The 6 Best Nespresso Machines We Tested — and Love
We tried almost every model. These are the best ones for every type of coffee drinker.
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I'm a pretty picky coffee drinker. I like a strong cup with a full body and a pleasant aroma. I've also been testing kitchen appliances for more than ten years, so any coffee maker I recommend needs to be well-made, easy to use and clean — three reasons why Nespresso machines rank very high on my list of best coffee makers.
The single-serve coffee machines make it incredibly easy to make a delicious espresso or coffee depending on the one you buy. They use aluminum-filled capsules (most of which are Nespresso-branded) and they come in all sizes. Some are tiny and only make espresso, while others are larger and can make different types of espresso drinks and coffee.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, my team and I have tested almost every Nespresso machine model, and have used many of them for years either in our homes or in the Lab. We’ve also tested hundreds of coffee makers and espresso makers so we know how they compare. Here are the best Nespresso machines you can buy based on our findings and the features you might be looking for.
Pros
- Makes espresso and coffee
- Foolproof operation
Cons
- Compatible only with Nespresso Vertuo pods
Dimensions: 6"D x 17"W x 13"H | Capsules: Vertuo | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 60 oz.
This Nespresso machine may not be their latest or most advanced models, but it's one of my favorites. It uses their Vertuo capsules, which means it can make espressos, double espressos, ristrettos and all sorts of coffee sizes depending on the capsule you choose. Each capsule contains a barcode that the machine "reads" and then brews accordingly — and you just have to press a button.
The head lifts automatically by gently pressing the bottom of the lever up and it automatically ejects the used capsule into the waste container. (Some Nespresso machines are more manual.) This step also turns the machine on so it starts heating right away. After you insert the capsule you push the lever down and press the start button when illuminated ring becomes solid.
All of the drinks come out rich with a frothy crema. Some testers who have tried the coffee said they don't have to add any milk when they typically would.
The machine has a 40-ounce reservoir that's easy to remove, refill and clean. The reservoir also moves from side to side if you need a little extra space, and the cup holder is adjustable to accommodate different sized cups.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Friendly pricepoint
- Can make cold brew concentrate
Cons
- Can't accommodate taller glasses
Dimensions: 8.6" x 14" x 10.4" | Capsules: Vertuo | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 24.5 oz.
Nespresso's Vertuo Pop+ is one of their newer models. It's smaller and offers a more approachable pricepoint for their Vertuo machines. It also comes in multiple colors if you're looking for a "pop" in your home.
It makes all sorts of espresso and coffee sizes like all of the other Vertuo machines. Its operation is more manual—you turn the level on the top of the machine to release the head and then you insert the capsule, push down the head and turn the lever to lock it into place. Like the VertuoPlus, it brews with the press of a button.
The water reservoir is smaller at 24. ounces, which means more refills. It makes the same delicious cup as the other Vertuo machines. One unique difference: it can accommodate Nespresso's XL Vertuo capsules so you can brew cold brew concentrate.
Note there's not a lot of space between the brewing spout and cup holder, so you'll need to use shorter cups.
Nespresso by Breville Essenza Mini
Pros
- Small and narrow
- Makes rich, creamy espresso
Cons
- Loud for a little machine
- Small waste container and water tank
Dimensions: 8" x 4.3" x 12.8" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 20.3 oz.
If you're looking for a small and basic espresso maker that delivers great taste, this Nespresso is for you. It's short, narrow and lightweight (especially helpful if you want to store it away like I do), but powerful.
It works by lifting the lever to expose the capsule holder. After you add your capsule, you pull the lever down to close it. You then press one of the two buttons to wake it, and once the flashing symbols become solid, you select your desired size (a single or a lungo.)
The machine achieves 19 bars of pressure when brewing so it can be pretty loud. The espresso is strong with a creamy crema.
I use this Nespresso machine when I'm in a pinch, and especially like using it for espresso martinis because the Original capsules it uses are less expensive than the Vertuo ones; plus, other brands make capsules it can accomodate, too.
The waste container needs to be emptied often since it's so small, and the 20.3 ounce reservoir also needs to be refilled pretty often.
Nespresso by Breville Creatista Plus
Pros
- Features a steam wand for frothing
- Has a colored digital control panel
Cons
- Somewhat loud while brewing
Dimensions: 6.7" x 16.1" x 12.2" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: Yes | Water tank capacity: 50 oz.
