The Nespresso CitiZ by De’Longhi is one of the most recognizable machines in the Nespresso OriginalLine range. It combines a slim footprint, retro-inspired design and simple two-button operation for espresso and lungo drinks.
Unlike larger Nespresso machines with built-in milk systems, the CitiZ keeps things simple. It is designed for people who mainly drink espresso or lungo and want a reliable machine that looks good on the counter.
If you live in an apartment, have a smaller kitchen or want a classic Nespresso machine without extra features, the CitiZ is still one of the best OriginalLine options to consider.
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Quick Verdict: Is the Nespresso CitiZ Worth It?
It is not the best choice if you want large cups of coffee or one-touch milk drinks. For lattes and cappuccinos, you will need either the CitiZ with Milk bundle or a separate milk frother.
Overall, the CitiZ is a strong choice for espresso drinkers who want a classic Nespresso machine with a compact design and reliable performance.
Where Does the Nespresso CitiZ Fit in the Nespresso Lineup?
The Nespresso CitiZ occupies a sweet spot in the OriginalLine lineup. It offers a more refined design and larger water reservoir than entry-level models like the Essenza Mini, while remaining simpler and more affordable than premium milk-focused machines such as the Creatista Plus or Gran Lattissima.
For espresso and lungo drinkers, the CitiZ is often one of the best-balanced Nespresso machines available. It combines compact dimensions, reliable brewing performance and a stylish design without adding unnecessary complexity.
| Nespresso Machine | Best For |
|---|---|
| Essenza Mini | Lowest price and smallest footprint |
| CitiZ | Best balance of design, convenience and value |
| Pixie | Compact durability and premium metal construction |
| Creatista Plus | Advanced milk texturing and latte art |
| Gran Lattissima | One-touch milk drinks |
If you are trying to choose between multiple Nespresso machines, see our guide to the best Nespresso machines for a full comparison.
Nespresso CitiZ Review Summary
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | Simple espresso and lungo buttons |
| Espresso Quality | 4/5 | Consistent OriginalLine espresso |
| Design | 4.5/5 | Slim, stylish and retro-inspired |
| Milk Drinks | 3.5/5 | Requires Aeroccino or separate frother |
| Cleaning | 4.5/5 | Easy to maintain |
| Capsule Options | 5/5 | Uses OriginalLine and many compatible capsules |
| Value | 4/5 | More expensive than mini models but more refined |
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
What Is the Nespresso CitiZ?
The Nespresso CitiZ is a compact single-serve espresso machine that uses Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. It is designed to make espresso and lungo drinks quickly with minimal effort. Find out more about Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine.
The CitiZ does not grind coffee beans or use loose coffee grounds. Instead, you insert a capsule, choose your drink size and let the machine brew.
It can make:
- Espresso
- Lungo
- Americano-style drinks if you add hot water separately
- Lattes and cappuccinos when paired with a milk frother
The CitiZ is available as a standalone machine or in some bundles as the Nespresso CitiZ with Milk, which includes an Aeroccino milk frother.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Nespresso CitiZ |
| Capsule System | Nespresso OriginalLine |
| Best For | Espresso and lungo drinkers |
| Milk System | No built-in frother; Aeroccino bundle available |
| Drink Options | Espresso and lungo |
| Water Tank | Approx. 34 oz / 1 liter, depending on model |
| Used Capsule Capacity | Around 9–11 capsules, depending on version |
| Best Feature | Stylish slim design |
| Main Drawback | No integrated milk system |
| Best Alternative | Essenza Mini, Pixie or Gran Lattissima |
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Nespresso CitiZ |
|---|---|
| Capsule System | OriginalLine |
| Pump Pressure | 19 Bar |
| Heat-Up Time | Approximately 25 Seconds |
| Water Tank Capacity | 34 oz (1 Liter) |
| Used Capsule Container | 9-11 Capsules |
| Drink Sizes | Espresso and Lungo |
| Automatic Shutoff | Yes |
| Milk Frother | Optional Aeroccino Bundle |
| Dimensions | Approx. 5.1″ W x 10.9″ D x 14.6″ H |
The CitiZ uses the same 19-bar pressure system found throughout the OriginalLine lineup. Combined with its fast heat-up time, it delivers espresso quickly while maintaining consistent extraction and crema.
Our Full Review
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso CitiZ has a slim, upright design that works well in smaller kitchens, apartments and offices. At roughly 5 inches wide, it does not take up much counter space, but it still feels more substantial than some ultra-compact Nespresso machines.
The design is one of the CitiZ’s biggest selling points. It has a retro-modern look that feels more polished than basic entry-level machines. If you want a Nespresso machine that looks good enough to leave on the counter, the CitiZ is a strong option.
The cup tray can also fold up, making room for taller cups or glasses. This is useful if you want to make a lungo, prepare an iced espresso drink or add frothed milk for a latte-style drink.
Ease of Use
The CitiZ is very easy to operate.
To make coffee, you simply:
- Fill the water tank.
- Insert a Nespresso OriginalLine capsule.
