Nespresso CitiZ Review

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines:

• OriginalLine: Their original line (duh) that used a 19 bar pump to extract shots from capsules
• VertuoLine: Their new line that uses Centrifusion (rapid capsule spinning) to extract shots from barcode-enabled capsules but also brews standard coffee up to 17 oz

For our money, OriginalLine machines are better than VertuoLine machines because their pump produces more authentic espresso, the coffee tends to be hotter, and there's no barcode scanning system meaning you can find less-expensive third-party capsules.

The CitiZ is Nespresso's best mid-range OriginalLine machine. By "mid-range" we mean any of the machines that don't have integrated frothers for one-touch cappuccinos and lattes, like the entire Lattissima Series.

What makes the CitiZ stand out?

• Best-in-class 34 oz reservoir (10 oz larger than the Essenza Plus, Pixie, and Inissia)
• Powerful 1720W boiler for rapid heating speeds
• Durable aluminum housing (also found on the Pixie and U)

Capable of brewing shots from 1.35 oz to 3.70 oz, the CitiZ has two programmable brew buttons that easily allow you to customize your shot size. Here's how it works:

1. Insert a capsule
2. Press and hold the brew button (either one) until your desired shot volume is reached
3. Release the button

The machine will remember that brew size for every future brew (until you reset it).

While the CitiZ doesn't come with a preset button for Americanos (espresso + hot water, like a regular coffee) like the Essenza Plus does, you can easily use the programmable buttons to set up your own Americano system:

1. Set one button to be your preferred shot size
2. Set the other button to be your preferred hot water volume

In between pressing both buttons, just eject the capsule.

If you'd like to brew specialty beverages (like cappuccinos and lattes), you could always upgrade to the bundle or purchase the Aeroccino4 milk frother separately for your own home barista setup.