There have been quite a number of requests for reviews on quality, affordable and powerful espresso machines. In this article, we will be looking at the Nespresso Pixie espresso machine. The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine is a pod brewer, but it isn’t remotely like the pod brewers you are used to. This espresso maker costs a faction of the price of your average ones, has a pretty good ‘horse power’, and is pretty smart too. Read through our Nespresso Pixie review and see if this espresso maker is something for you.
>> Also read: Nespresso Evoluo Review
Our rating of the Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine: Four Stars
The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine
The D60 Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine truly lives up to its name – it really is a pixie! The thing weighs a ridiculous 8.6 pounds and measures at just 12.8 x 4.3 x 9.2 inches in dimensions. It’s design is so compact and lightweight that it would set perfectly on top of your counter or table without hogging much space at all.
- It offers great capacity despite being so… pixie. This machine offers a pressure of 19 bars.
- Feature auto power-off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
- Comes with backlit buttons which not only looks great but also facilitates operating of this machine.
- Lastly, the Nespresso Pixie can accommodate different sizes of capsules or pods. This allows users to enjoy both single shots and double shots.
- Lightweight and compact
- Uses 19-bar pressure pump (very powerful)
- Offers good volume capacity
- Can do single, double, or custom shots
- Features indicator light
- Easy to clean
- The drip tray folds and detaches to allow room
- Offers auto-shut off and quick power-on
- Pretty loud while operating
FEATURES
Performance and Power
Pressure. The single most important factor to make for the perfect coffee extraction. And the Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine, believe it or not, provides a pretty high-end performance in this area.
You will be very happy, and surprised to know that this teeny tiny pixie of an espresso machine offers a pressure of 19 bars! Yep. You read that right. This pixie packs a punch! In fact, most larger and fancier machines usually stop at 12 bars. This high pressure allows the machine to make a very clean yet powerful extraction from the coffee capsules. You get every bit of goodness minus the watery taste. Resulting in a final coffee that is strong and concentrated enough to knock your socks off! Exactly how good espressos are supposed to be.
Capacity
Now, we first thought that the “pixie” would offer a volume and capacity that matches its name, turns out, it’s not (which is good!).
The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine has a storage tank that can hold up to 24 ounces (720 ml) of water inside. Now, it may sounds low, but when we compare the size of the machine against the volume its offering, the user is actually getting a lot! The tank sits behind the machine, and is removable and easy to refill and clean.
As an estimate, for a single shot of an ounce of espresso, you will be able to get about 22 to 24 uses until we need to refill the tank. That’s pretty impressive to be honest.
Ease of use
Compact – The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine probably emphasise on its compact body, on top of its capability (as mentioned above). It only measures 12.8 x 4.3 x 9.2 inches, which makes it perfect for almost any apartment, countertop and desk-placement.
Backlit indicator buttons – The Nespresso Pixie features backlit indicator which denote single shot and double shot. What we like is that you can get more than a double shot by pressing on the button for a while longer. Pretty nice touch!
Auto-off and refresh – One may not think much of this feature, but for some who likes to be done and move on in a thrifty, this is a feature we definitely appreciates. The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine automatically shuts down after 9 minutes of inactivity. This not only saves time but also saves power. On top of the auto-off feature, a press on one of the backlit indicator switches on the machine and brings it up to the brewing temperature within 20 to 30 seconds.
Cleaning – Cleaning wise, there’s a basket right behind the spout which holds up to 11 capsules after the Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine discard them. Once full, simply detach the basket, chuck out the capsules, and put it back on. Simple.
More room – One of the most annoying restrictions with tiny espresso machines is when you want to use a bigger sized coffee mug under the spout. Most espresso machines are designed to only allow space to fit small cups and shot glasses due to the small height difference between the spout and the drip tray. The Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine comes with a drip tray that is adjustable to accommodate larger cups or mugs. Simply fold in the tray or straight up detach it entirely!
Visual aesthetics – Aesthetic wise, Nespresso actually spends a lot of effort in how their machine look and feel to their user. The Pixie D60 Espresso Machine features a streamline design with curvy edges, together with the material and color combination, you get a classic mashup between modern and vintage. It is minimal and elegant, petite and sexy at the same time. A machine one will love walking up to it every morning!
So, how does the Nespresso Pixie D60 Espresso Machine compare against the competitors?
1. The Hamilton Beach 40725 Espresso Maker
Hamilton Beach is known to 
The 40725 Espresso Maker produce more of an espresso-like result after brewing the coffee. Now it isn’t all bad, but it just doesn’t taste like the real stuff. Lacks the caffeine kick and rich mouth feel. That said, if you like something on the mild side, then you will probably appreciate the 40725 Espresso Maker!
2. The Keurig K575 Coffee Maker
Next, up in line to compete with our Pixie is the K575 Coffee Maker, from Keurig who are renowned for making coffee makers! The K575 Coffee Maker seems like a very enticing deal when you find out that it offers a much higher water capacity and dispensing volume for a cheaper price than the Pixie.
The K575 Coffee Maker however does not have the capability to auto shut off during inactivity. Do skip this version if you find having to shut off the machine after every use or you simply like to walk away after use. Not shutting down your espresso machine can be quite serious due to the water boiling down and overheating.
That said, if you are comfortable without the auto shutdown function, the K575 Coffee Maker might be a great consideration.
3. The NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Experta
The Dolce Gusto Experta probably is one of the finer competitors against the Pixie. It is relatively cheap, offers a larger volume and capacity and is does a good job with the espresso as well.
One down side of this espresso machine would probably be the noise it makes during operation. If this doesn’t bother you, then be sure to also check them out. We would advise skipping this espresso machine if you have light-sleepers at home or if you are using it in the office.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker from Delonghi
Upfront, the Vertuo is cheaper than the Pixie, larger in size and capacity, and produces more or less some great coffees. The Vertuo however does have some reviews that highlighted its shortfall in quality and durability. Some users review that they experience a tendency to leak due to the quality of its carafe.
Other than that, the Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker still stirs up an excellent shot of espresso. Users who don’t frequently brew and use the machine could probably get away with this one!
Final thoughts
The pixie might be a perfect choice of an espresso making machine for you. It is versatile, powerful, convenient, and has quite an intelligence for your coffee making needs. As a powerful machine packed in such compact body, it does make a loud noise during operations. Do also check out the presented competitors while doing your comparison.
Have you tried the Nespresso Pixie before? Or are looking to try it? What’s your top considerations when it comes to picking your Espresso Machine? Leave us a comment.
