Nespresso Inissia Review: A Perfect One-Cup Solution for Espresso Lovers

If you’re an espresso lover like we are, you crave that thick, rich cup of espresso every day. However, many of us only treat ourselves to a cup occasionally, because we don’t want to deal with the mess and clean-up. We agree that having a cup of espresso is always a special occasion, but why shouldn’t you be able to celebrate life by having espresso every day?  

Well, we’re thrilled to share our Nespresso Inissia review with you! This coffee machine and espresso maker hybrid is easy to use and provides you with a perfect cup, quickly and with no mess. Thanks to the capsules, and simple features, you can have your rich cup of espresso or coffee in just moments, literally at the touch of a button. 

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Nespresso Inissia Overview

A Work of Art 

“Espresso consumption is an aesthetic experience, like tasting a vintage wine or admiring a painting.” ~Andrea Illy

What is it that makes espresso so beloved? Doing an “espresso quotes” search on Google today will return a whopping 13,200,000 hits. You might feel overwhelmed by all the aspects involved in espresso and the many types of espresso makers available. That’s a lot of pressure—as demonstrated by that chorus of 13+ million quotes on Google singing its praises.

Preparing the perfect espresso keeps many folks employed throughout the world as baristas, which requires knowing how to operate multiple pieces of equipment, memorizing recipes, and more. But with Nespresso, you don’t have to worry about trying to become a world-class barista (although there is a World Barista Championship next scheduled for 2021). 

Although there may be some differences between your Nespresso and the most talented barista’s prepared espresso, Nespresso is specifically made for busy people who treasure their time and welcome convenience.

Why You Need Nespresso Inissia

✅  Rated as Barista Grade

✅  Consistently Tasty Cup Every Time

✅  Highly Convenient

✅  Speed: Reaches Ideal Temperature in Seconds

✅ Versatile: Adjustable Cup Size with 2 Programmable Buttons 

✅  Energy Efficient, Automatically Switching Off After 9 Minutes

✅  Low Cost Coffee Machine alternative

✅  Easy to Clean and Maintain

✅  Complimentary Welcome Kit with Range of Capsules

✅  One-Year Warranty

Are There Any Cons for Purchasing a Nespresso Inissia? 

As with all things in life, there are a few cons you may wish to consider.

Potential Cons: 

🚫 One of Nespresso Inissia’s cons is also one of its popular pros.  Because the machine provides single-use capsules, it can’t be used to make a pot for several people. 

🚫 Nespresso’s Inissia was the original machine and the first of its kind to offer customers a simple, easy way to brew delicious espresso.  Importantly, however, it was recently discontinued and is slowly being replaced by the Essenza Mini.  But the good news is that it is still widely available for purchase and will remain covered by its warranty.

🚫 Environmentalists have historically criticized Nespresso’s Inissia for creating excess waste through its single-use capsules.  Yet the company has since upgraded and expanded its recycling program, providing customers with free recycling bags and enabling them to ship used capsules for free recycling.  (For more, see below under the “Unique Features” section.).

🚫 The Milk Frother may be inadequate for the professional latte artists considering buying one of these.

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Nespresso Inissia Review

Considering a Nespresso machine? Be sure to check out our Nespresso Inissia review as we break down the good, the bad and the ugly!

Design and Build: 5/5 ⭐

We decided to give the Nespresso Inissia espresso maker a 5 out of 5 for the design and build quality that it features. In terms of counter space, the Inissia is a compact espresso machine alternative that will take up less room on the counter, while still delivering the same high quality espresso.

While Nespresso has become synonymous with espresso, these appliances are also able to repace your coffee machine thanks to the Nespresso coffee capsules. While most coffee makers require quite a bit of preparation, the Nespresso Inissia does not.

Taste and Performance: 4.5/5 ⭐

We’re happy to award this Nespresso machine a Taste and Performance Score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. While it doesn't quite perform as efficiently as an espresso machine, coffee lovers will find that this appliance performs exceptionally well compared to most. While these don't feature a milk frother like the ones seen on most espresso machines, you can still achieve that perfect latte with additional attachments.

Ease of Use: 5/5 ⭐

One of the very reasons that Nespresso Inissia was invented was for ease of use and convenience.  We believe that it strongly succeeds, meriting a score of 5 out of 5 stars. With the ability to easily load your machine with Nespresso capsules, both preparation and cleanup are a breeze.

One of the worst things about owning an espresso maker is the drip tray. These trays are constantly filling up with water and coffee grounds, which is why we love the Nespresso Inissia.

Features: 4/5 ⭐

Because Nespresso Inissia was the first single-serve machine, and has set the trend in offering unique and convenient features, we award the machine a 4 out of 5. Yes, there are newer models that may include a bit more features, but for what you need, this is the perfect coffee machine and espresso machine hybrid.

