I’m a coffee enthusiast who’s spent years chasing the perfect espresso at home, and let me tell you, the Nespresso CitiZ has won my heart. Its sleek design, rich crema, and no-fuss operation make it a must-have for anyone craving café-quality coffee without the barista skills.
Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a quiet morning, this machine delivers. Trust me, it’s worth every penny, and I’m excited to share why you need one in your kitchen now.
My Journey With The Nespresso CitiZ
Picture this: it’s 7 a.m., I’m bleary-eyed, and the thought of grinding beans or tamping grounds feels like climbing Everest.
That’s when I first met the Nespresso CitiZ, a compact, retro-chic machine that promised espresso bliss with minimal effort.
Unboxing it felt like opening a gift—sleek chrome accents, a sturdy build, and a vibe that screamed “I belong in a trendy café.”
Setup was a breeze: fill the 34-ounce water tank, pop in a capsule, and press a button. Within 25 seconds, the machine hummed to life, ready to brew.
My first shot was a 1.35-ounce espresso using Nespresso’s Volluto capsule.
The aroma hit me like a warm hug—nutty, with a hint of citrus.
The crema was thick and velvety, rivaling my local coffee shop’s best. I sipped it slowly, savoring the balanced flavor that didn’t leave a bitter aftertaste.
Next, I tried a 3.7-ounce lungo for my partner, who loves a longer coffee with a splash of milk. It was smooth, with just enough boldness to shine through the dairy. The machine’s simplicity blew me away—two buttons, no fuss, and consistent results every time.
Over weeks of testing, I brewed dozens of capsules, from intense Ristretto to decaf options. The CitiZ handled them all flawlessly, though I noticed it took 10-15 seconds longer to preheat than some newer models.
Its compact footprint (5.1 inches wide) fit perfectly on my crowded counter, and the flip-up tray let me use taller mugs when I wanted an Americano. Sure, it lacks milk-frothing bells and whistles, but for a straight espresso lover like me, it’s a dream.
What Makes The Nespresso CitiZ Shine?
The CitiZ isn’t just a pretty face—it’s packed with features that make it a standout. Here’s why I’m obsessed.
- Sleek, Space-Saving Design
Let’s talk aesthetics.
The CitiZ looks like it belongs in a design magazine with its retro-modern vibe and color options (black, white, chrome, or red).
At 5.1 inches wide and 10.9 inches tall, it’s a countertop ninja, slipping into tight spaces without hogging room.
I’ve got a tiny apartment kitchen, and this machine fits like it was custom-made.
The chrome accents and sturdy metal build give it a premium feel that cheaper plastic models can’t match. It’s not just a coffee maker; it’s a statement piece.
- Lightning-Fast Brewing
Mornings are chaos, right? You need coffee stat. The CitiZ heats up in 25 seconds flat, so you’re not twiddling your thumbs waiting for your fix. Whether it’s a quick espresso or a leisurely lungo, brewing takes under a minute. I timed it: 18 seconds for an espresso, 37 for a lungo.
The 19-bar pressure pump pulls rich, aromatic shots with a creamy crema every time. It’s like having a barista on speed dial, minus the tip jar.
- Generous Water Tank
Refilling a water tank mid-morning rush is a buzzkill. The CitiZ’s 34-ounce reservoir is a game-changer, letting me brew multiple shots before topping it up. Compared to the Pixie’s 24-ounce tank, it’s a clear winner for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
The tank’s removable, so I can rinse and refill it easily, though it’s at the back, so I slide the machine forward to check levels. Small price to pay for less frequent refills.
- Customizable Brew Sizes
You’re not locked into default settings with the CitiZ. Its two buttons (espresso at 1.35 ounces, lungo at 3.7 ounces) can be reprogrammed by holding them down until your cup’s filled to your liking. I tweaked mine for a slightly larger espresso, and now it’s perfect every time.
This flexibility means you can tailor your coffee to your mood—short and intense or long and mellow. It’s like the machine gets you.
