The two Greatest Nespresso Machines of 2024, Examined & Reviewed

It’s indeniable: Espresso makes mornings simpler. At the same time as a longtime early chook, I nonetheless want a robust dose of caffeine to get me from surviving to thriving most days. The world of espresso can really feel large (and admittedly intimidating) to these of us who’re simply trying to flip beans into brew. That’s the place Nespresso is available in.

Like Keurig espresso makers, Nespresso machines brew single servings from pre-portioned espresso capsules. In contrast to Keurig, they focus on brewing espresso—a job that may in any other case require a full setup of apparatus, to not point out all the analysis and numerous hours of observe it takes to drag high-quality photographs at dwelling. It’s a worthy obsession for these with a ardour for it, however not one that everybody has the time or power to pursue. Alternatively, Nespresso machines could not require the artisanship of doing it your self, however they nonetheless produce a sip that many are prone to get pleasure from, simplified with one push of a button.

To search out one of the best Nespresso machines, I examined six fashions. My lineup included choices from each of Nespresso’s main product strains (Unique and Vertuo) and ranged in worth from $140 to $650. Some made solely espresso, whereas others may dispense espresso or whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos in a flash. My favorites have been intuitive to make use of, fast to brew, and easy to scrub.

The Winners, at a Look

The VertuoPlus was past simple to function and will brew espresso (together with double espressos and gran lungos, a.okay.a. lengthy blacks) in addition to espresso. It’s good for households with totally different sorts of espresso drinkers and those that like to change up their caffeine routines.

The Gran Lattissima has an attachable milk tank that mechanically steams, froths, and dispenses pillowy microfoam into freshly brewed espresso to create lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos in minutes. It may additionally produce simple flat whites and 15-second photographs of espresso. On high of all that, it cleaned up in a snap. The milk system has a self-rinse mode, and all of its components are dishwasher-safe.

The Assessments

• Espresso Check: I brewed three totally different capsules with every Nespresso machine and tasted them as-is. For Vertuo machines, I included a espresso pod (which brewed a 7.8-ounce cup) along with the assorted espresso sizes (like lungos and double espressos). I timed how lengthy every pod took to brew and recorded any noticeable flavors. 
• Latte Check: I made a single espresso shot with every mannequin and mixed it with about 5 to 6 ounces of complete milk to create a latte. I steamed the milk with fashions that had built-in milk frothers and ready the milk on the facet utilizing a Nespresso Aeroccino for those who didn’t.
• Different Operate Check (Winners Solely): I used all of the capabilities I had not beforehand explored with the top-performing fashions. For machines with automated milk methods, this meant making a flat white, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and steamed and frothed milk.
• Cleansing and Usability Assessments: I cleaned the Nespresso machines (together with their capsule containers, drip trays, and water tanks) in keeping with their instruction manuals after every use, operating the self-cleaning cycles when obtainable. All through testing, I paid shut consideration to how fast and intuitive every mannequin was to function and if it was adaptable to totally different cup sizes and brew varieties.

What We Discovered

There Are Two Forms of Nespresso Machines

Selecting the best Nespresso machine mannequin can really feel overwhelming, given the sheer variety of choices. The Nespresso lineup consists of greater than a dozen designs (some with their very own deluxe or restricted variations) that may range barely relying on which Nespresso companions they’re distributed by. The entire espresso makers I examined have been manufactured by both Breville or De’Longhi, not by Nespresso itself, and a few designs are licensed to a number of producers. Fortunately, it’s simple to simplify all of these selections all the way down to Nespresso’s two product strains: Unique or Vertuo.

Nespresso’s Unique fashions are centered on espresso, and all of their suitable espresso capsules are the identical dimension. It’s as much as the person to decide on how they’d wish to brew them based mostly on their machine’s capabilities. My favourite Gran Lattissima may make ristrettos, normal, and lungo espressos (0.85, 1.35, and three.7 ounces, respectively), whereas the Inissia and Essenza Mini solely had button presets for the latter two sizes. What impressed me most concerning the Unique machines I examined was their pace: They might energy on, warmth up, and dispense a shot of espresso in underneath a minute.

