Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 vs DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
We compare the Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 and the DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B 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 XN1108 | DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 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 | De'Longhi |
Coffee Quality and Pod System
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.
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
The De'Longhi is designed around a capsule pod workflow, with a stated 19 bar pressure intended to support consistent extraction for each cup, provided the correct pods are used. The machine heats quickly, punctures a capsule and forces hot water through it to keep extraction repeatable. When the supplied pods match the machine's system, the coffee tends to have consistent strength and aroma rather than large cup-to-cup variation. Capsule choice still matters because mismatched pods can under-extract or taste weaker, so overall coffee quality depends more on pod freshness and compatibility than on user control.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
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.
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
Since the De'Longhi Inissia EN 80.B is primarily built for capsule coffee, it has limited support for milk-based drinks. The available information does not mention a steam wand or any built-in milk frothing system, so cappuccino or latte-style drinks require milk to be prepared separately and combined with the brewed coffee. The machine can still handle hot drink variations in a practical way, mainly through choosing compatible capsules, with 19 bar pressure and programmable brewing relevant to coffee extraction. This suits simpler, capsule-led menus rather than true automatic milk drinks, and overall versatility depends on capsule choice.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
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.
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
De'Longhi's Inissia EN 80.B is built for compact kitchen use, with a 0.8 litre water tank that fits daily cup routines rather than long back-to-back serving, so refills may be needed during busier sessions. Its capsule system shapes the workflow, since pods must be loaded before brewing and removed afterwards. The machine includes auto brew stop and auto off, alongside a fast heat-up, supporting quick start, brew, and reset between drinks. A programmable setting is included to help repeat chosen volumes, though the exact procedure depends on the model.
Pod Cost and Availability
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.
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
Pod cost and availability depend on the capsule system the Inissia EN 80.B is designed to use. The review notes the machine is supplied with 16 pods, which provides immediate starting supply, but ongoing costs depend on local store range and online delivery options. As capsule types are not stated, buyers should confirm compatibility before subscribing, because wrong capsules cannot be used. A practical approach is to compare per-pod pricing across major UK supermarkets and coffee retailers, then check delivery schedules for any frequently chosen flavours that are out of stock.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
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.
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B
This machine suits people who want a simple capsule setup, and are happy to plan their coffee around capsule availability. The De'Longhi fits households needing quick, repeatable drinks, because it is designed for capsule brewing with a fast heat-up and an auto brew stop. Its 0.8 L tank works for one or two people, and it lets you set cup volume for consistent results. With 19 bar pressure and 16 pods included, it is best for beginners who prefer low effort over experimentation. Buyers wanting many drink styles may find limits due to the capsule-only system.
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
DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B: pros
- Programmable one-touch brewing
- 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 XN1108 (our score 7.3/10) - A practical pod coffee machine (The Nespresso Original, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home. The DeLonghi Inissia EN 80.B is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.