Nespresso CitiZ Coffee and Espresso Machine Review with DeLonghi Milk Frother in Black
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
The Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi is designed for people who want espresso, lungo, and milk-based coffee without grinding beans or manually controlling extraction. Its compact profile, quick heating system, programmable serving sizes, and included Aeroccino 3 milk frother make it worth considering for a small kitchen, office, or other space where speed and repeatability matter.
Product Overview
The Nespresso CitiZ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother is a single-serve capsule machine made for the Nespresso Original system. It does not accept Vertuo capsules. Original capsules are available from Nespresso and various compatible third-party producers, giving users a relatively broad selection of roasts and flavor profiles.
The CitiZ uses two buttons to prepare a 1.35-ounce espresso or a 3.7-ounce lungo. Both volumes can be reprogrammed. A 19-bar vibration pump provides the pressure needed to puncture the capsule and move heated water through the ground coffee, while the thermoblock heating system reaches operating temperature in approximately 25 seconds.
This EN267BAE bundle includes the CitiZ machine and a separate Aeroccino 3 milk frother for hot milk, hot foam, or cold foam. The removable water reservoir holds approximately 33.8 fluid ounces, and the internal container accommodates roughly 9 to 11 used capsules.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The CitiZ has a narrow, upright shape with retro-modern styling. Most of the exterior is plastic, while the weighted chrome-finished lever provides a more substantial contact point when opening and closing the capsule chamber. The black finish is understated and should fit into most kitchen or office environments.
Published dimensions vary between listings, partly because some measurements appear to include the machine, frother, base, or packaging in different orientations. The commonly referenced machine body is approximately 14.6 inches deep and 10.9 inches high, with a narrow main tower. The title lists dimensions of 9.3 by 14.6 by 10.9 inches, while other product data lists the bundle at 11.3 by 14.6 by 12.44 inches. Measuring the intended counter area before purchasing is advisable, especially under upper cabinets.
The rear-mounted water tank keeps the front clean and uncluttered, but it also makes the water level difficult to see from directly in front. Removing the tank may be less convenient when the machine is placed beneath a low cabinet.
A folding cup support holds a small espresso cup closer to the spout to reduce splashing. It can be raised for a taller latte glass, although extra-tall travel tumblers may not fit. The drip tray underneath is relatively shallow and may require frequent emptying.
Key Features
Nineteen-bar extraction system
The vibration pump forces heated water through a sealed Nespresso Original capsule at high pressure. This produces a concentrated serving with a visible crema layer and repeatable extraction. Flavor and body still depend heavily on the selected capsule, and the machine does not provide the pressure, temperature, or flow adjustments found on advanced manual espresso equipment.
Fast thermoblock heating
The heating system is designed to become ready in approximately 25 seconds. This reduces waiting compared with many traditional boiler machines and allows the CitiZ to recover quickly between servings. The delivered coffee may not feel as hot as some users expect, particularly when it is dispensed into a cold cup.
Programmable espresso and lungo controls
Two illuminated buttons are preset for 1.35-ounce espresso and 3.7-ounce lungo servings. Automatic flow stopping means the user does not need to watch the cup throughout extraction. Holding a button during brewing and releasing it at the desired volume stores a custom amount. Programming too much water for a single capsule may result in a weaker or more bitter drink.
Aeroccino 3 milk frother
The included Aeroccino 3 is a separate electric frother rather than an integrated steam wand. A short press prepares hot milk and foam, while holding the button for about two seconds activates cold frothing. It shuts off automatically when the cycle is complete. This is convenient for cappuccinos and lattes, but it does not offer the manual texture control needed for traditional microfoam or detailed latte art.
Watch the Video Review
What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, daily operation should be straightforward. The user fills the reservoir, lifts the lever, inserts a Nespresso Original capsule, closes the lever, positions a cup, and presses either the espresso or lungo button. After brewing, lifting the lever releases the used capsule into the internal container.
The approximately one-liter reservoir should require fewer refills than the tanks used by smaller OriginalLine machines such as the Essenza Mini. Similarly, the 9-to-11-capsule waste container reduces how often used pods need to be removed. These capacities may be useful in a household with several daily coffee drinkers or in a small office.
The pump will produce noticeable mechanical noise during extraction, but the brewing cycle is brief. Running the Aeroccino at the same time as the CitiZ should allow the espresso and milk foam to finish at roughly similar times.
A water-only cycle before the first drink of the day can warm the internal path and preheat the cup. This may improve the serving temperature. It can also flush residual coffee oils from the outlet. The machine automatically enters an energy-saving shutdown mode after approximately nine minutes of inactivity, and the delay can be adjusted to as long as 30 minutes.
What Works Well
The short warmup time makes the CitiZ practical for quick morning use.
The 19-bar pump and automatic flow control provide consistent results without requiring espresso preparation skills.
The one-liter reservoir is relatively generous for a compact capsule machine and reduces routine refilling.
The internal container holds approximately 9 to 11 spent capsules, which is useful for households preparing multiple drinks per day.