Value for the Money: 5/5 ⭐

Nespresso Inissia offers tremendous value for the money.  It’s reasonably priced, being one of the most inexpensive espresso machines out there, it’s simple to clean and maintain, and its coffee is consistently delicious.  Some argue that the cost of the capsules is too expensive.  But if you compare their cost to that of other coffee shops, many feel that the capsules are ultimately a tremendous bargain. 

In addition, once you determine how much you’ll drink on average per month, you can set up repeated monthly delivery for free, the ultimate coffee lovers subscription!

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How Exactly Does Nespresso Inissia Work?

You’ll immediately see that the Nespresso machine has a unique, slick design and configuration, plus solid engineering.  It’s manufactured from heavy gauge steel surrounded by attractive, togh plastic.  Further, the machine is lightweight and compact and has an ergonomic handle.

Simply put one of the compatible capsules in the machine, close the machine, and the pod is punctured on the top side.  Select your preferred cup size, and its extraction system forces the correct amount of heated water from the water tank straight through the capsule. 

The heated water is pumped under high pressure, causing the foil-covered side of the capsule to burst.  The result is rich, tasty, crema-topped, piping hot Nespresso.  Because there is a filter inside the capsule, coffee grounds won’t ruin the taste and texture of your Nespresso.  You can then pop out the capsule and recycle it.

The machine does all of this in just seconds. Notably, there’s no mess to clean up and little to no maintenance.

Never Heard of Nespresso?

Swiss engineer and entrepreneur Eric Favre invented the high-end capsule brewing machine called Nespresso when working for Nestle in the late 1970s.  It provided the first single-serving coffee container, known as capsules or pods.

Nestle originally marketed the Nespresso machines to businesses, including hotels.  Later, they expanded by marketing directly to consumers.  Nespresso is considered a high-quality, premium brand that is accessible, convenient, and simple to use.

Favre came up with the idea of developing what ultimately became the Nespresso machine after joking with his Italian wife about his terribly “bland Swiss coffee.”  He challenged himself to design a machine that people could use to make Italian-style espresso from their own homes without paying a fortune.

He evaluated several large-scale, professional, and extremely expensive machines in restaurants and popular Italian coffee shops, speaking with those who operated the machines.  

As noted above, his goal was to make espresso more accessible and convenient, leading to what is now known as the Nespresso system.  The system provides hermetically sealed aluminum capsules that are filled with precisely measured doses of pre-ground coffee.  As a result, espresso lovers were able to create a quick cup of Nespresso without breaking the bank.

As most of us know, coffee can quickly develop a stale taste, losing its freshness easily.  Nespresso’s single-serving sealed capsules keep the pre-measured, pre-ground coffee consistently fresh.

Nespresso versus Espresso Machines

Favre didn’t invent just another espresso machine.  The Nespresso produced by his machine’s system is a different kind of small coffee that greatly resembles espresso but is a related beverage.

Whereas espresso has a full-bodied, rich, aromatic flavor with strong acidity, the Nespresso machine provides a medium-bodied taste with a rich, ultra-concentrated variety of flavors, pleasant aromas, and minor acidity.  Some may describe Nespresso’s coffee as a bit less intense than espresso and therefore easier on the stomach.

More specifically, Nespresso’s coffee is made of finer ground coffee, and the machine uses greater pressure than that used with espresso.  It’s brewed at a slightly cooler temperature and has lower overall coffee content when compared to espresso.

As noted above, due to being stored in hermetically sealed, recyclable single-serve capsules, Nespresso coffee consistently tastes fresh, smooth, and intense with unique aromas.

One blogger conducted an unscientific taste test comparing the taste of Nespresso to Starbuck’s brand.  After tasting both, he concluded that Nespresso had a smooth intense flavor with a tasty crema versus Starbucks’ brand, which he judged to have an extremely bitter, burnt-like taste.

Nespresso offers a variety of capsules with different flavored espressos.  Also, if you’re interested, other coffee brands offer pods that will work in your Nespresso machine.  However, because all pods are designed differently, you’ll want to ensure that they’re compatible with your machine.

Are There Ways to Make Nespresso Taste Even Better?

Giving your Nespresso machine a thorough cleaning can address most issues you might experience if you decide to purchase non-Nespresso pods.  There are also additional steps you can take to make the taste of your Nespresso even more delicious:

Nespresso machines are pre-programmed, offering two different cup sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) or lungo (5 oz).  The ratio of coffee to water impacts the taste.  You have the option of re-calibrating your machine rather than using the default settings.  This allows you to customize it and brew the appropriate amount of water to make the perfect ratio for your taste.

