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 offer a variety of drinks, are simple to use and clean, and they get hot quickly. They should be compatible only with the original Nespresso capsules, and come with an exclusive container for capsules that have been used.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista is a brand new model in the Nespresso line-up, and it fills an important niche. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine that comes with an integrated milk frother and it's a great addition to the lineup.
The machine is a middle of the line Vertuo model with an elegant stainless steel design. It has a tank of 2L of water, as well as an adjustable drip plate that allows you to use your own travel cup or mug. It makes use of Nespresso Centrifusion to create capsules for brewing, and create a variety drinks. This includes espresso, lungo and alto as well as cappuccino lattes and macchiato.
It's compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. The machine is able to read the barcode on the pod lip to determine the optimal settings for optimal results. coffeee.uk makes it one of the most intelligent machines in the lineup.
Like other Nespresso machines that are available, the Creatista has a quick heat-up time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only downside is that it takes a little longer to produce an espresso shot than other models in the range.
The main draw for most people is the built-in milk frother. The wand is similar to the steam wands that are manual on other espresso machines. However, it's fully automatic and has temperature and the ability to control the texture. This is an excellent feature for those who love adding milk to their coffee and it will make the Creatista an attractive choice for a large number of buyers. Before, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available with the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This compact, sleek 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 tested, but still makes a great cup.
In our most recent tests it was found that the CitiZ performed very well in single-serve as well as larger models for brewing. It also has several cool features, such as the possibility of connecting via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts) as well as the capacity of the water tank to hold up to 32 ounces, and a sleek and modern design.
The quick heating system of the machine heats water to the ideal temperature in 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts off the machine after nine minutes of idle. If you want to add milk to your coffee, you'll need an additional milk frothing attachment.
One of our favorite aspects of the CitiZ is the labeled buttons that are simple to use. You can pick from a wide selection of single-serve drinks, such as an espresso shot in three sizes, as well as various milk-based options such as lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
The CitiZ could be a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. However, it comes with several additional features that some buyers may find worth the price. It's also the first Nespresso machine to make use of 40% recycled material. And it offers the possibility of connecting to a smartphone app that provides maintenance alerts, brewing instructions and capsule tracking.
The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray and capsule container are all removable for quick cleaning. It also has a descaling feature built in. However, the frequency you need to run it will be contingent upon the hardness of your water at home. We recommend using filtered or softened water, which can minimize the buildup of minerals.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is a compact Nespresso machine that is able to fit in even the tiniest kitchens. It's a great option for those who are single or Nespresso beginners who don't wish to spend lots of money and aren't interested in paying extra for features that won't improve your coffee in any way (like Bluetooth technology or a Latte Art Wand). The Mini isn't huge, but it does not mean it isn't capable of doing its job. It can make espressos and ristrettos, as well as lungos. It's also the simplest and cheapest Nespresso to clean, maintain and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It has a similar minimalist design and offers the same brewing technology, however, it's an all-in-one machine, which has an adjustable water tank to accommodate different brewing sizes, as well as a Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It is also more expensive, but may be worth it if are planning to make lots of Americanos, or if you plan to make large cups of espresso or ristretto.
The most notable addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which offer the convenience of one-touch and a variety of drink options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir in the front and an ice-maker to make lattes or cappuccinos. These are also more expensive than Essenza Minis, however they are is worth it if the goal is to be able to make full-sized milky beverages whenever you want to without lifting a pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
If you're seeking a machine that can brew larger cups espresso-style shots the VertuoLine model might be for you. It's compatible with the original pods from Nespresso (though you can also utilize cheaper third-party ones) and features two buttons that are programmed to allow you to select between regular or regular as well as the gran lungo size. It also comes with the centrifusion process that pulls water out of 20 punctures in the capsule's top. According to Nespresso the process results in a high amount of crema.
This model is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable, foolproof espresso and coffee at the touch of a button. It doesn't have too many bells and whistles. It performed well in our Single-Serve Coffee Makers test especially when it comes to first-cup speed and repeat speed.
It's among the most affordable options among Nespresso machines and has a relatively compact footprint. It has a smaller tank and smaller capacity for capsules used than other models.
If you're looking to make milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, it's worth spending an extra bit of money in an espresso machine with a built-in frother. The Lattissima, Creatista and Nespresso inissia are all designed to make milk-based drinks with minimal effort.
All Nespresso machines must be descaled at a minimum of a few time a year. The company claims it's easy to do this and has alerts on the machine that indicate when it's time to descale. You can also purchase descaling kits from the manufacturer to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who likes milk-based coffees and other milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a ideal option for you. Similar to its sibling, the Creatista Plus, it offers different drinks and is simple to use. The milk frother is auto and self-cleaning, but it also lets you manually alter the texture of the milk and temperature if desired. The result is a smooth, frothy milk that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods, and it can make espresso in single shots in three sizes, or milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, and flat whites. It is easy to use, with a large LED display and buttons labeled for each drink type. It also includes a barista-style steam wand to make milk and an ice jug that are less messy to clean than the standard integrated frothers found that are found on every Nespresso machine.
The Creatista Pro may be a bit more expensive than the other models, but it is a premium machine. It's simple to use and looks stunning on your counter. It includes a tamper, capsules that are reusable and a topper. This can save money over time.
Consider the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk for a slightly cheaper version. It's not as full of bells and whistles as the Creatista however it does offer an even wider selection of beverages with three espresso sizes, plus lattes and cappuccinos. It also has a simpler interface, with a single button that controls the power on, rinsing, and making. It is also small and comes with a moveable tank, which allows you to adjust it to the design of your kitchen.