- Eco-Friendly Touches
Nespresso’s not perfect on sustainability, but the CitiZ makes strides. Its auto-off feature kicks in after 9 minutes (adjustable to 30), saving energy when I forget to power down. The aluminum capsules are recyclable through Nespresso’s free program—just drop them at a boutique or UPS point.
I stash used pods in the machine’s 11-capsule container, which slides out easily for recycling. It’s a small effort for a greener coffee habit.
The Not-So-Great Parts of The Nespresso CitiZ
No machine’s perfect, and the CitiZ has quirks that might bug you. Here’s the real talk.
- No Built-In Milk Frother
If lattes or cappuccinos are your jam, the base CitiZ leaves you hanging.
It’s espresso and lungo only—no milk-frothing wizardry.
You can upgrade to the CitiZ & Milk with an Aeroccino3 frother, but that adds $50 and widens the footprint to 8.6 inches.
I’m fine with manual frothing or skipping milk altogether, but if you’re all about creamy drinks, this could feel limiting.
Consider a Vertuo or Lattissima for built-in froth.
- Tricky Drip Tray Design
The removable drip tray is a double-edged sword. It’s great for cleaning, but it’s flimsy and doesn’t always sit flush. I’ve knocked it loose a few times, spilling water on my counter.
It also struggles with full-size coffee cups—taller mugs don’t fit unless you flip up the tray, which feels clunky. If you’re team espresso cup, no issue, but Americano fans might need smaller vessels.
- Manual Capsule Ejection
Unlike fancier models that auto-eject pods, the CitiZ makes you lift a lever to drop used capsules into the bin. It’s not a dealbreaker, but after testing machines like the Vertuo Lattissima, I missed the hands-free convenience.
The lever’s smooth, but it’s an extra step when you’re half-asleep. Plus, third-party capsules can occasionally stick, requiring a nudge.
- Pricey for Basic Features
At around $200, the CitiZ isn’t cheap for what it offers. It’s a mid-range OriginalLine machine, but models like the Essenza Mini ($150) deliver similar espresso for less.
The CitiZ’s build and tank size justify the cost for me, but if you don’t care about aesthetics or brew volume, you might feel it’s overpriced. Vertuo machines, with more drink options, are comparably priced, so weigh your priorities.
Keeping Your Nespresso CitiZ In Tip-Top Shape
Maintaining your CitiZ is easy if you stay on top of it. Here’s how I keep mine humming.
- Daily Cleaning Routine: After each brew, I empty the drip tray and rinse it to prevent coffee stains. The used capsule bin holds 11 pods, so I dump it daily to avoid overflow. A quick wipe of the machine’s body with a damp cloth keeps it shiny. If you’ve got the CitiZ & Milk, rinse the Aeroccino after every use—milk residue gets gross fast. This takes 2 minutes tops and saves you headaches later.
- Descaling Every 3 Months: Hard water can clog your machine, so Nespresso recommends descaling every 3 months or 300 capsules. The CitiZ has a descaling mode, but it’s not intuitive—grab the manual. I use Nespresso’s descaling kit, mix it with water, and run it through the machine. Place a container under the spout, press both buttons for 3 seconds, then hit lungo to start. Repeat with clean water to rinse. It’s a 20-minute job, but it keeps your coffee tasting fresh.
- Refilling and Rinsing the Water Tank: I rinse the 34-ounce tank weekly to keep water fresh. Since it’s at the back, I pull the machine forward to detach it. Fill it with filtered water for better taste and less mineral buildup. Don’t let it run dry—the pump hates that. This quick habit ensures your espresso stays pure and your machine lasts longer.
- Storing Capsules Smartly: Nespresso capsules are sensitive to heat and moisture, so I store mine in a cool, dry drawer. The CitiZ comes with a sample pack, but I buy third-party pods to save cash. Reusable capsules are an option, but they’re fiddly—stick to pre-filled for convenience. Keep your stash organized so you’re not rummaging mid-morning.
- Checking for Wear and Tear: After a year, I inspect the lever and drip tray for wear. The lever can get sticky if coffee residue builds up, so I clean it with a soft brush. If anything feels off, Nespresso’s customer service is stellar—they’ll guide you or offer warranty support. Register your machine online for perks like free capsules.
