In the years of since its invention, Nespresso System has taken the coffee world by storm. If you are seeking a Nespresso, you are probably trying to find a convenient single serve coffee machine that is affordable, has less clutter of controls, take less space, brews easily and most importantly gives a great cup of espresso every time.
Here, you can find the reviews of the most desirable Nespresso machines. You can pick any that fulfills your requirements. Each and every machine we have listed has already proven their performance at many places.
Obviously, the brand is known for its quality machines that are trusted and can be easily found in all regions of the world. These are quick, make less mess and also not heavy on pockets. A typical Nespresso machine can cost around $100 and can go as high as $500. These can be called as a type of super-automatic espresso machines that are economic with no mess of many controls.
Introduction to the World of Nespresso Coffee Machines
Nespresso is an independent operating unit of Nestle group based in Laussane, Switzerland. Jean-Marc Duvoisin is the present CEO from 1st Mar 2013. It is one the ten multinational companies that control amazing number of consumer brands.
People often switch to Nespresso as its tiring to make a cup of espresso early in the morning from your typical espresso machine. It consumes time as well as resources along with some mess. Another reason for switching is time, as usual espresso machine takes time to heat up, brew, and serve. As it uses capsule system, it’s pretty fast. We have already written a lot about the best Nespresso capsules, and it’s really worth to read.
Also, it takes a lot of time, practice and expensive equipment to learn pulling espresso shots like a real barista along with many human efforts. Since, when Nestlé introduced Nespresso Espresso Machines, they were trying to make it possible for everyone to make perfect espresso regardless of skill level. The idea worked fine and now dominates many renowned coffee maker brands.
Quick Navigation
- Top 10 Nespresso Machines
- OriginalLine Machines
- Vertuoline Machines
- Is Nespresso better than Keurig?
Types of Nespresso Machines
The Nespresso line of machines is subdivided into 2 major categories – OriginalLine and VertuoLine. The major difference between both is that former simply brews just Espresso’s via pump pressure mechanism whereas the VertuoLine uses Centrifusion technology and brews both Espresso and the Regular Coffee. So, it’s both a coffee and espresso maker.
In this process, water is injected into coffee capsule spinning at around 7000 rotations per minute resulting in a smooth and delicious cup of espresso. Each capsule has a specialized barcode that is scanned by the machine and it adjusts the brewing parameters accordingly to make a perfect cup every time.
For those who think that Nespresso Pods are a costly affair to use in daily routine should know that there are many alternates that can bring the cost of pods down to almost $0.4.
On the other hand, it’s also worth knowing that Nespresso pays premium prices to farmers for the coffee used in the pods, as well as investing in training farmers and supporting economic growth in developing countries. Coffee farmers are some of the poorest in the world, and it’s good to see a big multinational company supporting their interests.
Nespresso Coffee Machines | Our Top 11 Picks
Here is our favorite list of Nespresso espresso machines that are doing brilliant in providing amazing coffee cups every time. We suggest you to read the brief reviews of each before making any final decision. At first, we will be introducing machines that are solely made for espresso lovers, that is OriginalLine. Each of these machine comes with a welcome kit of 16 assorted capsules to start immediately.
#1 Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker
Inissia is the base model by the brand that offers convenience, quality and speed in a very normal price. With a price tag of approximately $100, this machine lives in many households and office pantries. Without Inissia, Nespresso wouldn’t have been such a success. It’s fancy and comes with many color options to suit your interiors. It’s compact design suits almost any counter, and if you are short on space, this might be the one you are looking for.
The machine boasts 19 bar high pressure pump to make amazing espresso shots at a press of a button. It has nothing fancy to play and therefore wins via its simplicity. The 2 programmable buttons for espresso and lungo that can be reset for required output quantities. It is also available in an array of colors to choose from.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 12.6 x 9 in
- Weight: 5.29 lbs
- Heat up time: 25 seconds
- Water tank capacity: 24 oz
- Available with or without Aeroccino or Aeroccino Milk Frother
- Programmable cup sizes
- 19 bar high pressure pump
- Dedicated buttons for Espresso and Lungo
- Folding drip tray
- Used capsule capacity: 11
- Auto shut off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Warranty: 1 Year
Inissia is the smallest machine by the brand and is best suitable for people short on space. The exteriors are mostly plastic that are a little delicate to handle. There is no empty water indicator but the tank is made up of transparent material, and hence not a major issue. The machine doesn’t has any power button as it automatically shuts down after 9 minutes of inactivity.
