DELONGHI Nespresso ‎EN 85.R Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is an ultra-compact single serve coffee machine from renowned brand DeLonghi. As the name suggests, this petite machine is designed to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens while still delivering Nespresso's signature barista-style coffee.

Weighing just 2.3kg and with a footprint of only 14cm x 25cm, the Essenza Mini doesn't compromise on performance despite its small size. It uses Nespresso's acclaimed 19 bar pressure system to extract maximum flavor from the capsules. The fast heat-up time means you can go from cold machine to hot espresso in as little as 25 seconds.

With a 0.6L water tank capacity, the Essenza Mini is ideal for households with 1-2 coffee drinkers. It can make two espresso shots before needing a refill. For a compact single serve coffee maker that looks as good as the coffee it makes, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is a top contender.

Design

The De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit on most kitchen counters and move around as needed. It measures 12.6 x 23 x 32.6 cm and weighs only 2.3 kg. The slim design with rounded edges gives it an attractive, modern look.

The Essenza Mini comes in a variety of colors including black, red, white, and gray to match different kitchen decors. The front is made of smooth plastic while the top and back appear to be a sturdy metal. The materials feel high-quality and give the impression that the machine is well-constructed and built to last.

Overall, the petite size paired with the minimalist design makes this one of the more aesthetically pleasing single-serve coffee makers out there. It doesn't take up much space but still adds a touch of style to your countertop. The compact design is ideal for small kitchens or workspaces with limited counter space. While more diminutive than some other single cup brewers, the Essenza Mini still packs a punch when it comes to features and performance.

Those with an affinity for modern, minimalist style will appreciate the streamlined look of the Essenza Mini. It has a contemporary appearance that sets it apart from many boxy, utilitarian single serve coffee machines. The rounded shape and sleek lines create a sophisticated silhouette on your kitchen counter.

In contrast, the Keurig K-MINI-OASISk4 single serve coffee maker has a taller, squarer shape with sharper angles. It also comes in bolder color options like pink, teal, yellow and blue. While the K-Mini is still compact at 17.3 x 12.1 x 12.3 cm, it has a slightly larger footprint than the Essenza Mini.

The K-Mini features a matte plastic exterior that looks nice but doesn't give off quite the same premium vibe as the Essenza Mini's sleek metal and glossy plastic housing. Overall, the visual design of the K-Mini is more playful and eye-catching compared to the refined subtlety of the Essenza Mini.

Which single serve coffee maker's aesthetic you prefer will ultimately come down to your own personal taste and style. The Essenza Mini's minimalist look aims for an elegant, understated beauty. Meanwhile, the K-Mini's bolder colors and angles give it a more lively, contemporary flair.

Features

The Delonghi Nespresso EN85.R has several notable features that make it stand out among single serve coffee machines.

Pressure Pump

The EN85.R contains a 19-bar pressure pump which is able to extract maximum flavor from the coffee. The high-pressure extraction brings out the aromas and oils from the ground coffee in the capsule, resulting in a rich, full-bodied espresso. This makes a noticeable difference compared to lower pressure pumps found in some competing models. The 19-bar pressure results in an intense, aromatic espresso that brings out the subtle nuances and flavors of the coffee.

Large Water Tank

A generous 40oz (1.2L) removable water tank allows you to brew several coffees before needing to refill. This is convenient for households that consume a lot of coffee daily, or for office settings where the machine will see heavy use. The tank is clearly marked so you can easily monitor the water level. You can brew around 10 coffees before needing to refill the tank, which is more than enough for most households or small office settings.

Used Capsule Container

After brewing, the spent capsules are ejected into an internal container that can hold up to 11 used capsules before needing emptying. This helps keep your countertop tidy and makes disposing of the capsules quick and hygienic. The container is easily removable for cleaning. Not having to deal with disposing of wet grounds makes cleanup much easier compared to traditional espresso machines.

The Delonghi EN85.R is an excellent choice for someone looking for a convenient single-serve espresso maker that doesn't compromise on quality. It produces café-style drinks with thick crema and robust flavor. The convenient capsule system and automatic operation also make it a great option for busy households. If you're considering other models, the Philips LM9012/60 is comparable in terms of features and performance. It has a similar 19-bar pump and a removable 12-capsule container. The water tank holds 35oz, which is smaller than the Delonghi's 40oz capacity. However, the Philips does have a milk frother for making cappuccinos and lattes. So if you want to easily make milk-based drinks, the Philips may be a better choice. Overall though, both are excellent single-serve espresso makers that will satisfy any coffee lover.

Ease of Use

The Delonghi Nespresso EN85R is designed to be very easy to use.

The machine has two large buttons on top - one for espresso and one for lungo. Pressing either will start the brewing process. Loading the capsules is as simple as lifting the lever, popping in a capsule, and closing the lever. The capsules load smoothly every time.

Cleaning the EN85R is also hassle-free. The drip tray slides out easily so you can empty it and rinse it after use. The water tank lifts up for fast refilling. De-scaling the machine is recommended every 3-4 months to keep it operating optimally, and De'Longhi provides de-scaling solution packets to make this process easy. The external surfaces just need a quick wipe down if spills occur.

