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Product Description
Color: Red
Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker
Combining an ultra-urban, retro-modern design with exceptionally practical, user-friendly functionality, this automatic espresso maker not only functions as a beautiful accent piece to any kitchen counter, but it also brews up soothing, cafe-style coffee drinks quickly and easily. The single-serve machine features a unique extraction system designed specifically for coffee-filled capsules, which means perfect espresso every time. The appliance perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while its high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso, ensuring a thick golden crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. To begin, simply flip the power switch to "on", place a cup under the coffee outlet, open the lever, insert a capsule and close the lever, then press the Espresso or Lungo button. The flow of coffee depends on the coffee variety selected, and up to 11 used capsules collect in the capsule container for later disposal. The espresso maker also provides automatic and programmable volume control, an energy-saving mode, automatic flow stop, and automatic pump refilling. Other thoughtful design details include a removable 1-liter water tank, a removable drip tray, and folding cup support (one position for a cup and one position for a macchiato glass). With its small footprint, the 1260-watt espresso maker measures 14-3/5 by 5 by 11 inches.
Features
- Automatic flow stop
- Automatic pump refilling
- Power save mode
- Programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo
- Mini brewing unit
- 34 oz/1 L water tank
- Easy to remove drip tray
- Folding cup support
- Capsule container
Available Extended Warranties for This Appliance
Color: Red
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
65 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Aluminum
I wanted to purchase this machine a while ago, but couldn't find coffee capsules that I liked. That's changed.
I took a second look at Nespresso when the Pixie came out, but after using the Pixie in the store on multiple occasions, I wouldn't purchase it. (Please see my Pixie review). I instead purchased the Citiz.
It's a great machine, producing consistent quality coffee from cup to cup with a lovely crema at the top. When you test the coffees, read the descriptions, and look for the intensity numbers (which can be found in the descriptions and on the sleeve which contains the capsules). If you can get the brochure with a wheel on the back page, it gives you acidity and bitterness ratings for each blend. I found that I do not like the "citrus" and "flowery" blends, but prefer the more intense blends which are still not bitter.
A couple of tips:
if you want more of an Americano, brew as directed for the different varieties, then eject the capsule and do another shot of just water. If you attempt to put too much water through the capsules, you will increase bitterness of the coffee.
don't forget to preheat your cups.... run a shot of just hot water through the machine and use it to warm your cup. Doing this will also prime the pump of the machine which will give you a hotter first cup of coffee.
In case you are curious: my favorite blends: Roma, Arpeggio, Fortissimo Longo, Vivalto Longo, Capriccio (lighter for a change, and this was OK with a little more water).
*** Update 12/21/11 ***
The limited edition flavors for this season are: Vanilla Blossom, Dark Chocolate, and Cherry. To my surprise, I liked the Vanilla the best (and I thought it would be the Dark Chocolate). I purchased both the Cherry and Vanilla. They are all worth trying. They are produced in small quantities, so when they are gone, I don't believe they will be available any longer.
Also, if you haven't seen the videos which Nespresso has put on line to advertise the special flavors of the season, they are fabulous!
Enjoy!
I took a second look at Nespresso when the Pixie came out, but after using the Pixie in the store on multiple occasions, I wouldn't purchase it. (Please see my Pixie review). I instead purchased the Citiz.
It's a great machine, producing consistent quality coffee from cup to cup with a lovely crema at the top. When you test the coffees, read the descriptions, and look for the intensity numbers (which can be found in the descriptions and on the sleeve which contains the capsules). If you can get the brochure with a wheel on the back page, it gives you acidity and bitterness ratings for each blend. I found that I do not like the "citrus" and "flowery" blends, but prefer the more intense blends which are still not bitter.
A couple of tips:
if you want more of an Americano, brew as directed for the different varieties, then eject the capsule and do another shot of just water. If you attempt to put too much water through the capsules, you will increase bitterness of the coffee.
don't forget to preheat your cups.... run a shot of just hot water through the machine and use it to warm your cup. Doing this will also prime the pump of the machine which will give you a hotter first cup of coffee.
In case you are curious: my favorite blends: Roma, Arpeggio, Fortissimo Longo, Vivalto Longo, Capriccio (lighter for a change, and this was OK with a little more water).
