Gear check

Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi Review

Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Black

93.0 Dude Score

Intro

The Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi (model EN167B) is a single‑serve, capsule‑based espresso machine aimed at home cooks and coffee fans who want reliable espresso without the learning curve of a traditional machine. The listing highlights a quick warm‑up, simple two‑button operation for Espresso and Lungo, a removable water tank, and a high‑pressure pump. Owners consistently call it compact and stylish, and many praise the crema and consistent extraction. But a smaller number of buyers have reported leaking or reliability issues that required repairs. This review walks through how the CitiZ performs in everyday kitchens, what the listing actually promises, and the owner‑reported long‑term patterns you should consider before buying.

What it is / first look

The CitiZ is a dedicated Nespresso OriginalLine capsule espresso machine manufactured by De'Longhi (model EN167B). On paper and in photos it's a compact countertop unit: the listing gives item dimensions of 7.44" D x 15.91" W x 12.99" H and an item weight of 7.5 pounds. The product lists Material as "Plastic" and the default Color in the listing is Black. The unit operates on AC power (listed wattage 1260 watts and voltage 240 volts), uses buttons for controls, and is described as "fully automatic" in operation mode.

Key features called out in the listing and product description:

  • Programmable one‑touch buttons for Espresso & Lungo (two buttons).
  • 19‑bar pump pressure (listed in the product comparison/spec area).
  • Fast preheat time — the product description cites a 25‑second warm‑up.
  • Removable water tank (the comparison table lists the CitiZ water tank at 34 oz).
  • Used capsule container that holds up to 10 spent capsules.
  • Automatic power‑off after nine minutes of idle time, per the description.
  • Foldable drip tray / cup shelf to fit taller cups or travel tumblers.
  • Comes with a 16‑capsule tasting pack and is backed by a manufacturer's one‑year warranty (stated in the description).
  • Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules; filter type listed as "Reusable."

Colors

The listing default color is Black. The product pages and photo set suggest the model has been offered in multiple finishes historically, but the current listing specifies Black as the default. Available colors (from the listing) include:

  • Black

In daily use

Owners repeatedly praise the CitiZ for three things in daily use: compact footprint, simple controls, and consistent espresso extraction.

Speed and convenience

The listing claims a rapid 25‑second warm‑up; owners echo that the machine heats quickly and lets you brew a shot within about a minute of powering on. Two large, programmable buttons — one for Espresso and one for Lungo — make it hard to mess up a brew. The used capsule container and removable tank reduce fiddly maintenance: the listing notes the spent‑capsule bin holds up to 10 capsules, and several owners mention not having to empty it after every shot. Automatic power‑off after nine minutes helps save energy when you forget to switch it off.

Consistency and crema

Multiple owners report steady, café‑style shots with a noticeable crema layer. If you prioritize straightforward espresso with repeatable results day after day, that pattern shows up in owner feedback as a major selling point.

Milk drinks

The CitiZ is primarily built for straight espresso and lungo. The listing clarifies you get only the espresso maker in the included components for the basic machine listing; milk‑based drinks (cappuccino, latte) require a separate frother. The product listing does show a "Machine + Frother" purchase option in some sellers' configurations, so if you want milk drinks without a separate device in your kitchen, choose the bundle rather than the machine‑only listing.

Noise, packaging, and registration

Some owners describe the machine as "a bit noisy" during extraction compared to other small machines. A handful of buyers also reported difficulties with registration or receiving a unit that appeared previously used when they expected new packaging — those problems are shipping/retailer issues rather than machine design, but they're worth checking in seller photos and the return policy before you complete the purchase.

Use cases by kitchen size

Small apartments & dorms

The CitiZ is an excellent fit if you have limited counter space and mainly want single shots or occasional lungos. Its compact footprint and light weight (7.5 pounds) make it easy to tuck on a narrow counter or a small appliance shelf.

Busy households & offices

Because of the quick warm‑up and the 10‑capsule spent container, the machine works well in a small office or a household where several people grab shots throughout the morning. It’s not a commercial device, but the speed and simplicity are practical for repeated use.