Overall, the EN85R achieves simplicity and convenience when it comes to daily operation and maintenance. The intuitive buttons, capsule loading system, and removable parts allow anyone to use this machine with minimal effort.

Coffee Quality

The Nespresso EN85.R produces espresso with a rich, smooth crema and robust flavor. The 19 bar pressure pump extracts the coffee oils and aromas effectively, resulting in a balanced espresso with subtle notes.

The temperature is ideal, not too hot to scald your mouth but hot enough to bring out the flavors properly. Each cup is served at the optimum temperature between 70-80°C.

The crema produced is thick and persistent, with a creamy tan hue. It's an indication of the freshness of the coffee and the high-quality extraction. The crema emulsifies the flavors and aromas of the coffee beautifully.

The end result is a cup of espresso that tastes as good as one prepared by a barista. There are no burnt or bitter notes, just a smooth and nuanced espresso profile. This shows the care Nespresso takes in blending and roasting their coffee capsules specifically for this machine.

Capsule Variety

The Nespresso system offers a wide variety of capsules to choose from. Nespresso has over 25 different capsules available, so you can enjoy a range of coffees from light, fruity blends to rich, dark roasts. Some of the most popular capsules include:

• Arpeggio - A dark roast with cocoa notes
• Roma - A full-bodied, intense coffee
• Volluto - A lighter, creamy coffee with cereal notes
• Vanilio - A smooth blend with vanilla flavoring
• Caramelito - A caramel-accented coffee

Nespresso frequently releases limited edition capsules as well to keep things exciting. With so many capsules to explore, you'll be able to find a coffee you love. The broad selection means you can switch up your daily coffee routine.

Pros

One of the best features of the Delonghi Nespresso EN85.R is its compact size. This single-serve coffee maker has a small footprint, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens, apartments, offices and other tight spaces. Despite its petite dimensions, it can still brew full-size coffee cups.

The EN85.R heats up incredibly fast. You can go from off to sipping espresso in under 30 seconds. The rapid heating system delivers the ideal temperature needed to extract the best flavor from Nespresso capsules. No more waiting around for your morning coffee!

This Nespresso machine is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Inserting a capsule and starting brewing with the push of a button is super straightforward. The removable water tank also makes refilling easy, while the capsule container is conveniently accessed from the front. With its intuitive controls and minimal parts, the EN85.R is one of the most user-friendly single-serve coffee makers around.

Cons

• The water tank on the Essenza Mini is quite small at just 0.6L. This means you'll need to refill it frequently, after just 2-3 cups. Having to refill the tank so often can be inconvenient.

• Nespresso's capsule system offers a limited variety compared to machines that use ground coffee or ESE pods. There are only around 20 Nespresso capsule varieties to choose from. So if you enjoy trying lots of different coffee blends and flavors, the Essenza Mini may not satisfy your tastes.

• While Nespresso capsules are recyclable, the aluminum and plastic used is not environmentally friendly. This may be a concern for eco-conscious buyers.

• At full price, the Essenza Mini is one of the more expensive single serve pod machines. The brewer itself is affordably priced but the ongoing cost of Nespresso capsules is high.

Price

With a retail price around £80-100, the Nespresso Essenza is an affordably priced single-serve coffee machine. This makes it a great entry-level option for someone looking to buy their first pod coffee maker without breaking the bank.

The Essenza is simple and streamlined, without a lot of complex features that drive up the price. You're paying for the reliable brewing technology more than anything else. Given the ease of use and quality espresso it produces, many find it well worth the price.

Of course, there are less expensive pod coffee makers out there. But lower prices typically mean cutting corners on heating elements, pump pressure, or build construction. The Essenza hits the sweet spot of balancing an attractive price point with high-quality parts and performance.

Paying a bit more upfront for the Essenza can actually save money in the long run. Its energy efficiency and durable parts result in a machine that lasts for years of daily use. Factoring in the thousands of cups of coffee it can produce, the Essenza delivers significant value for the investment.

Conclusion

The De'Longhi Nespresso EN85.R Essenza Mini is a solid single-serve capsule coffee machine that excels in some key areas while falling a bit short in others.

On the plus side, the sleek, compact design is perfect for small kitchens or office spaces. The one-touch operation and fast 25 second heat up time make brewing a cup of coffee simple and quick. The machine produces espresso and lungo with a nice, rich crema using Nespresso's wide variety of flavorful capsules.

However, the small 6-9 oz water tank requires frequent refilling. Lack of a milk frother limits beverage options. And as a Nespresso exclusive system, your capsule choices are restricted compared to other brands.

Overall, the De'Longhi Essenza Mini is easy to recommend for espresso drinkers who want great tasting shots in a tiny package. While not as versatile as some competitors, it nails the basics beautifully. If you're looking for an ultra compact, fast and delicious single cup espresso maker, the Essenza Mini is tough to beat.