*** Update 12/21/11 ***
The limited edition flavors for this season are: Vanilla Blossom, Dark Chocolate, and Cherry. To my surprise, I liked the Vanilla the best (and I thought it would be the Dark Chocolate). I purchased both the Cherry and Vanilla. They are all worth trying. They are produced in small quantities, so when they are gone, I don't believe they will be available any longer.
Also, if you haven't seen the videos which Nespresso has put on line to advertise the special flavors of the season, they are fabulous!
Enjoy!
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Red
The CitiZ Nespresso machine is a beautiful, simple, small, and well designed espresso maker.
This machine does exactly one thing, and does it extremely well; it makes the best darn espresso. There are two buttons one for espresso the other for lungo. Essentially they are two different timers; lungo runs the pump for a longer time. These buttons are easily programmed to longer or shorter delivery times.
In use, there is nothing easier. Lift the black handle on the top of the machine. Drop a Nespresso capsule into the slot. Close the lever down. Press the button for the size of drink. When finished, lift the lever and the used capsule drops in a clear plastic reservoir (seen just behind the cup of espresso in the product picture).
From cold machine to a cup of espresso is roughly 1.5 minutes. Warm up time is around a minute, and brew time for the cup is about 30 seconds. Couldn't be faster, couldn't be easier.
On to the quality. You will never ever drink a better cup of espresso at Starbucks or Caribou, you can't. They make those drinks in paper cups and by definition the espresso can't be as good. There is nothing like drinking from a ceramic cup, it enhances the flavor more than you can imagine. You cannot mess up making the espresso. The capsule is hermetically sealed in aluminum; there is absolutely no air exchange, unlike plastic or paper containers. There is no need to refrigerate or freeze these capsules - they do not deteriorate due to air exchange. Nespresso has solved some of the most critical variables in making espresso, fineness of coffee grind, roast time and temperature, preventing air from interacting with the coffee, pressure and temperature of the water, and brew residence time. Each cup tastes exactly the same one after the other.
The espresso itself. Oh my goodness, I have spent a lot of time in Italy drinking espresso at corner cafes. Nespresso is as good as, if not better than, anything I ever had in Italy. It is the rare US or Canadian restaurant that can brew a better espresso. Nespresso has become the gold standard by which I judge espresso when I travel. The crema on these drinks is amazing - thick, rich, and perfect.
This machine is a replacement for a six year old Nespresso model D290. This lovely machine made maybe 15,000 espressos, it was incredibly reliable, up until a few weeks ago, it started to act strange not wanting to heat when first turned on. The only maintenance was descaling the machine every 6 months. I expect the CitiZ to last just as long.
Admittedly I am addicted to this machine, the espresso. Two to three espressos per day is my standard, and my wife usually has one or two lungos per day. Hopefully you can understand that I love this machine, and I love this espresso. This is far superior to any other "on demand" coffee makers, this machine makes real espresso.
Noise - yes this machine makes noise. The CitiZ is slightly quieter than the older models, but it still makes noise. ALL mechanical espresso machines make noise; there is no way around that problem (you have to pump the water to reach the 90 some odd PSI to make real espresso). To me, this machine makes the most beautiful noise ever. It's a solid heavy pump sound, not some wimpy whiny noise. It's also so beautiful because my mind knows what is coming next, a great cup of espresso.
The real competitor to this machine, the Illy line, and $1000 true ground espresso machines. Here's the huge downside to those machines - the Illy machines are well over $750, and the cartridges are paper wrapped (so once you open the can, you need to use all those cartridges quickly - air is ground coffee's worst enemy). The ground coffee versions, you have a long warm up time to build heat and pressure in the vessel, you have to grind your own coffee, there's a huge variable introduced in grind size and coffee packing, and you have messy coffee grounds to clean up.
When you compare this machine to the alternatives for real espresso, this is a cheap machine. Add the convenience, and this is a no brainer choice to me. The one downside to this machine and all the Nespresso machines, you have to buy your coffee from Nestle directly over the internet or phone. Nobody else makes these capsules. Myself, I simply buy 500 at a time and watch my supply. From ordering to delivery is usually 3 days.
