Nespresso Essenza Mini vs Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
We compare the Nespresso Essenza Mini and the Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.3/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button | Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button |
| Not ideal for | Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup | Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup |
| Brand | Nespresso | Nespresso |
Specifications compared
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 | |
|---|---|---|
| System | Nespresso Original Pod-based | Original pods only |
| Tank | 0.6L Verified title | 0.6 L capacity |
Coffee Quality and Pod System
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Coffee quality depends heavily on the pod system. This NESPRESSO by KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 works with the pod coffee machine range, so it uses pre-measured Original pods rather than open-ground coffee. That pod approach supports consistent extraction and helps flavours come through with fewer variables than ground-coffee setups. The machine's compact build also supports quick brew routines. Pod machines limit control compared with grinders and dose-by-weight methods, so strength adjustments and similar tweaks are constrained. Roast intensity and crema vary based on the specific pods used, rather than any machine setting. For balanced results, storing pods dry and fresh helps, and running clean cycles regularly supports consistent performance.
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
Coffee quality is closely linked to the pod coffee machine pod system, because the Nespresso is designed for Original capsules only. With 19 bar pressure, extraction is intended to deliver consistent, concentrated coffee from each pod. Operation follows a simple cycle: insert a capsule, select the usual serving size, then start the brew, with hot coffee running through the pod into the cup. This fixed process reduces guesswork, since the grind and dose are set by the capsule, but it also limits choice to Original pods and prevents use of non-compatible capsules.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
Nespresso Essenza Mini
With milk-based drinks in mind, the NESPRESSO by KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 uses the Nespresso Original capsule system, so it is best suited to drinks made from those sealed capsules rather than fresh ground coffee. It can be used for cappuccino, latte and flat white when paired with a separate milk tool such as a milk frother or warmed milk. The 0.6L water tank is able to brew multiple cups in one session, although larger milk-heavy drinks will require more frequent refilling. Because the machine uses capsules, there is less control over milk strength and espresso taste than with manual brewing.
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
The pod coffee machine can handle milk-based drinks only by preparing hot or steamed milk separately, as it is a compact The Nespresso Original machine without a built-in milk system. With cappuccinos or lattes, the milk is frothed or heated separately and then combined with the pod coffee in the cup. That approach allows flexibility in the milk choice, including dairy and alternatives, but it adds an extra step and requires extra equipment. Classic drinks such as espresso and lungo remain straightforward with The Nespresso pods, while milk preparation is entirely dependent on what the user has available.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The NESPRESSO by KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 is a compact The Nespresso machine that suits smaller kitchens and tighter worktops. Its 0.6L water tank is designed for everyday cups, but it will need refilling more often than larger models. Operation is straightforward: the tank is filled, a pod is placed, and the machine is run using the simple controls. The compact footprint supports easy storage, although it can reduce space for accessories alongside the machine.
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
The machine's ability to make drinks with separate hot or steamed milk influences how it fits into everyday kitchen routines, because space and extra steps matter. The Essenza Mini XN1108 is designed to be compact, helping it suit smaller counters and tighter storage. Its water tank holds 0.6 L, which is moderate, so frequent refills may be needed during longer sessions. Operation stays straightforward: the machine fills, heats and brews on demand, then the used pod is removed. That said, the tank size can limit the time between top-ups.
Pod Cost and Availability
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Pod cost and availability matter a lot for the NESPRESSO by KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 because it uses the pod coffee machine system, which requires compatible Original pods rather than whole beans or ground coffee. In the UK, The Nespresso pods are widely sold through common supermarket options, online retailers, and The pod coffee machine stores. Availability can vary for seasonal flavours and limited editions, so local stock can run out. The Essenza Mini XN110140 has a 0.6L water tank, which can affect how often pods are used for frequent drinkers, making day-to-day pod spending more noticeable. Compatible third-party Original pods may exist, but quality can vary.
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
Pod cost and availability depend mainly on which The pod coffee machine pods are used, because the Essenza Mini XN1108 is an Original system machine and does not cover Vertuo-style capsules. In the UK, Original capsules are widely sold by retailers, including supermarkets and online shops, so buying options are generally broad. Value usually comes down to comparing packs, since prices vary by roast and intensity, and limited editions can cost more. Using compatible third-party Original-format pods may reduce spending, although taste consistency can vary. For day-to-day use, the 0.6 L tank capacity and compact size do not change pod costs, only brewing frequency.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Who is the NESPRESSO by KRUPS Essenza Mini XN110140 best suited for, and who might find it less convenient? It suits people who want an Original pod coffee machine in a small kitchen space, since it is compact and has a 0.6L water tank. It fits those making single or occasional cups, because they will refill more often than with larger tanks. It is less convenient for households that want many drinks back-to-back, or for users who prefer brewing without pods. It also suits buyers who accept the Original system; This pod coffee machine users would need a different setup.
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108
Who is the Nespresso for, and who might it disappoint? It suits people who want a compact The pod coffee machine pod machine for making single-serve coffee at home or in small spaces, with a 0.6 L tank and 19 bar pressure. It fits daily users who value quick drinks and prefer not to top up a larger water reservoir. Because it is built for this pod coffee machine system, it will disappoint anyone who has The Nespresso pods or wants to brew larger drinks with fewer refills. Overall, the focus is on convenience for The Nespresso Original users, not on flexible brew sizes.
Nespresso Essenza Mini: 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
Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108: 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
Our verdict
Our pick is the Nespresso Essenza Mini (our score 8.3/10) - A practical pod coffee machine (The Nespresso Original, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home. The Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.