REASONS TO BUY
Ease of operation
Small footprint
Fast-acting
REASONS TO AVOID
Makes weak espresso
Limited customization
Uses proprietary coffee capsules
Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3 Review
An incredibly easy-to-use machine that produces poor-quality espresso
Credit: Nespresso
RELATED: Best Espresso Machine of 2023
Our Verdict
We were happy with the fast velocity of the Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3 espresso and cappuccino production. However, we were not impressed with the quality of the shots. If you want an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean machine — and are willing to tolerate mediocre espresso to get it — this machine will do. But, for our money, we would look elsewhere for a quality shot. To find a unit that makes cafe-quality espresso, check out our lineup of the best espresso machines we tested.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $279 List $159.99 at Amazon | $350 List $349.95 at Amazon | $319 List $189.05 at Amazon | $160 List $159.99 at Amazon | $120 List $119.71 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Ease of operation, small footprint, fast-acting | Great espresso, impressive milk steaming performance, compact design | Easy to use, quick and convenient, decent frothed milk | Good espresso and milk steaming, quite inexpensive | Inexpensive, good milk-heating element, easy to operate |
| Cons | Makes weak espresso, limited customization, uses proprietary coffee capsules | No built-in grinder | Uses expensive capsules, limited flavors available | Doesn't quite achieve cafe quality results, somewhat slow, no built-in grinder | Poor microfoam, slow to heat up, limited to 14 grams dose |
| Bottom Line | An incredibly easy-to-use machine that produces poor-quality espresso | One of the smallest machines we've found that can achieve cafe-quality results | This easy-to-use espresso machine and milk frother package is a great choice if you don't mind paying a little extra in the long run for convenience and so-so espresso | Offers good taste and overall quality at a far below average price | This basic machine may be appealing due to its low cost, but there are better options for producing good espresso if you're looking to save money |
| Rating Categories | Nespresso Essenza M... | Breville Bambino | Nespresso Evoluo | Gevi | De'Longhi Stilosa |
| Espresso Quality (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (15%) | |||||
| Milk Quality (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Nespresso Essenza M... | Breville Bambino | Nespresso Evoluo | Gevi | De'Longhi Stilosa |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 12.8" x 8.1" | 7.7" x 12.6" x 12.2" | 9" x 12.2" x 12.3" | 13" x 10" x 16" | 8.1" x 13.5" x 11.2" |
| Milk Frother | Electric Stand Alone | Steam Wand | Electric Stand Alone | Steam Wand | Steam Wand |
| Measured Water Tank Capacity | 21 oz | 47 oz | 54 oz | 42 oz | 34 oz |
| Cost per Shot | $0.75 | $0.45 | $0.85 | $0.45 | $0.37 |
| Lifetime Cost per Shot | $0.86 | $0.58 | $0.93 | $0.50 | $0.42 |
| Number of Cafe Replacement Shots to Make Up List Price | 120 | 118 | 93 | 51 | 46 |
| Number of Cafe Replacement Lattes to Make Up List Price | 68 | 70 | 52 | 30 | 28 |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3 is a conveniently packaged espresso machine and milk frother. These two work fast and are easy to maintain. However, the espresso produced was underwhelming. As such, we recommend looking at other products before settling on this device.
Performance Comparison
The Essenza Mini is a quick and easy machine and pairs well with the Aeroccino3 to make fuss-free espresso drinks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Espresso Quality
Our espresso quality metric looks at two aspects of the machine: the quality of the shots produced and the ability to customize the process to make improvements to the brew. While the Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3 isn't the worst machine we have tested, it's right down near the bottom. This assessment is largely the result of the machine's lack of adjustability. It uses proprietary coffee ground capsules and sets the water temperature, brew time, and pressure based on the selected coffee type. We found the espresso's taste was one-dimensional and thin, while the crema was stiff and unpleasant.
The pre-ground espresso required for this machine drastically lowers its quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The ease of use metric assesses the Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3's ease of set-up, operation (including the user interface), and the time it takes to make a cappuccino. The Essenza Mini shines in this metric as it's among the easiest to operate in the class. This unit has just four steps in the set-up process once it's out of the box, and it has just two buttons for operation. One can make a cappuccino with the Essenza Mini and clean up in just under 3 minutes. This machine will be a godsend to those who are always running late.
This single-serve device is like any other - simply pop in the pod, press a button, and take your coffee to go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is not something that most people consider when shopping for an espresso machine. However, some of these machines are quite demanding where cleaning is concerned. Luckily, this is not the case with the Essenza Mini. The espresso machine has almost no cleaning requirements. However, the milk frother will need cleaning after each use. Yet, this task is quite easy since the frother is designed to come apart and reassemble rapidly. Like most espresso machines, the Essenza Mini does need semi-annual descaling. Yet even this process is straightforward and only takes about 13 minutes. Our only gripe in this part of our evaluation is that the instructions could be easier to follow. That said, the machine is mostly simple and stress-free.
The bottom tray can be completely removed for easy cleaning.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Milk Quality
For cappuccino and latte lovers, quality milk output is an essential component when purchasing an espresso machine. The Essenza Mini comes in a package with a standalone milk frother that produces average-quality foam. However, the results were consistent and easy to achieve. Moreover, the frother can produce large batches of frothed milk — perfect for latte lovers or those making multiple drinks.
This frother has a larger capacity that can be used to make multiple drinks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Nespresso Essenza Mini + Aeroccino3?
If you favor convenience over quality, the answer is yes. However, be warned that this device does not produce café-quality espresso. Moreover, the milk is frothed — as opposed to being steamed — which generally produces poorer results. That said, if you are shopping for a machine to replicate a café experience, this one is probably not for you.
This middling device is great for early risers who take their coffee to go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Espresso Machines Should You Consider?
If you want a café-quality espresso shot but don't want to break the bank or sacrifice significant counter space to the device, then have a look at the Breville Bambino. But, if it's quality and ease of use you're looking for, then the Breville the Dual Boiler can't be beat. Be advised, this machine's quality and convenience do not come cheap.
—
Jessica Riconscente and Nick Miley
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