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You love coffee. You want coffee. And you want it now!
If you’re ready to dive into the world of no-fuss espresso and coffee, we present reviews of the best Nespresso machines available. We’ll highlight machines that do everything for you along with some that let you fine-tune to your preferences. We hope this helps you decide which machine fits into your lifestyle.
If you want delicious coffee at home with little to no bother, then a Nespresso machine might be for you. Coffee is pre-ground and sealed in small aluminum capsules to retain freshness. You pop one in a machine and with a touch of a button or two, you’re rewarded with hot, fresh espresso or coffee. You can make cafe-quality coffee drinks without the expense (or wait time) of a coffee shop. In these Best Nespresso machine reviews we’ll go into more detail, but here are some key points.
Maybe you’ve been wanting to make espresso at home but were put off by the price. While the prices vary, many of the machines on our list are under $200. If you’ve been stopping for your morning Joe every day, you could make up that cost in a matter of months.
With a Nespresso machine, don’t need a grinder. You don’t need a way to measure the coffee or water. You don’t need to time your pour or pull. You get exceptional coffee at home, any time of day or night.
Not only do you save prep time (because there isn’t any), you also get lightning-fast brewing. Most Nespresso machines heat water in a matter of seconds. You’ll be able to sleep in a little longer since you won’t have to stop for coffee on the way to work.
While all of these machines can make satisfying coffee or espresso, they all have their unique selling points. Here we review the best Nespresso machines and highlight the pros and cons of each.
The standout in our Nespresso machine reviews is the VertuoPlus Deluxe. It is designed to perfectly brew a range of coffee styles. You pop in a capsule, and the machine reads the barcode automatically. You press a single button, and the machine figures out the rest. Pods are available as espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, regular coffee, or alto. CentrifusionTM technology also ensures a rich crema on top.
This machine has a unique feature that allows flexibility in placement. The water tank swivels. It can be positioned to the side or behind the main unit. The machine is available in black, silver, and titan (dark gray).
The CitiZ is part of the Original line of Nespresso machines. This machine has a 19-bar pump system to produce true espresso. You can choose a 1.35-ounce espresso or a 5-ounce lungo.
We love the style of this machine, which won a Red Dot Award. It's available in black, white, silver, and chrome. For energy savings, this machine will automatically shut off after nine minutes. But you can adjust this to keep the water hot for up to 30 minutes.
This is a premium espresso machine that also steams milk for cafe-style drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The machine uses the original Nespresso capsules. With a pump that can exert up to 19 bars of pressure, you'll enjoy true espresso with almost no effort.
You can choose from eight preset styles of coffee: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, cafe latte, latte macchiato, flat white, or milk froth only. But the customization goes further. You can adjust both the milk texture and temperature.
What sets this machine apart from most on this list is the manual pouring of the steamed milk. The Creatista Plus features a frothing wand like you find on many high-end espresso machines. It also comes with a stainless steel milk pitcher. Fill the pitcher with cold milk, then place it under the steam wand.
Breville's steam technology makes all the difference. The fully automatic steam wand lets you create the airy foam for cappuccinos or silky micro-foam for making latte art. The final step is pouring the hot milk into your espresso.
The Creatista Plus also features an assisted cleaning system. You can purge the steam wand to keep it clean and avoid clogs.
The Gran Lattissima also features a 19-bar pump system to deliver a true espresso. With a simple design, this machine is available in black or white.
The primary difference between this and the Creatista Plus is that the Gran Lattissima dispenses the steamed milk automatically. Put cold milk into the removable milk container and direct the spout into your cup. The machine does the rest.
You can choose from nine preset drink options: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, cafe latte, hot milk, and hot foam. After creating your drink, you can activate the machine's self-cleaning cycle.
It's hard to believe that a machine so small can pack such a big punch. The Nespresso Pixie is only 4.4 inches wide and is one of the best Nespresso machines for small kitchens. But it delivers a full 19 bars of pressure. You can get the Pixie in Aluminum and Titan.
The streamlined design is matched by the streamlined operation. With the touch of a button, you can choose from two coffee sizes: espresso and lungo. One nice feature is that this machine has a low-water warning indicator.
You've read about how Nespresso recyclables their aluminum capsules. This machine is the end result. The side panels are made of 99.8% recycled aluminum Nespresso capsules. With its avant-garde design, it looks attractive on any countertop.