One of my biggest concerns in buying this was the longevity of Nestle producing these capsules. I think they will produce these for a long time in the future. The machine dates back to 1986. It is very popular in Europe. The capsule they use is a commodity aluminum capsule that is used by a number of other industries - in other words, Nestle buys these formed aluminum capsules, fills them, and seals them. There is no proprietary container, unlike the other two popular beverages on demand machines. Nestlé's investment in capsule manufacture and distribution (all 100% internet or phone based with no marketing in the US) is really small for a great return to them.
Visiting Italians have told me this is the best espresso they have ever had in the US. And my wife, who rarely ever drank brewed coffee, looks forward to her lungo every morning.
If you are looking for that special $100 arena, and only want an on-demand beverage maker, this is by far the best machine you can buy:
Bosch TAS4511UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer, Silk Silver - just remember, it makes great coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, tea - but it does not make espresso (no matter what anyone says or claims, it is incapable of doing that). They have fixed the awful sound of the original machine by working with Bosch.
The other alternative for just coffee making (no cappuccino or hot chocolate) Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System.
The perfect accessory for the CitiZ is the Aeroccino. This is well worth the approximately $100 investment, it makes perfect foamed milk with no skills required. (Nespresso Aeroccino Plus)
I chose the CitiZ without the foamer included in the kit because I like the tiny footprint of this machine. The additional space for the foamer on the base takes up a lot of counter space. I really like the simplicity of this model.
The Pixie is a newer model from Nespresso. I'm not as impressed with that machine. In real life, it doesn't look as cool as this machine. June 2012 Update: I've actually used a Pixie, there is a big difference in machines. The Pixie makes a lot more noise, and maybe not a good different noise. The CitiZ is much quieter.
The other option is the Essenza, pretty much the same internal parts as the CitiZ; it is just squat and doesn't come in fun colors. Adjusting the cup height is a little more complicated with the Essenza. These machines have gotten less and less expensive over the years. My C290 list price was $600 almost 7 years ago. These new machines in the $200 price range are an outstanding value.
This machine does exactly one thing, and does it extremely well; it makes the best darn espresso. There are two buttons one for espresso the other for lungo. Essentially they are two different timers; lungo runs the pump for a longer time. These buttons are easily programmed to longer or shorter delivery times.
In use, there is nothing easier. Lift the black handle on the top of the machine. Drop a Nespresso capsule into the slot. Close the lever down. Press the button for the size of drink. When finished, lift the lever and the used capsule drops in a clear plastic reservoir (seen just behind the cup of espresso in the product picture).
From cold machine to a cup of espresso is roughly 1.5 minutes. Warm up time is around a minute, and brew time for the cup is about 30 seconds. Couldn't be faster, couldn't be easier.
On to the quality. You will never ever drink a better cup of espresso at Starbucks or Caribou, you can't. They make those drinks in paper cups and by definition the espresso can't be as good. There is nothing like drinking from a ceramic cup, it enhances the flavor more than you can imagine. You cannot mess up making the espresso. The capsule is hermetically sealed in aluminum; there is absolutely no air exchange, unlike plastic or paper containers. There is no need to refrigerate or freeze these capsules - they do not deteriorate due to air exchange. Nespresso has solved some of the most critical variables in making espresso, fineness of coffee grind, roast time and temperature, preventing air from interacting with the coffee, pressure and temperature of the water, and brew residence time. Each cup tastes exactly the same one after the other.
The espresso itself. Oh my goodness, I have spent a lot of time in Italy drinking espresso at corner cafes. Nespresso is as good as, if not better than, anything I ever had in Italy. It is the rare US or Canadian restaurant that can brew a better espresso. Nespresso has become the gold standard by which I judge espresso when I travel. The crema on these drinks is amazing - thick, rich, and perfect.
This machine is a replacement for a six year old Nespresso model D290. This lovely machine made maybe 15,000 espressos, it was incredibly reliable, up until a few weeks ago, it started to act strange not wanting to heat when first turned on. The only maintenance was descaling the machine every 6 months. I expect the CitiZ to last just as long.
Admittedly I am addicted to this machine, the espresso. Two to three espressos per day is my standard, and my wife usually has one or two lungos per day. Hopefully you can understand that I love this machine, and I love this espresso. This is far superior to any other "on demand" coffee makers, this machine makes real espresso.
