Inissia vs. Pixie: The Similarities & The Differences

The Nespresso line of coffee machines is always the go-to option when you want something that delivers flavorful coffee in seconds. These coffee makers are also the perfect choice when you want something slim and stylish that is super easy to use.

But, with the many models of Nespresso machines out there, sometimes choosing one can be very confusing, and this is more so when you have to pick between two very similar models like the Nespresso Inissia and Nespresso Pixie.

The two are famous for their smaller, space-saving size, and their simple design that will ensure making coffee is more straightforward even for inexperienced users.

But when you have to decide which one to buy between the two, you will be better off knowing what each has to offer, their pros and cons, and most importantly their differences, and this is what this piece is all about.

Nespresso Inissia Overview

The Nespresso Inissia is a compact and lightweight coffee machine, which besides taking up little counter space is also easier to carry around for making coffee on the go.

But, what many coffee fanatics love most about it is the more affordable price tag as this is one of the cheapest Nespresso machines you can get out there. And despite the smaller price tag, it still has a lot to offer and makes some amazing brews.

Nespresso Inissia uses a powerful 19-bar pump just like the Pixie, and so you can be sure that it has more than enough power to ensure excellent espresso extraction. And it also has a 24-ounce water reservoir that will allow you to pull several shots of espresso before having to refill.

With this coffee machine, you will also get easy capsule injection and ejection, and it has also been designed with a built-in spent capsule container that will make it easy to manage used capsules as it can hold up to 10.

There are also more color options to choose from for those that like to have a sleek-looking machine that matches their kitchen. And this coffee machine should be ready to brew in just 25 seconds.

However, this Nespresso machine will lack some fancy features that you would get on other more expensive models such as the Pixie, and one such feature is an indicator light that alerts you when the water tank is empty.

Nespresso Pixie Overview

Nespresso Pixie is another compact machine that also comes in a more solid design that will incorporate stainless steel and not just plastic like the Inissia, and hence making it a little more durable.

Besides the compact brewing unit, this machine also uses a powerful 19 bar pump to ensure fast and efficient extraction for highly flavorful shots. And with its 24-ounce water tank, you can also make several shots of espresso before you need to refill.

Unlike the Inissia, this Nespresso machine also comes with a handy backlight indicator and water level detection which will be very useful in alerting you when you are running out of water.

Also, this machine will come with a folding drip tray that allows it to accommodate taller coffee mugs and a larger used capsule bin that can hold up to 10 spent capsules.

While it might be a little larger and heavier than the Inissia, it is still a compact and lightweight coffee machine by all standards.

Comparison Chart

Nespresso Inissia vs. Nespresso Pixie

Both Inissia and Pixie will not disappoint when it comes to making flavorful coffee, and both will take up almost insignificant counter space. But, they are not entirely the same, and if you are trying to decide which of the two to buy, here are some important points to keep in mind as they will help you with the choice.

Key Similarities

1. Pump Pressure

You cannot afford to overlook the pump pressure when buying an espresso machine, and the Nespresso types are still not an exception as they also rely on pressure to extract the coffee.

Despite these two being small budget models, they still have more than enough pressure to ensure quick and efficient extraction as they both have 19-bar pumps.

These high-pressure pumps will deliver barista-quality results as they allow you to unlock all those delicate flavors from the coffee when brewing and also ensure you get a nice and rich crema at the top which is just what you want.

But given the similarity in pump pressure, no model has an edge here, and so it is a tie.

2. Drink Options

Espresso lovers have different preferences when it comes to the drink options, and so a good Nespresso machine is one that will allow you to choose what you prefer.

Both Inissia and Pixie will offer two beverage size options which are a standard espresso and lungo, which means you can make either a 1.35 or e3.7 ounce shot.

And choosing your preferred drink is also easy with both machines as they will come with some easy to use programmable buttons.

3. Reservoir Capacity

Given the size of these Nespresso machines, it should be obvious that they will also come with relatively smaller water reservoirs.

However, what you get on both models is larger than what many users might think because they will include 24-ounce water tanks, which are quite large for their size and price range. With this water reservoir capacity, you can make more than ten shots of espresso before you need to refill

The water tanks on both machines are also removable which makes refilling and cleaning easier. And the tanks for both coffee makers are made from heavy gauge plastic to ensure maximum durability.

