Best Nespresso Machine Reviews

Brigitt Earley Brigitt Earley, a Good Housekeeping Institute specialist, has evaluated and tested many kitchen appliances. She also writes about household appliances and gadgets.

The best compact coffee machine Nespresso machines are stylish and durable, quick to heat up, simple to use and clean, and offer a range of drink options. They should only be compatible with the original Nespresso capsules, and come with a special container for used capsules.

1. The Vertuo Creatista

The Vertuo Creatista is a brand new model from Nespresso it fills a need that is significant. It's also the very first and only Vertuo machine to come with an integrated milk frother.

The machine features an elegant brushed stainless steel design and sits in the middle of the Vertuo range. It also comes with 2L of water tank and an adjustable drip tray that lets you use your personal travel mug or carafe. It uses Nespresso Centrifusion to brew capsules, and can make a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo and alto as well as cappuccino latte and macchiato.

It is compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. The machine reads the barcode on the pod's lip to determine the best value coffee machine settings for the best results. This makes it the smartest machine in the line-up.

The Creatista, like other Nespresso machines, has a quick heating time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only downside is that it takes longer to prepare an espresso shot than other models in the lineup.

The built-in milk maker is the main attraction for the majority of people. The wand is similar to the steam wands with manual steam that you'll see on other espresso machines, however it's completely automated and has settings to control temperature and texture. This feature is ideal for those who want to add milk to coffee. It can make the Creatista more appealing to buyers. Previously, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available in the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.

2. The CitiZ

This compact, sleek machine from Nespresso is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It's easy-to-clean and uses less energy than other pod machines we've tried however, it still produces a fantastic cup.

In our latest tests, the CitiZ performed well in both single-serve and larger brewing mode. It also boasts several neat features, including the ability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for maintenance alerts and capsule tracking) as well as a water reservoir that can hold up 32 ounces of water that has been filtered and an elegant, modern design.

The machine's quick heat-up system brings water to the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts off the machine after nine minutes of idle. You'll need an additional attachment to add milk to coffee if you want to do this.

One of our top features of the CitiZ is its labeled buttons that are easy to use. You can choose from a wide selection of single-serve drinks, including espresso shots in three sizes, as well as a range of milk-based options like lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.

The CitiZ is a little more expensive than the Essenza Mini and other compact OriginalLine models, but it has some extra features that may make it worthwhile for some customers. It's also the first Nespresso machine to make use of 40% recycled material. It also allows you to connect to an app on your smartphone to receive maintenance alerts and brewing instructions.

The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray, and capsule container are easily cleaned and removed for quick cleaning. It has a descaling mode built in. However, the frequency at which you need to run it will be contingent upon your home's water hardness. We recommend using softened or filtered water to reduce mineral buildup.

3. The Essenza Mini

The Mini is a compact Nespresso machine that fits into the smallest kitchens. It's perfect for those just starting out with Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of money to spend and don't really care about extra features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art wand) that will not improve their coffee. But just because it's tiny doesn't mean the Mini can't do its job well. It can make espressos, ristrettos, and lungos without difficulty. It is also the easiest and cheapest Nespresso machine to clean, maintain and operate.

The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It shares a minimalist design and comes with the same brewing technology but it's more of an all-in-one machine, which comes with an adjustable water tank for various brew sizes as well as an Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It is also more expensive, but it could be worth it if you plan to make a lot of Americanos or if you want to brew large cups of espresso or ristretto.

The most notable new addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which offer one-touch convenience and a variety of beverage options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir on the front, as well as an ice-maker to make cappuccinos or lattes. They are also more expensive than Essenza Minis, however they are is worth it if the goal is to to make large-sized milky drinks whenever you want to without having to lift a pod.

4. The Vertuo Plus

The VertuoLine machine is a great option you want to brew large cups of coffee or espresso-style shots. It's compatible with brand’s original pods, but it is also possible to use third-party pods. It comes with two programmable buttons to choose between alto and regular sizes. It also offers the centrifusion process that draws water from 20 punctures in the capsule's top. According to Nespresso it produces a higher amount of crema.

This model is among the best Nespresso options for those who need steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the click of a button with no bells and whistles. It did well in our Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests particularly in terms of first-cup speed and repeat speed.

It's among the cheapest machines made by Nespresso and has a compact footprint. The only issue is that it doesn't have a broad capacity to store used capsules and has smaller water tanks than other models.

If you're interested in making milk-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, it's worth spending a little more on a machine that has an integrated milk frother. Both the Lattissima and Creatista can make it without much effort and the Nespresso Inissia is designed for maximum convenience with an integrated milk container that can hold up to 12 capsules.

A key thing to remember is that all Nespresso machines have to be descaled at least once each year. The company claims it's easy to do and the machine will notify you when it's necessary. The brand also sells descaling kits for a hands-off approach.

5. The Creatista Pro

If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffee, the Creatista Pro is a good option. Similar to its sibling, the Creatista Plus, it offers different beverage options and is easy to use. The milk frother is auto and self-cleaning, but it can also be used to manually adjust the texture and temperature if desired. The result is smooth, frothy milk that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.

This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo Pods. It can make espresso in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and macchiatos latte. It is simple to use, with an enormous LED display and buttons labelled for each type of drink. It also comes with an artisanal steam wand that resembles a barista and a milk jug that is easier to clean than traditional integrated frothers that are found on many Nespresso machines.

The Creatista Pro may be a little more expensive than other models, but it is a premium machine. It's easy-to-use and looks great on your counter. It also comes with a complimentary Tamper and reusable capsules which save money in the long run.

For a slightly less-expensive alternative, look into the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk. It's not as full of bells and whistles as the Creatista, but it does offer a more versatile range of beverages with three sizes of espresso, as well as lattes and cappuccinos. It offers a more user-friendly interface, featuring a single button to turn the machine on and rinsing. It is also compact and has a moveable tank, which allows you to adjust it to the design of your kitchen.