The Pixie and Inissia look nearly identical, but build quality and a few small features set them apart. Here's the full comparison, plus the best alternative now that the Inissia is discontinued.
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. Capsule-based. Single serve. What is really different about each of them?
“The Pixie edges ahead on build quality and a handy low-water light. The rest comes down to budget and availability.”
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. In this article I'll take you through the differences and shared features so you can identify which machine will work best for your coffee routine.
To compare every current Nespresso machine, including Vertuo models, see our guide to the best Nespresso machine.
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.
If you want a frother included, look at bundles like CitiZ & Milk, or machines with a built-in milk system like the Lattissima One, though the price starts a bit higher.
I have a CitiZ with the Aeroccino 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 to your Inissia or Pixie 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 machines came with a limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in workmanship.
The Pixie comes in a handful of metallic finishes, while the Inissia was offered in a wider range of colors, including red, black, white, cream and silver.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Inissia was Nespresso's budget model and typically sold for less than the Pixie, mainly because of its all-plastic housing. Today the Pixie sits in the low-to-mid range of the Original line, while the Essenza Mini is usually the cheapest new option.
Overall, both are great little machines and long-time favorites for dorm rooms, offices and anyone new to home espresso who wants fewer trips to the coffee shop.
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 its durability and slight edge in convenience. I also like its more modern body and clean lines. And since the Inissia is discontinued, the Pixie is also the easier one to buy new.
