Nespresso CitiZ Review: Is This Nespresso Classic Still Worth Buying?

Nespresso CitiZ is an old-school Nespresso machine in the best possible sense.

It doesn't try to be a connected appliance.

It doesn't read capsule barcodes.

It doesn't spin your coffee at thousands of revolutions per minute.

It takes an Original Nespresso capsule and makes espresso or lungo.

That's it.

And for a lot of people, that's still exactly what a capsule machine should do.

The question is whether CitiZ offers enough over cheaper Original machines such as Essenza Mini and compact alternatives such as Pixie.

For the right kitchen, yes.

Coffee Machine Reviews Verdict

Overall: 8.7/10

Best for: Buyers wanting a stylish, straightforward Original Nespresso machine with more capacity than the smallest models.

Avoid if: You simply want the cheapest possible Original machine.

Machine type: Capsule

Capsules: Nespresso Original

Milk: None on standard CitiZ

Our verdict: CitiZ remains attractive because it combines Original Nespresso simplicity with a larger, more substantial design than Pixie or Essenza Mini.

Nespresso CitiZ Pros and Cons

Pros

• Original capsule system
• Espresso and lungo
• Extremely easy
• Fast heating
• Larger water tank than ultra-compact models
• Stylish design
• Programmable drink volumes
• Huge compatible capsule ecosystem
• Very easy cleaning

Cons

• More expensive than Essenza Mini
• No milk on standard version
• No large Vertuo-style coffee sizes
• Larger than Pixie
• Capsule costs accumulate
• Limited functionality for the price

What Is Nespresso CitiZ?

CitiZ is a Nespresso Original capsule machine.

Its purpose is very simple.

Insert a capsule.

Press:

• Espresso
• Lungo

Receive coffee.

The larger body gives CitiZ a more substantial presence than Nespresso's smallest machines while retaining the same straightforward Original workflow.

Original Capsule System

Original remains compelling because it's an open-looking ecosystem from the consumer's perspective.

Nespresso sells its own capsules.

But compatible capsules are also widely available from other manufacturers.

That means you can shop around for:

• roast;
• intensity;
• flavour;
• price.

That's a significant advantage over Vertuo.

Espresso

CitiZ makes espresso extremely quickly.

No grinding.

No dosing.

No tamping.

No coffee puck.

No skill.

The result is consistent capsule espresso with almost no mess.

For a busy household, that's a powerful proposition.

Lungo

Press the Lungo button for a longer coffee.

Volumes can also be programmed around your preferred serving.

If you regularly want genuinely large mug coffee, however, Vertuo is a better fit.

Original is fundamentally an espresso-oriented system.

Water Tank

One practical CitiZ advantage is its larger water capacity compared with the smallest Nespresso machines.

That means less frequent refilling.

This sounds trivial until you use a small capsule machine several times per day.

Convenience isn't only about brewing.

It's about reducing all the little jobs surrounding brewing.

Milk Drinks

Standard CitiZ doesn't contain a milk system.

You'll need a separate frother.

Some CitiZ packages have historically been sold alongside an Aeroccino, creating a neat coffee-and-milk setup.

Check exactly what the retailer includes.

A photograph showing a frother doesn't always mean it's included.

CitiZ vs Pixie

The coffee proposition is very similar.

The real differences are physical.

Pixie

Better for:

• very small kitchens;
• compactness;
• minimalist footprint.

CitiZ

Better for:

• larger water capacity;
• taller design;
• buyers wanting a more substantial machine.

Don't expect dramatically different coffee simply because CitiZ is larger.

CitiZ vs Essenza Mini

Essenza Mini is the value choice.

It's:

• smaller;
• cheaper;
• extremely simple.

CitiZ gives you more capacity and a more substantial design.

If you make one espresso a day, Essenza Mini may be all you need.

If several people use the machine, CitiZ's extra capacity becomes more useful.

CitiZ vs Vertuo Pop

Again, choose the ecosystem before the appliance.

CitiZ

• Original;
• espresso/lungo;
• third-party capsule choice.

Vertuo Pop

• Vertuo;
• multiple sizes;
• larger coffee;
• barcode-controlled extraction.

If your normal order is espresso, we'd lean Original.

If it's a large mug of coffee, Vertuo makes much more sense.

CitiZ vs Creatista Plus

Both use Original capsules.

But they're completely different propositions.

Creatista Plus adds an automatic steam wand and sophisticated milk control.

CitiZ leaves milk entirely separate.

For black coffee, paying Creatista money is unnecessary.

For daily flat whites, Creatista becomes far more compelling.

Cleaning

This is one of CitiZ's greatest strengths.

Used capsules drop into an internal container.

There's no grinder.

No coffee grounds.

No milk system.

Routine maintenance is essentially:

• empty capsule container;
• empty drip tray;
• rinse tank;
• descale.

That's it.

Running Costs

The machine may last for years.

Capsules are where the long-term cost sits.

Fortunately, Original's broad compatible-capsule market gives you more pricing flexibility than Vertuo.

Heavy coffee drinkers should still compare capsule costs with beans.

Who Should Buy CitiZ?

Buy it if:

• you want Original Nespresso;
• Pixie feels too small;
• you value larger water capacity;
• you want espresso/lungo;
• broad capsule choice matters;
• simple cleaning matters.

Who Shouldn't Buy It?

Look elsewhere if:

• Essenza Mini meets your needs for less;
• you want mug coffee;
• you want integrated milk;
• you want fresh beans;
• capsule costs concern you.

Final Verdict

CitiZ doesn't win through clever technology.

It wins through practicality.

It's easy.

It's clean.

It uses the enormous Original capsule ecosystem.

And its larger format means fewer compromises than the tiniest Nespresso machines.

We wouldn't pay a huge premium over Pixie or Essenza Mini.

But at the right price, CitiZ remains one of the most sensible Original Nespresso machines.

Coffee Machine Reviews Score: 8.7/10

Convenience Score: 9.9/10

Best for: A larger, stylish Original Nespresso machine without unnecessary complexity.

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