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Nespresso Pixie vs. Nespresso Inissia
I know that when I’ve looked at the Nespresso product line up at a glance, I’ve had trouble immediately distinguishing the features that set them all apart.
Slim. Stylish. Pod-based. Single serve. Super-automatic. What is really different about each of them?
The Nespresso Inissia and Pixie make it especially tricky as two of the most similar looking models and most popular options as entry-level machines. If you aren’t well-versed in their specs, it can be really tough to figure out the advantage of one over the other other than price.
I promise, they aren’t 100% the same and in this article I’ll take you through the nuanced differences and also highlight the shared features, so you can identify which machine will work best for your coffee routine.
The Final Shot: The Nespresso Pixie is our top choice in this match-up, but it only edges out the Inissia on two counts: better quality materials (stainless vs. plastic) and the handy water detector light. If you’re on a strict budget and these two factors aren’t deal breakers, then the Inissia is a more affordable starter machine.
To see all 7 Nespresso Machines reviewed check out my Ultimate guide here. It is an over 5000 word in-depth beast. I go over everything!
Contents
Nespresso Inissia vs Nespresso Pixie Head to Head
 |  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Name | Nespresso Pixie | Nespresso Inissia |
 Color Options | electric titan, carmine or steel | red, black, white, cream, silver and chrome |
 Size (L x W x H) | 12.8 x 4.3 x 9.2 in | 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 in |
 Weight | 6 pounds | 5.3 pounds |
 Pump Pressure | 19 bar | 19 bar |
 Milk Frother | No | No |
 Water Tank Size | 24 oz | 24 oz |
 Water Tank Light | Yes | No |
 Dedicated Power Button | No | Yes |
Similarities
The Nespresso Inissia and Nespresso Pixie share a ton of features, most of which are standard for the Nespresso brand. Nespresso’s line of espresso machines are favorites for their smart design and convenience of quality capsule-based brewing, so naturally they packed all of their models with as many of these key features as possible,
Both machines offer 19 bar pressure for maximum flavor extraction. They may be small, but they’re powerful.
The same size water tank is also featured on both models. It will roughly brew up to 12 shots, give or take, depending on the size you select (espresso or lungo).
A signature of the Nespresso brand, both models also have the Espresso and Lungo buttons that allow you to customize your brew size. You’ll just hold in the button of your desired cup size and the buttons start flashing while the machine is warming up.
The standard original line of Nespresso capsules are also used in both the Pixie and the Inissia and are pretty easy to track down online and in stores.
Unfortunately, neither machine comes with an integrated milk frother, but you can easily purchase one separately if you’re a big latte or cappuccino drinker. Amazon also frequently offers bundle deals if you purchase both at the same time.
There are a few other Nespresso models that do include an integrated Aerocinno if you want that feature to come with the machine (take a look at the CitiZ or the Evoluo), though the price point starts a bit higher.
I have a CitiZ with the Aerocinno at the office and I have to say, it works really well. I was skeptical at first (I use a Breville Barista Express at home), but it is really powerful and produces a great steam and froth. Adding one of these to your Inissia or Pixis is a worthwhile upgrade if you have the budget.
Both models will also adapt to varying cup sizes. If you are using a larger cup or even a travel mug, you’ll simply flip up the drip tray on both the Pixie and Inissia to fit your cup under the coffee spout.
Both the Inissia and Pixie are backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year warranty that protects against a defect in workmanship.
Shared Features:
- Super-automatic
- 19 bar pressure
- Single boiler
- Espresso and lungo buttons
- Capacity to hold 9-11 used capsules
- Customizable cup size access
- 24 oz water tank
- Uses original Nespresso capsules
- Removable drip tray
- Automatic power-off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Milk frother must be purchased separately
- 1 year warranty
Differences
Color + Design
The Pixie is available in electric titan, carmine or steel color options on Amazon, while the Inissia is offered in a wider range of shades, including red, black, white, cream, silver and chrome.
If you are aiming to match your machine to the color of your kitchen decor or existing appliances, the Inissia does have a wider selection to choose from, though the Pixie offers all the essential colors.
Design-wise, the machines are fairly similar, but the Pixie is definitely the more streamlined of the two, also outfitted with more stylish metal side panels and a front grate. The Inissia has more rounded lines and looks a little less modern.
Color and design aren’t necessarily deal breakers, but I get that aesthetics factor into these decisions too, especially when most other factors are equal.
Size
While both the Inissia and Pixie are compact and slim, they aren’t exactly the same size and weight. The Inissia has a slightly smaller profile, measuring 12.5’’ x 4.75’’ x 9 and weighing about 5 lbs. The Pixie is just slightly larger at 12.75” by 4.75’” by 9.75” and 6 lbs.
This won’t make a huge difference on a standard size kitchen countertop, but if you’re looking to maximize space in a dorm room or office, the Inissia is definitely the slimmer appliance for a side table or small kitchenette.
Power Button Placement
The Inissia machine has a power button located on the side of the machine, while the Pixie has no dedicated power button anywhere on the machine.
On the Pixie, all you have to do is select the cup size of the espresso you would like to brew and hold in the button to turn the machine on and initiate the brew process. After that, you pop in the capsule, close the hatch and you’re ready to go.
The Pixie will auto-off after 9 minutes. The Inissia will too, but with that model you also have the option of a manual shut-off.
This is a pretty minor difference and not something that really affects the overall user experience.
Water Tank Detection
One feature difference between the Pixie and the Inissia is empty water tank detection.
The Pixie comes with a handy little light that turns on to let you know when your water tank needs to be refilled. The Inissia doesn’t offer this, which I think is a little disappointing.
Materials
The biggest different between the Pixie and the Inissia is the construction of the housing.
The majority of the parts on the Inissia are plastic, whereas the Pixie is a bit of an upgrade and constructed with stainless steel parts, making it significantly more durable. You can see the difference in the photos, especially when looking at the side paneling.
The overall feel of the Pixie is sturdier as a result.
Durability
The Nespresso Pixie is designed to be longer lasting than the Inissia as it made of higher quality materials. Most of the components on the Inissia are made of plastic, which are lighter, but will not last as long as stainless.
If you have used a Nespresso before and feel comfortable that this is an espresso machine you plan to use frequently and for the long haul, the extra investment in the Pixie will pay off here.
Pricing
The Nespresso Inissia is generally priced just under $100 which makes it slightly more affordable than the Pixie, which is priced slightly higher. The cost difference is mainly attributed to the different casing materials.
Conclusion
Overall, both models are great little machines. The Nespresso Inissia ranks at 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, while the Nespresso Pixie ranks slightly higher at 4.6 out of 5 stars. Both options are fan favorites and especially popular for dorm rooms, offices, and users new to home espresso brewing and looking to make fewer pilgrimages to Starbucks.
There really isn’t much that separates these machines, they are more like sister models, with the Pixie being a slight upgrade due to the construction materials and the extra water light feature.
All other elements are pretty much equal and the user experience is almost identical for both.
My personal favorite of the two is the Pixie for the durability and slight edge in convenience. I also appreciate the slightly more modern body style and clean lines it offers.
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about coffee is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better.
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About the Author Michael York
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!
