Today, I’m reviewing Nespresso Pixie Electric Titan (a discontinued espresso machine). 

I’ve recently been experimenting with Nespresso pods, and I got in touch with a compact machine, the Nespresso Pixie. 

Be with me as we dive into details about Nespresso pixie.

Features of Nespresso Pixie

Nespresso Pixie Overview

Nespresso machines come with their two signature systems, Original and Vertuo.

The OriginalLine of coffee machine bestows a classic espresso impression by using a 19-bar high-pressure system to extract every note. OriginalLine machines are finer than Vertuo ones due to the earlier authentic and hot espresso.

Hence, if you’re finding a trio of quick, simple, and practical, look no further than the Nespresso Pixie that has a neck in neck on many fronts with Inissia. Such as a 24 oz water container, pressure system, compact as it doesn’t cater to too much space, etc.

Nespresso Original Pixie has some upgraded features over its other single-serve machine, Nespresso Essenza Mini. Pixie has a 24 oz water tank instead of Essenza Mini 20 oz and Pixie’s used capsule container capacity is 9-11 instead of 6 of Essenza Mini.

Check out the Nespresso Essenza Plus if you want a similarly tiny machine with more features and functionality.

Additionally, if you value a bigger water reservoir of 33 oz, then you can go with Citiz, which is slightly pricier than Pixie.

If you want a barista style result, you need to buy Aeroccino 4 milk frother separately or buy Nespresso Pixie Bundle. Or you’ve got another option as well. You can get yourself a Nespresso Latissima or Nespresso Creatista to explore a distinct version of espresso.

The aesthetics of Nespresso Krups Pixie are peculiar because of its flawless industrial style metal sides that come in silver and red colors.

Pros

• Pre-programmed and one-touch brewing system.
• No pod scanning so compatible with Nespresso Original and third party capsules.
• Detachable parts like drip tray make cleaning easy.
• Durable Avante Garde prototype with anodized aluminum exterior.
• Won’t dismantle as manufactured in Switzerland.
• Heats up and brews fast.
• Uber-compact size.

Cons

• Unable to make full cups of coffee.
• Milk frother isn’t available.
• Limited in making only espresso.
• Unsteady 19-bar pressure.
• Inadequate 24 oz water reservoir.
• Costly in parallel to its simplistic features.
• Noisy pressure system.

Things to consider before buying Nespresso Pixie:

Read below to know more about its features.

Design and Compact Footprints

Pixie, as the name suggests, is lean and ergonomic in overall stature, and that’s why it squeezes into any counter space, office desk, under the kitchen cabinet, or living room. This is because of its nominal dimensions (WxDxH) of 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches.

However, its polished steel handle will make the outer look more sturdy and boost its overall durability. 

It weighs just 6.6lbs, so it’s easily portable. This means that if you’re a camper or planning to go on vacation, just put Pixie in your bag with other significant items, and there you go. 

When it comes to its manufacturing partners (Delonghi & Breville espresso machine), a stark difference may be seen in the design holistically, but the patent technology remains the same. Here is the Nespresso Pixie Electric Titan vs Aluminum:

Nespresso Pixie Delonghi	Nespresso Pixie Breville
Pixie by Delonghi, aka Nespresso D60, has shein yet straight aluminum side panels. One more noticeable thing is the slim and delicate spout.	Pixie by Breville, aka Nespresso C60, has an Electric Titan color with pressed and industrial-looking side panels. The spout is a bit bulging and broad in size.

Nespresso Pixie  Breville and Delonghi have been declared the winner of the 2011 Red Dot Design Award. It was because of its anodized aluminum side panels that are scratch-resistant. The Nespresso Pixie comes in two colors: electric titan and aluminum but Nespresso sells its colorful side panels.

Water Tank Capacity:

Although Pixie is known for its slim size, it offers you a moderate size 24 oz (0.7L) elegant and transparent water reservoir with a red alert for refilling water when empty. That removable water reservoir is attached to its back. According to some, it is straightforward, but some find it difficult to monitor and refill.

If you place it on the wall, then you may find it difficult to remove the water reservoir and check whether it’s empty or not. But if you place Pixie on your middle counter (not attached to the wall), then yes you can manage it easily.

Note: Pixie’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.

Coffee capsule Compatibility

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

In contrast to VertuoLine Nespresso machines, like Evoluo, Vertuo Next, or Vertuo Plus, only Nespresso capsules with DRM barcodes are suitable.

Furthermore, the machine presently offers a welcoming gift of coffee capsules that include 16 distinct types of espresso, allowing you to select the best flavor.