- Close the lever.
- Place your cup under the spout.
- Press either the espresso or lungo button.
There are no complicated settings or menus. The CitiZ is built around simple daily use, which makes it a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants a quick espresso without much setup.
The machine heats quickly and brews fast, so it works well for busy mornings.
Coffee and Espresso Performance
The CitiZ uses Nespresso’s OriginalLine brewing system, which is best for espresso-style drinks rather than large cups of coffee.
It performs well for:
- Espresso
- Lungo
- Iced espresso drinks
- Milk drinks when paired with a frother
The espresso is consistent and easy to customize based on the capsules you choose. If you prefer stronger coffee, you can choose more intense OriginalLine capsules. If you prefer something lighter, there are mild and balanced options available.
The CitiZ is not designed to brew large mug-sized coffees like a Vertuo machine. If you mainly want regular coffee, the Nespresso VertuoPlus or Vertuo Pop+ may be a better fit.
What We Liked About the CitiZ
One of the biggest advantages of the CitiZ is how easy it is to live with day-to-day. The machine heats quickly, requires almost no learning curve and consistently produces espresso with good crema.
Compared with ultra-compact machines like the Essenza Mini, the larger water reservoir means fewer refills throughout the week. The folding cup tray is also more useful than it appears on paper, making it easier to accommodate taller glasses for iced drinks or milk-based beverages.
We also appreciate the balance between size and appearance. While many compact espresso machines prioritize saving space above all else, the CitiZ manages to maintain a premium look without occupying much additional counter space.
Programmable Drink Sizes
The CitiZ includes two main drink buttons:
- Espresso
- Lungo
These buttons are preset, but they can usually be programmed to adjust the amount of water used for each drink. This lets you fine-tune the strength and volume of your espresso or lungo.
This is useful if you prefer:
- A shorter, stronger espresso
- A longer lungo
- A custom base for milk drinks
- A consistent drink size every morning
The controls remain simple, but the programmable volume adds a bit of flexibility.
CitiZ With Milk: Is the Aeroccino Bundle Worth It?
The standard CitiZ does not have a built-in milk frother. If you want cappuccinos, lattes or macchiatos, you will need a separate frother.
Some versions are sold as the Nespresso CitiZ with Milk, which includes an Aeroccino milk frother attached or bundled with the machine.
The Aeroccino can make hot or cold milk foam, depending on the model. This makes the CitiZ much more useful if you enjoy milk-based drinks.
The CitiZ with Milk bundle is worth considering if:
- You drink cappuccinos or lattes regularly
- You want a simple milk frothing option
- You do not need a fully integrated milk system
- You prefer easier cleaning than a built-in milk carafe
However, if you want true one-touch milk drinks, a machine like the Gran Lattissima or Lattissima Pro may be more convenient.
Capsule Compatibility
The Nespresso CitiZ uses OriginalLine capsules.
This is a major advantage because OriginalLine machines generally offer more capsule flexibility than Vertuo machines. In addition to official Nespresso capsules, many third-party brands make compatible capsules.
You can often find OriginalLine-compatible capsules from brands such as:
- Starbucks by Nespresso
- Peet’s
- Lavazza
- Illy
- L’OR
- Other compatible capsule brands
This gives you more options for flavor, intensity and price.
Just make sure the capsules are labeled for Nespresso OriginalLine. Vertuo capsules will not work in the CitiZ.
Water Tank and Used Capsule Container
The CitiZ has a larger water tank than very small machines like the Essenza Mini. This makes it more convenient for daily use because you do not have to refill it as often.
The used capsule container can hold several capsules before it needs to be emptied. This is helpful if you make espresso every day or if multiple people use the machine.
The water tank is removable, which makes refilling and cleaning easier.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The CitiZ is easier to maintain than Nespresso machines with integrated milk systems.
Regular maintenance includes:
- Emptying the used capsule container
- Rinsing the drip tray
- Refilling and cleaning the water tank
- Wiping the machine exterior
- Descaling when needed
Because the CitiZ does not have a built-in milk system, there are fewer parts to clean. If you use an Aeroccino frother, you will need to clean that separately after milk drinks.
This low-maintenance design is one of the biggest reasons to choose the CitiZ over a Lattissima model.
Nespresso CitiZ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish retro-modern design
- Slim footprint for small kitchens
- Very easy to use
- Makes consistent espresso and lungo
- Larger water tank than ultra-compact models
- Folding cup tray for taller cups
- Uses OriginalLine capsules
- Compatible with many third-party capsules
- Easier to clean than machines with built-in milk systems
- Available with Aeroccino milk frother bundle
Cons
- No integrated milk system
- Not designed for large coffee servings
- More expensive than the Essenza Mini
- Milk drinks require a separate frother
- Fewer features than premium machines like the Creatista Plus or Lattissima Pro
Who Should Buy the Nespresso CitiZ?
