Nespresso machines may not please devoted coffee enthusiasts, but they do make coffee with a low acidity, smells pleasant, and tastes fantastic.
Nespresso machines allow people to create good coffee at home, without going to a coffee shop or cafe.
If you’re one of the many people who like espresso based beverages and don’t like making instant coffee, a coffee pod machine could be a great investment.
Nespresso machines can save you time in the morning so you can focus on other tasks, then enjoy a well made cup of coffee before you start your day.
Nespresso machines come in several different models, so it can be tough to decide which one you should go for.
To make this a little easier, we’ve listed the best Nespresso machines available to purchase below.
We’ve also included a buying guide with advice on what to look for in your Nespresso machine, as well as the difference between Nespresso coffee and espresso.
OUR TOP PICK
Nespresso-VertuoPlus-Espresso-DeLonghi
EDITORS CHOICE
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BEST VALUE
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OUR TOP PICK
Nespresso-VertuoPlus-Espresso-DeLonghi
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus makes both coffee and espresso. This model uses Centrifusion technology which reads barcodes to deliver the best coffee within each cup.
Each coffee cup heats up in under 15 seconds, making this a good choice for those with busy schedules.
One of the best features on this model is the motorized water tanks.
Water tanks on coffee machines can take up a lot of space, but the VertuoPlus Deluxe lets you swivel the tank outwards or behind your machine.
This makes this model suitable for a range of countertops, no matter how big or small your counter is.
The VertuoPlus deluxe can produce five different cup sizes, from an espresso at 1.35 ounces, to an alto, at 14 ounces.
This model also includes 30 of Nespresso’s most popular coffees, including Stormio, Melozio, and Odacio.
The Vertuo capsules included are made from aluminum, which are 100% recyclable and maintain your coffee’s freshness.
Pros
- Can manage 5 different cup sizes
- Motorized water tank can move to save space
- Coffee heats up fast in 15 seconds
Cons
- Vertuo Plus coffee pods are known to taste sweeter
- Not compatible with third party capsules
EDITORS CHOICE
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Don’t be fooled by this model’s size, as it packs a punch! At just 11 cm wide, The Nespresso Pixie is a compact espresso machine that can fit on the smallest of countertops.
It delivers an impressive 19 bars of pressure, so you’ll get espresso with beautiful crema every time.
With one press of a button, the water heats up in under 25 seconds, ensuring those with busy lifestyles can get their cup of coffee quickly.
It has two buttons which relate to different cup sizes; an espresso at 1.35 ounces, and Lungo at 5 ounces. The drip tray and movable cup support ensures that larger drinks don’t create any mess.
This model also comes with a smart mode that turns the coffee machine off after 9 minutes, helping you to save money on your energy bills.
The Pixie Espresso Machine also includes complimentary Nespresso capsules, so you can enjoy using the machine straight out of the box.
Pros
- Only 11cm wide, so it’s ideal for small areas
- Water heats quickly in 25 seconds
- 2 preset cup sizes go you don’t need to change the settings
Cons
- The drip tray doesn’t fold up automatically
BEST VALUE
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Here’s another compact model for those short on space. The Citiz Coffee & Espresso machine creates barista level coffee and espresso.
At 19 bars of pressure, it draws out the light, yet pleasant flavors from every coffee capsule.
This model saves both speed and energy, heating up the water in 25 seconds. It also shuts down after 9 minutes, though this time can be lengthened to 30 minutes if you prefer.
It can handle two sizes, an Espresso and Lungo, both popular single serve options.
The drip tray, capsule container, and water tank are all removable, making cleaning quick and easy to do.
The model itself has an appealing black finish, which looks nice in a range of kitchen decors.
The Citiz also comes with Nespresso’s Aeroccino 3, a well sought after milk frother tool. This can turn your everyday espresso into a latte or cappuccino with the press of a button.
Pros
- Compact design saves space
- Produces 19 bars of pressure
- Removable drip tray, water tank, and capsule container for easy cleanup
Cons
- Doesn’t handle full-size coffee cups well
RUNNER UP
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Coffee lovers will adore the various drinks the Lattissma can create. You can press any of the 6 one touch buttons to create a latte, macchiato, cappuccino, or espresso.
This model has 19 bars of pressure to ensure your espresso has perfect crema every time.
