It’s Like A Tinker Bell Pod… All Pixie.

I’ve said this before, but I am always looking for convenience. I will forfeit perfection for convenience in a lot of cases. Best example: I use a big bank and pay more fees than I probably should because I can get there easily and find one on almost every corner.

Anyway, I want something that is easy to use and I can pass up super-automation in an espresso machine if I can get something that does the trick and gets me on my way in no time. The more I search, the more it seems that capsule espresso makers, a la the Keurig single serve coffee machines that have become so popular, might be the way to go. If I can skip out on grinding the beans and not have to worry about losing flavor by pre-grinding, I think I might forfeit some other features in order to save money and time. I absolutely love the super-automated machines, but they are just so expensive.

When I saw the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker, I got pulled in a direction entirely different from where I had been heading. I was meticulously analyzing my budget, trying to see how I could squeeze out some extra funds to be able to afford one of the really expensive but really well-built machines that would also grind the beans for me. Thanks to the Pixie, I’m not sure all that is necessary.

Fast As A Speeding Bullet

If you’re on your way out the door, the machine can be ready to make your espresso in less than 30 seconds. Then, you just put in your capsule, hit the button, take your drink, and hit the road. Boom, boom, done.

Small Size But Still Programmable

Pixie lives up to its name and manages to be really super small. That being said, however, it doesn’t skimp on features like you might expect a pint-sized machine to. You can still program it a bunch of different ways to make sure your espresso is made correctly in those 30 seconds, and you can program it for more than one taste, so several people can easily use it. Pretty cool.

Free Pods For You

If you’re not familiar with the different kinds of pods that can be loaded into these espresso machines, you’ll appreciate that the Pixie comes with a selection for you to try before you settle on your favorite. If you aren’t sold on any of them, there are a ton of other options to choose from.

Not As Flexible

Before buying, you do need to be aware that this machine doesn’t have as many options as some other pod-based machines you may have seen. The Nespesso options are a little more limiting, but they are still high quality and offer enough variation for most espresso lovers.

Great For A Little Counter Space

If you’re rocking out apartment style living, you may feel like you can’t fit another appliance onto your limited countertops. But, you probably haven’t checked out the footprint of the Pixie. Even the smallest kitchen can find a few inches to house this little buddy so you don’t miss out on your morning (or afternoon!) jolt.

Really Does Hold Its Own

I’m not sure if it’s the size or the price or the mass produced nature, but I just didn’t think this would be able to give the big machines a run for their money. Surprisingly enough, it really does, as far as the espresso is concerned. It tastes great even from the capsules, and you don’t notice you’ve lost anything trying to save space with a smaller machine. I’m really impressed with the quality of the brew it makes. I didn’t think capsules could hold a candle to freshly brewed beans. I was mistaken.

Doesn’t Hold As Much

It is a small machine, which is great, but that does mean it can’t keep as much on board as bigger machines. The water tank is pretty small, and you’ll have to make a lot of trips to the sink if you make a lot in a day. If that’s the biggest of your problems, you’re probably golden, but it is something you might want to think about.

More Messy Then You’d Like

One of the stranger things about this espresso machine is that while it’s pouring, it can spray some of the liquid all over the place. Espresso isn’t a lot of liquid to begin with, so it shouldn’t be a dramatic difference, but because you only get so much out of a single capsule it would be nice for everything to go into the cup like it’s supposed to.

Don’t Spring A Leak

There have been some reports of this machine’s water tank springing a leak, but it’s not a common problem. Even the best machines have units that end up being less than perfect. It’s just a fact of life.

Be My Friend, Pixie

At almost $200, you’ll pay a few extra dollars to get a very small machine, but it really holds its own against a lot of the other options. You get compact size with the ability to get really great espresso. The only thing you really have to consider is the milk that you may want to finish off a drink other than espresso.