This is the smallest and most versatile model in the Vertuo line-up. It is only 5.5-inches wide! Due to the Vertuo technology, the machine adjusts the coffee size, temperature, pressure, and brewing time to match whatever capsule you use. All you do is press the start button. Capsules are available for an espresso, double espresso, 5-, 8-, or 14-ounce cup of coffee, or an 18-ounce carafe of coffee.
The Vertuo Next is available in the standard, premium, and deluxe finish. Premium has chrome or rose gold accents, and Deluxe has chrome accents and a chrome head.
This particular model reflects Nespresso's dedication to sustainability. All of their capsules are made of aluminum and Nespresso offers an in-store or at-home recycling option for them. Beyond that, the Vertuo Next machine is made of 54% recycled plastic.
When looking for the best Nespresso machine, the Instant Pod caught our attention. While not manufactured by Nespresso, Instant Pod does use the original Nespresso capsules.
Two in one Nespresso and Keurig!
A nice feature, which gives you more flexibility, is that this machine can also use Keurig K-Cups. When using the Nespresso capsules, this machine can exert 19 bars of pressure to produce true espresso.
If regular coffee is more your thing, it can also brew a regular coffee with a single-use pod. Keurig K-cups are also available for tea and hot chocolate. For even more options, use a reusable K-Cup to brew your favorite loose-leaf tea or ground coffee.
You can brew a variety of coffee sizes and strengths with this machine. On the K-cup side, you can brew an 8-, 10-, or 12-ounce coffee. On the Nespresso capsules side, your choices are a 2-, 4-, or 6-ounce espresso.
The drip tray is removable to hold larger travel mugs. It's surprisingly small considering that it has a dual function. It's 7.2 inches wide and 16.2 inches deep. The height is 13 inches.
If you want fresh, hot espresso anywhere, check out this manual espresso maker. All you need is hot water and some fine-ground coffee. No batteries or electricity required.
A patented manual pump system builds up to 18 bars of pressure. The Nanopresso comes with everything you need: filter basket, scoop, cleaning brush, and drinking cup. All these pieces fit securely inside the machine for traveling. If you don't want to grind and measure coffee, you can purchase an optional adapter to use Nespresso capsules.
The total dimensions of this espresso maker are 7.23 by 3.05 by 2.85 inches. You can get it in Arctic Blue, black, white, Lava Red, and Moss Green It easily tucks into a backpack or suitcase to take wherever you travel. A hard case protects the machine.
This little machine is the most affordable in Nespresso's Original line. The Essenza Mini comes in two shapes: rectangular and triangular. The rectangular version measures a mere 3.3-inches wide, 8-inches deep, and 12.8-inches tall. The triangular version measures 4.3 inches wide.
Despite its size, the Nespresso Essenza Mini still extracts the espresso with the full 19 bars of pressure. It is easy to use and easy to clean. With the press of a button, it will deliver either a 1.35-ounce espresso or a 5-ounce lungo. To save power, it will automatically shut off after nine minutes.
This Essenza Mini is small in size but big in style. The rectangular version is available in black, white, and grey.
For a bold statement, you might want to choose the triangular version. This shape comes in Lime Green and Ruby Red. These machines don't have milk frothers.
This Nespresso coffee maker could not be easier to operate. They come with integrated milk frothers. On the top, you'll find six buttons. Each button has an icon indicating which drink it will make.
So, with a single touch, you'll have a café-style beverage delivered to your cup. You can make a ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, or a cup of frothed milk.
You won't need to constantly refill this machine. It features a 30-ounce water reservoir, and the milk container can hold up to 16.9 ounces.
A nice feature of the Lattissima Touch is its folding drip tray. With that out of the way, you can fit taller cups under the spout. To save energy, this machine will automatically shut off after nine minutes.
You want a Nespresso machine for the ease, convenience, and speed to make coffee drinks at home. But what should you expect?
For the Original Nespresso coffee machine, you can expect a concentrated coffee similar to the shot of espresso you get at the coffee shop. The brew process is nearly the same: pressure forcing water through the grounds. But you won’t get the exact same quality.
Nespresso’s espresso shot is thinner than what you get at the coffee shop. And the taste might be slightly bitter. One reason could be the freshness of the grounds. We know that coffee bean quality quickly declines after it is cracked open.
The coffee in the Nespresso pods is, by nature, ground a significant amount of time before you insert it in your machine. But on the plus side, Nespresso offers compact machines like the Essenza Mini that just need a sliver of counter space.
