Buying guide for best Nespresso machines
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When you don’t have time to go to the coffee shop for your favorite espresso drink, a Nespresso machine is the next best thing. The best Nespresso machines are so easy to operate, you don’t need any barista skills to make an excellent shot of espresso. Simply insert a capsule, push a few buttons and — voila! — your espresso with a professional-looking layer of crema on top is served.
Compared to traditional espresso machines, Nespresso machines are also low maintenance. No need to grind any beans or clean up any mess. Some Nespresso machines also come with a milk frother, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes, too.
But with so many Nespresso machines available, it’s challenging to know which one to buy. Which is why the BestReviews Testing Lab tested and researched all the most popular Nespresso machines to help you find the right one for your needs. Our top pick is the Nespresso VertuoPlus, which was beyond easy to use and impressed us with its rich, flavorful espresso and coffee.
Our top picks
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 13.2” D x 9.1” W x 12.79” H | Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz | Capsule Container Capacity: 17 | Automatic Capsule Ejection: Yes
The VertuoPlus stands out for the consistently delicious coffee and espresso it brews. We were surprised and impressed by the quality, having tested numerous pod coffee machines. The secret lies in the variety of Vertuo capsules, each designed to unlock unique flavor profiles. Our tests revealed bold, flavorful espresso shots with a hint of sweetness, avoiding the harsh bitterness occasionally found in overly roasted beans. Every cup of coffee we brewed was hot, well-rounded and topped with a luxurious, thick crema.
Coffee quality aside, we loved how easy this machine is to use. You simply put the capsule in the machine and press a single button to brew (the same button is used for controlling power and rinsing). The machine scans a barcode printed on the capsule to determine the brew strength and water ratio. Depending on the capsule you use, you can produce single espressos, double espressos, 5-ounce and 8-ounce black coffees and barista-style milk-based coffees. If you opt for the latter, we recommend investing in one of Nespresso’s milk frothers. The VertuoPlus, which comes in more than a dozen different color configurations to match your setup, includes a 40-ounce water tank that sits at the back or either side of the machine.
The VertuoPlus impresses with its fast brewing times. It delivers a single espresso in just 50 seconds, a double espresso in 1:10, a 5-ounce coffee in 1:45 and an 8-ounce coffee in under two minutes. This means you can spend less time waiting around for a drip coffee machine to brew or save money and time by skipping your local coffee shop.
Best bang for the buck
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 16.8” D x 5.5” W x 12.4” H | Water Tank Capacity: 37 oz | Capsule Container Capacity: 8 | Automatic Capsule Ejection: Yes
While not the smallest Nespresso machine, the Vertuo Next boasts a slim profile of just 5.5 inches wide, making it a great choice for crowded countertops. Its modern, simple design comes in a dozen colorways to fit your kitchen aesthetic. During testing, the machine felt solid and sturdy despite its slim profile. However, it’s worth mentioning that it has a 37-ounce water tank, meaning you'll have to refill it after every other use.
We found that the Vertuo Next consistently brewed smooth espresso and Americanos with just one press of a button. It brews five coffee sizes, from espresso shots to an 18-ounce carafe. On average, it takes just 60 seconds for the Nespresso to warm up and brew coffee. The machine even alerts you via its app when it’s time to refill the water, empty capsules or descale. While the capsule door can be tricky to close at times, the Vertuo Next is user-friendly, convenient and a breeze to clean.
Overall, the Vertuo Next is easy to use and budget-friendly, making it ideal for everyday coffee drinkers who prioritize convenience. Another perk? It’s made from 54% recycled materials.
Best color options
Product Specifications
Dimensions: 8.6” W x 14” D x 10.4” H | Water Tank Capacity: 25 oz | Capsule Container Capacity: 8 | Automatic Capsule Ejection: Yes
If you love a pop of color in your kitchen, the Vertuo Pop+ should be on your radar. It comes in eight hues, including some bright colors like red, aqua and yellow. It takes just 30 seconds to heat up and brews coffee quickly, so you won't have to wait around.
We love that you can use it to brew six sizes of coffee, from a 1.35-ounce single espresso to a 12-ounce coffee. You can brew single and double espressos, either hot or over ice, which is good news for people who love iced lattes.
This versatile coffee machine gives you a lot, and all in a small package. It's great for people who like their coffees long or short and it's super simple to use.
Best Nespresso machine for lattes
Product Specifications: Dimensions: 15.5” D x 6.7” W x 12.1” H | Water Tank Capacity: 50 oz | Capsule Container Capacity: 12 | Automatic Capsule Ejection: No
A collaboration between Breville and Nespresso, the Creatista Plus sports a classic Breville stainless steel design with a matching milk jug, reflecting its high-end features in both aesthetics and functionality. Thanks to its steaming wand, it's the perfect choice for people who like specialty milk-based coffee drinks, such as lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos.