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Silver
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[ Read Nespresso Inissia Review]
#2 Nespresso Pixie
Another piece of perfect technology is the Pixie that is very much similar to that of Inissia. The machine is again compact but adds some Smart functionalities like low water level warning. It also has used pod storage of 11 that reduces mess.
The Pixie couldn’t be simpler to use. It just has two buttons apart from the power button – an espresso and a lungo. Both of these sizes come pre-programmed, but you can also customize the size just by holding down the button until the desired amount of coffee has brewed.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 in
- Weight: 6.04 lbs
- Preheat time: 25 seconds
- Water reservoir: 24 oz
- Available with or without Aeroccino or Aeroccino Milk Frother
- Programmable cup sizes
- Dedicated buttons for Espresso and Lungo
- Water tank empty indicator
- 19 bar high pressure pump
- Folding drip tray
- Used capsule capacity: 11
- Auto shut off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Warranty: 1 Year
As its name suggests, the Pixie is the perfect size for a small kitchen or coffee corner in your workplace. With its industrial metallic exterior, it also adds a touch of class to your countertop. It does nothing but brew espresso, but does this exceptionally well, producing a flavorful brew with a good amount of crema.
The Pixie is made up of few metal and some plastic parts making it somewhat durable than that of Inissia. Our personal choice is this machine because it is manufactured in Switzerland and has exceptional built quality.
Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine by Breville, Titan
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Speaking about peace of mind, you will be happy to hear that this coffee machine comes with a one year warranty as long as you register the product after buying it.
[Read Nespresso Pixie Review]
#3 Creatista – Best Nespresso Machine for Latte
Nespresso machines have long been in the coffee industry focusing on convenience and simplicity in coffee making. The taste has always been consistent due to a fix process of pod brewing.
Breville on the other hand has been great in creating or developing espresso machines that are loved by barista masses. They have been visiting great cafes regularly to meet the always new customer and barista demands.
Nespresso machines in the past have been a little weaker in producing creamy cappuccinos or lattes because of lack of frothing function. The brand then added an external Aerocinno frother that helped a little but not to any perfect point. The froth was good but the texture was not up to mark.
Recently, Breville launched an espresso machine called Oracle that is equipped with one of the most advanced self frothing steam wand capable of producing the textured milk needed in latte art. This innovation caught attention of Nespresso which then resulted in Creatista as we see.
Creatista is an innovation that has both – the simplicity of pod brewing along with an excellent milk frothing wand that is able to deliver perfect latte and cappuccino. The result is hence, consistently tasting espresso shots accompanied by amazing latte art.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.7” x 16.1” x 12.2”
- 5L water tank
- Advanced Frothing wand
- 10 Capsule holding capacity
- Quick heat up time of 3 seconds
- 19 bars of pressure pump
- Pop out shelf for smaller cups
- Assisted cleaning system
- Cool to touch wand
- Auto purge function when you are done steaming
- Adjustable milk temperature
- Adjustable milk texture for flat white, lattes and cappuccinos
- Barista jug is included
- 2 year warranty
Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine with Milk Auto Steam Wand, Black
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If you have budget and are looking for specialty drinks like Cappuccino or lattes, go with this and you would feel proud owing it.
#4 Nespresso CitiZ
The next on the hierarchy is the Citiz. It has a slim profile and is the first choice for people living in urban apartments looking for a stylish machine. The machine boasts retro design and is loved by people looking for classic things. It does comes with 2 programmable buttons as in the previous ones. The major change is the water reservoir capacity, its larger and holds up to 34 oz.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions:5.1 x 14.6 x 10.9 in
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Automatic flowstop
- Preheat time: 25 seconds
- Water tank capacity: 34 oz
- Programmable cup sizes
- Water tank empty indicator
- 19 bar high pressure pump
- Folding drip tray
- Used capsule capacity: 9-11
- Auto shut off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Warranty: 1 Year
Nespresso CitiZ Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Black
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#5 Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
As the name says, this machine combines Citiz with an added functionality of milk frother that allows making drinks like Latte hassle free. With just 2 press of buttons, you will be presented with a great cup of latte in your cup. One can make an endless number of milk based drinks in just minutes of hassle free efforts.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.61 x 14.6 x 10.9 in
- Weight: 8.92 lbs
- Preheat time: 25 seconds
- Automatic flowstop
- Water tank capacity: 34 oz
- Programmable cup sizes
- Aeroccino frother included
- Water tank empty indicator
- 19 bar high pressure pump
- Folding drip tray
- Used capsule capacity: 9-11
- Auto shut off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Warranty: 1 Year
Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Black
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#6 Nespresso C122
If you have a doubt about Citiz durability and have some extra bucks to spare, than think about C122. This model can be called as the premium version of Citiz that has chrome plated metal parts and exceptional looks. With a simple to use interface, this machine serves many urban apartments and offices with its quick preheat time of 25 seconds and 19 bar pump pressure.