While you can buy a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos, lattes and more with your Nespresso, this one comes with a built-in steam wand and a stainless steel milk jug so you can truly feel like a barista. The colored digital control panel features four guided recipes so you can make a flat white, cafe latte, cappuccino and latte macchiato. You can also choose from four milk froths and eleven milk temperatures (sensors on the base take the guesswork out and tell the machine when to stop steaming.)
This Creatista Plus is part of the Original line of machines and uses Original capsules. While it's one of the more expensive Nespresso models, it delivers a luxurious experience.
Nespresso Lattissima One Original Espresso Machine
Pros
- Easy to use
- Detachable milk hopper
- Compact size
Cons
- Milk frother requires disassembly to clean
Dimensions: 6.1" x 12.8" x 10.1" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: Yes | Water tank capacity: 33.8 oz.
Cappuccino and latte fans can enjoy the ease and convenience of making their favorite drink with this Lattissima One. It offers three options including espresso, lungo and frothed milk so you can easily create a cappuccino or latte macchiato. Our experts were impressed with the milk froth container that froths the milk for you and pours it into your cup for a truly hands-off experience.
The dishwasher-safe milk container detaches from the machine for easy refilling and cleaning. Testers found the container and parts a bit difficult to clean because it requires disassembling multiple components, but the milk hopper is dishwasher-safe. The Lattissima One is simple to use with three buttons and the compact size won't take up much space.
Pros
- Makes great espresso from Nespresso original capsules
- Compact and portable
- Simple to use
Cons
- No water reservoir; must source hot water separately
- Takes a fair amount of strength to pump the device
Dimensions: 2.36" x 2.75" x 5.07" | Capsules: Original capsules | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 80 ml
As an espresso drinker, I know what it's like to be stuck with bad coffee on a trip. This on-the-go Nespresso machine solves my problems. It's smaller than a soda can and only requires an Original capsule and access to hot water to brew.
It can generate up to 18 bars of pressure, according to the brand, and dispenses by pumping it with your hand. All the pieces nest inside of it for storage.
Our Lab analyst was impressed with the espresso shot it made with a nice layer of crema, similar to what you would get from a Nespresso machine.
Other Nespresso machines we tested
• Nespresso Gran Lattissima by De'Longhi: We like that this machine offers nine drink options, including milk-based ones like lattes and cappuccinos, with one button press. However, we found the drinks lacked consistency, and the Lattissima One makes milk-based drinks at a lower price, though with fewer options.
• Nespresso Creatista Pro: The Creatista Pro lets you customize espresso volume, milk temperature and even froth level and texture. Our testers loved that they could also save their custom drink preferences. What held this machine back is that it stopped working after a few years, making it difficult to justify its $850 price tag.
How we test espresso and Nespresso machines
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we test Nespresso machines following a similar methodology to our espresso machine testing evaluating ease of use and performance.
While we haven't formally tested every single Nespresso machine in the Lab, our selection is a mix of the best Lab-tested machines and our road-tested top picks. Here, we prioritized machines that balance useful features with price, that are easy to set up and use, and brew consistent espresso time after time. Over the years we've used more than 300 Nespresso capsules to brew espresso or coffee.
For ease of use we assess factors such as ease of filling the water tank, using the controls, attaching or detaching accessories, cleaning and any splattering.
We time how long it takes to make a drink. We brew multiple drinks recording the temperature and volume of each one to ensure each drink is consistent, hot and the machine works well.
If the machine has a milk frother, we test it with both skim and oat milks. We assess if the foam is smooth and stable without large air bubbles.
Finally, we taste each drink to ensure each machine produces a hot and tasty coffee or espresso with crema that's silky and creamy. If the machine has a milk frother we also taste a cappuccino or latte to ensure a delicious drink.
What to look for when buying the best Nespresso machine
Before you get brewing, you'll have to decide what type of machine best suits your needs. Some models, like those in the popular VertuoLine, make both coffee and espresso. Some have built-in milk frothers for creating the perfect latte or cappuccino. Others create more crema for a well-rounded espresso. Although almost all Nespresso models are simple to use and less expensive than other espresso machines, it’s important to consider the features that fit your needs before making the investment. Here's what to keep in mind:
✔️ Original vs. VertuoLine: To understand the differences between all the Nespresso models, you must first understand the difference between how the VertuoLine and the Original series of machines operate.