This model is glossy and stylish, thanks to its Italian craftsmanship, so it will look beautiful in a range of kitchens and office spaces.
It also comes equipped with a milk frother that creates thick and lasting foam.
The high performance pump will heat up your drinks fast, creating most milk-based drinks in under 40 seconds.
The machine automatically pierces and brews the capsules for you, so all you have to do is insert the capsule and press a button.
Those who live in hard water areas will find its descaling function particularly useful.
It’s energy saving feature switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity, though you can change the time period yourself if needed.
Pros
- Heats up quickly in just 40 seconds
- Coffee and milk content can be customized to your needs
- Energy saving feature can be changed up to 8 hours
Cons
- Milk-based drinks can come out warmer instead of hot
RUNNER UP
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At just 5.5 inches wide, the Vertuo Next can fit in the smallest of spaces, but it can still handle over 30 different blends.
It’s striking matte black finish with rose gold detailing will be a classy addition to any kitchen.
The Vertuo Next can create espresso and coffee in several sizes, including single and double espresso, and 5,8, and 18 ounce cups.
The machine is made out or partially recycled materials and only uses Nespresso’s recyclable aluminum capsules.
The aluminum also retains the coffees freshness, so you can use their capsules for a long time to come.
Nespresso have equipped this model with their barcode scanning technology. It reads the code that’s embedded on the capsule and determines the appropriate cup size, flow rate, and temperature.
Their Centrifusion brewing process uses water infusion and a centrifugal motion to extract the entire contents of the capsule.
All that’s left will be a clean shell with dry coffee inside, making clean up quick and easy to do.
Pros
- Larger water tank creates more beverages before refilling
- Can keep more coffee capsules than most Nespresso models
Cons
- The barcode technology limits you with creating customized drinks
Buyers Guide
What Are Nespresso Machines?
Nespresso machines are sought after coffee machines all around the world, including the United States.
Nespresso machines produce coffee that resembles espresso. They single use capsules and water to extract the coffee from them.
Many people debate as to whether Nespresso coffee is like espresso or not.
Nespresso coffee may not be espresso in the traditional sense, but established espresso machines and Nespresso models are both needed for different reasons.
Nespresso machines are easier to use than espresso machines. It’s important to understand the differences between the two so you can figure out which one would suit your preferences best.
Nespresso machines have come a long way, so modern models aren’t likely to break as soon as you begin using them.
Despite this, it’s always best to do some research to figure out what model is better for you.
Some people wonder why Nespresso machines are needed in the first place, as coffee can be made instant granules or heated on the stove.
These machines have a lot of advantages, which we’ll get into below.
Why Are Nespresso Machines So Popular?
Whether you’re a stay at home parent, travelling to work, or eating some breakfast before school, mornings can be hectic for many people.
Not many people have enough time to themselves, let alone to brew a good cup of coffee.
Creating a good cup of coffee requires many things. You have to select the best beans and ensure they’re grounded correctly.
You can’t use too much or too little water, making sure that it’s the right temperature before you begin brewing.
There are lots of other steps needed to make decent coffee, but these are tricky to do once you’ve just got out of bed and you’re still recovering from last night’s dream.
Those that aren’t morning people may even oversleep, giving them even less time to themselves, let alone making a cup of coffee.
Coffee machines were made for this exact purpose, giving you well made coffee with the press of a few buttons.
This saves many people time in the mornings so they can focus on other tasks.
Traditional coffee machines had a few disadvantages. You had to work out exactly how much coffee grounds were needed, and some models didn’t have a milk or cream feature.
Nespresso changes this as the milk, coffee, and temperature are all handled by the machine. Here are a few more advantages of Nespresso machines.
Speed: Nespresso machines make coffee in under a minute. They are as quick as making instant coffee, except the results are much better.
Consistency: Purchasing a cup of coffee from a barista doesn’t guarantee that you’ll like it, as they may use different amounts of coffee, sugar, or milk.The machine will create the coffee in exactly the same way every time.
Finish: Nespresso machines claim that they can produce a perfect crema, the thin layer of foam seen on espresso. Crema is produced through high pressure, which is what espresso machines deliver.
Several Nespresso machines provide several bars of pressure, which creates the aesthetically pleasing crema on top of your espresso.
How Do Nespresso Machines Work?
