The Best Nespresso Machines
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Nespresso machines have come a long way since the C100 was released in 1986. The C100 was a relatively bulky machine with a handheld portafilter — in this case, a capsule holder — that had to be twisted onto the appliance (via Nespresso). Since then, mini versions of the appliance have taken the world by storm, allowing coffee enthusiasts to craft the perfect cup of coffee right in the comfort of their own homes. Nespresso machines are known for their ease of use and use of pre-portioned coffee capsules to deliver quick and delicious brews.
From entry-level and affordable to sophisticated and pricey, Nespresso machines come in a huge variety of styles. They also feature different functions. While basic pod-based gadgets generally offer two options — espresso and lungo (long coffee) — their high-end counterparts can deliver a whole range of different coffee types, from cappuccinos to lattes. With so many models on the market, however, selecting the right Nespresso machine for your specific needs can be a tough task. With this in mind, here's our roundup of the best Nespresso machines available today.
How we selected products
According to some, all Nespresso machines make identical tasting beverages, but they definitely differ when it comes to functionality (via NY Times). In order to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck, we scoured the internet to find the best gadget options for your exact specifications and budget.
Some of the factors that we took into account when selecting the best Nespresso machines in each class included ease of use, heat up time, and water tank size. We also looked at each machine's capabilities for making different types of coffee. Most significantly, appliances that come with a milk frother open up a whole range of possibilities when it comes to getting creative with your brew. We also took into account appliance size. After all, there's little use in getting a bulky machine with all the bells and whistles if you don't have enough counter space to accommodate it.
Best overall Nespresso machine
If you are after a Nespresso machine that consistently delivers high-quality brews, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi has you covered. The stylish appliance offers two cup sizes — espresso and lungo — at the touch of a button (via De'Longhi). The machine's other standout features include a large 40-ounce water tank that can be rotated to fit your counter space, a fast 15-second heat-up time, and an energy-saving nine-minute automatic shut-off.
What makes the Nespresso VertuoPlus really stand out from the pack, however, is its unique extraction technology. Each Nespresso capsule comes with an imprinted barcode to ensure that the machine adjusts its brewing parameters to the specific coffee blend. While this guarantees the perfect cup of coffee every time, it also means that the machine is restricted to Nespresso's own capsules. The appliance also uses centrifusion brewing technology, which means that it spins the pods during the brewing process to achieve a balanced water dispersal and produce a rich, smooth crema (via Tom's Guide).
Purchase the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi from Amazon starting at $151.
Best K-cup compatible Nespresso machine
Ultra versatile, the Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker by Instant Pot is compatible with both single-serve and reusable K-cups, as well as original Nespresso capsules. However, it doesn't work with Vertuo line capsules. The machine makes both espressos and lungos and lets users choose the grounds to water ratio. When making espresso, you can opt for a two-ounce, four-ounce, or six-ounce pour, and when using K-cups, you can select an eight-ounce, 10-ounce, or 12-ounce pour. The smaller the pour, the more robust the flavor (via Food Network).
The Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker features an extra-large 68-ounce water tank at the back of the appliance. This equates to around 10 to 34 cups of espresso and 5 to 8 cups of coffee (via Pressure Cooker Recipes). While the machine's water reservoir and empty pod container are easy to remove, Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm from The Kitchn has complained about the gadget's control panel, saying that "the buttons have touch sensors and are activated by double-tapping them with your finger. This was tricky at first, and I often [found] myself ... wanting to press and hold them down instead of tap."
Purchase the Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker by Instant Pot from Amazon starting at $150.
Best for espresso Nespresso machine
Blending a sleek retro look with modern technology, the Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is a great go-to option for those morning espresso shots — or lungos, for that matter (via De'Longhi). And with a 19-bar pressure system, the appliance delivers barista-quality coffee every time. The Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine is also very simple to use — simply fill the 33-ounce tank with water, pop in a Nespresso capsule, and select either the espresso or lungo option. And while the water reservoir isn't the largest on the market, it's more than sufficient for espresso enthusiasts (via Stella Coffee).
So what else can you expect from this nifty machine? The Nespresso CitiZ Original features a 25-second heat-up time and an automatic shut-off function after nine minutes of inactivity (this can be extended to 30 minutes). It also comes with a used capsule container that fits nine pods and a drip tray (via Nespresso). In addition, the appliance has a taller build than some other Nespresso machines that easily accommodate larger cups under the spout.
Purchase the Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi from Amazon starting at $269.
Best for beginners Nespresso machine
Both stylish and ultra-easy to use, the Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi lets you craft outstanding coffee and milk beverages at the touch of a button. Simply fill the removable 4-ounce milk jug and the 34-ounce water reservoir, pop in a Nespresso pod, select the lungo option, and pick one of the two recipes: cappuccino or latte macchiato. The Nespresso Lattissima One will froth milk directly into the cup. Alternatively, you can keep things even more simple by opting for an espresso (via Nespresso).