For more information about buying Nespresso pods read our guide on where to buy Nespresso pods.

Face Value of this espresso machine

Nespresso Pixie falls in a moderate price range, but it is a bit more costly than its other counterpart, Essenza Mini. Though, it doesn’t have some extra features like a milk frother, water filter, etc. However, its sturdiness improvised its durability which is worth the price. 

I know that Pixie doesn’t fall in the category of the most economical espresso machine but eventually, you’ll end up saving bucks on coffee shop espresso. 

Brewing a cup of espresso

Pixie 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 (Contrary to the coffee machine that brews your favorite iced coffee drink and hot beverages).

When you need to use a larger cup, you may flip this tray up, allowing you to prepare lungo shots.

Pre-programmed buttons mean that Pixie can’t tweak the perfect temperature and pressure for your espresso shot except for your preferred water volume. Hence, by pressing the button again, you may also top off your cup or pause the brew early. The amount of water used per shot will eventually affect the strength and size of your espresso. 

Does the Nespresso espresso maker brew a regular cup? 

The reply is simply No. The Nespresso Pixie espresso machine, unlike Keurig coffee machines, does not allow you to produce a full-sized cup of coffee. You may, however, make an Americano, which is around 5 oz in volume and is akin to a tiny cup of coffee.

But if you’re a moody brewer, then check out Nespresso VertuoLine models that can brew a standard cup of coffee (17 oz) and can brew espresso shots as well.

Additionally, Pixie can brew quickly which clearly illustrates that if you’re in your workspace it saves your time.

Espresso quality & other technicalities

Pixie offers high-quality espresso, and it is because of its pressure system. The Nespresso Pixie espresso maker lacks a pressure gauge. Nonetheless, its 19-bar electric pump allows for a smooth, creamy extraction of delicate flavor.

As per my experience with the Nespresso Pixie 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 it, then the hallmarks of Pixie’s espresso don’t fall into the actual espresso category.

The actual espresso has three main attributes: First, its ideal temperature is 200ºF. Second, it pumps 9 bars of consistent pressure while extraction. Finally, the espresso’s extraction time is almost 25-30 seconds.

Honestly, Pixie doesn’t cater to any of them. Let me go through this. Pixie heats the water to 185ºF instead of 200ºF. Pixie offers a 19-bar pressure pump, but it is inconsistent, and for true espresso, the pressure must be about 9 bars. Pixie’s extraction duration is less than 25-30 seconds.

These technicalities are for a picky brewer, if you’re not then you can go with Pixie. I’m sure that its creamy top and strong espresso shot won’t disappoint you.

Energy efficient and Programmable espresso maker:

The Pixie consumes significantly less energy than traditional espresso machines, making it better for the environment and your money when the electric bill arrives.

It includes an automated shutdown that switches off the machine after nine minutes of inactivity (Instead, you may set it to wait 30 minutes). This function dramatically reduces energy use and saves you the hassle of having to remember to turn it off when you’re in a rush.

On the top, Pixie’s LED lighting decreases the energy automatically. Pixie’s Thermoblock technology heats the machine in the 30s from when you plug it in.

Eco-friendly machine

Pods are a major problem for the environment. For that matter, Nespresso’s dedicated program can recycle the capsule. You need to buy the aluminum coffee capsules from Nespresso, and after using them, ship them back to Nespresso, and the brand will do the rest.

Cleaning and maintenance

Pixie’s detachable parts, including folding drip tray, drip grid, cup support, water reservoir, and spent pod storage, make the cleaning more practical.

Pixie’s water reservoir has a lid that prevents the water from contaminants but changing the water frequently prevents it from algae.

You can brew a good espresso with tap water, but Nespresso prefers filtered water. Descale it once a month if you use tap water.

For more info regarding Pixie cleaning, you can take help from Pixie’s step-by-step cleaning guide.

To get hands-on experience for a proper descaling, make sure to read Pixie’s descaling guide, which assists you in what to do and what not. You need to give at least 15 minutes to this descaling method for good results.

For descaling, grab the Nespresso descaling kit only, and don’t use any other cleaner. For more guidance read our blog on how to descale Nespresso Machines.

Warranty

The Pixie comes with a two-year warranty and is supported by fast customer care of the Nespresso machine. You’ll get free repairs or replacements, and you could even get another espresso machine while yours is repairing.

How to use the Nespresso Pixie

Need to know the exact steps? Don’t quit reading.