Homes that want milk drinks

If cappuccinos and lattes are your daily go‑to, plan on adding a separate milk frother or buying the "Machine + Frother" option. The basic machine listing only includes the espresso maker itself.

Materials & build quality

The official specifications list the machine Material as "Plastic." The product description emphasizes a redesigned look with "iconic lines and a premium finish," but that language is a manufacturer claim about styling rather than a specification of metal vs. plastic components.

Concrete listing facts on build and included items:

  • Material: Plastic (listed in the specifications).
  • Weight: 7.5 pounds (item weight listed).
  • Item dimensions: 7.44" D x 15.91" W x 12.99" H (listed).
  • Filter Type: Reusable (listed).
  • Included Components: Espresso Maker; listing also states a 16‑capsule tasting pack is included in the product description.

Owner feedback on build quality is mostly positive: many buyers describe the machine as "well‑built," "stylish," and "reliable" in daily service. That said, there are isolated but important reports of repeat failures and leaking that required repair. One owner reported multiple repairs in a short time with significant cost, and another reported receiving a unit that appeared used. Those negative reports are minority signals among broadly positive feedback, but because they concern mechanical failure and leaking, they carry weight.

Bottom line on build: the CitiZ looks and feels like a compact consumer machine (plastic body with fashion‑forward styling per the listing), with generally solid owner impressions of everyday reliability but some reported outliers of early or repeated failure. If long‑term ruggedness is the single most important criterion for you, consider the repair anecdotes alongside the many positive ownership reports before buying.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety is priority. Use the following facts from the listing and the pattern in owner feedback to assess fit in your setup:

  • Electrical specs: the listing gives a wattage of 1260 watts and voltage of 240 volts. Make sure your outlet and circuit can support that load, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
  • Automatic power off: the machine is listed as having an automatic power‑off feature that activates after nine minutes of idle time — a helpful safety and energy feature.
  • Water handling: the listing states a removable water tank (water tank capacity listed as 34 oz in the product comparison area) and a used capsule container that holds up to 10 capsules. A removable tank reduces the risk of spills during refilling, but owners reporting leaks are a safety concern to weigh—water near electric components can be hazardous.
  • Material: the listing identifies the material as Plastic. The description's "premium finish" is a styling claim; if you need specific material or food‑contact guarantees, the listing doesn't provide third‑party certifications or more detailed material breakdowns.

Owner reports that mention leaking and multiple repairs are the primary safety‑adjacent red flag. A few buyers experienced leaks that led to service calls and costs. While the majority of owners report trouble‑free service, those leaking/reliability anecdotes suggest you should:

  1. Inspect the machine on arrival for signs of prior use (water stains, residue in the capsule bin or drip tray).
  2. Register the warranty immediately and confirm local service/repair options (the listing states a one‑year manufacturer's warranty).
  3. Keep the machine on a flat, water‑resistant surface and away from edges so any leak drains to a safe place rather than onto electrical outlets.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use the CitiZ if you fit one of these profiles:

  • You want quick, repeatable espresso shots with minimal fuss and predictable results. Owners repeatedly praise the crema and consistency.
  • You have limited counter space and want a compact, good‑looking machine that’s easy to store or tuck into a small kitchen — the listed dimensions and 7.5‑pound weight make it easy to move.
  • You prefer the convenience of capsules and want a simple two‑button interface: Espresso & Lungo are programmable one‑touch options on the unit.
  • You want an OriginalLine capsule machine compatible with Nespresso Original capsules (listing explicitly states compatibility).

Skip or look elsewhere if:

  • You primarily want cappuccinos, lattes, or other milk drinks without investing in a separate frother. The basic listing includes only the espresso maker; milk drinks require buying a frother or choosing the machine+frother bundle.
  • You need a fully manual or barista‑style machine with pressure profiling, steam wands, or direct bean grinding — the CitiZ is an automatic capsule system and doesn’t offer that level of control.
  • Absolute, worry‑free durability is non‑negotiable for you and you can't tolerate the small but real number of owner reports of leaks or multiple repairs. Many owners report years of trouble‑free service, but a minority encountered costly failures.

