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10 Best Nespresso Machines 2022 (The King of Pod Machines)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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As much as I love a large carafe of drip coffee, sometimes you just need a single, rich and delicious cup of joe and you need it without any hassle. Pod machines are great for ease of use and quick, simple, single servings of coffee but the real issue is, most of them produce a weak, watery brew.

Nespresso is the exception. The rich aromatic quality of the coffee is second to none when it comes to competing brands and their machines are so simple to use. Most of them respond to one-touch brewing, even for milky lattes and cappuccino. Specialty coffee has never been so easy.

This issue is, with so many Nespresso machines to choose from, how do you know which is the right choice for your home?

To help you narrow down the competition we have ten of the very best Nespresso machines, reviewed and compared so you can see straight away which one is your best fit. All the important features are listed, including the size of the machine and drink options it can make as well as the kind of capsules it uses. This allows you to easily weigh up one option against another until you have the best fit.

Have a browse and if you like the look of any of these machines then click the ‘Price and Reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon. We will start today with our top five best options, including the top choice, the Nespresso Vertuo Next.

Top 5 Best Nespresso Machines

• Top Choice – Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker
• Runner Up – Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine
• Best Coffee Maker and Milk Frother Bundle – Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker
• Best For Small Spaces – Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine
• Best Machine For Specialty Coffee – Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine

1. Top Choice – Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi is our top pick because it’s a coffee machine that ticks all the boxes. It has a slim-fit design at only 5.5 inches wide so can fit well in any space. The water tank is removable for easy refilling and cleaning and automatic used capsule ejection and storage keep your countertop clean and clutter-free.

The vertuoline machines work by reading the barcode of the capsule and adjusting all brewing parameters for you to create one-touch brewing. These machines spin the coffee capsule rather than using pressure and this process is called centrifusion. This allows the machine to brew coffee with a super-thick crema every time. With five different drink size options, your favorite coffee is only a moment away.

It has wifi and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure its software is always up to date and if you’re the kind of coffee drinker who enjoys a flat white, cappuccino, or latte then you can always opt for the aeroccino milk frother to create these drinks with ease.

2. Runner Up – Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine

Our runner-up is an Original Nespresso model and these machines use high pressure to create quality coffee. The Essenza Mini is one of the most compact and portable single-serve coffee makers. It is sleek and stylish in design so will fit perfectly into any kitchen and with the option to include the Aeroccino you can elevate your espresso drinks to a latte macchiato at the touch of a button.

The heat-up time is less than 30 seconds and automatically turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity so is quick to start and won’t burn itself out. All you need to do is add water and your favorite Nespresso pod and then press a button. There’s the option for a single shot of espresso or you can choose a 5oz cup of coffee if you prefer.

This is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a compact machine that doesn’t take up a lot of counter space. It comes with a free welcome pack with a variety of original line Nespresso capsules to choose from.

3. Best Coffee Maker and Milk Frother Bundle – Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker

Pod coffee is often not the best for making espresso-type coffee as it doesn’t brew as strong as the best espresso machines can make. Nespresso has overcome this issue by creating machines that use high pressure to extract all those delicious coffee aromas and flavors. This means you can become a true barista from the comfort of your own home.

This bundle includes the Aeroccino which produces hot milk with a thick topping of milk froth that’s perfect for latte art. A latte or cappuccino is only a touch of a button away.

I love the design of this coffee maker as it looks so professional yet understated so it will blend into any home with ease. The drip tray is adjustable to accommodate larger glasses, perfect for making lattes or an americano.

It heats up in only 25 seconds and a 24 oz water reservoir means you can brew plenty of cups of coffee before it needs to be refilled. This is a great option for those who love a variety of coffee drinks.

4. Best For Small Spaces – Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine

If you live in a small apartment, student halls, or you just don’t have space in your kitchen for a large coffee machine then this is the option for you. The Nespresso Pixie is aptly named for its compact size and neat design.

Similar to the other original line options, you can choose between an espresso or a cafe lungo by simply pressing a button. It has a nice-sized water tank and foldable drip tray means it can accommodate larger cup sizes.

