The Breville Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine is a compact yet powerful coffee maker designed to deliver a premium espresso experience right at home. With its sleek, industrial design and a host of advanced features, the Pixie has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. This review explores the key aspects of the machine, including its design, performance, and user experience, to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your kitchen.
Is this machine right for you?
The Breville Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality espresso but have limited kitchen space. Its compact design, rapid heat-up time, and user-friendly operation make it perfect for busy individuals who want a quick, convenient, and delicious coffee experience at home. Additionally, the machine’s stylish aesthetic and robust build appeal to those who value both functionality and modern design in their kitchen appliances. The Pixie is also suited for environmentally conscious users, as Nespresso’s recycling program and sustainability initiatives align with eco-friendly values.
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso Pixie stands out with its compact dimensions and modern aesthetic. Measuring just 4 inches in depth, 13 inches in width, and 9 inches in height, this machine fits effortlessly into any kitchen space, making it ideal for those with limited counter space. Weighing only 6.6 pounds, it is also easy to move and store when not in use.
The machine features a robust construction made from a combination of plastic and metal, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight profile. The Titan color adds a touch of sophistication, and the overall design is streamlined for both elegance and functionality. The Pixie’s industrial look is complemented by practical features such as the auto-piercing and brewing of capsules, making it both stylish and user-friendly.
Performance and Features
High-Pressure Pump and Heat Control: The Pixie is equipped with a 19-bar high-pressure pump, which is essential for extracting the rich flavors and aromas from Nespresso capsules. This high pressure guarantees a barista-quality espresso with a perfect crema. Additionally, the machine heats up in just 25 seconds, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without a long wait.
Programmable Coffee Selections: The Pixie offers two programmable buttons for espresso and lungo, catering to different coffee preferences. The automatic flow stop ensures consistent and precise coffee extraction every time. Whether you prefer a short, intense shot of espresso or a larger, milder lungo, the Pixie has you covered.
User-Friendly Operation: With its simple button interface and manual operation mode, the Pixie is incredibly easy to use. The foldable cup support accommodates different cup sizes, from petite espresso cups to larger travel mugs. This versatility makes it a practical choice for a variety of coffee drinkers.
Energy Efficiency: The Pixie is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It features an automatic shut-off function that activates after nine minutes of inactivity, helping to conserve energy and reduce your electricity bill.
Complimentary Starter Set: Each Pixie machine comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules, allowing new users to explore different coffee blends and find their favorites. This starter pack typically includes a variety of flavors and intensities, showcasing the extensive range of Nespresso coffees.
Sustainability and Commitment
Nespresso is committed to sustainability through its AAA Sustainable Quality Program. The company pays above market prices for coffee and invests in social programs to ensure that coffee farming remains profitable for future generations. Additionally, Nespresso aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2022, reducing the environmental footprint of each cup of coffee.
Nespresso also offers complimentary recycling services for used coffee capsules. Customers can recycle their capsules at UPS drop-off locations, Nespresso Boutiques, and partner locations, making it easy to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Customer Support and Warranty
Nespresso provides excellent customer support, available 24/7 via phone. Should you encounter any issues with your machine, Nespresso offers immediate technical diagnosis and solutions. If repairs are necessary, Nespresso will collect your machine and provide a loan machine free of charge, ensuring you never have to go without your coffee.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design fits any kitchen.
- High-pressure pump for barista-quality espresso.
- Fast heat-up time of 25 seconds.
- Two programmable buttons for espresso and lungo.
- Energy-saving automatic shut-off.
- Complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules.
- Strong commitment to sustainability and recycling.
Cons:
- Limited to Nespresso capsules, which can be more expensive than other options.
- Manual operation may not appeal to those who prefer fully automatic machines.
- Smaller water tank capacity (24 ounces) may require frequent refills for heavy users.
Conclusion
The Breville Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine is a well-designed, high-performance coffee maker that offers convenience, quality, and style in a compact package. Its fast heat-up time, programmable coffee selections, and energy efficiency make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy café-quality espresso at home. While it may have some limitations, such as the exclusive use of Nespresso capsules, the overall benefits and performance of the Pixie make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned espresso drinker or new to the world of Nespresso, the Pixie is sure to enhance your coffee experience.