Noise - yes this machine makes noise. The CitiZ is slightly quieter than the older models, but it still makes noise. ALL mechanical espresso machines make noise; there is no way around that problem (you have to pump the water to reach the 90 some odd PSI to make real espresso). To me, this machine makes the most beautiful noise ever. It's a solid heavy pump sound, not some wimpy whiny noise. It's also so beautiful because my mind knows what is coming next, a great cup of espresso.
The real competitor to this machine, the Illy line, and $1000 true ground espresso machines. Here's the huge downside to those machines - the Illy machines are well over $750, and the cartridges are paper wrapped (so once you open the can, you need to use all those cartridges quickly - air is ground coffee's worst enemy). The ground coffee versions, you have a long warm up time to build heat and pressure in the vessel, you have to grind your own coffee, there's a huge variable introduced in grind size and coffee packing, and you have messy coffee grounds to clean up.
When you compare this machine to the alternatives for real espresso, this is a cheap machine. Add the convenience, and this is a no brainer choice to me. The one downside to this machine and all the Nespresso machines, you have to buy your coffee from Nestle directly over the internet or phone. Nobody else makes these capsules. Myself, I simply buy 500 at a time and watch my supply. From ordering to delivery is usually 3 days.
One of my biggest concerns in buying this was the longevity of Nestle producing these capsules. I think they will produce these for a long time in the future. The machine dates back to 1986. It is very popular in Europe. The capsule they use is a commodity aluminum capsule that is used by a number of other industries - in other words, Nestle buys these formed aluminum capsules, fills them, and seals them. There is no proprietary container, unlike the other two popular beverages on demand machines. Nestlé's investment in capsule manufacture and distribution (all 100% internet or phone based with no marketing in the US) is really small for a great return to them.
Visiting Italians have told me this is the best espresso they have ever had in the US. And my wife, who rarely ever drank brewed coffee, looks forward to her lungo every morning.
If you are looking for that special $100 arena, and only want an on-demand beverage maker, this is by far the best machine you can buy:
Bosch TAS4511UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer, Silk Silver - just remember, it makes great coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, tea - but it does not make espresso (no matter what anyone says or claims, it is incapable of doing that). They have fixed the awful sound of the original machine by working with Bosch.
The other alternative for just coffee making (no cappuccino or hot chocolate) Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System.
The perfect accessory for the CitiZ is the Aeroccino. This is well worth the approximately $100 investment, it makes perfect foamed milk with no skills required. (Nespresso Aeroccino Plus)
I chose the CitiZ without the foamer included in the kit because I like the tiny footprint of this machine. The additional space for the foamer on the base takes up a lot of counter space. I really like the simplicity of this model.
The Pixie is a newer model from Nespresso. I'm not as impressed with that machine. In real life, it doesn't look as cool as this machine. June 2012 Update: I've actually used a Pixie, there is a big difference in machines. The Pixie makes a lot more noise, and maybe not a good different noise. The CitiZ is much quieter.
The other option is the Essenza, pretty much the same internal parts as the CitiZ; it is just squat and doesn't come in fun colors. Adjusting the cup height is a little more complicated with the Essenza. These machines have gotten less and less expensive over the years. My C290 list price was $600 almost 7 years ago. These new machines in the $200 price range are an outstanding value.
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Twain
Color Name:Red
COFFEE. It's fine. My standard is Peets -- a much darker roast than Starbucks. Nespresso is not quite as strong, but ristretto shots of their darkest blend come close to the Italian, not French, flavor I like. On a good day, I could do better grinding beans with a $300 Italian grinder and pulling shots through a $700 Italian espresso machine, but the average was no better.
CONVENIENCE. Nespresso wins running away. That's because this is not the greenest purchase you will ever make. The capsules are hard to recycle unless your rinse them, which defeats the major benefit, which is convenient quality coffee.
COST. It's a rip off. Nespresso is building and aggressively defending a razors and razor-blade franchise (or a printer and cartridge franchise). As the Times quoted a marketing executive at goo.gl/nHesc "The idea was to keep it to the level of people who have a doorman.". See goo.gl/rhors for an explanation of the Nespresso marketing model. Nespresso has sold 30 billion capsules and grew the business grew 66% last year. They are militant against people who try to sell coffee capsules and this machine will not work with counterfeit capsules that do work in other Nespresso units. Add http :// with no space to the URLs to make them work -- Amazon strips them out otherwise.
