PSL season is just around the corner, but even everyone’s favorite drink at Starbucks isn’t immune to inflation. But don’t get caught up in a spiral of decaffeinated despair just yet. You can make many drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato) with one tool: the Nespresso.
Among the most popular coffee makers, there are 26 types of Nespresso machines on the market - and even more if you count Nespresso capsule-compatible coffee makers. Each model offers the same professional quality as an artisanal beverage from your favorite coffee chain, while costing about less than a month’s worth of coffee consumption.
We have recommendations to suit almost any coffee lover, but the best Nespresso machine is the one that makes all your espresso dreams come true. And don’t just take our word for it - Angela Catherine, director of the Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab at DeliverIt, is one of the brand’s legion of enthusiasts. And with many years of professional experience testing kitchen appliances and other equipment, she certainly knows a thing or two about the best gadgets and tools.
“I really like Nespresso products, their coffee and their espresso,” Catherine says, adding, “The main difference between a Nespresso machine and another type of espresso machine is the crema: it’s creamier, and espressos usually have a thinner Crema, whereas the Crema in Nespresso machines is thicker.” If Catherine’s resounding praise has fully convinced you, read on for our recommendations on the best Nespresso coffee makers, as well as everything you need to know about the differences between their Original and Vertuo models, so you can start looking forward to waking up in the morning.
Not sure if a Nespresso is the right machine for you? Don’t worry, there are as many coffee makers as there are individual coffee orders. Investing in a coffee maker with a grinder can give you total control over your coffee, while the beauty of a drip coffee maker is its simplicity. Finally, an espresso maker can give you the best of both worlds.
How we chose these products
To find the best Nespresso machine, we turned to our friends at the DeliverIt, who identified the top-performing, top-rated brands and put them to the test. Their team of experts - which includes all kinds of people: engineers! Their expert team of engineers, data analysts and dieticians rigorously test everyday products (and then more and more tests) in their New York City labs to determine which ones you can trust.
Preparing over 60 cups of espresso, these kitchen technology experts put over 20 machines through rigorous testing to analyze a variety of important factors, including usability, Crema sweetness, taste (no bitter or acidic coffee here!), noise level during operation, temperature and volume consistency, ease of cleaning, and preparation time. After reviewing their results and discussing their road tests in depth with Papantoniou, we determined that these are the best Nespresso machines you can buy in 2022.
1. De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine
You don’t have to go all the way to Italy, or even Starbucks, to get a good cup of espresso. Simply step up to your kitchen counter and make yourself a cup with the push of a button on the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe.
Offering a variety of size and beverage options, it can produce a frothy Crema and up to 14 ounces of everything from single or double espresso to lungo. In fact, one of the DeliverIt testers “didn’t even have to add milk, even though that’s how she usually drinks her coffee.” This machine is only compatible with Nespresso’s premium VertuoLine pods, but with nearly 30 flavors to choose from, you will find something you like - just ask Catherine.
“This is my favorite Nespresso machine, and the reason I love it so much is that of the capsules,” she enthuses. “These capsules have a barcode under the rim of the capsule, and that barcode tells the machine exactly how to use it, and that technology has long been unique to Nespresso. The other thing about these capsules is that they’ make espresso or coffee or a travel capsule, so you’re guaranteed to get a consistent cup every time.” She adds, “The control panel is also very easy to use, just lift it up to open it, so you get a consistent cup every time,” and adds, “I also enjoy having the frother available to make lattes whenever I want.”
The VertuoPlus Deluxe is a little noisy, but we think a little noise is a good trade-off for its consistent temperature and volume, 19-bar pressure system, and sleek, modern design (made from 54 percent recycled plastic and featuring a removable 60-ounce reservoir). And when you’re done sipping your rich, balanced beverage, you can return the used pods to Nespresso for recycling.
Buy: De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine
2. Instant pod coffee and espresso machines
Say it’s not Nespresso! Sure, the instant pod coffee and espresso machine doesn’t carry the Nespresso brand, but it still has a lot to bring to the coffee table, including its versatility.
