Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine by DeLonghi Review
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Quick Summary
- Brand: Nespresso
- Product Type: Coffee Accessory
- Price Range: Premium ($$$)
- Best For: Urban dwelling espresso lovers seeking convenience without sacrificing aesthetic.
- Verdict: A sleek, stylish machine that offers quick espresso brewing, but limited customization for those who prefer a personalized touch.
Scoring Breakdown
Introduction: Cafe Magic at the Push of a Button
Imagine starting your morning with a velvety espresso shot in hand 30 seconds after you roll out of bed. No barista, no long coffee shop line, just pure coffee indulgence on your own terms. That’s the kind of magic the Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi brings to your kitchen.
From the moment I unboxed this sleek machine, I was hooked. My initial expectations were high (could it really be that easy to get café-quality espresso at home?), and the CitiZ still managed to exceed them. In this review, I’ll share why this stylish gadget has become my morning MVP, how it elevates convenience and coffee quality, and why it might just be the best choice for espresso lovers among all the alternatives out there.
Features & Benefits: Convenience, Quality, and Style Rolled Into One
The CitiZ isn’t just another coffee maker – it’s a compact powerhouse designed for modern coffee lovers. Below, I’ve broken out its standout features to show how they’ll actually benefit you in day-to-day use.
Lightning-Fast Brewing (Speed)
Waiting for coffee in the morning is officially a thing of the past. The CitiZ’s 19-bar pump and rapid heating system can deliver a perfect espresso in as little as 25 seconds (source: buynespresso.com). By the time you grab a mug and a capsule, the machine’s already hot and ready to brew.
I’ve found that from a cold start, it’s under a minute total – drop in a capsule, press a button, and by the time you butter your toast, your espresso is done. This speed is a lifesaver on busy mornings when every second counts yet you still crave quality.
One-Touch Ease (Simplicity)
Convenience is king with the CitiZ. There’s virtually no learning curve – just insert a capsule, pull down the lever, and press one of two brew buttons (Espresso or Lungo). It automatically stops brewing at the perfect volume.
After brewing, the used capsule is ejected into an internal bin. That’s it – no mess, no guesswork. One reviewer even noted it’s basically “drop a pod in, press a button… 60 seconds, espresso!” (source: productnotes.com). Perfect for early mornings when you’re half asleep.
Barista-Quality Taste (Coffee Quality)
Speed wouldn’t matter if the coffee wasn’t good – luckily, the CitiZ’s espresso is shockingly delicious. The 19-bar pressure pump extracts a creamy espresso with a beautiful crema (source: buynespresso.com).
It’s compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, so you can explore dozens of blends (including decaf). My shots have been consistently bold, smooth, and aromatic, rivaling what I’d get at a local café. For a push-button machine to impress picky espresso fans is no small feat – but the CitiZ does it daily.
Sleek, Space-Saving Design
The CitiZ is about 5 inches wide and was inspired by modern architecture. It actually won awards for its elegant design (source: buynespresso.com).
Its slim profile means it fits almost anywhere, whether it’s a tiny apartment counter or an office desk. It’s also sturdily built with some polished metal accents. Mine looks beautiful on my counter and always grabs compliments from friends.
Thoughtful Details & Capacity
For such a petite machine, the CitiZ has a 1-liter water tank (source: productnotes.com). That means around 10-12 espresso shots before refilling – super convenient if you’re hosting or need multiple cups yourself.
There’s also a hidden used-capsule container that holds around 10 spent capsules, plus a flip-up drip tray that accommodates taller mugs for lungos or Americanos. Everything about it feels engineered to keep your coffee routine smooth and fuss-free.
My Personal Experience: From Unboxing to Daily Indulgence
Here’s where I spill the beans on what it’s like to own the CitiZ day to day. In short, it has transformed my mornings into something I genuinely look forward to.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the machine felt premium: glossy finish, chrome details, and a pleasing weight. Setup was a breeze: attach the water tank, plug it in, and run a quick rinse cycle. I was ready to brew in under five minutes, which was great because I’m not a fan of complicated setups.
The First Brew – A Memorable Morning
My first test was an Arpeggio capsule (dark roast). Within seconds, a dark, crema-topped espresso poured out. The aroma was heavenly – like stepping into an Italian café. It blew away any expectations I had for a capsule machine. That first sip was bold, smooth, and easily rivaled the $5 shots I’d been buying on my way to work (source: productnotes.com).