The Creatista Plus uses the same brewing technology as all other Nespresso machines in its Original line, relying on premeasured coffee capsules to create espresso or lungo at the touch of a button. However, this is one of the few Nespresso machines that includes a steaming wand for frothing milk.. Better yet, it's automatic, so when you set the style of drink you want, it does the hard work, foaming your milk to the correct temperature and consistency. For those who prefer customization, don’t worry, the machine packs an LCD display to select from nearly a dozen different milk temperatures and textures for brewing a tasty ristretto, latte, cappuccino, flat white or macchiato.
We love how easy this Nespresso machine is to use. It doesn't have the learning curve that comes with making specialty drinks in a standard espresso machine. While it carries a higher price tag, we’re confident you’ll find that the convenience and barista-quality results justify the cost.
Nespresso machines vs. traditional espresso machines
A Nespresso machine's biggest advantage over a traditional espresso machine is convenience. It's extremely simple to use a Nespresso — just put the pod in, perhaps press a button or two and you're good to go. By contrast, it takes time and effort to learn how to pull a decent shot of espresso with a traditional machine.
And what about time? The perfect extraction time for a shot of espresso from a traditional espresso machine is 25 to 30 seconds. Brewing an espresso using a Nespresso machine can take a little longer. For instance, during testing, the Nespresso VertuoPlus took 50 seconds to dispense a single espresso and 1:10 to dispense a double espresso. However, you've got to factor in the extra time it takes to grind the beans and fill the portafilter when using a standard espresso machine.
While Nespresso machines won't replicate the experience of a high-end espresso machine, grinder and freshly roasted beans, they offer a convenient alternative for creating coffee drinks that surpass the quality of basic machines using pre-ground coffee. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and how much value you place on convenience versus customization and potentially higher-quality coffee.
Nespresso product lines
Most Nespresso machines fall into one of two product lines: Original and Vertuo. The right one for you depends on what kind of coffee you want to make.
Original
Nespresso’s Original machines offer the widest range. While they specialize in espresso, some models also feature integrated steam nozzles and milk frothers to make lattes and cappuccinos as well.
The Original line machines use a high-pressure, 19-bar extraction system to release each capsule's full aroma and flavor. The high pressure also helps ensure proper water distribution through the ground coffee for consistently delicious cups.
Vertuo
Nespresso’s Vertuo line includes machines that make authentic espresso and a variety of coffees at the touch of a button.
They utilize a trademarked Gentle Centrifusion extraction to produce smooth, rich coffee that smells as good as it tastes, as well as silky crema.
The Vertuo line works with various sizes of capsules to make both espresso and coffee.
What to look for when buying a Nespresso machine
There's a lot to consider when choosing a Nespresso machine. For starters, consider what types of drinks you want to be able to make. Some only produce espresso while others also make other coffee drinks. Then there are other features, such as the reservoir size and preheat time.
Coffee preferences
When you’re buying a Nespresso machine, your coffee preference is the biggest factor in which line or model will work best in your kitchen.
- Original: Machines in the original line are only equipped to make espresso drinks, so if you enjoy regular coffee, models from this line aren’t your best bet. Some Original models also feature steam nozzles and milk frothers, which allow you to prepare lattes and cappuccinos.
- Vertuo: These machines are equipped to make both espresso and traditional coffee, so models from this line are the best bet for households that prefer variety in their coffee beverages. Like the Original line, some Vertuo machines also have a milk frother.
Preheat time
Before you can make a cup of espresso or coffee in a Nespresso machine, it has to warm up to the right temperature.
While all models warm up relatively quickly, some machines warm up a little faster than others. Some, such as the Nespresso VertuoPlus, preheat in as little as 15 seconds. Others, such as the Nespresso Essenza Mini, require closer to 30 seconds.
Size and shape
Some Nespresso machines are designed specifically to have a small footprint to fit in smaller kitchens. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a particularly compact model. Other machines that are equipped with extra features like a milk frother tend to be larger, which means you’ll need more space on your countertop. For instance, the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus has a milk frother and a significant footprint. It’s also important to consider the machine's height if you want to place your Nespresso beneath cabinets.
In addition to the size, consider the shape of the machine. Many Nespresso models have a rounded design, which means you can’t place them flush against the wall. Others have a flat back that allows you to place the machine against a wall to free up additional counter space.