You can quickly and easily re-calibrate your machine with these steps:

• Place your espresso cup directly beneath your machine’s spout, and insert one of your Nespresso capsules.
• Press and hold your machine’s espresso or lungo button.
• Release the brew button when you feel that the amount of liquid is correct.
• You may need to repeat this process to determine the proper amount of liquid to achieve your perfect taste.
• Fortunately, once you select your perfect ratio, your machine will “remember” the setting for the next time.

Did you know that watching the changing color of the espresso as it’s pouring into your cup will help achieve your preferred flavor?  Once your coffee changes to the desired color, simply release the brew button.

• Your coffee will first appear as a reddish-brown, the stage that provides the coffee its body and sweetness.
•  Its color will then start to change to caramel, proving balance, which is the primary espresso component of your coffee.
•  Last, immediately upon the coffee’s change in color to light yellow, stop the water flow, since this represents extracted bitter water only.

Prime Your Nespresso Machine Before Using It

Before inserting a new capsule into your machine, brew water through it with the lid down using the lungo setting.  This will help remove any coffee residue and preheat the capsule’s contact points.  You’ll find that warming the machine’s components also will help the capsules to pierce more easily and regulate the flow of your coffee.  Your reward will be more coffee in your cup, an even smoother pour, and a delicious Nespresso with every drop.

Regularly Clean Your  Nespresso Espresso Machine

Although this isn’t a requirement, you’ll be glad if you decide to do so.  This will lengthen your machine’s longevity and help you achieve a perfect, tasty cup every time.

If you use your machine regularly, coffee residues and oils will tend to build up in the brewing chamber.  Every time you use a pod, a layer of oil remains in the machine. 

Such residues may block the nozzle, leading to poor coffee flow and bitter-tasting coffee.  You may also begin to find that the pod no longer seems to fit into its chamber.  Pressurized water forced through the pod may leak, dripping out the pod’s side.  Unfortunately, simply flushing water through the machine when residue has built up isn’t effective.

Consider Using Filtered or Bottled Water 

The quality of the water you use is just as important in brewing tasty coffee.  If you often purchase bottled water, consider using it when you’re making your Nespresso.  However, if you find that too costly, you can consider purchasing a water filter to filter the water before adding it to your machine.  This may remove odors, sediment, and chlorine as well as reduce the hardness of your water.  The result will be better-tasting coffee from your Nespresso machine for a much longer length of time. 

Is the Nespresso Machine Easy to Use? 

The answer is a resounding“Yes.”As noted above, Favre specifically designed the machine to help people quickly and easily make delicious espresso at a low cost.  Many espresso lovers find its ease and speed as well as its delicious taste among its biggest benefits. 

In addition, if you do not have much space, a Nespresso Inissia machine can be a great option.  It fits perfectly in even extremely small spaces, including tiny kitchens at home, in a boat, and even in an RV.  Further, they are available in a range of colors that appeal to all tastes. 

Further, as noted above, they are extremely simple to clean.  In a nutshell, you should change the water, clean the drip tray, and empty the capsule container daily.  It is also suggested that you descale your machine every three months for deeper cleaning. Descaling refers to cleaning the pump and pipes of your machine.  Water hardness describes when calcium or magnesium carbonate has dissolved in water, causing scaling and build-up of calcium and lime deposits in your machine. 

To descale, fill the container with one part white vinegar and two parts water.  After you run this vinegar solution through the machine, send up to five more cycles of plain water through the machine. 

Does Nespresso Inissia Have Any Unique Features? 

Yes, the machine has several unique features that include the following, some of which we’ve already discussed: 

• Nespresso was the first to offer its customers single-serving capsules.
• Nespresso pioneered offering the ability to easily make a delicious cup of espresso at home without putting in a great deal of time and effort.
• Nespresso takes the guesswork out of buying fresh, delicious coffees since it consistently brings the same fresh quality and quantity.
• Many espresso machines are big, bulky, and heavy, and are difficult to fit into many kitchens.  Yet Nespresso machines are small, light-weight, and compact and can easily fit in even the smallest kitchens.
• The capsules are made from aluminum, helping to preserve the freshness and taste of the coffee.
• Nespresso offers its customers recycling bags for used capsules, encouraging them to recycle with their free Nespresso-UPS recycling program.  Customers can recycle used capsules at one of nearly 90,000 drop-off locations or any Nespresso Boutique.
• Every recycled capsule’s coffee grounds are composted into topsoil that is nutrient-rich.
• For nearly 20 years, Nespresso has developed relationships with small independent coffee farms to provide resources and enable them to farm more sustainably.

Nespresso proactively works to offset its operational carbon footprint in its efforts to help combat climate change.

Verdict

There you have it, the Inissia is perfect for brewing coffee and pulling shots of espresso. While it won't out-perform the likes of an espresso machine or a coffee machine, it puts everything to shame when it comes to simplicity and ease of use. Overall we give this device a 4.75 out of 5 stars, making it a great bargain for the price.

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