Best Nespresso Machine Reviews
Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has tested and evaluated various kitchen appliances. She also writes about other household products and gadgets.
The top Nespresso machines are elegant and durable, fast to heat up, simple to use and clean and provide a variety of drink options. They should be compatible with original Nespresso capsules and come with a specific capsule container that is used.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista is a brand new model in Nespresso's line-up and it fills an important niche. It's the first and only Vertuo machine with an integrated milk frother, and it's an excellent addition to the line-up.
The machine is a middle-of the-line Vertuo model with a premium stainless steel design. It has a 2L tank 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's Centrifusion technology to make the capsules and is able to create a wide range of drinks. This includes espresso, alto and lungo as well as cappuccino lattes and macchiato.
It is compatible with both the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line equivalents. The machine reads the barcode located on the pod's lip to determine the optimal settings to achieve the best results. This makes it the most intelligent machine in the lineup.
The Creatista as with other Nespresso machines, has a quick heating time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only drawback is that it takes longer to produce an espresso shot than other models in the line-up.
The big draw for most people, however, will be the built-in milk frother. The wand is similar to the steam wands with manual steam that you'll find on other espresso machines, but it's completely automated and has settings to control temperature and texture. This is an excellent feature for those who love to add milk to their coffee. it will make the Creatista a more attractive option for a lot of buyers. Previously, the only way to get a milk-based Nespresso was to purchase the Aeroccino or the Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact 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 machines we've tried, but still provides the best cup of coffee.
In our most recent tests it was found that the CitiZ was able to perform well in both single-serve and larger mode of brewing. It also has a number of cool features, such as the capability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts), an water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces and an elegant and modern design.
The rapid heating system of the machine can heat water to a perfect temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts the machine off after nine minutes of idle. If coffeee 'd like to add milk to your coffee, you'll need an additional milk frothing device.
One of our favorite aspects of the CitiZ is its clearly labeled buttons that are simple to use. You can choose from a variety of single-serve beverages, including espresso shots in three sizes, and milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
The CitiZ may be a little more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. It does offer a few additional features that some buyers might consider worth the cost. For instance it's the very first Nespresso model that uses 40% recycled plastic. It also has the option to connect with an app on your smartphone to receive maintenance alerts and brewing instructions.
CitiZ's drip tray, capsule container and water reservoir are all easily removed for cleaning. It comes with a descaling function built in. But the frequency at which you should run it will depend on the hardness of your water at home. We recommend softened or filtered water to reduce 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 kitchens. It's the perfect choice for those who are just beginning their journey with Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of money to spend and don't really care about additional features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art wand) that won't improve their coffee. But just because it's tiny does not mean that the Mini can't perform its task well: it can brew espressos, ristrettos, and lungos without difficulty. It's also the easiest and cheapest Nespresso machine to clean, maintain and operate.
If you're looking for something a bit larger than the Mini it's the Nespresso Essenza Plus. It's a more compact machine with the same design and brewing technology, but with a minimalist look. It also comes with an Nespresso capsule container and jug, as well as an adjustable water tank. It's also a bit more expensive, but it could be worth the extra expense if you'll be making mostly Americanos or if you're looking to make larger quantities of ristretto or espresso.
The most significant improvement to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which offer one-touch convenience and a range of drink options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all include a milk reservoir on the front and the ability to froth for cappuccinos or lattes. They're more expensive than the Essenza Mini, but they're worth it if you're looking for the ability to brew full-sized, milky drinks on demand without ever having to lift a pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
If you're seeking a machine that can brew larger cups of espresso-style shots and coffee the VertuoLine model could be for you. It's compatible with the brand's original pods (though you can also use less-expensive third-party ones) and has two buttons that are programmed to let you select between the alto standard, regular, and gran lungo sizes. It also offers the centrifusion method, which pulls water from 20 punctures in the top of the capsule. According to Nespresso the process produces a higher amount of crema.
This model is a great choice for those who are looking for an efficient, reliable espresso machine and coffee at the push of a button. It's not equipped with too many bells and whistles. It was a great performer in the Single-Serve Coffee Makers' laboratory tests, particularly in the first-cup and repeat speed.
It's among the most affordable choices among Nespresso machines and has a relatively compact footprint. It has a smaller tank as well as smaller capacity for used capsules than other models.
If you're looking to make milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos or lattes, it's worth spending an extra amount of money into one with an integrated frother. Both Lattissima and Creatista can do so without much effort and the Nespresso Inissia was designed to make your life easier with a milk container that holds up to 12 used capsules.
All Nespresso machines must be descaled at the very least once a year. The company claims that it's easy to perform, and the machine will alert you when it's time to do it. You can also purchase descaling kits from the manufacturer to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso fan who loves milk-based coffees and other milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a suitable choice for you. It's also simple to use and has the same beverage options as its sibling, the Creatista Plus. The milk frother is automatic and self-cleaning, but it also lets you manually adjust the milk texture and temperature as desired. The result is a smooth, frothy milk perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods, and it can brew espresso, including single shots in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks, such as cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, and flat whites. It's incredibly simple to use with large, clear LED display and labelled buttons for the different drinks. It also comes with a barista-style steam wand for milk and an ice jug that are easier to clean than standard integrated frothers on the majority of Nespresso machine.
The Creatista Pro may be a bit more expensive than other models, but it's a premium machine. It's simple to use and looks great on your counter. It also comes with a complimentary Tamper and reusable capsules which can save you money over the long term.
Consider the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk for a slightly cheaper version. It might not have as many bells, whistles, and features like the Creatista but it offers an array of drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and three different espresso sizes. It also has a more intuitive interface, with just a single button that can be used for powering on and rinsing. It is also small and comes with an easily moveable tank, which allows you to adjust it to the design of your kitchen.