Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine vs Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (2026)

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

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

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (28,400 owners)

19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original.

Full Review

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

8.8/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine	Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.8/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (28,400)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10. 19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original. That said, the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is worth considering if Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

19-bar extraction pressure for genuine espresso quality from Original Nespresso pods
25-second heat-up is near-instant for morning espresso routine
1.3kg — the lightest Nespresso machine reviewed — ideal for small kitchens
Retro metal finish design in multiple colours is aesthetically distinctive
28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ — one of the most loved small kitchen appliances

0.7L tank requires refilling every 7-8 espressos
Original Nespresso pods only — not Vertuo compatible
No milk frothing — black espresso and lungo only

Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

Stainless mesh filter eliminates paper filter cost and waste forever
Immersion brewing extracts coffee oils for fuller, richer body than paper-filtered methods
Ceramic vessel is dishwasher safe and aesthetically distinctive on any kitchen surface
George Sowden's award-winning Italian design heritage applied to coffee brewing
Under £60 for a 8-cup coffee maker that never needs consumable filter papers

More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage
Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results
Ceramic can crack under thermal shock — avoid pouring boiling water directly on cold ceramics

FAQ

Which is better, Nespresso Pixie Original or Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup?

Is the Nespresso Pixie Original worth the extra cost?

Yes — Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.8/10.

Who is the Nespresso Pixie Original best suited to?

19 bar, 25-second heat, 0.7L tank, retro design, 1.3kg. The classic compact Nespresso Original.

Who is the Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup best suited to?

Stainless mesh filter, immersion brewing, 8-cup ceramic, George Sowden design, no paper filter. Designer filter coffee.

What are the main downsides of each?

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine: 0.7L tank requires refilling every 7-8 espressos; Original Nespresso pods only — not Vertuo compatible. Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker: More sediment in the cup than paper-filtered methods — the fine mesh allows some passage; Requires coarser grind than paper filter methods for optimal results.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine sits at 4.7★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners, and Sowden SoftBrew 8-Cup Coffee Maker at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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