Features and Specifications
It has same set of features as in the Citiz & Milk and just differs in looks.
Nespresso C122-US-CH-NE Citiz & Milk Espresso Machine, Chrome
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#7 De’Longhi Silver Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System
People who are looking for milk based drinks like Latte, cappuccino, mocha or more, this one is the perfect pick. Lattissima Plus combines itself with an integrated milk frother that is removable and so, the unused milk can be kept in the refrigerator. It has 5 dedicated buttons were 3 are for milk based drinks and 2 for pure coffee. The quantity of milk and coffee can be adjusted as per preference.
It has a dedicated cleaning button for easy clean up. A unique sliding tray also allows accomodates tall Latte cups.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 12.5 x 10.2 in
- Weight: 9.92 lbs
- Patented one-touch milk heating system
- Automatic flowstop
- Milk tank has one-touch cleaning
- 30 oz water tank; 17 oz milk container
- Ready to use in 40 seconds
- Sliding drip tray to accommodate taller cups
- Adjustable automatic shut-off timer
- Illuminated control panel
- 16 used capsule container
- Customizable selections: 2 for coffee and 3 for milk
- Make Cappucinno Latte in minutes
- Cable Storage
- One year warranty
Unlike a traditional super-automatic, it uses Nespresso pods instead of ground coffee, making for a less expensive machine that is easier to clean.
Because it truly steams the milk, you will end up with better microfoam with the Lattissima than with the Aeroccino Plus. The machine has two separate thermal blocks for steaming and brewing. Nespresso capsules mean that the espresso is perfect every time. You can customize the quantity you brew (both of coffee and milk) and save choice for your favorite drinks.
Nespresso Lattissima Plus Original Espresso Machine with Milk Frother by De’Longhi, Silver
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The Lattissima is self-priming, which means that it heats up for brewing in just 40 seconds when you turn it on. Furthermore, it has an automatic shut-off setting to save energy. Although the factory setting is for nine minutes, you can customize it so that your machine shuts off after 30 minutes or even several hours.
#8 DeLonghi Lattissima Pro
With a more advanced interface and more functionality, this machine comes next in series. Lattissima Pro boasts sensor touch display and has 6 pre programmed drinks – ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, hot milk and also a hot water output for anything like tea or soup. The volume of coffee and milk can be adjusted as per requirements as not everyone would like to have a mild cup of coffee. The auto cleaning milk carafe adds convenience and is easy to use.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 10.79 x 13 in
- Weight: 12.6 lbs
- Sensor touch display system
- Automatic flowstop
- Choice of pre-programmed drinks ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, hot milk and hot water function for tea
- Auto cleaning milk container
- 16 used capsule container
- 30 oz water tank; 17 oz milk container
- Ready to use in 40 seconds
- Sliding drip tray to accommodate taller cups
- Adjustable automatic shut-off timer
- Illuminated control panel
- Cable Storage
- One year warranty
Nespresso Lattissima Pro Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Brushed Aluminum
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Now comes the second part of machines that combine the functionality making regular coffee as well as espresso, the VertuoLine Series. These machines use different capsules and each machine comes with a welcome kit of 12 assortment of VertuoLine Pods.
#9 Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker by DeLonghi
The first one here is the VertuoPlus. It combines the functionality of a coffee maker and an espresso machine in one single unit. With Centrifusion technology, this console stands apart from others in delivering high end results. This is the 2nd generation product having a fast start up time of just 15 seconds. The cost is less than the 2 machines we will be talking about and thus has a smaller footprint. It offers removable and swivel water tank that can be adjusted according to needs. It also has a motorized head that gently closes itself with a push of button. The water tank capacity is 37.1 oz and the used pod container holds up to 10 capsules. It offers 2 programmable cup sizes – espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (7.7 oz).
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 inches
- Weight: 10.1 lbs
- Centrifusion technology brews both espresso and regular coffee
- Two cup sizes: small for espresso and large for coffee
- Water Tank Capacity: 37.1 oz
- Swivel Water tank
- Fast heat up time of 20 seconds
- Programmable cup sizes
- Aeroccino Plus milk frother heats and/or froths milk
- Capsule code recognition means brewing is customized to each blend
- One-touch brewing
- Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes (Can be programmed)
- Used capsule container holds 10 capsules
- 1-year warranty
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This is simply an entry level machine in the VertuoLine series but quality here is not compromised. If the budget is low and the demand is of both regular coffee as well as espresso, this one is perfect to go.