The Pixie features aluminum side panels that are actually made out of recycled Nespresso capsules so it not only looks good but it’s also environmentally friendly. There’s the option to include the Aeroccino milk frother if you prefer a milk-based coffee drink and this makes this option perfect for any need.

5. Best Machine For Specialty Coffee – Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville, Espresso Machine

If you want to create barista-level, cafe-quality coffees with lattes so creamy you’ll amaze your coffee-loving friends, then you need the Creatista Plus. It can brew three different coffee types and the steam wand attachment allows you to make thick microform in any kind of milk.

A ristretto (think ‘restricted espresso’) is basically a smaller volume of espresso coffee that’s more concentrated. This means it packs more flavor per volume and stands up extremely well when brewed into lattes or similar specialty coffee.

An LCD screen allows you to adjust a huge range of brew parameters with 11 milk temperatures and 8 milk froth textures to choose from. The steam wand is automatic and self-cleaning so no hassle to use and it heats up in only 3 seconds.

The drip tray is removable so any cup can fit under the spout and it even comes with a stainless steel milk frother jug to give you complete control over the pour. Auto shut off and an A-40% energy class rating makes this a perfect option for you and the environment.

Nespresso Machine Buying Guide

Original Line Vs Vertuoline Machines

Nespresso has two main categories of espresso makers depending on the type of capsules they take. Original line machines take small capsules that look similar to Keurig k-cup pods. There are around 29 different flavors and blends to choose from and they brew coffee using a pressurized system to create a bold and tasty brew.

The Vertuoline machines take larger, semi-spherical capsules of which there are 38 options including different flavors, blends, and drink sizes. These machines use centrifusion to spin the capsules and create a thick crema with every cup. The vertuo machines read the barcode on the capsule and automatically adjust brewing parameters like temperature, pressure, and brew size. This makes it even easier to brew delicious tasting coffee.

Coffee Drink Options

Different machines offer different drink size options as well as the potential to brew specialty milk-based coffees. The standard espresso and cafe lungo are the basic settings but some machines can make ristretto, double shot espresso, 8 oz americano, as well as a variety of milk-based coffees and even over-ice options. When choosing the perfect machine for your home make sure it can produce coffee the way you enjoy it best otherwise you’ll never be satisfied!

Countertop Space

Even the best-looking coffee machine will appear out of place if it doesn’t fit in well on your kitchen countertop. Make sure you measure up the space you have available and check the coffee maker will fit before you buy it. To help you out with this step, I’ve included the dimensions of all the machines reviewed here so a quick glance will tell you all you need to know.

Capsule Container

Most Nespresso machines will automatically eject and store the used capsules so you don’t have to manually remove these every time. This saves time and allows you to easily store the capsules ready for recycling. A removable capsule container is ideal as it allows for easy emptying and cleaning.

The Aeroccino

Some Nespresso machines have a built-in, automatic milk frother so all you need to do is add cold milk and press the brew button. If your machine of choice does not have this feature then you can easily upgrade it to make milk-based coffee by adding in the Aeroccino. This small, milk frother swirls and froths the liquid to create a thick foam, perfect for cappuccino or lattes. It can be used with your Nespresso machine or even just on its own to create hot milk to enjoy as is, add to tea for a tea latte, or add cocoa powder to make decadent hot chocolate.

Capsule Recycling

Nespresso has its very own capsule recycling program. The old capsules are sent to a special recycling facility where the grounds are separated from the capsules. The grounds are composted and the aluminum capsules are heated, melted, and recycled.

You can send your capsules off for recycling or drop them off at a dedicated pick-up point. Your nearest option can be found on the Nespresso website.

F.A.Q.s

Which brand of Nespresso machine is best?

Our top pick today is the Nespresso Vertuo Next with its compact design as well as the large range of drink options it can brew, especially if you include the Aeroccino milk frother.

What is the difference between all the Nespresso machines?

Nespresso machines vary depending on the capsules they use, the kind of drinks they can brew, as well as the inclusion of a milk frother or not. They vary in size, style, and price, as well as small extras like Bluetooth connectivity, descaling features, and energy efficiency.

How do I know which Nespresso machine to buy?