Whereas the Unique machines brewed by inserting pressurized water into their pods to extract the espresso (corresponding to conventional espresso brewing), the Vertuo fashions labored by spinning their capsules at excessive speeds to push water by means of the grinds inside, utilizing centrifugal pressure. In testing, they took somewhat longer than Unique machines—a couple of minute-and-a-half to 2 minutes per cup, together with heat-up and automated pre-wetting and infusing occasions—however have been extra adaptable to totally different sorts of espresso drinkers. The Breville Vertuo and successful De’Longhi VertuoPlus may each brew five-ounce lungos and seven.7-ounce cups of espresso along with espresso and double espresso photographs. (Another fashions within the Vertuo line also can make 12-ounce extra-large altos and 18-ounce carafes.) The Vertuo capsules have been sized in keeping with their drink sort and had a barcode beneath their rims that the machine scanned to mechanically load the right technique and quantity. This meant I may simply press a single button after inserting the capsule to organize my espresso or espresso.

I didn’t discover any important distinction within the high quality of the capsules made with both the Vertuo or the Unique machines, and fashions that I examined side-by-side inside these classes brewed roughly identically to one another. In different phrases, an Unique espresso pod produced comparable outcomes regardless if it was brewed within the unassuming Essenza Mini or the souped-up Gran Lattissima. It was their dimension, worth, and extra options (just like the Gran Lattissima’s milk capabilities) that set them aside from each other.

Nespresso’s Comfort Comes at A number of Prices

Nespresso machines are quick, constant, and straightforward to function. They’re approachable for newbies and eradicate boundaries just like the preliminary studying curve and monetary funding a higher-end conventional espresso maker would demand. However they’ve some main drawbacks, too. Espresso professional Ashley Rodriguez coated just a few of those, together with a short overview of Nespresso’s historical past (and its ethically questionable mum or dad firm, Nestlé), when she first thought of the professionals and cons of those automated espresso makers.

Maybe the least distasteful disadvantage of Nespresso is the espresso itself. As Rodriguez explains, grinds within the Nespresso pods are typically roasted fairly darkish, which may contribute to bitterness. I attempted practically 20 various kinds of Nespresso pods and located this to be largely true. I most popular pods that have been decrease on Nespresso’s roast stage, acidity, and general depth scales as a result of they have been much less astringent and I may style extra of their nuances, like cocoa, caramel, or nuttiness. 

The capsules can be dear in the long term. The Unique pods price round $0.80 every, whereas the Vertuo choices vary roughly from $1 to $1.10 per single shot of espresso (and round $1.25 per espresso pod). Compared, a bag of freshly roasted, whole-bean home espresso mix from one among my native favourite espresso outlets breaks all the way down to about $0.50 per espresso shot. It’s additionally price mentioning that you could find Unique-compatible cups from personal labels and different grocery retailer manufacturers that are typically cheaper than Nespresso-branded pods, however the Vertuo capsules are patented and proprietary to Nespresso, so choices are extra restricted for them.

Along with their worth, single-use espresso pods have an environmental price, too. Nespresso pods are recyclable however can’t be processed in regular recycling methods as a result of they’re created from a hard-to-separate mixture of aluminum and plastic. They must be dropped off at one among Nespresso’s assortment websites or mailed again in particular envelopes (that are free to order and return). In accordance with Nespresso, 90% of their prospects are close to a recycling level, however solely a couple of third of their pods have been recycled in 2020.

The Nespresso Crema Wasn’t Truly Crema

One main promoting level that Nespresso advertises is the ample “crema” on high of every cup its machines brew. In conventional espressos, crema is the results of carbon dioxide produced and trapped within the espresso beans once they have been roasted, which escapes and varieties a nice foam on high of the shot throughout brewing. Whereas it’s probably not an indicator of the high quality of beans, their roast, or their grind, it might point out freshness as a result of older beans gained’t produce as robust of a crema layer (if in any respect). 

Throughout testing, I observed the Nespresso crema didn’t act just like the crema I used to be used to seeing out of our handbook espresso machine. As a substitute of trying like a easy emulsification that light slowly, the Nespresso crema was foamy and fast to dissipate right into a bubbly froth. Because the espresso contained in the Nespresso pods is all however assured to have been floor weeks (or months) earlier than it will get to the patron, it stands to motive that this crema isn’t truly from escaping CO2. Slightly, the espresso simply will get quickly aerated as a facet impact of Nespresso’s distinctive brewing processes, a degree that espresso connoisseur James Hoffmann proved by making ready Nespresso grinds (that he lower out of Vertuo pods) utilizing a pour-over technique. He whipped the brewed espresso in a blender and—voila—achieved a remarkably comparable foam to that of the Nespresso-brewed espresso.

