Nespresso’s original system was a simple way to brew espresso and froth milk, with instant coffee capsules inserted into aluminum machines that were designed by the Italian design firm Pininfarina.
Now in 2016, Nespresso offers a wide variety of products, with several different capsules that produce espresso, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Each unit and system can create different amounts of coffee and has a unique list of features.
If you’re a coffee fan, you can understand the appeal of a high-quality, automatic coffee maker for the home. Some of Nespresso’s top competitors include the Keurig and Senseo drip systems, which both make coffee by forcing heated water through coffee grounds in a porous disk. This feature allows both these systems to brew a single cup of coffee at a time.
The Nespresso system is the biggest seller in traditional capsule coffee makers, and it’s not hard to see why. Nespresso machines are designed to create alarmingly good espresso, and they’re designed to be as simple to operate as possible.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Best Overall |  |
| Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Budget Pick |  |
| Nespresso Lattissima Pro Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Pros:
- Built-in Aeroccino milk frother
- Removable 48 oz. water tank with 1.6 L capacity
- Rapid steam technology in 20 seconds
- Double boiler and Easycup removable capsules with 19 bar pressure
- 3 program functions: coffee, hot water dispensing and steam
- Removable drip tray
- Adjustable height spout for a variety of cup sizes
- Automatic shut off for added safety
- Color: black
Cons:
- No carafe
- No automatic switch off when empty
Coming with a strong 19 bar pressure pump and charcoal filter, the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine produce a delicious flavor of coffee and a velvety texture. It can brew nearly any type of coffee flavor that you can think of and comes with a specially designed coffee capsule bottom to dissolve in water and produce a powerful flavor of coffee.
The Nespresso Vertuo is known for producing an excellent coffee beverages at home that is great for entertaining. It has a two-speed motor control to meet various tastes. It's fully programmable, making coffee preparation a snap and it's got a special patented process to unlock the potential of good-tasting coffee. In addition, the Vertuo comes with a built-in Aeroccino to make and recieve creamy, real milk froth.
2. Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Pros:
- Great coffee
- Easy to use
- Fast warm up time
- Stylish
- Water tank holds more water than other models
- Affordable
- Great for small kitchens
- Coffee pods are recyclable
- Makes strong coffee
- Alternative to automatic drip machines
Cons:
- You have to purchase the pods
- Weak espresso if you don’t use milk or an espresso pod
- Can’t grind your own beans
- Some issues with leaking at the bottom of the machine
Best suited for espresso drinkers who only want a good cup of coffee without having to deal with the hassle of making a full cup.
For whatever reason, it seems as though automatic drip coffee machines are stuck in a rut. They get the job done, but they’re often bulky, ugly, take up too much space on the counter, and are not that attractive. However, the Nespresso CitiZ machine will finally change all that with its stylish design, minimalistic functionality and ability to brew incredibly strong and delicious espresso.
With many options to choose from in style, size and color, people will feel empowered to set their coffee machines free from their army green boxes that have haunted many kitchens for years.
3. Nespresso Lattissima Pro Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Pros:
- A high-quality Italian-made machine for a reasonable price
- Touch display allows for simple programming of machine
- Dispenses hot water as well
- Versatile; can use pods and ESE pods
- Touch display is intuitive. Allows you to customize to your liking.
- Removable parts simplify cleaning
Cons:
- Uses a filter that isn’t biodegradable
- Cup size is on the smaller side
DeLonghi introduces The Lattissma Pro. This espresso maker has some very impressive features. Not only can it make espresso, it also makes lattes and cappuccinos and the machine can be activated through a touch screen.
The machine is a touch screen, so when you are setting up the machine it can be overwhelming. The machine also comes with Nespresso pods, which are a little costly if you are a coffee drinker that goes through pods quickly. I also had issues with the espresso coming out too fast, causing a mess. The design is sleek but bulky.
4. Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
The manual espresso machine by De’Longhi will give you the same great cup of espresso as the fully automatic ones. The crema is rich, the body is creamy, and the taste is bold. And, it’s only going to take about 45 seconds for a small espresso. It’s one of the two top Nespresso® machines along with the Lattissima Pro model.
Some people complain that the slim Original Nespresso capsule system produces a lot of plastic waste. The capsules are made of paper and come in a cardboard sleeve.
This is the best coffee machine on the market today. It sells very quickly because it combines high quality boiler, sizeable filter and your favorite capsule to give you your favorite cup.
5. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine
Pros:
- All of the components are dishwasher safe
- Large bean hopper
- ThermoBlock heating boiler for long-lasting hot water
- Removable, dishwasher-safe parts
- Easy to use with a 1-touch automatic milk frother
- Makes 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Cappuccino and Espresso modes
- "Aroma" and "Steam" buttons make ideal espresso temperature configurable
Cons:
- The milk frother is terribly designed – it will give you strange foam so avoid it entirely and buy a handheld frother
- User interface is confusing and counter-intuitive
- Large water reservoir and bulky design
- Extremely noisy and takes longer than traditional Nespresso machines
- Can only make Espresso, not Americano (single or double)
The Nespresso Lattissima is an example of something you want to work, but doesn't quite gel. If it is at all possible for you, get the Citiz instead. Otherwise, read on to learn why we think this machine is less than stellar.
This is a great looking machine and it really feels like it has a quality build.
6. Nespresso Lattissima Plus Original Espresso Machine
Pros:
- Easy to use, clean, and operate
- 15 bars of pressure
- 29 oz removable water tank
- Makes one, two, three, or four espresso shots at a time
- You can control over 20 coffee and 5 milk producing options
- Lattissima automatically adjusts milk quantity based on espresso shots requested
- Can customize milk quantity and temperature for each shot
- Makes espresso with or without milk
- Frothing wand produces micro-foam
- Sturdy and durable
If you feel like saving yourself or your friends from the long lines at Starbucks you can buy an Nespresso machine like the Lattissima and avoid all the hassle of having to order, wait to be seated, and pay for your coffee.
7. Nespresso A+D60-US-DR-NE Pixie Espresso Maker
Pros:
- Fast and reliable performance
- Quick heat-up time
- Easy clean-up
- Uses Nespresso capsules which can be purchased anywhere
- Simple, sleek and stylish design
- Unlimited Espresso and Lattes
- Makes one espresso at a time
- A lot of great models to choose from.
Cons:
- Expensive pixie capsule system
- The cleaning can be challenging
- Requires batteries
- Capsules are expensive
Nespresso is the most convenient way to brew espresso quickly and at the same time bring excellent taste for people in a hurry or just want to relax with a good cappuccino. The machine itself is attractive and well-designed. It’s also easy to use, straightforward, and affordable.
Nespresso has a large number of compatible coffees for those who want variety. There’s also the Aeroccino Plus milk frother that lets you make rich, creamy milk froth of the same quality as the best coffee shops. On average, you’ll pay about twice as much for the Nespresso system as you would for other espresso machines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the best Nespresso machine to buy?
Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of pod coffeemakers, and Nespresso is one of the most well-made and well-known brands. That being said, there are many different types of Nespresso machines, and some are designed to meet the needs of specific types of coffee drinkers. Here's a quick guide to help you find the Nespresso machine that is right for you.
When looking for the best Nespresso machine, you'll want to take a few things into consideration.
Are Nespresso machines worth it?
I mean, that’s an obvious yes, right? Nespresso machines are a luxury that every coffee lover should invest in for themselves and their home.
Nespresso machines open up a world of coffee quality that you can’t experience in a drip machine. So, you’re saving money, you’re getting better quality, and you’re able to create an authentic experience in your home.
Which is better Nespresso original or Vertuo?
Vertuo is a new Nespresso coffee machine that will change the way you think about coffee. It’s smooth, rich, and slow, which allows you to savor the rich taste of your espresso-based coffee, which is their specialty! They also have a milk texturing technology that is perfect for pure latte lovers.
Vertuo is the perfect replacement for espresso, cappuccino, and latte lovers. It boasts 15 different drinks, which allows you to easily personalize your beverage with different levels of intensity.
You don’t need pods for it, rather you insert your favorite coffee grounds. Clean up is also simple by just pressing a button. But what really makes the Vertuo stand out is that you can use either ground coffee or K-Cups.
What is the best value for money coffee machine?
The Nespresso Rio 355 offers very good value for money compared to the other models. It’s a machine that will make the morning more pleasant and bring a smile. In case you are on the hunt for good value-for money Nespresso models, here's a points table for some of the ones we have investigated:
- Nespresso machine (We did all our tests with the Inissia model)
- Points
- <<<<<<<<<<Purchase this on Amazon >>>>>>
- Points per day of coffee
- <<<<<<<<<<Purchase this on Amazon >>>>>>
- Price
- <<<<<<<<<<Purchase this on Amazon >>>>>>
Conclusion
Are you looking for the right coffee machine that makes a perfect cup of coffee for you? Although the Nespresso is not the only good option, we hope that by reading this guide you will be able to make the right choice. There's definitely no need to spend time searching all over the web to figure out which machine to buy, when you can have it all right here.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Best Overall | |
| Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Budget Pick | |
| Nespresso Lattissima Pro Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi | Upgrade Pick | |