Specific buyers' scenarios

Apartment dwellers and commuters

For someone who wants a fast espresso before leaving for work or who favors single shots at home, the CitiZ is a strong fit because of the quick heat‑up and compact size.

Gift buyers

Owners report the CitiZ makes a popular present — it’s simple to use out of the box and includes a 16‑capsule tasting pack in the description, which helps new users try several blends immediately.

Shoppers worried about retailer fulfillment

If you're buying from a third‑party seller rather than directly from an authorized distributor, carefully inspect seller ratings and return policies: there are owner anecdotes of receiving units that appeared used when purchased as new. If you want to avoid that risk, buy from an authorized retailer or check the seller’s new‑item guarantee.

Verdict

The Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi is an appealing proposition for home espresso drinkers who value speed, simplicity, and a small footprint. The listing-backed features — two programmable buttons for Espresso & Lungo, a 19‑bar pump, a roughly 25‑second warm‑up, a removable tank (listing shows 34 oz), and a 10‑capsule spent bin — match the owner experience: quick, consistent shots with a good crema are commonly reported. It’s an especially good pick for apartments, single‑cup households, and small offices.

On the downside, a minority of owners report leaking and repeated failures that required service. Those accounts are significant because they concern water and mechanical reliability. The listing does include a one‑year manufacturer warranty and a removable tank to help reduce refilling spills, but if you need absolute peace‑of‑mind on long‑term durability, weigh those anecdotes carefully and make sure you can register the warranty and access local service.

Overall, the CitiZ lands as a practical, mid‑to‑premium compact capsule machine: fast to start, easy to operate, and consistent for straight espresso. Add a frother if you want milk drinks, and consider authorized retail channels and a careful inspection on arrival to avoid receiving a previously used unit.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

  • Confirm the listing color/finish — default listing color is Black.
  • Decide whether you need the frother; the standard listing includes only the espresso maker (machine+frother bundles are offered in some listings).
  • Check that your outlet supports 240V and the machine’s listed 1260W draw.
  • Inspect the seller’s new‑item policy and return window to avoid used‑item fulfillment issues some buyers reported.
  • Register the one‑year manufacturer warranty after purchase and confirm local service/repair options.
  • On arrival, inspect for water residue or coffee grounds in the capsule bin and drip tray — several owners reported receiving units that appeared used.
  • Keep the machine on a flat, water‑resistant surface and empty the drip tray and used‑capsule bin regularly to avoid overflow.

Final verdict succinctly: Great for espresso lovers who want speed, simplicity, and a small counter footprint; be mindful of occasional reliability reports and choose your seller accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Which capsules does the CitiZ use?

The listing states the CitiZ is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules (OriginalLine). Owner notes also mention plenty of flavor options and that some third‑party OriginalLine compatible pods are available, but the listing itself specifies Original capsules.

How long does the machine take to heat up?

The product description lists a fast preheat time of approximately 25 seconds, which owners repeatedly mention as a quick warm‑up for brewing.

What is the water tank capacity?

The product comparison area in the listing lists the CitiZ water tank capacity as 34 oz. The listing also notes the water tank is removable for refilling.

How many used capsules will the machine hold before emptying?

The full product description states the used capsule container holds up to 10 spent capsules.

Does this include a milk frother?

The included components in the main listing are the Espresso Maker only; the listing shows a "Machine + Frother" option as a separate configuration for buyers who want a frother bundled with the machine.

What are the electrical specs I should know?

Specifications list wattage as 1260 watts and voltage as 240 volts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure your outlet and circuit can safely supply that power.

Is the CitiZ durable long term?

Owner feedback shows a mixed pattern: many users report years of reliable, trouble‑free service and consistent espresso, while a smaller number report leaking or multiple repairs. The listing includes a one‑year manufacturer warranty; consider warranty registration and local service options.

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