- Original machines, including the Creatista Series, the Essenza, the CitiZ and the Lattissima Series, use Original Nespresso pods and produce espresso by forcing water through the top of a pod using 19 bars of pressure (much like a traditional espresso machine), eventually rupturing the foil at the bottom of the pod and allowing the espresso to flow out. Because the original machines operate more like real espresso machines, they can make espresso only, not coffee, and you should expect a more traditional level of crema. Original machines are also louder than VertuoLine machines because of this process.
- VertuoLine machines, first introduced in 2014 to appeal to the North American market, use a different technology that Nespresso likes to call “Centrifusion”: Water flows in through the top of the dome-shaped capsule (a.k.a. Nespresso's Vertuo pod), mixes with espresso grounds through centrifugal force, and then flows out through 20 punctures on the side of the capsule. As a result of this Centrifusion process, the VertuoLine machines produce espresso with a thick layer of crema, plus they also can make regular coffee.
✔️ Original capsules vs. Vertuo capsules: This is important to consider because you can’t swap pods between machine types. However, all pod types can be recycled through the Nespresso capsule recycling program. Here's the difference:
- Original pods come in only one size. They are generally easier to find, less expensive and available in more varieties and even brands, although this may change. If you’re strictly an espresso fan and prefer a traditional level of crema, the original line will likely suit your needs.
- Vertuo pods have custom barcodes that the machines read in order to automatically produce the right drink every time, making them very easy to use. Vertuo pods also come in different sizes, so your larger drinks won’t be diluted. If you’re looking to make a wide variety of coffee drinks and want a machine that’s very easy to use (and can make coffee!), a VertuoLine model is your best bet.
✔️ Milk frothers: Some Nespresso models, including the Creatista series and the Lattissima One, come with integrated steam wands for frothing milk. These are very convenient for those looking to make macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks with milk. However, these milk frothers can sometimes be difficult to clean and maintain. Nespresso also sells the Aeroccino, a separate milk frother that’s often bundled with their machines. If you want a café experience, you should consider choosing a model with an integrated frother. The Aeroccino doesn’t produce a “true” microfoam, but it performed great in our milk frother testing and prepares milk quickly and easily for your coffee and espresso.
✔️ Size: If you’re looking for a machine as small, powerful and refined as a shot of espresso itself, there are several compact options, including the Essenza Mini and CitiZ. These machines forgo extra features and big water reservoirs in order to remain small and lightweight. But if you want to make many drinks in a row or a larger cup of coffee for yourself, you’ll need to consider the larger models with a higher water tank capacity. Make sure the machine you choose will fit under your cabinets and suit the kind of vessel you’ll be drinking your coffee from.
✔️ Opening mechanism: Some machines like the Vertuo Pop, Essenza and Lattissima One require you to manually open them using a lever or slide handle. Other machines such as the Vertuo Plus open automatically by pressing the lever, making them slightly more convenient.
✔️ Manufacturer: Don’t be thrown off by the labels “by Breville” or “by De’Longhi” on different Nespresso models: Both companies have the rights to manufacture these machines, and neither necessarily makes a better one. The differences you’ll notice between manufacturers have more to do with design — for example, many of the Breville machines match the company’s usual stainless steel and brushed-stainless steel aesthetic.
How to use Nespresso machines
Since Nespresso’s launch in 1986, the Swiss company has developed a range of sleek automatic home coffee and espresso machines that use a patented pod-based system. To operate a Nespresso machine, simply choose your favorite pod from their coffee or espresso offerings, pop it into the machine and press a button for a drink in seconds.
Which Nespresso Vertuo is the best?
We love the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi which is our overall top pick for the best Nespresso machine. It's extremely easy to use and has a great price, making it great for first-time Nespresso users or those who want to purchase a new machine. It offers options for espresso or coffee with additional choices for double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto.
What is the difference between Vertuo and VertuoPlus?
The VertuoPlus is similar to the Vertuo with a few upgrades. The VertuoPlus has an adjustable water tank that swivels left, right or behind the machine, so it accommodates most counter spaces. Another handy feature: It automatically opens and closes, as well as ejects the capsule after it's finished brewing.
No matter which machine you choose, both have a computerized scanning system that reads the barcode on the Vertuo capsule and uses the Nespresso Centrifusion technology that relies on centrifugal force to brew espresso and coffee.
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Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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