Best Nespresso Machine Reviews
Brigitt Earley, a Good Housekeeping Institute specialist, has evaluated and tested many kitchen appliances. She also writes about other household items and gadgets.
The best Nespresso machines come with a range of drinks, are simple to operate, clean and get hot 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 brand-new model in the Nespresso line-up, and fills a significant niche. It's the first and only Vertuo machine with an integrated milk frother and it's a great addition to the lineup.
The machine is a middle-of-the-line Vertuo model that has an elegant stainless steel design. It has a tank of 2L of water, as well as a removable drip plate that allows you to use your own travel carafe or mug. It makes use of Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to make the capsules, and it can make a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo and alto as well as cappuccino latte and macchiato.
It is compatible with both the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line equivalents. The machine is able to detect the barcode on the pod lip and knows which settings to utilize to achieve the best results. This makes it one of the smartest machines available.
The Creatista, like other Nespresso machines, has a quick heating time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only downside is that it takes longer to make an espresso shot than other models in the range.
The built-in milk frother is the main draw for the majority of people. The wand is similar to the manual steam wands you can find on other espresso machines. It's however completely automatic and has temperature and the ability to control the texture. This is a fantastic feature for anyone who loves adding milk to their coffee, and it will make the Creatista a more attractive option for many customers. The only way to get a milk-based Nespresso was with the Aeroccino or the Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This compact, sleek machine from Nespresso is a great addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and consumes fewer energy resources than most other pod-based coffee makers we've tested however it still makes a great cup of coffee.
In our most recent test of the CitiZ, we found that the CitiZ was able to perform well in single-serve and larger mode of brewing. It also has a number of cool features, such as the possibility of connecting via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts), an water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces and an attractive and modern design.
The machine's rapid heat-up system brings water to the ideal temperature in only 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts the machine off after nine minutes of inactivity. If you want to add milk to your coffee, however you'll need a separate milk frothing attachment.
The CitiZ's labeled and user-friendly button is among our top choices. You can pick from a wide range of single-serve drinks, including espresso shots in three sizes and milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
The CitiZ could be a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. However, visit offers several additional features that some consumers might find worth the cost. For instance, it's the first Nespresso model to use 40% recycled plastic. It also offers the option of connecting to a smartphone app for maintenance alerts, instructions for brewing and capsule tracking.
CitiZ's drip tray, capsule container, and water reservoir are easily removed to clean. It comes with a descaling function that is built-in. However, the frequency at which you have to run it will depend on the hardness of your water at home. We recommend softened or filtered water in order to decrease mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is a compact Nespresso machine that can fit in even the tiniest kitchens. It's a great choice for those who are single or Nespresso beginners who don't wish to spend lots of money and don't want to invest in paying extra for features that will not improve your coffee in any way (like Bluetooth technology or a the latte art wand). However, just because it's small doesn't mean the Mini isn't capable of doing its job well. It can make ristrettos, espressos, and lungos without difficulty. It's also the most simple and least expensive Nespresso to clean, maintain, and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It's got a similar minimalist design and offers the same brewing technology, but it's more of an all-in-one machine, which includes an adjustable water tank for varying brew sizes and an Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It's also more expensive, but it could be worth it if you intend to make a lot of Americanos, or if your goal is to make large quantities of espresso or ristretto.
The most notable addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines that offer one-touch convenience and a range of drink options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir on the front, as well as an ice-maker to make lattes or cappuccinos. These are also more expensive than Essenza Minis, however they are is worth it if your aim is to be able to make full-sized milky drinks anytime you want them, without having to lift the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
If you're seeking a machine that can brew larger cups coffee and espresso-style shots the VertuoLine model might be for you. It's compatible with the original pods of the brand (though you can also use less-expensive third-party pods) and features two buttons that can be programmed to let you choose between alto standard, regular, and the gran lungo size. It also has the centrifusion process that draws water from 20 punctures that are located on the capsule's top. According to Nespresso, this produces a high level of crema.
This model is one of the top Nespresso options for those who need steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the click of a button with no bells and whistles. It did well in Single-Serve Coffee Makers laboratory tests, particularly when it came to first-cup and repeat speed.
It's one of the cheapest machines from Nespresso and has a small footprint. It has a smaller tank as well as a smaller capacity for capsules that are used than other models.
If you're interested in making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, you should consider spending some extra money on a machine that has an integrated milk frother. Both Lattissima and Creatista can be made without much effort and the Nespresso Inissia is made for maximum convenience with an integrated milk container that can hold up to 12 used capsules.
A key thing to remember is that all Nespresso machines must be descaled at least once every year. The company claims it's simple to do so and has alerts on the machine when it's time. You can also purchase descaling kits from the manufacturer to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you are a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a suitable option for you. It is also easy to use and has the same beverage options like its sibling that is the Creatista Plus. The milk frother is auto and self-cleaning, but it can also be used to manually adjust the texture and temperature as desired. The result is irresistibly smooth and frothy, perfect for cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods. It can brew espresso in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and macchiatos latte. It is easy to use and comes with large LED displays and buttons that are labeled for each drink type. It also comes with a barista style steam wand for milk and an ice jug that are less messy to clean than the standard integrated frothers found on most Nespresso machine.
The Creatista Pro may be a little more expensive than other models, but it's an expensive machine. It's user-friendly and looks great on your counter. It also comes with a complimentary Tamper and reusable capsules which save money in the long run.
For a cheaper alternative, look into the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk. It's not as full of bells and whistles as the Creatista, but it does offer a more versatile range of drink options that include three different sizes of espresso, along with cappuccinos and lattes. It has a more user-friendly interface, with a single top button for powering on and cleaning. It is also compact and has an adjustable tank that allows you to adapt it to the design of your kitchen.