You have to first consider what is most important to you regarding coffee. Do you love an intense shot of espresso or a decadent latte? Check out our buyer’s guide and write a list of features you need from your coffee maker. Once you have this, you can easily choose the machine that best suits your needs.

Is a Nespresso really worth it?

Nespresso machines bring the ease of single-serve pod machines plus the quality of barista brewed coffee. They may be more expensive than a Keurig but the coffee they brew is leagues better when it comes to taste and aroma.

What is the best Nespresso machine for beginners?

All Nespresso machines are really user-friendly and suitable for beginners. One-touch brewing is a common feature so all you need to do is add the capsule and press a button. Brewing coffee doesn’t get simpler than this!

More Nespresso Machines Reviewed

6. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker

The best thing about the Nespresso Vertuoline machines is that the vertuo capsules all have barcodes that allow the machine to automatically adjust brewing parameters. All you need to do is choose your coffee flavor and press brew. The machine automatically opens and closes and ejects and stores capsules so is very easy to use.

A huge, 60 Oz water reservoir means you can make many large cups of coffee without having to worry about refilling and it’s also movable so it’s easy to adapt this machine to fit in any space. The machine heats up in only 15 seconds so you can have your vertuo coffee in no time at all.

There’s no milk frother included so if you prefer milky coffee then you will need to purchase the Aeroccino separately. Otherwise, this is a versatile and user-friendly machine that brews delicious tasting coffee.

7. Nespresso Citiz Coffee and Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Citiz is the perfect balance of style and practicality. Fast heat up means it’s ready to go in 25 seconds and will automatically switch off after 9 minutes of inactivity. This can be adjusted to 30 minutes if desired. Cable storage makes it easy to transport this machine or simply tuck it away in a cupboard when not in use.

It stores used capsules so you don’t need to manually remove them with each brew. The drip tray, water tank, and capsule container are all removable so easy to clean and empty/refill. This machine comes with a welcome pack of capsules to get you brewing straight away.

The Aeroccino is included with this option so you can make any kind of specialty coffee you enjoy best.

8. Nespresso Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine

The Gran Lattissima is the perfect espresso machine for anyone who struggles to make up their mind. With 9 drink options to choose from you can switch it out whenever the mood strikes you. These options are ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, caffe latte, flat white, hot milk, and hot milk foam.

It’s a one-touch system for all 9 recipes and the easy rinsing system means clean-up is no hassle at all. The milk jug is even dishwasher safe so even easier to keep hygienic. You can program in the water hardness (5 level options) and this triggers automatic de-scaling to keep your machine in perfect working order.

This is a large capacity machine that can easily cope with a variety of coffee recipes to suit any need.

9. Nespresso Lattissima Pro Coffee and Espresso Machine

Similar to the Gran Lattissima but more compact, the Lattissima Pro has a lot of similar features. It can create 6 drink options and these are ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot milk, and even just milk foam or hot water.

A large, 44 oz water reservoir means you don’t have to keep on refilling it and the sliding drip tray gives you control over your chosen cup sizes. Automatic rinsing helps keep the machine fresh and the milk container is removable for easy cleaning.

This machine is slightly more compact than the Gran Lattissima but still retains a wide array of drink options and has an even bigger water tank. It also rates slightly better for energy consumption.

10. Nespresso Lattissima One Coffee and Espresso Maker

An even more compact option still, this little guy is perfect if you’re short of space yet don’t want to compromise on quality coffee. The Lattissima One will automatically brew espresso, cafe lungo, caffe latte, espresso macchiato, or latte macchiato whenever you feel like one. One-touch brewing makes enjoying a cup of coffee even easier.

The water tank is removable for easy cleaning and the milk jug is dishwasher safe. It’s easy to remove, clean, and refill, and the compact nature of this machine means it fits well into any space.

It is sleek and stylish in design and very user-friendly. It’s self-rinsing and even has a de-scale alert to help keep this machine in perfect working order.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it for Nespresso machines. These coffee makers may be small but they sure pack a punch when it comes to rich and delicious tasting coffee. Whether it’s a dark and intense shot of espresso or a rich and creamy latte you prefer, Nespresso has it covered. I hope this article has proved helpful in matching you up with your perfect coffee maker and I wish you a rich and tasty cup of java, every time.