Today, let’s find out which machine between De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next brews better espressos and coffees. After a few brewing sessions, I conclude that Essenza Mini is the winning option.
Delonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini has a very compact design yet a potent espresso extraction. The machine has reasonable control over the coffee temperature, and the flavor is good. I’m impressed by its many convenient additional features like Eco mode. Everything about this model has been stable for me.
On the other hand, Vertuo Next hasn’t offered me as much as I want it to. The espresso quality is good, and there are convenient extra functions, but the temperature hasn’t been great, and there is a bit of a leaking problem. You can find out more below.
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Vertuo Next: Differences
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini wins 2 to 1 and 1 tie against De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next. Check out for more details.
Coffee Flavor
The Winner: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Heating system
Thermoblock is what De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini and De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next use to heat water to brewing temperature. However, despite having the same heating system, the pair works distinctively for me.
Essenza Mini performs between when it comes to water temperature. The drinks come out at 165-170F if I don’t preheat the cup or take extra effort to make sure that the water is steaming hot. The espressos and longs are warm enough to drink right away, but they aren’t too cool either.
I suggest starting up these devices 2-5 minutes before brewing time, even though it only takes 25s to warm up according to the instruction.
Vertuo Next doesn’t perform as well as Essenza Mini regarding beverage temperature. I usually get espressos around 160F, which is a bit too cool. Overall, the temperature is decent for enjoying right away, not for slowly sipping. I recommend preheating the cup to keep the drinks warm for longer.
Brewing Technique
Essenza Mini uses 19 bars pump system while Vertuo Next uses Centrifusion to extract espressos. The espresso flavor that I get from these devices has been similar: fresh, nuanced, and balanced. But the texture has been quite different.
With Essenza Mini, the texture isn’t as full-bodied, but the crema is good, not too thick nor too thin. With Vertuo Next, the drinks have a better mouthfeel. However, the crema layers are too much for me to drink. They are more like coffee foam than coffee crema.
Design
The Winner: De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next
About Essenza Mini, this product line has a more compact design that will sit nicely on any kitchen counter without taking up much space. The primary material of this product is plastic, which explains why it’s so lightweight. If you live in a small studio or dorm without separate rooms, I highly recommend this Nespresso machine.
Is plastic a good material choice? I prefer stainless steel since it’s sturdier and can resist damage better. However, it’s almost impossible to get a new machine made of stainless steel in this price range. So plastic is a good material choice in this price range.
As for Vertuo Next, its recycled plastic background impresses me. The body is lightweight and exceptionally durable as well. If you are environmentally conscious, this device makes a good option.
Drink Size & Compatible Capsules
The Winner: Tie
The Essenza Mini, provides two volume options: Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5 oz). In contrast, the Vertuo Next expands your options with 5 sizes: Espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, alto.
However, the Vertuo Next’s pods are exclusive to Nespresso, potentially limiting your capsule options compared to the Original line.
Conversely, the Essenza Mini, operating with OriginalLine espresso pods, embraces versatility with its compatibility with third-party capsules, offering a broader range of choices and potential savings.
Cleaning & Maintainance
The Winner: De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini
Cleaning these Nespresso machines doesn’t take much effort, especially Essenza Mini.
We can descale and clean these machines using the brewing buttons, even though they make espressos and coffees. With Essenza Mini, Delonghi assures that by descaling the device, it’s not necessary to clean it with cleaning capsules. And to start the descaling process, we hold the 2 espresso and long buttons for 5 seconds.
However, I still recommend cleaning the brew path with cleaning capsules once per week to avoid mold formation or unwanted outcomes.
As for Vertuo Next, to start the cleaning/ rinsing process, we click the brewing button on top 3 times, and to start the descaling process, we hold it for 7s.
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Nespresso Essenza Mini
- Compact machine offers 2 programmable cup sizes; Espresso Lungo
- 19 bar high-pressure pump for barista-style flavor and aroma
- Fast heat-up system reaches ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Automatic shut-off feature 9 minutes after last use
- Machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Next
- SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Vertuo Next coffee maker offers a variety of coffee formats in 6 sizes, including 5, 8, 12 and 18oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos brewed hot or over ice.
- SLIM & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Nespresso’s newest innovation, Vertuo Next, is the most compact, sustainable, and smart Vertuo machine yet. It’s made of partially recycled materials, and is only 5.5 inches wide.
- PRECISION BREWING: unlocks a smooth full bodied coffee topped with a velvety layer of coffee foam, for a perfect cup every time.
- PREMIUM COFFEE BLENDS: Nespresso offers an array of over 40 permanent specialty Vertuo coffees, from dark and strong to mild and smooth, as well as unique limited edition blends and flavors. A complimentary tasting pack is included with your machine.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Nespresso capsules are fully recyclable. Recycle the aluminum capsules through Nespresso's free program.
Last update on 2024-12-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-vertuo-next-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-with-rose-gold-env120b/p/ENV120B
- De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-essenza-mini-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-en85b/p/EN85B
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.