The Standards: What to Search for in a Nespresso Machine

The appropriate Nespresso machine for you is dependent upon what sort of espresso drinker you might be. If you happen to love espressos and like Americanos to espresso, an Unique line mannequin could be a fantastic choose. If you would like the adaptability of extra serving choices and the convenience of single-button brewing, a Vertuo espresso and espresso maker is the best way to go. Double-check the particular mannequin you propose to purchase to verify it consists of all of the cup sizes you’d wish to brew, as they range from machine to machine. You’ll be able to select a mannequin that fits your finances and counter house from there. You should definitely think about any extra options of every machine, like an automated milk frothing wand that turns a easy espresso maker right into a do-it-all automated barista.

Our Favourite Nespresso Machines

What we favored: The VertuoPlus was good for groggy mornings and fast pick-me-ups as a result of it solely required two fundamental working steps: Insert the pod and push the button. The machine scanned the barcode on the underside of the inserted capsules and mechanically brewed them to their superb dimension. It had an adjustable drip platform to accommodate taller mugs and its water tank could possibly be shifted from left to proper to suit your counter house. This mannequin may make espressos, double espressos, gran lungos, or full cups of espresso, so that you wouldn’t have to have a separate machine for non-espresso brews. This Nespresso machine was additionally comparatively inexpensive in comparison with different fashions within the Vertuo line.

What we didn’t like: The VertuoPlus’s self-cleaning cycle took longer than different fashions and ran by means of virtually three cups of water for every rinse. The cycle didn’t have for use each day, although, and could possibly be run weekly or every time the machine wanted an intensive cleanse. As soon as heated, it took a couple of minute to brew and dispense a single shot of espresso, though this was solely sluggish in comparison with the 15 seconds it took machines from the Unique line. 

Key Specs

• Weight: 9.3 kilos
• Dimensions: 5.75 x 16 x 12.5 inches
• Nespresso system compatibility: Vertuo
• Used capsule bucket capability: 14
• Water tank capability: 40 fluid ounces
• Said heat-up time: 25 seconds
• Brewing choices: Espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and low
• Different options: Computerized power-off after 9 minutes, adjustable cup shelf, adjustable water tank positioning, automated rinse cycle
• Care directions: Don’t use abrasive cleansing brokers or put any piece of the machine within the dishwasher. To run the automated cleansing operate, place a container that may maintain at the very least 27 fluid ounces underneath the spout and press the highest button thrice inside two seconds. The process will take about 5 minutes and consists of three rinse cycles.

What we favored: As I wrote in my notes throughout testing, the Gran Lattissima was “outrageously quick” and “fantastically simple” to make use of. It brewed Unique capsules and will produce ristrettos, espressos, and lungos in about 15 seconds. What actually set it aside, although, was its removable milk tank that could possibly be refrigerated between makes use of after which snapped into the machine for lightning-fast flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. As soon as loaded with a capsule, the machine brewed espresso after which mechanically allotted steamed and frothed milk into the cup with one push of a button. 

Not solely was it a cinch to function, however all of its milk-based drinks have been truly good. The microfoam that it produced was nice, delicate, and downright marshmallowy—with out requiring any effort or experience on my half. The dispenser spout may additionally rinse itself after every use, and all the milk system’s elements have been top-rack dishwasher-safe.

What we didn’t like: As a result of this was a machine from the Unique line, I needed to choose which dimension of espresso I wished to brew as a substitute of the machine studying the capsule’s code and selecting for me, however this was a minor gripe (and it didn’t apply when making milk-based drinks). In contrast to the Creatista Plus, which was the opposite mannequin within the lineup with milk-frothing capabilities, it wasn’t as simple to make quantity changes with the Gran Lattissima, and I couldn’t regulate the froth stage or milk temperature away from the predetermined settings. This machine was additionally very dear, costing greater than a few of our favourite normal espresso machines. 