MAINTENANCE. Same as any machine -- you need to descale it every 2-3 months depending on your water. I use a commercial descaler because the Nespresso ones are very expensive. I know, you are shocked. Don't use vinegar unless you want to taste it in your coffee for awhile.
RELIABILITY. Mine broke after two years. Started leaking, reduced the pressure, so the coffee got weak. Eventually the machine did not pierce the front of the capsule and only spewed water.
SERVICE. You cannot service the unit -- they shut it with tiny Tork screws. Nespresso has a 24/7 phone line with helpful staff. Their web site is funky -- it breaks a lot. Fixing the leaky machine costs $125 (they ship you a loaner in the meantime). It's half the price of a new machine, with half a warranty.
BOTTOM LINE: Would I buy one again? Yeah. And probably will. But that doesn't make me happy about it. If only I could complain to my doorman.
CONVENIENCE. Nespresso wins running away. That's because this is not the greenest purchase you will ever make. The capsules are hard to recycle unless your rinse them, which defeats the major benefit, which is convenient quality coffee.
COST. It's a rip off. Nespresso is building and aggressively defending a razors and razor-blade franchise (or a printer and cartridge franchise). As the Times quoted a marketing executive at goo.gl/nHesc "The idea was to keep it to the level of people who have a doorman.". See goo.gl/rhors for an explanation of the Nespresso marketing model. Nespresso has sold 30 billion capsules and grew the business grew 66% last year. They are militant against people who try to sell coffee capsules and this machine will not work with counterfeit capsules that do work in other Nespresso units. Add http :// with no space to the URLs to make them work -- Amazon strips them out otherwise.
MAINTENANCE. Same as any machine -- you need to descale it every 2-3 months depending on your water. I use a commercial descaler because the Nespresso ones are very expensive. I know, you are shocked. Don't use vinegar unless you want to taste it in your coffee for awhile.
RELIABILITY. Mine broke after two years. Started leaking, reduced the pressure, so the coffee got weak. Eventually the machine did not pierce the front of the capsule and only spewed water.
SERVICE. You cannot service the unit -- they shut it with tiny Tork screws. Nespresso has a 24/7 phone line with helpful staff. Their web site is funky -- it breaks a lot. Fixing the leaky machine costs $125 (they ship you a loaner in the meantime). It's half the price of a new machine, with half a warranty.
BOTTOM LINE: Would I buy one again? Yeah. And probably will. But that doesn't make me happy about it. If only I could complain to my doorman.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
espresso machine
The quality of the espresso is as good as most coffee shops, though not as good as the best ones. The decaf ones tastes every bit as good as the regular ones. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Copo de Nieve
2.0 out of 5 stars
Defective
The machine we received did not work - it would make noise however water would not go through the pump. Read more
Published 1 month ago by jennyrose81
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this little machine!
Fell in love with the Nespresso at a favorite Montreal hotel, obsessed for a year, then I had to have it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by KM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nespresso
Great for individual servings of expresso. Temperature is great as well as the size of the machine. It doesn't take up excess counter space
Published 2 months ago by surgibelle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Espresso Easy
I've had the Keurig, Senseo, CBTL, as well as a Krups 19 bar espresso machine and the Aerobie Aeropress. I just bought a red Citz. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. Pandolfo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Espresso Maker
This nifty espresso maker takes all the work out of making espresso. It's convenient, quick and easy. And the nespresso company has quick and quality service. Read more
Published 2 months ago by E. J. Wagner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Convenient ... and Good
We purchased this as a combined Christmas and Anniversary present. The purchase price is a bit steep but the day-to-day results are outstanding. Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. Spalmacin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very tasty coffee
This is a rather expensive coffee maker, but it offers excellent tasting coffee in a variety of flavors. Read more
Published 3 months ago by KG
5.0 out of 5 stars
Starbucks killer
From twice or thrice a week to Starbucks- to none.... well maybe once when I was out of town. I love the Nespresso pod flavors. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Salil G. Jacob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
This espresso maker is really great. I use it multiple times daily and it couldn't be easier. Everyone that sees it comments on it, as it is very neat looking. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Patrick Finger
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