“It’s a single-serve coffee maker that can use Nespresso pods to make espresso. It uses traditional Nespresso pods, and the advantage of this machine is that if someone in your family likes K-cups, you can use them as well,” said Catherine. “This is one of the few manufacturers in the market that I know of that offers this versatility.”
Like most traditional Nespresso models, the instant pod coffee and espresso maker offers 19 bars of pressure, a user-friendly one-touch design and an automatic shut-off feature (which activates after 30 minutes of inactivity). And with six cup sizes, you’re guaranteed to get the perfect cup, whether you’re in the mood for a quick mid-day pick-me-up or like to take a travel mug full of sweet coffee with you on your daily commute.
Some may find this machine bulky, but it’s fair to note that some of that weight can be attributed to the instant coffee and espresso machine’s myriad of convenient features, such as the removable drip tray, the receptacle for storing used capsules, and the large (68 ounce!) removable water tank.
Buy: Instant pod coffee and espresso machines
3. De’Longhi Nespresso Gran Lattissima coffee and espresso machine
You may think the easiest way to get quality coffee is to go to a coffee shop, but the 19 bar of pressure and fast heating system of the De’Longhi Nespresso Gran Lattissima coffee and espresso machine will make you say “We have coffee at home” - and love it.
This intuitively designed machine prioritizes the user experience with a customizable descaling alert (mitigating the ravages of hard water on your coffee and coffeemaker) and a detachable pitcher that’s as easy to clean as it is to store in your refrigerator. And like the Essenza Mini, the Gran Lattissima has a programmable automatic power saving feature that turns off after a period of inactivity. But the highlights don’t stop there.
“This is one of the Nespresso machines that has a built-in frother that froths for you. It controls the frothing experience, which is great for a beginner or novice, and you can put it in the fridge if you’ve made extra. Also, the control panel is really easy to use. Just press a button to get your drink,” said Catherine, who added that “this machine accepts regular Nespresso pods.”
Testers from the Good Housekeeping Institute found the nozzle difficult to clean, and the machine was rather noisy and inconsistent between drinks. However, the Gran Lattissima certainly offers plenty of options, including espresso, cappuccino, flat white, and even hot milk and foam.
Buy: De’Longhi Nespresso Gran Lattissima coffee and espresso machine
4. De’Longhi CitiZ Original Nespresso Machine
You know what they say about large tank coffee makers: they leave big footprints. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the De’Longhi CitiZ Original Nespresso Machine, which has a large water tank (34 ounces) and imparts a great deal of flavor despite its compact, unobtrusive size.
“We haven’t tested it yet, it’s on our agenda,” said Catherine, who appreciates that the CitiZ Original is “about the same size as the Essenza Mini, so it fits into smaller spaces.”
With two programmable buttons and an automatic flow-stop feature, the CitiZ Original’s offerings are limited to two types of coffee: espresso and lungo. But thanks to the foldable (and removable) drip tray, you have the option of pouring your beverage into containers of different sizes. It’s also another Nespresso with an automatic power-saving feature, though you can adjust the settings so that it turns off the machine after nine to 30 minutes of inactivity.
Its options may be as modest as its stature, but that doesn’t mean this machine is without capabilities: Not only does the CitiZ Original have a removable capsule tank to store Nespresso’s OriginalLine recyclable pods, but its 19-bar pressure system also has a thermoblock that heats the machine to the right temperature in just 25 seconds.
Buy: De’Longhi CitiZ Original Nespresso Machine
5. Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso machine by Breville
Communication is key in any relationship, and yes, that should include your relationship with your coffee maker. The latest model in Nespresso’s VertuoLine, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso machine bridges the gap between man and machine with Bluetooth connectivity and a nifty app that alerts you when the water level is low, when the machine needs descaling, and when it’s time for a software update.
Made from 54 percent recycled plastic-the most of any Nespresso machine-the gadget’s slim design is both user-friendly and eco-friendly, with features like a removable one-liter water tank and an energy-saving auto shut-off function. (You’ll have to get a milk frother on your own, though, because even geniuses can’t do everything.)