Key Specs

• Weight: 11.3 kilos
• Dimensions: 7.75 x 14.5 x 11 inches
• Nespresso system compatibility: Unique
• Used capsule bucket capability: 14
• Water tank capability: 34 fluid ounces
• Milk container capability: 16.9 fluid ounces
• Said heat-up time: 25 seconds
• Brewing choices: Ristretto, espresso, lungo, flat white, caffé latte, cappuccino, latte macchiato, scorching steamed milk, scorching milk foam
• Different options: Constructed-in milk steaming and frothing system (milk container may be eliminated and refrigerated between makes use of), automated power-off after 9 minutes, elective cup pedestal, descale and clear indicator lights
• Care directions: All elements of the milk frothing system may be cleaned on the higher rack of the dishwasher or washed by hand in keeping with the producer’s directions. For each day care, place an empty cup underneath the espresso spout, flip the milk froth knob to “clear” to rinse it with steam and scorching water, then choose the “lungo” operate (and not using a capsule inside) to rinse the espresso strains.

The Competitors

• Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine by Breville: The Creatista Plus had a self-regulating wand that might steam and froth milk in a separate pitcher to the facet of the espresso dispenser. It was an in depth runner-up to the successful Gran Lattissima, nevertheless it was only a contact much less handy and intuitive. Its dial-and-button interface felt sluggish at occasions, though its digital display screen was an enormous assist for visualizing the machine’s quantity, temperature, and milk froth choices. I needed to bump up the froth a stage or two with the intention to get the kind of pillowy microfoam I’d anticipate for a cappuccino (or perhaps a latte); in any other case, the milk for these drinks got here out thinner than I favored. I’d nonetheless suggest this mannequin for individuals who wish to dial in on their most popular cups (and those that wish to observe their latte artwork).
• Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi: The Essenza solely had two brew sizes for Unique capsules: espresso or lungo. It was brief and couldn’t match my four-inch mug beneath the spout, which meant dirtying one other cup once I wished to make an Americano or add steamed milk for a latte. Nonetheless, this is able to be a sensible choice for espresso devotees who’re tight on house because it solely wanted half the counter space in comparison with the successful fashions.
• Nespresso Vertuo Espresso and Espresso Machine by Breville: This good-looking mannequin had the identical capabilities and carried out equally to the VertuoPlus, nevertheless it price $50 extra on the time of testing.
• Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De’Longhi: Just like the Essenza Mini, this mannequin was inexpensive, compact, and brewed espressos or lungos. It was considerably louder than the remainder of the lineup, although.

FAQs

How do you clear a Nespresso machine?

To maintain your Nespresso machine clear, eject any spent capsules, then empty and rinse the used capsule container and drip tray each day. You also needs to empty, rinse, and refill the hooked up water tank with recent, potable water. Some machines (together with these with built-in milk methods) have an automated cleansing operate that can flush out the interior strains, whereas others may be rinsed by operating the machine on a lungo cycle and not using a espresso capsule inserted. You should definitely examine your machine’s handbook for particular directions based mostly in your mannequin.

How do you descale a Nespresso machine?

Nespresso recommends utilizing its descaling answer each three months to take away mineral buildup and guarantee easy operation. If you happen to use your espresso maker closely, it ought to be descaled after each 300 capsules. In accordance with Nespresso, vinegar or store-bought descalers could harm your machine. Some fashions embody a descaling reminder which may be adjusted in your water hardness and will “lock out” the machine from brewing if it’s not descaled inside a sure variety of makes use of. Seek the advice of your particular Nespresso machine’s instruction handbook for tips on how to function its descaling mode.

How do you employ a Nespresso machine?

Nespresso machines are useless easy to make use of—simply insert the espresso capsule you’d wish to brew and press the button. Vertuo fashions scan the barcode on their pods and mechanically regulate the water quantity to go well with the kind of capsule being brewed. Espresso makers from Nespresso’s Unique line have separate buttons for every cup dimension that the machine could make, which range from mannequin to mannequin. Customers also can regulate the programmed quantity for every brew sort relying on their preferences.

Why We’re the Consultants

• Ashlee Redger is a contract meals author who has been reviewing gear for Severe Eats since 2022. She has interned at America’s Check Kitchen, created client merchandise and restaurant menus for nationwide manufacturers, and developed a whole lot of recipes for dwelling cooks.
• Ashlee has written many opinions for Severe Eats, together with kitchen tongs and good countertop ovens.
• For this evaluate, she examined six Nespresso machines and brewed over three dozen cups of espresso and espresso-based drinks. She rated every mannequin on its efficiency, comfort, practicality, and worth.