The Breville Essenza Mini and De'Longhi Essenza Mini are nearly identical Nespresso machines on the inside but differ in their external design, price, and brand heritage. The Breville model features a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic, while the De'Longhi version has a more classic, rounded design rooted in traditional Italian espresso culture. The Breville often comes at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its contemporary styling.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which compact espresso maker is the right fit for your kitchen counter.
Essenza Mini Breville
The Breville Essenza Mini is a compact Nespresso machine designed for those who appreciate modern aesthetics and high-quality espresso without sacrificing counter space. It delivers consistent, cafe-quality espresso shots with a simple, user-friendly interface. Backed by Breville's reputation for premium kitchen appliances, this machine is a popular choice for style-conscious users in smaller homes, apartments, or offices.
- What it is: A single-serve Nespresso OriginalLine capsule espresso machine known for its compact size and modern design.
- Key features: Two programmable cup sizes (Espresso & Lungo), 19-bar high-pressure pump, fast heat-up time of around 25 seconds, and an energy-saving mode that turns the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $200.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist with a clean, rectangular shape. Available in several modern colors like black, white, and red to complement contemporary kitchen decor.
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.3" W x 12.8" D x 8.1" H, making it one of the smallest Nespresso machines available.
- Pros: Extremely compact footprint saves valuable counter space. Modern and stylish design looks great in minimalist kitchens. Fast heat-up for quick coffee preparation. Simple and intuitive to operate.
- Cons: Small water tank requires frequent refilling. The slightly higher price compared to the De'Longhi model for similar functionality. Drip tray fills up quickly.
The Breville model is a great choice for those who prioritize a modern, streamlined aesthetic in their kitchen appliances and want a reliable, simple Nespresso experience.
Shop this product: breville.com
Essenza Mini De'Longhi
The De'Longhi Essenza Mini offers the same core Nespresso technology but wrapped in a design that reflects the brand’s Italian heritage. De'Longhi is renowned for its durable and authentic approach to coffee, and this machine delivers on that promise. It's a reliable, no-fuss espresso maker ideal for anyone who values classic design and proven performance at a very accessible price point.
- What it is: A compact Nespresso OriginalLine capsule espresso maker focused on durability and traditional European design.
- Key features: Features two customizable buttons for Espresso and Lungo preparations, a 19-bar pressure pump for optimal flavor extraction, a folding drip tray for larger cups, and a 25-second heat-up time.
- Price: Generally priced between $130 and $180, often slightly less than the Breville.
- Style: Classic and elegant with a slightly more rounded, traditional silhouette compared to the Breville. Offered in colors like black, white, and red in either matte or glossy finishes.
- Dimensions: Roughly 4.3" W x 12" D x 8.0" H, with a footprint almost identical to the Breville version.
- Pros: Very affordable entry point into the Nespresso system. De'Longhi's reputation for making durable, long-lasting coffee machines. Classic aesthetics fit well in many different kitchen styles. A folding drip tray accommodates taller mugs easily.
- Cons: The design can feel less premium or modern than the Breville counterpart. The small water tank and used capsule container need to be emptied regularly.
The De'Longhi version is perfect for shoppers seeking the reliable performance of a Nespresso machine with a classic look and a more budget-friendly price tag.
Shop this product: delonghi.com
Essenza Mini Breville vs. De'Longhi Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The most significant difference between these two machines is their appearance. The Breville Essenza Mini has a sharp, rectangular, and contemporary look. Its clean lines and minimalist profile make it a seamless addition to modern kitchens with sleek cabinets and stainless steel appliances. It's designed to look sophisticated and understated.
In contrast, the De'Longhi Essenza Mini has a softer, more rounded C-shape or U-shape design that feels more traditional and friendly. It evokes the classic Italian cafe aesthetic that De'Longhi is known for. The choice here comes down entirely to personal preference: sleek and modern (Breville) or classic and curvy (De'Longhi).
Dimensions & Scale
Both machines are designed with a "mini" footprint, making them ideal for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, or offices. They are practically identical in size, measuring around 4.3 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Their compact nature means they can be tucked away easily without taking over your counter space. Both have similarly sized water reservoirs (around 20 ounces) and used capsule containers, meaning both will require refilling and emptying at roughly the same rate.
Quality & Materials
Internally, both machines use the same Nespresso 19-bar pressure system and heating element, so performance is identical. Externally, both are constructed primarily from high-quality, durable plastic. While both are built to last, De'Longhi carries a long-standing reputation for Italian craftsmanship and durability in its coffee makers. The construction on both is solid, but some users may find the classic robustness of the De'Longhi feels a touch more rugged. Breville's focus is more on a premium, smooth finish that complements its modern design language.
Price & Value
The De'Longhi Essenza Mini is typically the more budget-friendly option, usually retailing for about $20-$30 less than the Breville version. Since the internal technology and coffee quality are the same, the De'Longhi offers exceptional value. You get the same great espresso for a slightly lower price. The Breville's higher price point is due to its specific modern design and the Breville brand name. Both machines are frequently on sale and can be found in bundles with an Aeroccino milk frother, which improves the value proposition for both.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Breville and De'Longhi versions of the Essenza Mini make excellent espresso, but your choice will likely come down to aesthetics and budget.
Choose the Breville Essenza Mini if:
- You have a modern, minimalist kitchen and want your appliances to match.
- A sleek, rectangular design is more appealing to you.
- You value the premium feel and brand reputation of Breville.
- You are willing to pay a small premium for aesthetics.
Choose the De'Longhi Essenza Mini if:
- You prefer a classic, rounded Italian espresso machine design.
- Getting the best possible price is a top priority.
- You prioritize brand reputation for durability and long-term performance.
- You want a machine with a slightly more flexible drip tray for taller glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Essenza Mini Breville and De'Longhi?
The primary difference is the exterior design. Nespresso licenses the internal technology to both brands. Breville offers a sharp, modern rectangular body, while De'Longhi's is a more classic, rounded C-shape. Functionally, they are identical.
Do both machines use the same coffee capsules?
Yes. Both the Breville and De'Longhi Essenza Mini models use Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. They are also compatible with third-party capsules made for the OriginalLine system.
Is one smaller than the other?
No, they are virtually the same size. Both are designed to be extremely compact, making them two of the smallest machines in the Nespresso lineup and ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
Which one makes better espresso?
Neither. Since they use the exact same internal 19-bar pump system and brewing technology developed by Nespresso, the espresso quality, taste, and temperature will be identical from both machines.
Can I make cappuccinos or lattes with the Essenza Mini?
Not on its own. The Essenza Mini only brews espresso and lungo shots. To make milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, you will need a separate milk frother, such as the Nespresso Aeroccino, which is often sold in a bundle with the machine.
Which machine is more durable?
Both machines are well-built and designed to last for years with proper care and descaling. However, De'Longhi has a decades-long reputation for producing durable and reliable Italian coffee and espresso machines.
How often do you have to refill the water tank?
The water tank on both models holds approximately 20 ounces (0.6 liters). This is enough for about 8-10 espresso shots or 4-5 lungo shots before you need to refill it.
Do these machines have an auto shut-off feature?
Yes, both models feature an eco-mode that automatically switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity to save energy.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
