Best Nespresso Machine Reviews
Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has tested and evaluated various kitchen appliances. She also writes about household appliances and gadgets.
The best Nespresso machines are sleek and durable, quick to heat up, easy to use and clean and offer a range of beverage options. They should be compatible only with the original Nespresso capsules and come with a special container for capsules that have been used.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista is a brand new model in Nespresso's line-up and fills a significant niche. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine that comes with an integrated milk frother, and it's an excellent addition to the range.
The machine has an elegant stainless steel brushed design that is situated in the middle of the Vertuo line of. It has a tank of 2L of water and a removable drip plate that permits you to use your own travel carafe or mug. It utilizes Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to make the capsules, and it can create a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo, and alto, in addition to cappuccino macchiato, latte, and cappuccino.
It is compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. best affordable coffee machine reads the barcode located on the pod's lip to determine the best settings for optimal results. This makes it one of the smartest machines in the line-up.
The Creatista is, like other Nespresso machines has a fast heat-up time due to its thermoblock system. The only issue is that it takes a bit longer to make an Espresso shot than the other models.
The most appealing feature for the majority of people is the built-in milk frother. The wand is similar to the steam wands that are manual on other espresso machines. It's however completely automatic and comes with temperature and texture control settings. This is a great feature for anyone who loves adding milk to their coffee and it makes the Creatista an attractive choice for a large number of customers. In the past, the only option to purchase a milk-based Nespresso was with the Aeroccino or Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact machine by Nespresso is a great addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and requires less energy than other pod machines we've used however it still makes a great cup.
In our most recent test, the CitiZ was able to perform well in single-serve and larger brewing modes. It also comes with a variety of cool features, such as the possibility of connecting via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts) as well as a water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces, and a sleek and modern design.
The quick heating system of the machine can heat water to the perfect temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic energy-saving function shuts down the machine after nine minutes. If you'd like to add milk to your coffee,, you'll need to buy a separate milk frothing attachment.
The CitiZ's labeled, easy-to-use button is among our top choices. You can choose from a wide range of single-serve beverages, including espresso shots in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
The CitiZ is a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini and other compact OriginalLine models however it does have some extra features that may make it worth the cost for some consumers. For instance it's the very first Nespresso model to use 40 percent recycled plastic. It also offers the option to connect to an app on your smartphone to receive maintenance alerts and brewing instructions.
The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray and capsule container are removable to allow for easy cleaning. It also has a descaling feature built in. However, the frequency at which you need to run it will be contingent upon your home's water hardness. We suggest softened or filtered water, which can cut down on mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is the tiniest Nespresso machine out there and is a sleek tower with clean lines that fits in the tiniest kitchens. It's the perfect choice for those just beginning to learn about Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of money to spend and don't think about extra features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art tool) which won't enhance their coffee. But just because it's tiny doesn't mean the Mini isn't capable of doing its job well. It can make espressos, ristrettos, and lungos with ease. It's also the easiest and cheapest Nespresso to clean, maintain, and operate.
If you're looking for something slightly bigger than the Mini it's the Nespresso Essenza Plus. It shares a minimalist design and comes with the same brewing technology, but it's more of an all-in-one machine that includes an adjustable water tank for varying brew sizes and a Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It is also more expensive, but it could be worth it if you plan to make a lot of Americanos or if your goal is to make large quantities of espresso or ristretto.
The Lattissima machines are the newest addition to the Essenza range. They offer the convenience of one touch, and a wide range of drink options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir in the front and an ice-maker to make cappuccinos or lattes. They're priced higher than the Essenza Mini, but they're worth it if you want the ability to brew full-sized milky drinks on the go without ever having to lift the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
This VertuoLine machine is a great option if you're looking to brew large cups of coffee, or espresso-style shots. It's compatible with the brand's original pods (though you can also use cheaper third-party pods) and has two buttons that can be programmed to let you choose between alto standard, regular, and the gran lungo size. It also has a centrifusion process that pulls water out of 20 punctures on the capsule's top. According to Nespresso, this produces a higher amount of crema.
This model is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable, foolproof espresso and coffee at the push of the button. It doesn't have too many bells and whistles. It did well in our Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests particularly when it comes to the first-cup speed and repeat speed.
It's one of the most affordable machines from Nespresso and has a slim footprint. The only caveat is that it doesn't have an ample capacity for storing capsules that are used and has smaller water tanks than other models.
If you're planning to make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos it's worth investing a little extra on an espresso machine with a built-in frother. Both Lattissima and Creatista can do so with minimal effort and the Nespresso Inissia was designed to make your life easier with a milk container that can hold up to 12 capsules.
All Nespresso machines should be descaled at least once a year. The company says it's easy to do and has alerts on the machine when it's time to descale. You can also purchase descaling kits from the brand to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who likes milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a suitable option for you. It's also simple to use and offers the same drinks as its counterpart, the Creatista Plus. The milk frother is auto and self-cleaning, however it also lets you manually adjust the milk texture and temperature, if you want. The result is a smooth, frothy milk that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
The Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods which can brew espresso, including single shots in three sizes, or milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos, macchiatos made of latte and flat whites. It is easy to use and has large LED displays and buttons labeled for each drink type. It also includes a barista-style steam wand to make milk and an ice jug that are easier to clean than the standard integrated frothers found that are found on every Nespresso machines.
The Creatista Pro is a bit more expensive than the other models listed here but it's a premium machine that's simple to use and looks beautiful on your countertop. It includes a tamper, reusable capsules and a complimentary tamper. This can save money over time.
If you're looking for a less expensive version, consider the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk. It's not as full of bells and whistles as the Creatista, but it offers an even wider selection of beverages, including three different espresso sizes, plus lattes and cappuccinos. It also has a more user-friendly interface with a single button that controls powering on, rinsing and making. It's also compact and small and comes with a water tank that can be moved around which lets you easily adapt it to the layout of your kitchen.