Thanks to centrifugal technology, the Vertuo Next’s system takes just 30 seconds to heat and brew coffee and espresso in a variety of sizes, such as 5-18 ounces and single and double espressos. For ultimate versatility and convenience, you can also adjust the four preset sizes to suit your habits, and the removable drip tray even offers three adaptable positions to fit large glasses and travel mugs. And like other Nespresso models, this machine’s one-touch brewing system uses barcode scanning technology to recognize exactly which VertuoLine capsule you’ve inserted. It then determines the proper cup size, brewing time, pressure and temperature to ensure you get a perfect cup every time - no guesswork or frustration here!
According to Catherine, “The operation is the same as the VertuoPlus, but this machine is made from recyclable materials, and the experience is a little less electronic: you simply turn the lever on top of the unit to open it, then push the lever and turn it yourself to close it.”
Buy: Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso machine by Breville
6. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine
We can’t be the only ones trying to suppress the urge to recreate every photo mentioned in Bo Burnham’s “White Woman’s Instagram” song. While we’re still working on little pumpkins and cozy fuzzy socks, the Breville Creatista Plus Nespresso Espresso Machine can help you get a head start with its built-in automatic milk frother and included stainless steel milk jug to show off your best coffee frothing skills. To get even more bang for your buck, this machine also features an automatic cleaning process, a removable 1.5-liter water tank and an auto-purge steam nozzle.
“It’s exactly like the Creatista Pro, but the control panel is a little different,” Catherine explains. “It’s a little more manual, unlike the fully electronic control panel that the Pro has.” That means the Creatista Plus isn’t compatible with Vertuo pods and isn’t capable of brewing regular coffee, but while that can be overwhelming for some-especially if you’re switching from a standard drip coffeemaker-the Creatista Plus’ TFT LCD screen can guide you through every step, showing you each of the brewing and maintenance settings.
Whether you prefer a flat white cappuccinos or lattes, this machine can brew just about anything from single-serve coffee to espresso, with three size options: ristretto (0.5 oz), espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (5 oz). You can even adjust other factors such as coffee volume and milk temperature to get a cup exactly the way you like it.
Buy: Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine
7. Nanopresso portable espresso machine
With the Nanopresso portable espresso maker from WACACO, you can say goodbye to stale hotel coffee and gas station sludge. It’s even ideal for camping or power outages thanks to its battery-free design and manual operation.
Calling the Nanopresso “great for travel,” (it even comes with a case), Papantoniou said, “It’s a portable machine that you use with traditional Nespresso pods. Basically, you put hot water and coffee grounds in it and prepare your espresso by pressing a button, turn the plunger, turn the machine over, and keep pressing the button to prepare your espresso.”
While you’ll need to purchase the WACACO Nanopresso Pod Adapter separately if you want to use your favorite Nespresso capsules, this lightweight, compact gadget can brew cup after cup of perfect espresso with a dense, pleasing Crema layer every time. All you need for your next cup is finely ground coffee, hot water and a little energy.
And when you’re satisfied with your coffee, cleaning is as easy as removing the Nanopresso porta filter. Be sure to wash it by hand, as the manufacturer strongly advises against putting this coffee maker on an “electric or gas hot plate, in an oven, microwave or dishwasher.”
Buy: Nanopresso portable espresso machine
Is it worth it to get a Nespresso machine?
Because espresso requires a different brewing process than other types of coffee, espresso machines can usually only make espresso. If you like to keep your options open or don’t have a lot of counter space, it may not be worth spending money on such an expensive machine. That’s why a Nespresso can be a great alternative.
But don’t think you’re sacrificing quality for convenience. “A good coffee maker should last you years,” Catherine explained, adding that a Nespresso machine “should certainly last you several years - I’ve been working at the DeliverIt for two years now, and the one I’m using has been there for at least four years.”
These machines may not replicate the experience of sipping a freshly pulled drink from a barista in a cozy Venetian cafe, but they come very close. Purists (and/or Italians) may say that Nespresso is not as good as “real” espresso, but like a good cup of coffee, it is much more nuanced.