What about Nespresso coffee from the Vertuo line? The Nespresso coffee capsules that brew 5- or 8-ounce coffees are pretty good. It may be better than what you would probably get from an automatic drip brewer but at a fraction of the time and effort.
The “espresso” made from a Vertuo machine will differ dramatically from the shot pulled at a coffee shot. The Vertuo Nespresso machines don’t use pressure, which is a key component of espresso making. Instead, it spins the pods. The machine does deliver a hefty crema, but it won’t be as sweet or rich as on a shot of real espresso.
For most, a Nespresso coffee or espresso will be satisfying. If you are one to detect nuanced flavors in a shot of coffee, you may be disappointed by the espresso these machines make. But it’s fast, easy, and requires very little clean-up.
You probably know about the seemingly endless ways to brew coffee. Pour-over, French press, automatic drip, and cold brew can all brew great-tasting coffee. But if you’re looking for a super-easy way to consistently brew delicious coffee at home, read on to see what to look for in a Nespresso machine.
Nespresso offers two different lines of coffee machines: Vertuo and Original. The Vertuo line has Smart technology that automatically adjusts the settings to match the specific capsule you put in. Another big difference is that the machines in the Original line have the ability to create 19 bars of pressure.
The capsules for the two machines look very different. All of the Original Nespresso capsules are the same size. They are taller than wide and almost have a bullet shape. The Vertuo capsules come in different sizes with different amounts of coffee in them. They are wider and shorter and have a curved bottom. You must use Original capsules with Original machines and Vertuo capsules with Vertuo machines.
Machines in the Original line are able to create a true espresso. These machines can exert 19 bars of pressure. Here we’ll summarize the key differences between the Original machines.
Creatista
We had to include the Creatista in our Nespresso reviews. This is the top-of-the-line machine in the Original line. It features two models: the Creatista Plus and the Creatista Pro. Both models have eight milk texture and 11 milk temperature settings. If you want to create latte art, these are the models to choose from.
The Creatista Pro is slightly larger than the Plus, and it has a larger tray size. The Pro also allows you to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. But perhaps the biggest difference is the ability to dispense hot water. That feature allows you to create a true Americano as well as brew tea or hot cocoa.
Lattissima
If you want one-touch milk recipes, then one of the Lattissima machines is your best Nespresso machine option. It’s available in three models: Lattissima One, Lattissima Pro, and Gran Lattissima. The Lattissima One offers four drink options while the Pro and Gran Lattissima each have nine drink options.
Visually, the biggest difference is the Pro’s stainless-steel finish. The Pro also has a digital touch-screen interface while the other two have push-button operation. Also, the Pro and Gran Latissimi both have an auto cleaning system which is missing in the Latissima One.
Compact Machines
Nespresso makes three compact machines: CitiZ, Essenza Mini, and Pixie. None of these machines come with an integrated milk frother. However, you can find them bundled with an Aeroccino milk frother if you want frothed milk in your coffee. They can each make two sizes of coffee: espresso and lungo.
All three machines heat up in a matter of seconds and produce an espresso or lungo with a thick crema. The biggest difference is the size of the water tank. The CitiZ has the largest at 33 ounces, followed by the Pixie with a 24-ounce tank. The Essenza Mini only has a 20-ounce tank.
Machines from the Vertuo line do not create the pressure you get from an Original machine. It can create a dark, rich, 1.35-ounce shot of coffee, but it is not a true espresso. All of these machines can produce several cup sizes, utilize the Vertuo capsule technology, and dispense a creamy and dense crema.
What is the Vertuo capsule technology? Each Vertuo capsule has a barcode on it. The machine reads this barcode and automatically adjusts the settings best for that particular type and amount of coffee. Some of the capsules have more coffee to deliver a larger or stronger drink.
Vertuo
This is the first machine to incorporate barcode-reading technology.
VertuoPlus
The stand-out feature of this machine is its swiveling water tank. It gives you more flexibility in placing it on your counter. The Plus also has an automatic head and capsule ejection.
Vertuo Next
What’s most impressive about this machine is that it’s made from 54% recycled plastic. Additionally, it is capable of brewing an 18-ounce carafe of coffee.
Evoluo
This classic Vertuo brewer sports a sleek, modern style.
In the U.S., single-serve coffee machines are the second most common type of coffee brewer, behind the automatic drip coffee makers.
As of 2020, almost 30% of American coffee drinkers use a single-serve machine. Since the outbreak of Covid, sales of single-serve coffee makers have only increased.