The CitiZ is a good choice if:
- You mainly drink espresso or lungo
- You want a stylish machine for your counter
- You prefer Nespresso OriginalLine capsules
- You want a larger water tank than the smallest machines offer
- You have limited counter space
- You want a simple, reliable machine
- You do not need built-in milk frothing
Who Should Skip the Nespresso CitiZ?
You may want a different Nespresso machine if:
- You want large cups of coffee
- You want one-touch lattes or cappuccinos
- You need the lowest-cost Nespresso machine
- You want the smallest machine possible
- You prefer a built-in milk system
- You want more milk texture control for latte art
If you want full-size coffee, consider a VertuoPlus. If you want one-touch milk drinks, consider the Gran Lattissima or Lattissima Pro. If you want the smallest OriginalLine machine, consider the Essenza Mini.
Nespresso CitiZ vs Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is smaller and usually more affordable than the CitiZ. It is best for users who want the most compact Nespresso machine possible.
Choose the CitiZ if you want:
- A more stylish design
- A larger water tank
- A more substantial machine
- A folding cup tray
- Better fit for daily use
Choose the Essenza Mini if you want:
- The smallest Nespresso machine
- A lower price
- A machine for occasional espresso
- Maximum counter-space savings
The Essenza Mini is better for tight spaces. The CitiZ is better if you want a more refined everyday machine.
Nespresso CitiZ vs Pixie
The Pixie is another compact OriginalLine machine. It has a more industrial-style design and feels sturdy for its size.
Choose the CitiZ if you want:
- A taller, more elegant design
- A larger water tank
- A more classic countertop look
- A machine that feels less minimal
Choose the Pixie if you want:
- A smaller footprint
- A more compact build
- A durable, industrial-style design
- A machine that fits very tight spaces
Both are good OriginalLine machines. The CitiZ is better for style and water capacity, while the Pixie is better for compact durability.
Nespresso CitiZ vs VertuoPlus
The biggest difference between the CitiZ and VertuoPlus is the capsule system.
The CitiZ uses OriginalLine capsules and is best for espresso and lungo. The VertuoPlus uses Vertuo capsules and can make both espresso and larger coffee servings.
Choose the CitiZ if you want:
- Espresso and lungo
- OriginalLine capsule compatibility
- More third-party capsule options
- A slim, stylish machine
Choose the VertuoPlus if you want:
- Both espresso and regular coffee
- Larger drink sizes
- One-touch brewing with barcode capsules
- A better option for households with mixed coffee preferences
If you mostly drink espresso, the CitiZ is a better fit. If you want regular coffee, the VertuoPlus is more versatile.
Nespresso CitiZ FAQ
Is the Nespresso CitiZ an OriginalLine machine?
Yes. The Nespresso CitiZ uses OriginalLine capsules. It does not work with Vertuo capsules.
Can the Nespresso CitiZ make regular coffee?
The CitiZ does not make large regular coffee servings like a Vertuo machine. It makes espresso and lungo. You can make an Americano-style drink by adding hot water separately.
Does the Nespresso CitiZ have a milk frother?
The standard CitiZ does not have a built-in milk frother. However, some versions are sold as the CitiZ with Milk, which includes an Aeroccino frother.
Is the CitiZ good for lattes and cappuccinos?
Yes, but only if you use a separate milk frother or buy the CitiZ with Milk bundle. If you want one-touch lattes and cappuccinos, a Lattissima model will be more convenient.
Can I use Starbucks capsules in the Nespresso CitiZ?
Yes, as long as they are Starbucks by Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. Starbucks Vertuo capsules will not work in the CitiZ.
Is the Nespresso CitiZ better than the Essenza Mini?
The CitiZ is better if you want a more stylish design, larger water tank and a more substantial machine. The Essenza Mini is better if you want the smallest and usually more affordable option.
Is the Nespresso CitiZ worth it?
Yes, the CitiZ is worth it for espresso and lungo drinkers who want a stylish, compact OriginalLine machine. It is less worthwhile if you want large coffees or built-in milk frothing.
Is the Nespresso CitiZ discontinued?
No. The CitiZ remains one of Nespresso’s most popular OriginalLine machines and continues to be widely available through major retailers and Nespresso partners.
How long does the Nespresso CitiZ last?
With regular descaling and maintenance, many CitiZ owners report using their machines for several years. Longevity depends on usage frequency, water quality and maintenance habits.
Does the Nespresso CitiZ make hot coffee?
The CitiZ is designed for espresso and lungo rather than traditional drip coffee. You can create an Americano-style drink by adding hot water to a brewed espresso shot.
What capsules work in the Nespresso CitiZ?
The CitiZ uses Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. It is also compatible with many third-party OriginalLine-compatible capsules from brands such as Starbucks by Nespresso, Peet’s, Lavazza, Illy and L’OR.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nespresso CitiZ?:
It does not offer large Vertuo-style coffee or one-touch milk drinks, but that is not what it is designed for. The CitiZ is best for people who want quick espresso and lungo from the OriginalLine system.
If you want a compact machine with a more premium look than the Essenza Mini, the CitiZ is a strong choice.
For more options, see our complete guide to the best Nespresso machines.