Programmable espresso and lungo buttons allow serving volumes to be adapted to different cups and capsule styles.
The folding cup support works with both small espresso cups and moderately tall glasses.
Compatibility with the Nespresso Original format provides access to Nespresso capsules as well as many compatible third-party options.
The included Aeroccino 3 can produce hot or cold foam without the learning curve or cleanup associated with a steam wand.
Things to Consider
The CitiZ does not include a grinder, so it cannot brew freshly ground coffee. Users are limited to Nespresso Original capsules and compatible alternatives.
There is no dedicated hot-water outlet. For an Americano or Long Black, it is better to eject the used capsule before running a water-only cycle. Continuing to push water through an extracted capsule can increase bitterness.
The Aeroccino provides convenience rather than precise milk control. Anyone who wants manually textured microfoam may prefer an espresso machine with a traditional steam wand.
The rear reservoir is difficult to monitor from the front and may be awkward to remove beneath low cabinets.
The shallow drip tray can fill quickly with rinse water and normal drips. Regular emptying is important to reduce the risk of water spilling onto the counter.
There is no dedicated automatic descaling warning. Maintenance intervals must be tracked according to usage frequency and local water hardness.
Cup clearance is improved by the folding tray, but some travel mugs and extra-tall glasses will still be too large.
Power specifications vary by listing. The machine itself is commonly associated with a 1260-watt thermoblock, while the provided bundle information lists 1710 watts, potentially reflecting a different regional specification or the combined setup. The EN267BAE version is listed for 110-volt electrical service, so buyers should confirm compatibility with their outlet.
Who Is This Product For?
The CitiZ is suited to users who prioritize fast preparation, consistent serving sizes, and minimal cleanup. It makes sense for espresso and lungo drinkers who prefer the Nespresso Original capsule selection and want a larger reservoir than the smallest capsule machines provide.
The bundle is particularly relevant for people who regularly prepare cappuccinos, lattes, or other milk-based drinks but do not want to operate a steam wand. Its narrow body can also work well in compact kitchens and small office beverage stations.
It may not be the right choice for coffee drinkers who want to grind fresh beans, adjust extraction temperature, control pressure or flow, or manually texture milk. It is also less suitable for users who primarily fill large travel mugs or need a dedicated hot-water dispenser.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Confirm that you want the Nespresso Original system rather than Vertuo. The two capsule formats are not interchangeable.
Measure both counter depth and overhead clearance. The machine is narrow, but its rear tank and lifting lever require usable space around and above the body.
Run a water-only cycle before the first coffee if a hotter cup is preferred. Preheating the cup can reduce heat loss during extraction.
Avoid repeatedly running water through the same capsule. For a longer drink, brew the espresso first, eject the capsule, and add fresh hot water separately.
Clean the Aeroccino soon after each use so milk residue does not dry on the interior surface. Follow the care instructions for the whisk and coated interior.
Empty the drip tray regularly, even if it does not look full from the outside.
Track descaling manually. The correct interval depends on water hardness and brewing frequency, so consult the supplied user manual and use a compatible descaling solution.
If the pump hums without moving water after prolonged storage, an airlock may be present. Filling and correctly reseating the reservoir before starting a lungo cycle may help restore flow. Follow the manufacturer instructions if the problem continues.
Common Questions
Does the CitiZ use Vertuo capsules?
No. It uses Nespresso Original capsules and compatible capsules designed specifically for the Original system.
Can the serving sizes be changed?
Yes. Either button can be programmed by holding it during extraction and releasing it when the desired volume has been dispensed.
Does the machine include a milk frother?
Yes. This bundle includes a separate Aeroccino 3 electric milk frother for hot milk, hot foam, and cold foam.
How quickly is it ready to brew?
The thermoblock heating system generally reaches brewing readiness in approximately 25 seconds.
Can it make an Americano?
Yes, but there is no separate hot-water outlet. Brew the espresso, eject the used capsule, and then dispense fresh water without a capsule.
Does it provide an automatic descaling reminder?
No. Descaling must be scheduled manually based on water hardness and frequency of use.
Final Thoughts
The Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi is a practical OriginalLine capsule machine built around rapid heating, simple controls, and repeatable extraction. Its one-liter reservoir, 9-to-11-capsule waste container, programmable drink buttons, and folding cup support give it useful everyday advantages over smaller capsule brewers. The included Aeroccino 3 adds convenient hot and cold milk frothing without making operation complicated.
Its limitations are equally clear. The rear water tank is not easy to monitor, the drip tray is shallow, very tall cups may not fit, and the machine lacks both a dedicated hot-water outlet and an automatic descaling alert. The frother is convenient but cannot replace the control of a steam wand.
For a household or small office that values speed and consistency more than manual espresso control, this CitiZ bundle is a well-balanced option. Buyers who want freshly ground coffee, advanced extraction adjustments, or traditional milk texturing should consider a grinder-equipped espresso machine instead.
Post a Comment
0 Comments