illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine vs Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (4,800 owners)

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

Full Review

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.4★ (12,400 owners)

18 bar manual pressure, 80ml, 45g weight, no batteries. True espresso without electricity.

Full Review

At a Glance

	illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine	Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
247Verdict Score	8.8/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.4★ (4,800)	4.4★ (12,400)
Verdict	Great	Great
Pressure	19 bar	18 bar (manual pump)

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: 19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker: 18 bar manual pressure, 80ml, 45g weight, no batteries. True espresso without electricity. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine

illy is the coffee brand of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide — the quality benchmark
iPerEspresso two-stage capsule extraction produces espresso with genuine professional crema
19-bar pressure matches professional espresso machine extraction standards
Italian design that sits as a kitchen statement piece
illy's 90-year commitment to espresso quality in the most convenient format

Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range
Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee
Less variety than Nespresso's 30+ Original pod range

Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

18 bar extraction pressure — higher than many electric espresso machines
45g weight fits in a jacket pocket — genuinely the most portable espresso solution available
No electricity required — works anywhere with hot water
Produces genuine espresso crema comparable to electric alternatives
Under £50 — the most affordable genuine espresso maker that doesn't require power

Manual pumping action requires 10-15 pumps per shot — physical effort involved
80ml water capacity limits to one espresso per fill without refilling
Learning curve for optimal tamping pressure to achieve consistent extraction

FAQ

Which is better, illy X1 iPerEspresso or Wacaco Nanopresso?

Is the illy X1 iPerEspresso worth the extra cost?

The Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the illy X1 iPerEspresso best suited to?

19 bar, illy iPerEspresso capsules, Italian design, 1L tank, Michelin-starred coffee brand.

Who is the Wacaco Nanopresso best suited to?

18 bar manual pressure, 80ml, 45g weight, no batteries. True espresso without electricity.

What are the main downsides of each?

illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine: Proprietary illy iPerEspresso capsules only — ecosystem lock-in to a premium pod range; Pod costs are premium vs Nespresso — illy positions pods as premium coffee. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker: Manual pumping action requires 10-15 pumps per shot — physical effort involved; 80ml water capacity limits to one espresso per fill without refilling.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — illy X1 iPerEspresso Capsule Machine sits at 4.4★ from 4,800 verified Amazon owners, and Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker at 4.4★ from 12,400.

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