• Fill the 24 oz water reservoir with filtered water.
• Turn the machine On.
• If the light is blinking, the machine is heating up, and it will take almost 25-30 seconds.
• 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.
• Choose either espresso or lungo.
• After seeing your preferred volume, release the button so the next time machine will remember it.

What drinks can you make with Nespresso Pixie?

Pixie has two beverage options: one is a 1.35 oz espresso shot, and the other is a 3.70 oz lungo shot.

As I said above, Pixie doesn’t have a milk frother for cappuccinos and lattes like Lattissima or Creatista. But you can buy Nespresso Pixie Aeroccino frother from the bundle.

Moreover, Pixie doesn’t offer more espresso recipes. That’s why for Americano you need to buy Nespresso Essenza Plus. However, you can program Pixie from its two buttons and create your very own Americano system. You can do this by programming one button for hot volume and the other for shot size.

The Verdict

Have a glance at this Nespresso Pixie review which is a summarized version for a quick breakthrough:

• Pixie from the Original Line brews better espresso than the VertuoLine machines in terms of robust extraction (19-bar pressure pump) and a hotter shot of espresso.
• Thermoblock tech for quick heating in 25-30 seconds.
• Energy-efficient as it turns off in 9 minutes.
• Automatic capsule ejection and compatibility with Original Line and third-party capsules.
• Pre-programmed pressure and temperature except for the customizable water volume. 
• Moderate 24 oz water reservoir with Espresso and Lungo button options.
• Aluminum exterior for enhanced durability instead of plastic ones.
• Cable stores under the machine.
• Convenient two-button interface and On/Off feature with practical cleaning and descaling due to detachable parts like drip tray.

If you’re a beginner with single-serve machines and don’t want to indulge in a lot of extras Pixie is best. You can buy it if you’re home alone as it will brew a decent shot quickly. And if you’re planning a picnic spot, then grab Pixie in your bag, as its compact size won’t bother you.

If you want a standard cup of coffee or other types of hot beverages, purchase Keurig K-Classic instead. Furthermore, if you want to truly be involved in the brewing process, like tweaking the pressure, temperature, and coffee-to-water ratios, then look for some other options. And if you want some extra add-on features like a milk frother or a large water reservoir, then I suggest you buy the alternatives mentioned below.

Nespresso Pixie Alternatives

I’ve mentioned some of the Pixie alternatives which outclass Pixie in a few things. Give this a read for a better decision.

DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Plus:

The DeLonghi Lattissima Plus is a single-serve espresso machine with three espresso selections and three milk drink options. Pixie’s simplicity is parallel with Lattissima Plus, as you just have to press a button, and it does the rest. Lattissima Plus varies from the Pixie in that it contains a milk frother and can accommodate a variety of coffee shop beverages.

3. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus:

This is another espresso machine with a single serving. It contains a milk frother, unlike the Pixie, which allows you to make more beverages. You can produce ristretto, espresso, and lungo coffees, as well as milk beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. It also offers advanced features like an intelligent LCD display for simple configuration. Its water tank is 50.7 ounces larger than Pixie’s.

3. Keurig K-Café:

The Keurig K-Café varies from the Nespresso Pixie espresso in that it has a bigger water tank, up to 60 ounces, allowing you to prepare up to six cups of coffee before needing to replenish. It is particularly unique in that it has a frother and lets you brew a variety of beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte. It is bigger than the Pixie and weighs 12.65 pounds more.

FAQs

Still if you have any questions, read below:

What is the difference between Nespresso Essenza Mini and Pixie?

Nespresso Pixie espresso maker has some upgraded features over its other single-serve machine, Nespresso Essenza Mini. Pixie has a 24 oz water tank instead of an Essenza Mini 20 oz water tank. Also, Pixie came up with an increase in the used capsule capacity from 6 of Essenza Mini to 10 of Pixie.

Does Nespresso Pixie come with milk frother?

This model does not have any milk equipment, so if you want to prepare lattes, you will need to purchase a separate milk steamer, or you can buy a Nespresso Pixie bundle that includes Delonghi Nespresso Pixie espresso and Aeroccino 3 milk frother. This will increase your expense a bit, but with the bundle, Aeroccino will cost you $63 and you will save almost $35.

Is Nespresso Pixie noisy?

For a pod coffee machine, the Nespresso Pixie espresso is rather quiet. Additionally, it is quieter than a Keurig coffee maker and larger Nespresso espresso machines, but you’ll still hear its pressure pump during extraction. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the quietest machine available.

How long does a Nespresso Pixie last?

This espresso maker will last between five and ten years if you take it properly. You should descale it after every three months or after 300 capsules, and use filter water for smooth functioning.