#10 Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo with Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother
The second machine in the Vertuoline series is the Evoluo. The working is all similar to the previous model except this machine has a larger water tank of 54 oz. The make is quite different from the traditional looks of dome shaped Vertuoline machines. The used capsule container holds up to 13 large and 17 small capsules. It comes optionally bundled with Aeroccino 3 frother for fine texture of hot or cold milk.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 19.45 x 15.67 inches
- Weight: 12.96 lbs
- Centrifusion technology brews both espresso and regular coffee
- Two cup sizes: small for espresso and large for coffee
- Water Tank Capacity: 54 oz
- Fast heat up time of 15 seconds
- Programmable cup sizes
- Aeroccino Plus frother heats and/or froths milk
- Capsule code recognition means brewing is customized to each blend
- One-touch brewing
- Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes (Can be programmed)
- Used capsule container holds 17 capsules
- 1-year warranty
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine with Aeroccino by De’Longhi, Black
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Some customers have claimed that the crema tastes a bit different as it is produced by spinning instead by forcing water through the grounds under pressure, but all in all, the coffee tastes great and has a velveti texture.
The Aeroccino Plus frother is a separate item that allows you to heat and froth milk for your lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, it can be used with almost any Nespresso unit. This device also froths cold milk for iced lattes.
#11 Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aeroccino By Breville
The last one in the series is Vertuo that combines smooth functionality with premium built quality. It is quite large in size as compared with the previous two models. The used capsule container holds up to 13-20 capsules and the water tank holds 40 oz of water.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.3 x 11.9 inches
- Weight: 9.8 lbs
- Centrifusion technology brews both espresso and regular coffee
- Two cup sizes: small for espresso and large for coffee
- Water Tank Capacity: 40 oz
- Fast heat up time of 15 seconds
- Programmable cup sizes
- Aeroccino Plus frother heats and/or froths milk
- Capsule code recognition means brewing is customized to each blend
- One-touch brewing
- Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes (Can be programmed)
- Used capsule container holds 13-20 capsules
- 1-year warranty
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle with Aeroccino Milk Frother by Breville, Chrome
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We hope, you have found the major differences between our top picks. Now match the differences with your requirements and this will give your best pick. People are often confused with Keurig and Nespresso when considering a single serve machine. Here is some clarification about it.
Is Nespresso better than Keurig?
Keurig and Nespresso are both world renowned brands in single serve coffee maker category. The first time buyer of single serve machine often gets confused within these. Well, both these brands offer a great cup but differ in functionality as well as outputs. Keurigs are designed to brew drip coffee or simply coffee and pods known as K cups. The K cups for tea and hot chocolate are also available.
On the other hand, Nespresso brews espresso and coffee( Vertuoline) too and their coffee containers are commonly known as pods or capsules. There is no option for tea here but few third party manufacturers provide but its better in Keurig. Both brands both use pressurized pump technology Nespresso Vertuoline machines use Centrifusion technology ( a proprietary mechanism by Nespresso for perfect and smooth brewing).
K cups are available by hundreds of brands and so a large variety of over 200-300 exists too. In Nespresso, the brand itself is a giant manufacturer and the system is a little strict for the use of other brand pods, so only a few dozens of flavors exist.
So, if you are looking for a machine that makes regular coffee, go with Keurig and if you are looking for an espresso maker, then obviously Nespresso espresso machine.
One more thing at last – there will always be baristas who prefer to do it the traditional way, and who appreciate the subtle variations that happen when you pull shots by hand. For many of us, however, Nespresso is one easiest way; we can have a real espresso at home that rivals what we might get at a good coffee shop.
Recommended Reads
Best Commercial Espresso Machines For Your Cafe
Best Nespresso Reusable Pods – Top Picks
Best Saeco Espresso Machine – Our Favorite Picks
Nespresso Decaf Pods – Best Picks & Reviews
12 Best Espresso Machine Reviews
Ratings
- Nespresso Inissia
- Nespresso Pixie
- Breville Nespresso Creatista
- Nespresso CitiZ
- Nespresso CitiZ & Milk
- Nespresso C122
- De'Longhi Silver Lattissima Plus
- De'Longhi Lattissima Pro
- Nespresso VertuoPlus
- Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo
- Nespresso Vertuo