Water reservoir
All Nespresso machines are equipped with a reservoir that you fill with water, so the machine is ready to make a cup of espresso whenever you want one.
Smaller machines have reservoirs that hold as little as 20 ounces, while larger machines — like the Nespresso VertuoPlus — have reservoirs that hold up to 60 ounces and don’t require as frequent refilling.
Extra features
- Automatic shutoff: Many Nespresso machines automatically turn off if they haven’t been used for a certain period of time. Since Nespresso machines heat quickly, the average shutoff time is around ten minutes. This is a great safety feature if you have a habit of forgetting to turn off appliances before running out the door in the morning.
- Milk frother: If you enjoy cappuccinos, you’ll definitely want a Nespresso machine that’s equipped with a milk frother. There are models in both the Original line and Vertuo line that feature frothers.
- Cup storage and cup warmer: Some Nespresso machines offer storage space for cups, as well as a warming feature for the cups.
Tips and tricks for using a Nespresso machine
- Before brewing coffee in a Nespresso machine, run water through the coffee spout without a capsule in the machine. This flushes the brew unit and raises the machine’s temperature, so you’re guaranteed a perfect brew.
- To keep your Nespresso machine clean, make a habit of frequently emptying the used capsule container and drip tray. Wash all the machine’s removable parts by hand.
- Over time, deposits of calcium and lime will build up inside a Nespresso machine. To remove these deposits, purchase a descaling kit. Descale the machine approximately every three months.
- Open the chamber after each use to let the capsule fall into the collection chamber. This helps prevent mold and odors.
- For the best-tasting coffee, use filtered water. This also helps prevent scale forming in your machine.
Nespresso machine prices
Nespresso machines vary in price based on the line and model, but you can typically expect to pay between $99 and $649. Models in the Original line cost between $99 and $599. Vertuo models cost between $199 and $249. You'll also find Nespresso collaborations with other makers of coffee machines, such as Breville and De'Longhi — these very widely in price.
Inexpensive
For a compact, high-quality Nespresso machine that’s ideal for small kitchens, you’ll pay between $99 and $199.
Mid-range
In most cases, you’ll pay between $249 and $299 for a regular-size, high-quality Nespresso machine.
Expensive
For a specialty, professional-quality Nespresso machine, you’ll pay between $399 and $649.
How we analyzed
In our quest to identify the crème de la crème of Nespresso machines, we embarked on a comprehensive research journey. We meticulously compared dozens of models, carefully evaluating factors such as size, water tank capacity, user-friendliness and the quality of the coffee produced.
To further refine our findings, we conducted real-world testing on two leading contenders: the Nespresso VertuoPlus and the Nespresso Vertuo Next. Our evaluation went beyond simple observation; we incorporated day-to-day use alongside quantifiable tests, measuring brew time and temperature to provide the most objective and insightful analysis possible.
FAQ
Q. What beverages can I make in a Nespresso machine?
A. The types of beverages you can make in a Nespresso machine depend on the line and model. All machines make espresso, while some also make lattes and cappuccinos. Only machines in the Vertuo line make traditional coffee.
Q. Can I use any coffee capsules in a Nespresso machine?
A. Nespresso makes its own exclusive line of capsules for its machines, which are available in a variety of intensities and flavors. Capsules or pods made by other brands should not be used because they may damage the machinery and void your warranty.
Q. What are the benefits of the 19-bar pressure pump in a Nespresso machine?
A. The trademark pump in Nespresso machines provides enough power to break the film on the capsules and release the hundreds of different aromas found in the espresso. The shape of the capsules also means pressurized water pours evenly through the grounds during extraction, while the pump allows for precise temperature and flow time to ensure the perfect brew.
Q. How do Nespresso machines compare to Keurig machines?
A. As the name suggests, Nespresso machines are designed to make espresso-style coffees. Depending on the chosen capsule, these machines brew espressos, double espressos, and larger "lungo" coffees. Each capsule contains a specific amount of coffee, ensuring a consistent and non-watery brew. This also allows for versatility, as larger capsules can create stronger or taller coffees. Additionally, Nespresso shots are ideal for crafting specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Keurigs, on the other hand, are primarily designed for brewing coffee in the 6- to 12-ounce range. While some Keurig models offer "espresso" options, they generally lack the strong flavor and crema associated with true espresso. This limits their versatility in creating specialty coffee drinks.
Our expertise
Lauren Corona is a former barista and coffee enthusiast. She's been writing for BestReviews for six years, during which time she's written dozens of coffee-related articles and researched hundreds of coffee makers. She's also personally used a range of pod coffee machines, including Nespresso machines.
