Best Nespresso Machine Reviews
Brigitt Earley, a Good Housekeeping Institute specialist, has analyzed and tested a variety of kitchen appliances. She also writes about household appliances and products.
The best Nespresso machines offer a variety of drinks, are simple to operate and clean, and they heat up quickly. They should be compatible only with the original Nespresso capsules, and come with a special container for used capsules.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista is a new model in the Nespresso line-up, and fills a significant niche. It's also the very first and only Vertuo machine to come with an integrated milk frother.
The machine is a premium stainless steel brushed design that is located in the middle of the Vertuo lineup. It also has two litres of water tank as well as a drip tray that is removable and lets you use your personal travel mug or carafe. It utilizes Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to brew capsules and is able to make a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, alto and lungo and also cappuccino latte and macchiato.
It is compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. The machine is able to read the barcode that is on the lip of the pod and know what settings to use for the optimum results. This makes it the most intelligent machine in the lineup.
As with other Nespresso machines like the Creatista is able to heat up quickly in time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only drawback is that it takes longer to prepare an espresso shot than other models in the line-up.
The built-in milk maker is the primary draw for the majority of people. It's wand looks like the manual steam wands you'll find on other espresso machines, but it's fully automated and has control settings for temperature and texture. This feature is ideal for those who love to add milk to coffee. It will make the Creatista more appealing to prospective buyers. The only way to get a milk-based Nespresso was through the Aeroccino or Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact machine by Nespresso is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and consumes less energy than other pod machines we've tried, but still makes a great cup.
In our latest testing of the CitiZ, we found that the CitiZ did very well in single-serve mode as well as the larger brewing mode. It also has a number of interesting features, including the ability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for maintenance alerts and capsule tracking) as well as a water reservoir that can hold up 32 ounces of filtered water and a sleek, modern design.
The machine's fast heat-up feature brings water to the ideal temperature in only 25 seconds. And the automatic energy-saving feature shuts off the machine after nine minutes of inactivity. If you want to add milk to your coffee, however, you'll need to buy an additional milk frothing device.
The CitiZ's labeled and user-friendly button is among our top picks. You can select from a range of single-serve drinks, including an espresso shot in three sizes, as well as various milk-based options like lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
The CitiZ might be a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. However, it offers a few additional features that some consumers may find worth the price. For instance, it's the first Nespresso model that uses 40 percent recycled plastic. It also has the option to connect to an app for smartphones to receive maintenance alerts and brewing instructions.
The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray and capsule container are all removable to allow for easy cleaning. It has a descaling mode integrated. However, the frequency you should run it will depend on your home's water hardness. We recommend using softened or filtered water in order to decrease mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is the smallest Nespresso machine out there with a sleek, modern tower of clean lines that fits in the tiniest of kitchens. It's ideal for those who are just beginning their journey with Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of cash to spend and don't think about extra features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art device) that will not improve their coffee. But just because it's tiny doesn't mean that the Mini can't perform its task well. It can make espressos, ristrettos and lungos with ease. It's also the simplest and least expensive Nespresso to clean, maintain and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It shares a minimalist design and features the same brewing technology however it's more of an all-in-one machine, which includes an adjustable water tank to accommodate varying brew sizes and a Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It's also a little more expensive, but it may be worth the extra cost if you'll be making mostly Americanos or if you'd like to brew larger cups of ristretto or espresso.
The Lattissima machines are the most recent additions to the Essenza range. They offer the convenience of one touch, and a variety of drink options. The Lattissima Pro, the Gran Lattissima and the Lattissima One all have front-attached milk reservoirs and a frothing wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. They're more expensive than the Essenza Mini, but they're worth it if the ability to make large-sized milky drinks at any time without lifting the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
If you're looking for a machine which can brew larger cups of coffee and espresso-style shots, this VertuoLine model might be up your alley. It's compatible with the brand's original pods (though you can also use less-expensive third-party ones) and features two buttons that can be programmed to allow you to select between regular or regular as well as gran lungo sizes. It also offers the centrifusion process that pulls water out of 20 punctures on the capsule's top. According to Nespresso, this results in a high amount of crema.
This model is one of the top Nespresso options for those who need consistent, foolproof coffee and espresso at the push of a button without excessive bells and whistles. It performed well in the Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests, particularly when it came to first-cup and repeat speed.
It's among the cheapest machines from Nespresso and has a small footprint. The only drawback is that it doesn't have an ample capacity for storing capsules that are used and has a smaller water tank than other models.
If you want to make milk-based drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes, it's worth investing an extra bit of money in a model that has an integrated frother. Both Lattissima and Creatista can make it with minimal effort and the Nespresso Inissia is made for maximum convenience with an integrated milk container that holds up to 12 used capsules.
All Nespresso machines should be descaled at least once a year. The company claims that it's easy to do, and the machine will alert you when it's required. You can also purchase descaling kits from the company to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffee and milk-based coffee, the Creatista Pro is a good alternative. It is also easy to use and offers the same beverage options like its sibling and the Creatista Plus. The milk frother can be manually adjusted to alter the temperature and texture of the milk. It is also automated and self-cleaning. The result is a smooth, frothy milk perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods which can brew espresso in a single shot in three sizes, or milk-based drinks, such as cappuccinos, macchiatos made of latte and flat whites. It's extremely user-friendly with a large, clear LED display and clearly labeled buttons for different drinks. It also comes with a barista style steam wand for milk and a jug, which are less messy to clean than standard integrated frothers on the majority of Nespresso machine.
The Creatista Pro is a bit more expensive than the other models reviewed here but it's a premium machine that's simple to use and looks beautiful on your countertop. It also comes with a complimentary tamper and reusable capsules, which can save you money in the long run.
Take a look at the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk for a slightly cheaper version. It's not as loaded with bells and whistles as the Creatista however, it does offer a more versatile range of drinks that include three different espresso sizes, plus lattes and cappuccinos. It also has a simpler interface with a single button that controls the power, rinsing and making. which coffee machines are best 's also small and compact and has a water tank that can be moved around which lets you easily adapt it to your kitchen layout.