In terms of specs, the Nespresso Lattissima One delivers superior performance. With 19 bars of pressure, it's powerful enough to produce smooth cups of coffee. The machine takes approximately 20 seconds to heat up water and another 15 seconds to heat up the milk. On the downside, the milk jug is designed to produce single servings of coffee, so you will need to fill it with the right amount of milk each time you want to brew a cup. This is one of those things that might not bother some but could be a dealbreaker for others (via Tech Gadgets Canada).
Purchase the Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi from Amazon for $378.
Best mini Nespresso machine
Combining compact design and ease of use, the Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville packs a powerful punch without taking up a lot of kitchen space. Measuring 3.3 x 13 x 8 inches, the appliance is narrow enough to be unobtrusive. At five pounds, it's also highly portable (via Spruce Eats). Despite its compact size, the Nespresso Essenza Mini delivers 19 bars of pressure to produce delicious espressos and lungos at the touch of a button. Perhaps the appliance's only drawbacks are the relatively small 20-ounce water tank and a used capsule container that accommodates only six pods — this, however, should be expected from a machine of this size (via Breville).
Aside from its simple aesthetics, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is also very easy to use. Simply fill the removable water tank (wait around 25 seconds for the water to heat up), lift the lever to open the top of the machine, insert the Nespresso pod, and select the cup size. When you lift the lever to use the machine again, the spent capsule will be automatically discarded into the used capsule container. And if you forget to switch it off, the gadget will shut off automatically after nine minutes of inactivity.
Purchase the Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville from Amazon starting at $170.
Best portable Nespresso machine
Whether it's your daily commute or a road trip with the family, the Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine by Wacaco makes taking your brew along for the ride a breeze. Measuring just 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 inches and weighing under a pound, the affordable gadget is lightweight and compact enough to carry in your backpack or even a purse (via Coffee Affection).
While the Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine is much smaller than your average Nespresso machine, it's also a little more tricky to use. This is mainly because it comes with quite a few separate parts. In addition, unlike most other Nespresso machines, the Minipresso Portable Espresso isn't automatic, which means that you need to both set it up and pump it manually. While the espresso will start pouring out of the machine after approximately 10 pumps, it takes between 40 and 50 pounds to extract the full shot.
Purchase the Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine by Wacaco from Amazon starting at $60.
Best professional-grade Nespresso machine
At over $600, the Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville delivers barista-quality brews worthy of even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts. Right from the get-go, you can tell that the Nespresso Creatista Plus is something special. Available in brushed stainless steel, black sesame, and royal champagne, the elegant kitchen gadget features a spout and a steam wand. The LCD display menu is located on top of the appliance. It also features a large 50-ounce removable water tank that sits at the back of the machine (via Spruce Eats).
The Creatista Plus offers a wider range of drink options than most other Nespresso machines. There are three main alternatives: espresso, lungo, and ristretto (milk-free beverages). Plus, the machine lets users select from 11 milk temperatures, eight milk froth textures, and eight recipes, including cafe latte and flat white. And with a three-second heat-up time, the Creatista Plus won't keep you waiting for your morning coffee. There's also an automatic shut-off function after nine minutes of inactivity in case you forget to switch the Creatista Plus off (via Roasty Coffee).
Overall, the Creatista Plus offers convenience and plenty of opportunities to customize your brews. It does come with a hefty price tag, but that price tag may be justified because the Creatista Plus creates coffee-pod beverages that go head-to-head with ground-to-bean or armored espresso machines, according to Brett from Art of Barista.
Purchase the Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville from Amazon starting at $643.
Best value Nespresso machine
A smaller version of Nescafe's Esperta 2, the Dolce Gusto Genio by Nescafe delivers all the basic functions of a high-quality Nespresso machine without costing an arm and a leg (via Coffee Maven). With an easy-to-use interface, the appliance can create both hot and cold drinks, including a variety of coffees and even iced tea. It also comes with 15 bars of pressure. And while this may not be as high as some other Nespresso machines, it's more than sufficient to make flavorful beverages (via Le French Press).
Despite its futuristic look, the Dolce Gusto Genio is very easy to operate. Simply use the toggle stick to adjust the size and strength of your coffee. The machine also features a five-minute shut-off function to ensure that you don't spend more on your electricity bills than absolutely necessary. On the downside, the Dolce Gusto Genio comes with a relatively small 21-ounce water tank, which can be tricky to remove.
Purchase the Dolce Gusto Genio by Nescafe from Amazon starting at $123.
Best design Nespresso machine
Blending an elegant matte design and stainless steel accents with cutting-edge technology, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine by De'Longhi is both functional and easy on the eye (via Nespresso). Simply pick one of the nine recipes, press a button, and you'll have your flat white, cappuccino, latte, or espresso right there within seconds. Better still, all the recipes can be customized to your exact specifications. The Nespresso Gran Lattissima also comes with a removable platform making it suitable for both small and large cups (via Espresso Machine Picks).
Once your coffee is ready, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima is also very easy to clean. All small parts of the machine, including the milk tank, dripping trays, and capsule reservoir, are dishwasher safe. Meanwhile, the bigger parts feature their own cleaning system. While the Nespresso Gran Lattissima may seem like a dream, it does come at a cost. However, if you value aesthetics and convenience, it may just be worth the price.
Purchase the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine by De'Longhi from Amazon starting at $585.