Nespresso CitiZ Classic espresso-only capsule machine with updated design
Overview
By this point, I'd already gotten to know a fair number of Nespresso machines. But the classic model still on the market, the Nespresso CitiZ, is the one that always caught my eye.
Other models have come and gone over the years, some of them quite quickly, while the CitiZ has stuck around and even gets the occasional design refresh. That made me curious. What's the secret behind this machine, and what does it actually do so well? That's what I set out to find out.
Product Description
The Nespresso CitiZ is a capsule espresso machine with no built-in milk frothing system, it produces espresso and lungo coffee only. The body has a matte finish with chrome-plated accents around the lever and coffee outlet. The lever and the folding cup support are both made of metal.
A lever on top opens and closes the capsule compartment for inserting a capsule and ejecting the used one, which drops into the used capsule container below the coffee outlet. Two buttons next to the lever, Espresso and Lungo, serve as the machine's controls: power, brewing, and programming a custom pour volume. According to the manufacturer, the machine extracts coffee at up to 19 bar of pump pressure.
The removable water tank sits at the back of the machine and holds 1 liter, refilled by lifting it out.
The drip tray and drip grid sit beneath the coffee outlet and collect spills during preparation. The grid is foldable, allowing taller glasses to be placed directly on the drip tray. Both the drip tray and used capsule container require periodic emptying and cleaning.
Specifications
Dimensions & Weight
| Physical Size | |
| Height | 37.2 cm |
| Width | 13 cm |
| Depth | 27.8 cm |
| Weight | 3.4 kg (according to the manufacturer) |
Capacity
| Tanks & Containers | |
| Water tank | 1 liter |
| Capsule container | 9 to 11 used capsules |
Performance
| Power & Brewing | |
| Pump pressure | Max. 19 bar |
| Power | 1260 W |
| Voltage / Frequency | 220-240V~, 50-60 Hz |
| Preset cup sizes | Espresso 40 ml, Lungo 110 ml both are programmable to a different volume |
| Automatic power off | 9 minutes by default can be changed to 30 minutes |
Inside the box
Pros
Classic design There's a reason why this model stays around for so long. It is slim but everything is in the right size (capsules container, water tank, drip tray), and it can fit into places that other Nespresso machines this size won't fit, excluding the smaller Nespresso Essenza Mini.
Fits tall glasses Thanks to its height, the CitiZ allows the use of a variety of glasses during the preparation of coffee, including relatively tall ones. The distance between the coffee outlet and the base is bigger compared to machines such as the Nespresso Inissia, Nespresso Pixie, and the Nespresso Essenza Mini. This factor is relevant if you're considering a Nespresso machine that generates espresso only (no milk, no water, etc.).
Reasonable water tank The CitiZ water tank's size is 1.0 liter, which is the right size for average coffee drinking habits. A small water tank requires filling it more often, so tank size is something to weigh when choosing the right Nespresso machine.
Reasonable capsule container On average, it takes about 11 capsules before the container needs emptying. Some machines that hold this quantity require fighting with the capsule drawer, while the CitiZ doesn't. Capsule container capacity is also worth factoring into machine maintenance.
Cons
Overshadowed by newer Nespresso models Though the CitiZ's design is updated every several years, it seems that Nespresso prefers to promote other models that are released to the market.
Not the cheapest option For a "no-nonsense" Nespresso machine that only prepares espresso drinks, it's more expensive than other models such as the Nespresso Inissia and the Nespresso Essenza Mini.
Overall Verdict
The CitiZ isn't trying to do everything. It makes espresso and lungo, nothing else, and every part of it seems built around that single job.
The water tank, the capsule container, and the clearance under the coffee outlet are all sized right for regular use, not oversized or cramped just to hit a spec sheet number. It costs more than simpler Nespresso models like the Inissia or the Essenza Mini, and Nespresso itself seems to push newer machines harder these days. But the CitiZ has stayed on the market for years, picking up the occasional design refresh instead of disappearing like some of its siblings, and the design itself has aged well. It still looks elegant today, years after it first came out.
That staying power isn't just about design either. This unit is still in regular use in 2026, years after I first reviewed it, without any issues along the way.
The Nespresso CitiZ shows that keeping things simple, and getting that simple thing right, is still a feature worth paying for, elegant design and long-term reliability included.
Where to buy
Below is the link to purchase the Nespresso CitiZ:
Photos
FAQ
Where can I find the Nespresso CitiZ user manual?
Does it come with a milk frother?
Is it easy to clean?
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Got questions about the Nespresso CitiZ espresso machine?
Already tried the Nespresso CitiZ espresso machine yourself?
Coffee & Espresso Reviews
Coffee & Espresso Reviews
Coffee and espresso reviews, honest and hands-on – machines, beans, and capsules. All the information you need to make the right decision.
Explore Coffee & Espresso ReviewsSubscribe OVR channels
Choose the channels you like and subscribe on YouTube.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links.
Please check out my disclosure policy for more details.
Thank you for your support & understanding!
Comments