I realized instantly I’d be saving a lot of coffee-run money. And the push-button simplicity had me grinning ear to ear. No mess, no guesswork – just perfect espresso.
Daily Use – Convenience on Autopilot
Since then, the CitiZ has become my morning companion. I pick a capsule based on my mood (dark roast, lungo, or flavored), press a button, and I’m good to go. Every cup is consistently delicious and piping hot.
Cleanup is minimal: occasionally empty the spent capsules and rinse the drip tray. The machine also powers down after 9 minutes if I forget to turn it off, which helps save energy.
It’s so quiet that I don’t worry about waking up the household either. I can’t stress enough how much difference it makes to have a quick, reliable, and tasty espresso at my fingertips every morning.
Entertaining and Afternoons
It’s also a conversation starter. Guests are intrigued by how sleek it looks and love picking their own capsule to try. Brewing for a group is easy: the water tank holds enough for multiple shots, and the used capsule bin is large enough that I’m not constantly emptying it.
In the afternoons, I’ll often do an iced latte (brew a lungo over ice and add cold milk) or an Americano (lungo plus hot water). The CitiZ’s speed and convenience shine no matter the recipe.
Overall, a Game Changer
Any downsides? They’re tiny compared to the benefits. The chrome lever can gather fingerprints, but a quick wipe fixes that. Capsule cost is higher than drip coffee, but less than buying espresso out – and the taste is absolutely worth it.
All in all, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The CitiZ has turned my daily coffee routine into something I look forward to, day after day. It’s a worthwhile investment that combines convenience, quality, and style in one neat package.
Why the CitiZ Outshines the Competition
With countless coffee machines on the market, here’s why I think the CitiZ is a near-perfect balance for easy, high-quality espresso at home.
1. Better Than Cheaper Minis
Nespresso’s Essenza Mini offers the same brewing mechanism but is ultra-compact. It’s cheaper, yes, but the water tank is tiny (~20 oz), and it holds fewer capsules. You’ll be refilling and emptying more often.
Meanwhile, the CitiZ has a larger 34 oz tank and a 10-capsule bin (source: productnotes.com). It’s sturdier and has a premium feel. If space is super tight, the Mini might do, but for daily espresso with fewer interruptions, the CitiZ is the clear winner.
2. Sleek Espresso Focus
Vertuo machines (also by Nespresso) can brew bigger cups but use bulkier machines, more expensive capsules, and you’re locked into Nespresso’s brand only. Keurigs and other drip pod machines can’t do true espresso at all.
The CitiZ stays compact, looks stylish, and lets you explore OriginalLine capsules (including third-party ones). If you mainly want real espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes, this is a much better choice than those big pod brewers.
3. Versus Traditional Machines
Manual or semi-automatic espresso machines (e.g., Breville Bambino) can be amazing, but they’re a hobby. Grinding, tamping, and cleaning up is time-consuming.
The CitiZ gives you about 90% of a café-level shot with 0% of the hassle. If you want to nerd out over latte art, go manual. If you just want a quick, fantastic espresso anytime, the CitiZ is your reliable companion.
Conclusion: Your Home Barista Awaits
After weeks of testing and countless espresso shots, here’s my verdict: the Nespresso CitiZ by De’Longhi is a star performer that lives up to its reputation. It turned my groggy mornings into a delightful café experience with zero hassle.
Yes, it’s an investment, but one that pays for itself when you skip those coffee shop runs and savor a better espresso at home. The few minor drawbacks (like occasional fingerprints on chrome) pale in comparison to the speed, quality, and style it delivers.
If you love espresso or espresso-based drinks and want that coffeehouse flavor at the push of a button, the CitiZ is made for you. Busy professionals, espresso aficionados without time for manual brewing, and anyone short on counter space will find it ideal. If you only drink large volumes of drip coffee or crave hands-on espresso craftsmanship, you might look elsewhere – but for most coffee lovers, this machine hits all the right notes.
I wholeheartedly recommend the CitiZ. Every time I take that first sip in the morning, I’m reminded how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.
Ready to elevate your coffee game? Don’t wait to treat yourself to café-quality espresso at home. Check out the CitiZ on Amazon (affiliate link) for the latest pricing and prepare to transform your mornings!