Each Nespresso machine will have a different system, but they all work in a similar fashion.
First, an espresso capsule is placed into the machine while a tank fills with water. As the machine turns on, the water travels through a tube and is heated simultaneously.
Once the water reaches the right temperature, it’s forced through the pod with high pressure to create coffee resembling espresso.
Nespresso creates coffee which is low in acidity and has a nice aroma and taste. It’s important to keep cleaning the machine regularly, as dirt and scale buildup can affect the quality of your coffee.
Nespresso Coffee vs Espresso
Several coffee enthusiasts will prefer espresso over Nespresso coffee, but a lot of people like the beverages a Nespresso machine makes.
Espresso and Nespresso brewed coffee look similar, but they have some differences.
Espresso is rich coffee that is made by pushing water through ground coffee. This process is done under very high pressure.
Nespresso machines do make coffee in this way, but industry standard espresso has to be made under 9 bars of pressure.
Nespresso claims that its machines can produce up to 15 bars of pressure, but some believe that their quality doesn’t resemble an espresso.
Some baristas think that Nespresso’s drinks are more like moka pot coffee.
Nespresso coffee is thinner than espresso, but only coffee enthusiasts tend to notice this difference.
If you’re not a coffee connoisseur, Nespresso beverages may suit your preferences just fine.
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Nespresso Machine
Nespresso machines come in several different models, so you’ll need to consider a few things to decide which machine to buy.
Coffee Flavor
Some people like their coffee black, while others like theirs with milk. In this case, make sure that your machine can create the beverage that you like.
For instance, those that like cappuccinos should ensure their machine has a frother, so they won’t need to make the foam separately.
Coffee Pod Compatibility
Some coffee pods won’t be compatible with Nespresso machines. If you have a favorite coffee capsule brand, make sure that they work with the machine.
Most capsules are roughly the same size, but several Nespresso machines have a barcode system.
They read a barcode on the capsule to determine the amount of water, milk, and temperature needed for the beverage.
Make sure that your capsules are compatible with this technology and that the machine can read the barcodes.
Size & Appearance
No one wants an ostentatious looking coffee machine taking up space in their kitchen! Take note of how your Nespresso machine looks before you buy it.
Whether you choose a black, white, matte, or metallic model, make sure that it will look good with your kitchen decor.
If you don’t have much space available, larger Nespresso machines won’t be the best option.
Those who have smaller rooms should look for compact Nespresso machines that still have important features.
Ease Of Use
Nespresso machines are supposed to take the effort out of making coffee.
If you struggle to use it, that defeats the purpose altogether. Better Nespresso machines shouldn’t have controls that are hard to understand.
A good model should have clearly visible buttons, but they shouldn’t have you looking through the instruction manual every time.
Cleanup
Nespresso machines should be cleaned regularly, so if they’re hard to clean, they won’t be worth their money.
Look for ones that have easily removable parts, like the tank and capsule tray. Some may even have a descaling feature that can prolong it’s lifespan.
Price
Cost isn’t a huge factor when deciding on a Nespresso machine, but it may be something to think about if you don’t want to spend too much.
Nespresso machines don’t have to be expensive, but lower priced ones shouldn’t lack too many important features.
If you do choose one priced on the lower end, check that it can handle certain abilities, such as how many drinks it can make, the capsules it can support, or how many cup sizes it can manage.
Guarantee
Guarantees are important if your machine starts malfunctioning by itself. Look for warranties that last a few years in case your machine breaks down in the same time period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Nespresso Machine Worth It?
Nespresso machines are worth the investment if you want to make great tasting coffee at home.
They save you time and effort as you can create a good beverage in under a minute.
Barista’s go through training to create great espresso, but a Nespresso machine saves you the trouble of learning how to do so.
Do Starbucks Pods Work In Nespresso?
Starbucks coffee pods do work with Nespresso coffee machines, except from integrated models, like Business solution Nespresso machines or the Miele built in model.
Starbucks capsules will work with all standard Nespresso machines, as well as any other coffee machines designed for home use.
How Often Should You Descale Your Nespresso?
It’s best to descale a Nespresso machine every 6 months or after it has made 600 coffees, whichever comes first.
You can also prolong its lifespan by cleaning any coffee residue after you have made a drink and removed the capsule.
