use the Nespresso Citiz and Milk coffee maker?

Don’t stop reading if you want to know the exact steps.

• Fill the 24 oz water reservoir with filtered water and Aeroccino 3 frother with milk.
• Turn the machine and Aeroccino On.
• If the light is blinking, the machine is heating up.
• When the light becomes steady, lift the lever and insert your favorite capsule, either from Nespresso or off-brand.
• Close the lever and place a cup of sufficient capacity.
• Close the frother lid and press the button.
• Choose either espresso or lungo.
• See the frother’s flashing button. It indicates completion.
• Pour hot milk into your cup and enjoy your favorite beverage.

Final Verdict

If you’re a beginner with single-serve machines and don’t want to indulge in a lot of extras, Citiz and Milk is best. It is a wonderful machine if you want cappuccino and latte capability without upgrading to one of Nespresso’s higher-end (and more costly) Lattissima models.

But if you want to directly mix the milk foam and espresso, then probably this is not for you. Moreover, if you want a machine for travel purposes, then Citiz and Milk isn’t portable. And if you want more brew options, then I suggest you reach out to some other machine.

Nespresso Citiz and Milk Alternatives:

I’ve mentioned some of the Citiz and Milk alternatives. Give this a read for a better decision.

Lattissima Plus

The Lattissima Plus is a single-serve espresso machine with three espresso selections and three milk drink options. It has an integrated milk frother that directly mixes the foam silk and espresso without extra effort, unlike Citiz and Milk.

Essenza Mini

The Essenza Mini has a 24 oz water container, and its used capsule container capacity is 6, unlike the Citiz and Milk. It became an alternative for Citiz and Milk because of its portability and slim size. You can take it on a travel spot, contrary to Citiz and Milk.

Nespresso VertuoLine

The Nespresso VertuoLine series offer more brew sizes, including Alto, and extra features, unlike Citiz and Milk. So, if you want high-end tech with some advanced specs, then go for the VertuoLine range like Vertuo Plus or Next.

FAQs:

Still if you have any questions, read below:

What is the difference between Delonghi and Nestle Models?

Their biggest difference is in the aesthetics and additional goodies. The Delonghi is available in jet black and includes a welcome capsule box. The Nestle is chrome in color and doesn’t come with any extras.

What is the difference between Delonghi vs Breville Models?

Both models differed in color, spout, welcome capsules, and price range. Otherwise, the main tech is the same. Delonghi comes in black with a sleek spout, whereas Breville is chrome with a bulging spout. Breville offers fewer welcome capsules and is pricier than Delonghi.

Is the Nespresso CitiZ discontinued?

Yes, Citiz by Nespresso in black (the best mid-range machine in the OriginalLine series) is a discontinued model. Still, you can find it on the Amazon site.

Will Ground Coffee Work With the Machine?

The simple answer is yes. You can use recyclable capsules like Seal pods and enjoy your favorite ground coffee in the morning.