How The CitiZ Stacks Up Against The Competition?
Let’s pit the CitiZ against its rivals to see how it holds up. I’ve tested a bunch of machines, so here’s the scoop.
- Nespresso CitiZ Vs. Nespresso Pixie
The Pixie’s the CitiZ’s pint-sized sibling, and they’re close cousins.
Both use OriginalLine capsules and brew espresso or lungo with 19-bar pressure.
The Pixie’s smaller (4.4 inches wide, 24-ounce tank) and cheaper (around $150), making it ideal for solo drinkers or tight spaces.
But its plastic build feels less premium, and the smaller tank means more refills.
The CitiZ’s larger reservoir and metal accents give it an edge for style and convenience.
If you’re torn, ask yourself: do you prioritize compactness or capacity?
I’d pick the CitiZ for its looks and longevity.
- Nespresso CitiZ Vs. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus is a different beast, using VertuoLine pods for espresso and drip-style coffee (up to 8 ounces).
It’s great if you want variety, but the pods are pricier, and you’re locked into Nespresso’s brand—no third-party options.
The CitiZ sticks to espresso, but its coffee is hotter, and you can use cheaper compatible capsules.
The Vertuo’s bulkier, too, at 8.6 inches wide. For espresso purists like me, the CitiZ wins, but coffee lovers might lean Vertuo.
- Nespresso CitiZ Vs. Keurig K-Cafe
Keurig’s K-Cafe brews drip coffee, espresso-style shots, and froths milk, all for about $190.
It’s versatile, with tons of pod options, but the espresso’s weak compared to the CitiZ’s barista-quality shots.
Keurig’s plastic build feels flimsier, and the machine’s noisier.
If you want a true espresso with thick crema, the CitiZ smokes it.
But if you’re team “one machine for all drinks,” Keurig’s a contender. I’d still vote CitiZ for flavor.
- Nespresso CitiZ Vs. Breville Bambino
The Breville Bambino ($300) is a semi-automatic espresso machine for hands-on brewing. You grind beans, tamp grounds, and steam milk manually, which yields incredible coffee if you’ve got skills. The CitiZ is dummy-proof, brewing in seconds with no mess.
I love the Bambino’s control, but it’s overkill for most. If you’re not ready to play barista, the CitiZ’s simplicity and consistency are unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, if you’re after top-notch espresso without the hassle. The CitiZ’s rich, crema-topped shots rival café quality, and its sleek design and 34-ounce tank make it a practical choice. It’s pricier than budget models like the Essenza Mini, but the build quality and flavor justify the cost. If you drink espresso daily and value convenience, it’s a solid investment.
The CitiZ edges out the Pixie for me. Its larger 34-ounce tank means fewer refills, and the metal build feels sturdier than the Pixie’s plastic. The Pixie’s cheaper and slimmer (4.4 inches), great for small spaces, but it holds less water (24 ounces) and feels less premium. Both brew identical coffee, so pick the CitiZ for style and capacity, Pixie for budget and compactness.
“Best” depends on you. The CitiZ is my pick for espresso lovers who want simplicity and style. If you crave variety, the Vertuo Plus brews coffee and espresso but uses pricier pods. For milk-based drinks, the Lattissima One’s one-touch frothing is ace. The Essenza Mini’s great for budget-conscious buyers. Test your needs—espresso only? Go CitiZ.
Not really. The CitiZ brews espresso (1.35 ounces) and lungo (3.7 ounces), not drip-style coffee. You can make an Americano by adding hot water to an espresso, but it’s not the same as a full 8-ounce coffee. For regular coffee, consider a Vertuo machine or a Keurig. If espresso’s your vibe, the CitiZ nails it.
Why The Nespresso CitiZ Is Your Next Must-Have?
After months of brewing, I’m sold on the Nespresso CitiZ. It’s a stylish, reliable workhorse that pumps out café-quality espresso in seconds. From its compact design to its customizable shots, it’s built for coffee lovers who want flavor without fuss.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a home barista, this machine delivers. Don’t wait—grab a CitiZ and elevate your coffee game today.