As a result of this increase, the market has seen an explosion of manufacturers getting in the game. The two most well-known brands of this type of brewer are Keurig and Nespresso. While you may think that all single-serve brewers are the same, Nespresso machines are a completely different animal than Keurig single-serve coffee makers.
These two brands use vastly different extraction methods. The Keurig uses a simple drip method. Water goes in the top of the pod, trickles through the grounds, and drips out the bottom into your cup.
Nespresso’s Original line uses pump pressure to force hot water through the Nespresso coffee capsule. Nespresso’s Vertuo line uses centrifugal force to extract the coffee. Because of this difference, only the Original line of Nespresso coffee machine makes espresso.
Another key difference is the type of pod, cup, or capsule used. These vary in design and are not interchangeable. Keurig does not produce its own pods, but instead partners with other brands to produce K-cups. You’ll find a huge variety of coffees compatible with the Keurig machine.
Nespresso does produce their own coffee capsules. A big plus is that they recycle their used Nespresso coffee capsules. For the Original line machines, there is a single size of capsule. At first, you had a very limited number of coffees you could use.
Nespresso has expanded their line of coffees, and third-party roasters also make capsules for these machines, extending the range even further.
Nespresso makes a different type of capsule for their Vertuo machines. These can vary in size. Because of the patented barcode technology, currently Nespresso is the only manufacturer of these pods.
As mentioned above you can always opt-in for Instant Pot coffee maker and use the best of both the Nespresso and Keurig worlds.
This single-serve coffee maker can brew both the Original Nespresso capsules and K-cups. Surprisingly, it claims that it will deliver the full 19 bars of pump pressure to make espresso from Nespresso’s capsules.
This brewer is priced well below any of the Original Nespresso coffee makers.
However, durability may be an issue in long-term usage. Some customers reported problems with the buttons responding, saying they have to press them multiple times.
The best-selling Nespresso coffee machine is the VertuoNext. It is the company’s most versatile machine. You can make five different cup sizes. It is the only machine that can brew the 18-ounce carafe. It is moderately priced and comes in fun colors.
The most popular brewer from the Original line is the Essenza Mini. This machine is also the most compact. The Essenza Mini is only about 4 inches wide, so it’s easy to fit even in small kitchens. When it comes to Original machines with integrated milk frothers, the Lattisima Touch is the most popular. The machine features 6 buttons, each one delivering a different type of drink with a single touch.
As with any coffee brewing machine, proper maintenance is critical to longevity and good tasting coffee. Here are some tips to keep your coffee tasty cup after cup, year after year.
After every use, Nespresso recommends removing the capsule and running water through the machine. This keeps the coffee and oils from building up in the capsule compartment. It’s also good to wipe down the machine. This will keep drips and spills from making permanent stains.
Most Nespresso machines have an internal compartment to keep the used capsules. You should empty and clean the compartment regularly to keep it mold- and mildew-free.
The size of these compartments varies from holding just a few to over a dozen Nespresso coffee capsules.
If you only occasionally use you Nespresso coffee maker, you’ll probably want to empty and rinse after every use. Otherwise, weekly maintenance should be fine.
The buildup of limescale is the leading cause of premature death in any coffee maker. This buildup can block hoses and interfere with other mechanics. This reduces the efficiency of your Nespresso coffee machine.
You might notice that the coffee isn’t as hot. You might also notice that it takes longer to brew or the cup isn’t as full as it used to be. If left unchecked, it will progressively make the coffee taste worse.
Nespresso recommends cleaning the machine every six months or 600 uses. Many machines have a warning light to remind you when it’s time for maintenance. You will simply add the descaling solution to the water tank then trigger the cleaning cycle. How you do this is different for every machine, so please consult the User Manual.
As an important note, Nespresso specifically cautions against using a vinegar solution is it could damage the machine.
Now that you’ve made the big decision about which Nespresso coffee maker to buy, what’s next? You can’t just use any coffee in a Nespresso coffee machine. Here’s we’ll break down the different types of Nespresso capsules and how to pick one that works for you.
The first thing you need to know when buying Nespresso coffee capsules is what kind of Nespresso coffee machine you have. You might think that any Nespresso capsule can work in any Nespresso maker. But Nespresso Original coffee capsules do not work in Vertuo machines, and vice versa.
Also, not all Vertuo capsules will work in all Vertuo machines. Specifically, the capsule for the 18-ounce carafe will only work in a VertuoNext machine.
You know which kind capsule to look for. Now you decide how big a coffee you want to brew. Original capsules come in two sizes: espresso and lungo. Some Nespresso coffee capsules are formulated to function best as an espresso, and others work better with the more water you get with a lungo.