Key Differences

4. Preheating Time

Because you do not want to have to sit around for several minutes waiting for your espresso machine to heat up and get ready to brew, it is always vital to check the preheating time of any machine you intend to buy.

Luckily, like many other Nespresso machines, these two have some super-fast heat-up time, and so you will never have to wait long before you can pull a shot.

Nespresso Inissia seems to have a slight edge here as it will always be ready to make coffee in under 25 seconds which is as good as it can get for the machines. Pixie, on the other hand, also heats up quite fast but in many instances, it will take between 25 and 30 seconds.

5. Housing Material

Because you will be using your Nespresso machine every other day, it needs to be able to take a beating to ensure it serves you well for long.

Since these are small budget models, you should not expect them to be as tough as the full-size espresso machines, but the good news is that they will still last long enough and withstand the abuse that comes with regular use.

With that said, the Inissia seems to fall a little short here as it is mostly made of plastic components, and the housing is also mostly plastic. Pixie, on the other hand, is a sturdier machine that feels more solid because besides using a heavy-duty plastic material for the housing, it also has stainless steel components that further enhance the durability.

6. Empty Reservoir Indicator

Nothing is more annoying than trying to pull a quick shot of espresso only to realize that your Nespresso machine does not have water. While refilling most models is often quick and easy, this is quite inconvenient and can be very frustrating especially when you only have a few minutes to spare for coffee.

But with the Nespresso Pixie, you will never have to worry about running out of brewing water without realizing it as it comes with some handy empty water tank indicators. These coffee machines will have red backlights on the sides of the machine that will alert you when a water tank refill is required.

Nespresso Inissia does not have these indicator lights which can be a little inconvenient. However, this machine has a clear water tank that is easy to view, and so you should still be able to tell when you are running out water.

7. Weight and Dimensions

Nespresso Inissia and Pixie are designed to be small and compact coffee machines, and so weight and dimensions will hardly be an issue.

But despite both being small machines, their weight and size will differ slightly which can make a significant difference for some users.

Inissia is the more compact and lighter machine of the two as it weighs just 5.29 pounds and its dimensions are 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 inches, which means it will have an insignificant footprint.

Nespresso Pixie, on the other hand, weighs 6.94 pounds, and its dimensions are 12.83 x 4.33 x 9.25 inches.

8. Color Options

Besides making great-tasting coffee, a good Nespresso machine should also look good in your kitchen as you want something that goes with the theme or complements the kitchen décor.

Luckily, both Inissia and Pixie come in a sleek, modern look and with a trendy finish. However, they will differ when it comes to color options.

Both allow you to choose from several colors. The Nespresso Inissia offers a few more color choices than Pixie as you can get it in red, white, black, chrome, cream and silver while the latter is only available in electric titan, carmine and steel.

When it comes to the color options, it will mostly boil down to your specific preferences because tastes will differ from one coffee fanatic to the other, and so neither of the two coffee makers comes out on top.

9. Price

These coffee makers will retail for under $200 as they are designed to be budget models, and so if you are shopping for an inexpensive coffee maker that makes some amazing coffee, both will be a perfect choice.

However, the Nespresso Inissia is the cheaper option of the two as it is a more basic model without too many fancy features, and it is also mostly made from plastic.

In some retail sites, you can get the Inissia for even under $100, but in many places, it will only be around $20 or $30 cheaper than the Nespresso Pixie. But, also keep in mind that the color you choose often affects the price, and so both models will have both expensive and affordable color choices.

Conclusion

Simple and easy to use Nespresso machines like the Inissia and Pixie provide the perfect way to get started with your espresso-making both at home and in the office.

But, when you find yourself in a situation that you have to choose between these two amazing Nespresso machines, you will be better off having enough information on what they have to offer. And this is just what our comparison above provides.

From the comparison, it is clear than the Nespresso Inissia will be the perfect option for any espresso lover shopping on a very tight budget and also for those looking for an even smaller and more compact machine. Nespresso Pixie, on the other hand, is perfect for those that want something sturdier and will not mind paying a few extra bucks.