Nespresso Coffee Machines

Unlike drip coffee makers, Nespresso models are compact and compact. They are simple in their black look and range in price and sophistication. Some come with a milk frother to make Latte art, and they can be linked with an app to manage recipes or receive descaling notifications.

The simplest machines, like our choice, the Essenza Mini, are simple and affordable, but they leave out features that make more complicated drinks. Other machines can make larger drink sizes like gran lungos.

What is a Nespresso Machine?

Since 1986, Nespresso has marketed single-serve machines that utilize capsules to make espresso and coffee drinks. The brand has a loyal following thanks to its ease speed, consistency and speed in making hot espresso drinks. These machines are an ideal alternative to brewing at-home espresso with a moka pot or drip coffee maker each of which requires time and careful cleaning after each use.

A Nespresso machine makes use of pressure to extract the flavor of a pod, then heats water and froths milk for coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. magimix nespresso coffee machine offers a wide selection of coffee and tea blends to fit different moods and tastes such as decaffeinated and flavor options. The machines are stylish and compact, as well as easy to use, making Nespresso a fantastic option for those who want to have a quick cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.

Original Nespresso machines, that make espresso-like shots using the company's Original capsules, were the only machines available until 2014 which was when the Vertuo line was introduced. The smaller model in this line is the Essenza Mini, which is super compact with a tiny water tank and a storage space for used capsules. Its simple operation, with just two buttons - one for an espresso and another for lungos which makes it easy to master.

Unlike Keurig machines, which require you to manually add water before every use, all Nespresso models automatically dispose of the capsules that are used after making. Based on the size of the reservoir and capsule storage the capsules can hold up to 12 pods that have been used, which are disposed of in the built-in receptacle when you open the machine.

A few of the most sought-after models are compatible with the mobile app from the brand, which lets you to customize recipes and order the capsules at home. We tested this feature on the sleek, stainless steel Vertuo Creatista, which also lets you make hot chocolate and iced coffee using an ice-making chamber that is specifically designed for frothing. The only drawback of the machine we test is that it does not support all types of milk. You'll need to purchase a separate frothing machine if you wish to make drinks with whole or 2% almond milk.

The Original Line

The Original line of pod-only machines comprises the stylish Citiz and Essenza Mini. Both models are pierced by the capsule, then pump hot water under high pressure through it and produce an espresso or lungo. The Original machines use higher pressure of 19 bars than some of the Vertuo models, which have pumps that range from 15 to 18 bars.

The original machines create a crema (a thin layer of tiny microbubbles layered on top of the espresso) that is thicker and richer than the foam found in the Vertuo line. The crema is more than just froth. However, as the Spruce states, it could make up 25% of espresso's flavor. The Original line comes with more expensive Creatista or Lattissima espresso machines with built-in milk frothers that can make lattes and cappuccinos at the touch of one button.

The Lattissima Line

This line is ideal for those who want machines which can make cappuccinos, lattes and other milky coffee drinks. It offers three customizable one-touch recipes, and its 4.2-ounce milk container is dishwasher-safe and dishwasher-safe. It's also light, which makes it easy to move and store in a compact space. Some customers have complained that it is not as intuitive as other Nespresso machines.

The jug's lines for drinks are etched into it, so you can pre-select which beverage you'd like to prepare before the machine heats up. It also has a sensor that will automatically stops the steaming process when the jug is empty and prevents the waste of milk.

The Lattissima One offers a great value for money. It's available in four different colors: porcelain white, dark gray and silky-white. It's easy to clean and features a a minimalist aesthetic that won't overwhelm small spaces. It's also relatively affordable and has a price of $385/PS279.

Like the OriginalLine models, it has an automatic drip tray that collects any loose grounds as you pour your espresso. This feature is ideal to prevent spills and overflow, which could ruin the flavor of your espresso.

The Pro and Gran Lattissima both have a larger water tank than the Lattissima One, allowing them to hold more liquid prior to having to refill. These two models have a quicker heat-up time (15 seconds for an Espresso and 25 seconds for a Lungo) and a hot water function that can be used to make iced coffee or tea.

The only issue with the Lattissima is the difficulty of adjusting the consistency and thickness of the foam you make with your milk. It only works with skim or almond milk. Sorry vegans and those who are not tolerant to dairy. Its frothing wand can also be difficult to clean, which is a common complaint among Nespresso owners. The Lattissima Pro or Gran Lattissima comes with a self-cleaning feature that scrubs the milky insides of the frothing device after each use.

The Vertuo Line

A Nespresso Vertuo machine makes a small cup of coffee that's perfect for those who enjoy espresso but prefer a short and intense drink. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode along its rim that can be read by the machine's software to determine the amount of coffee it will create. Nespresso utilizes a unique extraction technology to ensure you get the best flavor from each Vertuo pod.

The Vertuo Line offers a wide selection of different drinks including Ristretto (mini espresso), Espresso, Lungo, Americano and Cappuccino. The machines also integrate with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.

Each Vertuo Line coffee machine heats quickly and is ready for brewing in less than 30 seconds. They use smaller water tanks than Original Line machines and require less maintenance. There are several models to choose from, so you can choose the one that is compatible with your home's style and your budget.

Unlike the Original Line machines, which only can brew Nespresso capsules, the Vertuo Line also brews regular filter-brewed coffee. This is done via the spout, which is that is located at the bottom of the machine.

VertuoLine machines come with a revolutionary system of brewing that gently extracts espresso and coffee by using the unique centrifusion technology. This allows for the production of natural crema, which preserves and enhances the coffee's aroma. The VertuoLine system also has an intelligent recognition system that alters the extraction parameters to match each Grand Cru blend.

Each VertuoLine machine is backed by a manufacturer's warranty and includes an initial pack of 10 free Nespresso capsules. The company offers an annual subscription service that provides new Nespresso capsules each month.

There are a variety of VertuoLine machines to choose from however, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is our pick for best overall machine. It's easy to operate and heats up quickly and comes in several colors. It can make five different sizes of espresso and coffee which include a ristretto lungo, espresso, White Nespresso Machine and flat white. It also brews a Latte macchiato and is able to be used with the Aeroccino milk frother to create a cappuccino or Latte.

The VertuoPlus' only downside is that it takes longer to brew compared to other machines, specifically when making an Americano. Comparing the Bunn Fastbrew to the Nespresso VertuoPlus which can brew an 8-ounce Americano within 42 seconds, the VertuoPlus took 1 minute, 51 seconds. You can accelerate the process by choosing an automatic mode.