But you don’t have to stick to their recommendation. Unlike Vertuo capsules, you select what size you want when you brew it.
Vertuo capsules mainly come in four sizes: 1.35-ounce espresso; 2.7-ounce double espresso (lungo), 5-ounce coffee, and 8-ounce coffee. Some machines also make a larger carafe. You decide when you’re buying the capsule how big you’ll want your cup of Joe to be.
To make things easy, Nespresso has an intensity rating. While technically it goes from 1-13, most coffees have a rating between four and 10. The higher the number, the stronger the taste. Coffees with ratings of 10 and over will be very dark roasts.
Pick a Nespresso coffee capsule that matches your taste preference. Nespresso also offers decaf coffee capsules and capsules in different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut.
If you have a more refined palate, you may want to check out Nespresso’s Single Origin and Limited-Edition coffees. Offerings in these categories tend to fluctuate. Past offerings include Jamaican Blue Mountain, Kona, and Ethiopian. You can also catch some fun seasonal limited-edition flavors. Check the offerings regularly to see what’s new!
You can find metal, reusable capsules for your Original Nespresso coffee machines. However, we don’t recommend it. I mean, you bought the Nespresso for convenience, and refiling small pods is anything but convenient!
With reusable pods, you must be careful about matching the grind size found in Nespresso pods. You also have to be careful about cleaning off any grounds on the outside of the capsule. Luckily, third-party suppliers of Nespresso Original capsules have driven down the cost and given you a much wider variety of coffees to choose from.
Because of the barcode technology, you can’t get a reusable capsule for Vertuo machines. You can get foils to refill and reseal your used Vertuo capsules. However, there’s a limit to how many times you can reuse a single pod. We suggest sticking with using a new Nespresso brand capsule every time.
Of course, there is another option for people who can’t stand waste. Nespresso offers a unique recycling program for used Nespresso coffee capsules. Nespresso provides a bag that you fill and sends off. Not only does Nespresso recycle the aluminum, but the company also uses the spent coffee grounds. They use it to fortify compost or help generate green energy.
If you’re spending a lot of time and money at coffee shops, then Nespresso machines can pay for themselves quickly. Also, remember that you won’t need to buy a grinder or a scale to measure coffee and water.
A key difference is the barcode technology. A Vertuo machine identifies what capsule you’re using and adjusts all settings for that specific capsule. You only press the start button. Another difference is the Original Line’s ability to create pressure for true espresso.
With machines in the Original line, the pressure is what creates the crema characteristic of any espresso. On the Vertuo line, patented technology creates the crema without pressure.
Machines in the Original line exert 19 bars of pressure. That is a key factor in whether a beverage is a true espresso or not. Other factors, such as temperature and brew time, vary slightly between machines and may not meet the standard for espresso.
Convenience! With the capsules, there is no need to grind, measure, or tamp the coffee. Because the grinds are sealed in aluminum, the coffee stays fresh. These machines are also ridiculously easy to operate.
Most Nespresso reviews will point to the lack of flexibility as the main disadvantage. You are limited by what varieties Nespresso capsules offer. Another disadvantage is the price tag. A low-end Nespresso machine will cost significantly more than a low-end drip coffee maker or single-serve coffee maker.
Yes! This is a point of pride with Nespresso. When you purchase directly from Nespresso, you can get a bag to return your used capsules. The recycled aluminum is used to manufacture some of their machines. Other Nespresso machines are made with recycled plastic.
Our overall pick for the best Nespresso machine is the VertuoPlus. While all Nespresso machines are convenient and easy to use, this one takes that to the extreme. In addition to a one-touch operation, the VertuoPlus automatically opens and closes the head.
It also automatically ejects the used capsule. We also like the swiveling water tank to accommodate even the smallest or oddly shaped kitchen. It also comes with a smaller price tag.
Nespresso makes a couple of compact machines. If you’re looking for a compact machine that is also budget-friendly, check out the Nespresso Essenza Mini. It’s just a few inches wide. The Essenza Mini is the lowest-priced Nespresso coffee machine currently on the market.
We also tip our hats to the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine. Nespresso features several compact brewers, but we like the options on this one the best. We also love that it makes use of recycled aluminum Nespresso capsules.
Whichever option you choose, we believe that a Nespresso machine will reliably deliver a hot, satisfying cup of coffee or espresso.
Here’s to better, easier brewing!
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