Nespresso Essenza Mini XN1108 Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.3/10
Best for: Quick, consistent, mess-free coffee at the push of a button
Not for: Coffee purists who want fresh-ground beans, or anyone wanting the lowest cost per cup
Bottom line: A practical pod coffee machine (The Nespresso Original, compact) for fuss-free pod coffee at home.
This pod coffee machine is a compact The Nespresso pod machine with a 19 bar pressure system and a 0.6 L water tank. The quick verdict is that it suits small kitchens where space and simple operation matter. The 0.6 L tank is limited, so larger households may need more frequent refills, but it remains a straightforward choice for a basic Original pod setup.
Key specifications
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| System | Original pods only |
| Pressure | 19 bar |
| Tank | 0.6 L capacity |
| Mode | Energy saving (unspecified) |
Pros
- Uses the Nespresso Original pod system
- 0.6L tank
- Compact, space-saving design
- Quick, consistent coffee with no mess or grinding
Cons
- Pods are an ongoing cost and lock you into one system
- Pod systems aren't cross-compatible - no mixing brands of pod
- Less fresh and less customisable than bean-to-cup or ground coffee
Coffee Quality and Pod System
Coffee quality is closely linked to the pod coffee machine pod system, because the Nespresso is designed for Original capsules only. With 19 bar pressure, extraction is intended to deliver consistent, concentrated coffee from each pod. Operation follows a simple cycle: insert a capsule, select the usual serving size, then start the brew, with hot coffee running through the pod into the cup. This fixed process reduces guesswork, since the grind and dose are set by the capsule, but it also limits choice to Original pods and prevents use of non-compatible capsules.
Milk, Drinks and Versatility
The pod coffee machine can handle milk-based drinks only by preparing hot or steamed milk separately, as it is a compact The Nespresso Original machine without a built-in milk system. With cappuccinos or lattes, the milk is frothed or heated separately and then combined with the pod coffee in the cup. That approach allows flexibility in the milk choice, including dairy and alternatives, but it adds an extra step and requires extra equipment. Classic drinks such as espresso and lungo remain straightforward with The Nespresso pods, while milk preparation is entirely dependent on what the user has available.
Size, Tank and Ease of Use
The machine's ability to make drinks with separate hot or steamed milk influences how it fits into everyday kitchen routines, because space and extra steps matter. The Essenza Mini XN1108 is designed to be compact, helping it suit smaller counters and tighter storage. Its water tank holds 0.6 L, which is moderate, so frequent refills may be needed during longer sessions. Operation stays straightforward: the machine fills, heats and brews on demand, then the used pod is removed. That said, the tank size can limit the time between top-ups.
Pod Cost and Availability
Pod cost and availability depend mainly on which The pod coffee machine pods are used, because the Essenza Mini XN1108 is an Original system machine and does not cover Vertuo-style capsules. In the UK, Original capsules are widely sold by retailers, including supermarkets and online shops, so buying options are generally broad. Value usually comes down to comparing packs, since prices vary by roast and intensity, and limited editions can cost more. Using compatible third-party Original-format pods may reduce spending, although taste consistency can vary. For day-to-day use, the 0.6 L tank capacity and compact size do not change pod costs, only brewing frequency.
Who Is This Pod Coffee Machine For?
Who is the Nespresso for, and who might it disappoint? It suits people who want a compact The pod coffee machine pod machine for making single-serve coffee at home or in small spaces, with a 0.6 L tank and 19 bar pressure. It fits daily users who value quick drinks and prefer not to top up a larger water reservoir. Because it is built for this pod coffee machine system, it will disappoint anyone who has The Nespresso pods or wants to brew larger drinks with fewer refills. Overall, the focus is on convenience for The Nespresso Original users, not on flexible brew sizes.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the pod coffee machine (0.6 Litre tank, 19 bar, energy saving mode, black) is sold through outlets that stock This pod coffee machine machines, since this model uses the Nespresso capsule system rather than Vertuo. Buying typically starts with The pod coffee machine's own website, then shoppers compare listings at major electrical retailers and general retailers that carry The Nespresso models. Stock can vary by colour, and any limited bundles may affect which capsules buyers plan to use, because The pod coffee machine pods are required. Buyers should confirm the exact item code and whether the seller states the energy saving mode, then check delivery timing and returns terms in the store policy before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nespresso Original worth it?
For quick, consistent coffee at the push of a button with no mess, this pod coffee machine (the Nespresso machine) is hard to beat. Remember the pods are an ongoing cost. Check the current Amazon UK price, as pod machines go on deal often.
What pods does the pod coffee machine take?
The Nespresso uses The pod coffee machine pods. Pod systems are not cross-compatible - the Nespresso machine only takes The Nespresso Original pods (plus compatible third-party ones for some systems), so factor in pod choice and price.
The pod coffee machine, Dolce Gusto or Tassimo - which is best?
Each is a different, non-compatible system: The Nespresso focuses on espresso (Original) and longer coffees (Vertuo); Dolce Gusto does a wide range of coffee and milk drinks; Tassimo offers branded drinks like Costa and Cadbury. Choose by the drinks you want and pod price - the machine just follows the system.
How much do the pods cost to run?
Pods typically work out around 30-50p each depending on the system and brand, more than ground coffee but far less than a coffee shop. The pod coffee machine and some systems have cheaper compatible pods; factor the ongoing pod cost into your decision, not just the machine price.
What does the 19 bar pressure mean?
This pod coffee machine runs at 19 bar. High pressure (around 15-19 bar is common on pod machines) helps extract a quick crema-topped coffee from the pod. For pod machines the system and pod matter more than chasing the highest bar number.
How big is the water tank on the Nespresso?
The pod coffee machine has a 0.6L tank. A bigger tank means fewer refills for households that drink a lot; compact machines use smaller tanks to save space.
Are pod coffee machines worth it over a bean-to-cup?
Pod machines are cheaper to buy, faster, mess-free and need no grinding or cleaning of grounds - ideal for convenience. Bean-to-cup machines make fresher coffee from beans and cost less per cup, but cost far more upfront and need more upkeep. For speed and ease, pods win; for coffee purists, beans do.