In fact, there is no universal interpretation of what makes a perfect cup of espresso. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), “espresso is a 25-35 ml (.85-1.2 ounce [×2 for a double]) beverage prepared from 7 to 9 grams (14-18 grams for a double) of coffee through which clean water of 195°-205°F (90.5°-96.1°C) has been forced at a pressure of 9-10 atmospheres, and where the grind of the coffee is such that the brewing time is 20-30 seconds. During brewing, the flow of espresso will appear to be the viscosity of hot honey and the resulting beverage will have a thick, dark golden crema. We should prepare specifically the espresso for its intended consumer and served to them immediately.” And performing Nespresso machines is quite similar, with one of the key differences being that the Espresso and Lungo pod lines contain five and seven grams of pre-ground coffee, respectively. The model you own determines the type of pods you’ll be able to use and plays a role in the extraction time, which is just below the SCAA’s recommendation of between 17 and 25 seconds.
Also, these versatile machines can make many of your favorite drinks in the comfort of your own home, even if you prefer espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, while others in your family just want a simple espresso. It’s this quality, versatility and reliability that makes Nespresso machines so popular, both on our counters and on the counters of the kitchen experts at DeliverIt.
“I really like Nespresso machines for their convenience, and they also produce a very consistent cup, which makes it easy to make a quick cup of coffee in the morning, knowing you’re going to enjoy it,” Papantoniou says. “There are also two types of Nespresso machines that use different capsules: Traditional machines use capsules that make single, double and lungo, but you’ll need to use multiple capsules if you make something like double. Vertuos can make fresh coffee, like iced coffee, and you only need to use one capsule.”
Are all Nespresso machines the same?
If you’re wondering which Nespresso is best for you, you’ve come to the right place. All Nespresso models are the same in terms of quality, but finding the right one can be daunting, given that there are over 25 kinds split between two different coffee systems: You have the more basic OriginalLine and the more versatile VertuoLine (That’s right, the rumors are wrong - Nespresso’s VertuoLine has not been discontinued).
“There are many Nespresso machines, and they’re all priced differently,” Catherine says. What may be expensive (or even too expensive) for some may not be if the machine has all the features you need. But one thing you don’t have to worry about is whether the De’Longhi or Breville Nespresso machines are better.
Aside from their names and features, Catherine revealed that there are no major differences between these third-party manufacturers. “It’s essentially the same machine, it’s just licensed by Breville and De’Longhi. You’ll see unique designs, but their performance is the same.”
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the Nespresso that’s right for you:
Brewing options: Nespresso’s OriginalLine is perfect if you only want one or two shots of espresso, but if you like to vary things up with a nice latte or cappuccino, depending on your mood, you could benefit from a machine that can offer a variety of flavorful brews.
Catherine suggests buyers think about the type of coffee they like to drink most often. “If they are looking for espresso, traditional machines are impressive. If they want to make a lot of drinks and are looking for something more versatile, I recommend the Vertuo machines. And if they want to make frothy milk-based drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos, I would advise them to choose a machine with a built-in frother, instead of buying a separate frother.”
The more sophisticated options on Nespresso’s VertuoLine machines, such as the ability to make iced coffee, are worth the extra cost if you know you’ll actually use them. But keep in mind that the price of these models increases with the number of additional features they offer. But before you swoon, remember that you’ll save a lot of money - not to mention a few precious moments of extra sleep - by making your morning coffee at home rather than going to the local chain store.
Quantity: Not only do different Nespresso machines can produce the perfect amount of coffee for a small espresso cup or your favorite mug, but some can even fill an entire travel mug. While this may be too much if you live in a small home or have little counter space, there are also more compact options.
Size: Quantity and brewing options also go hand-in-hand with size. If you need multiple cups to run your motor or if over one person will use your Nespresso machine, it’s best to opt for a model with a larger water tank so you don’t have to refill the water reservoir after each use. Keep in mind that this contributes to the overall footprint of the machine, as do additional accessories such as built-in frothers.
