Krups Nespresso Essenza Mini Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.3/10
Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button
Not for: Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup
Bottom line: A practical pod coffee machine (The Nespresso Original, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
This pod coffee machine is a compact The Nespresso capsule machine that operates at 19 bar and has a 0.6 L water tank, making it suitable for smaller kitchens. It is positioned as a best The Nespresso Original machine for tight counters, delivering espresso using its stated 19 bar pressure. The smaller tank capacity may mean more frequent refills, but the design remains focused on simple, everyday use.
Key specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capsule system | Nespresso Original |
| Pressure | 19 bar |
| Tank | 0.6L |
| Energy mode | Energy saving mode |
| Energy class | A |
Pros
- Uses the Nespresso Original pod system
- 0.6L tank
- Compact, space-saving design
- Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding
Cons
- Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
- Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
- Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee
Coffee Quality and Pod System
The Nespresso compatibility is a major part of the coffee performance of the Krups Essenza mini XN110BRD, as it uses the pod coffee machine capsule system. The machine is rated at 19 bar pressure, which helps drive water through the grounds consistently across shots. With Original-line compatible pods, the capsule controls the brew amount, so taste, body and aroma tend to be predictable from one cup to the next. The trade-off is a narrower range of flavours, since the available options are tied to Original capsule availability rather than machine settings. For anyone wanting a single, repeatable cup style, this capsule system is straightforward and practical.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
With the Krups Essenza mini XN110BRD, milk drinks depend on the user's setup, because the machine is designed for the Nespresso Original capsule system and the product title does not specify any milk frothing feature. That means plain espresso and other capsule-based coffees are straightforward, while cappuccino or latte-style drinks require a separate approach such as heating milk separately and preparing foam by hand. For best results, warm milk to the desired preference, then combine it with the freshly brewed coffee, noting that crema and taste vary with each capsule. Versatility in milk drinks is therefore driven by capsule choice and individual milk preparation, not by built-in milk automation.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
The Nespresso is designed for small kitchens and everyday use, with a compact footprint and a 0.6L water tank. The smaller size helps it sit neatly on most counters, while the 0.6L capacity supports multiple cups before refilling. Operation involves filling the tank, inserting a compatible The pod coffee machine capsule, and starting the brew. An energy saving mode is listed, which may reduce standby impact when not in use. With a 0.6L tank, households making back-to-back drinks may need more frequent top-ups.
Pod Cost and Availability
Pod cost and availability matter because this machine uses The Nespresso capsules, which are widely sold in the UK. Exact pricing depends on the retailer and on the specific pack or promotion chosen, since capsule sleeve and multipack prices vary by flavour and by supply. The pod coffee machine capsules can usually be found through major UK retailers such as Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos, with additional availability from Tesco. For consistent cost planning, buyers often look for subscription deals or seasonal offers, as these can change frequently.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
This compact The Nespresso pod coffee machine is best suited to people who want an easy capsule-based coffee setup with minimal counter space. It is built around the pod coffee machine system and includes a 0.6 L water tank, which suits small households or singles who prefer consistent drinks without measuring grounds or dealing with bulky components. The straightforward setup also makes it practical for offices or shared spaces, where repeated use can continue before the water tank needs refilling. The smaller tank size may be limiting for buyers looking to prepare larger volumes in one go, and the Nespresso Original system means it is designed for The Nespresso capsules rather than other pod formats.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the pod coffee machine in the UK usually means checking major retailer sites and then confirming the listing matches the exact model number, XN110BRD, since This pod coffee machine machines can look similar across ranges. Availability changes between online stores and high street chains, so stock status can shift over time. When shopping, they should verify the details shown, including a 0.6 L tank capacity, 19 bar, an energy saving mode, and the grey colour. If a site lists a different model or omits these points, skip it. Some listings bundle accessories and others do not, so box contents matter before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nespresso worth it?
For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, the pod coffee machine (the Nespresso machine) is hard to beat. Remember the pods are an ongoing cost. Check the current Amazon UK price, as pod machines go on deal often.
What pods does the Nespresso Original take?
This pod coffee machine uses The Nespresso pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Nespresso Original machine only takes The Nespresso pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
The pod coffee machine, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo - which is best?
Each is a different, non-compatible system: This pod coffee machine focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); Dolce Gusto does a wide range of coffee and milk drinks; Tassimo offers branded drinks like Costa and Cadbury. Choose by the drinks you want and pod price - the machine just follows the system.
How much do the pods cost to run?
Pods typically work out around 30-50p each depending on the system and brand, more than ground coffee but far less than a coffee shop. The Nespresso Original and some systems have cheaper compatible pods; factor the ongoing pod cost into your decision, not just the machine price.
What does the 19 bar pressure mean?
The pod coffee machine runs at 19 bar. High pressure (around 15-19 bar is common on pod machines) helps extract a quick crema-topped coffee from the pod. For pod machines the system and pod matter more than chasing the highest bar number.
How big is the water tank on the Nespresso?
The pod coffee machine has a 0.6L tank. A bigger tank means fewer refills for households that drink a lot; compact machines use smaller tanks to save space.
Are pod coffee machines worth it over a bean-to-cup?
Pod machines are cheaper to buy, faster, mess-free and need no grinding or cleaning of grounds - ideal for convenience. Bean-to-cup machines make fresher coffee from beans and cost less per cup, but cost far more upfront and need more upkeep. For speed and ease, pods win; for coffee purists, beans do.