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Nespresso – a god sent machine, if you like caffeine. While espresso is a more efficient way to pack two cups of coffee into fewer ounces – it is typically expensive to buy when you go out.
Making it at home, is a far cheaper alternative. But there are also an overwhelming amount of choices out there, and the last thing you want to do is waste your money. So we did the research, tested a variety of Nespresso machines, and aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews.
After extensive testing, we were able to find the best Nespresso. Here are our top choices.
Our Top Pick
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo
The Vertuo Evoluo is our top pick for best Nespresso. With over 600 perfect reviews, consumers agree that this comes in at the right price, offers great functionality (it makes coffee – as well as espresso!) – and never fails to deliver a perfect cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage. While you can pay more to get more features – or pay less to save money – this is our go-to Nespresso machine. It runs great in our office, and we are kind of obsessed with it, to be honest.
Other Great Picks
Nespresso Essenza
If you want a small machine – this is your go-to. If offers delicious espressos, with perfect – and it requires so little space and upkeep. With over 600 perfect reviews online – consumers agree with us. We took it through rigorous testing, and it quite honestly performed just as well as more expensive machines, which also take up more space. A pleasant surprise, and a definite thumbs up on this one.
Nespresso Inissia
With over 1,000 stellar online reviews, this machine has quite an awesome reputation. It is affordable, turns off automatically, and heats up in just 30 seconds after you turn it on. The very simple operation is a pleasant surprise, and about our only critique is that it is a bit loud. If you want perfect espresso – this is your machine. You can spend more, but unless you want additional features – there’s no need to.
Nespresso Lattissima Plus
This stellar machine has over 900 glowing online reviews, and it is the Ferrari of Nespresso machines. The milk frother works great, it’s extremely easy to clean, and it performs like a dream. Our staff honestly said this was the best espresso they’ve ever tasted – in addition to the wonderful cappuccinos and lattes it can easily make at the press of a button. The only reason not to grab this machine, is if you want a budget pick, instead. But those will not be able to make cappuccinos and lattes – so it’s all about your personal preference.
Nespresso Expert Espresso Machine
An expert machine, indeed. With 4 different cup sizes, a 38 ounce water tank, and a 30 second heat up time – it performs flawlessly. It is not small – certainly worth the space, but there are more compact models available. We loved the design of the flat-to-the-wall shape (which does make it more compact), as well as the multiple brewing temperatures. Highly recommended by our staff.
Mueller Espresso Machine
With over 1,000 glowing reviews, and a stellar price point – this is the perfect budget Nespresso machine. It’s compact, performs flawlessly, and has no extra fluff. The is excellent, and the quality is pretty unbeatable, coming from such a small and inexpensive machine. A perfect budget option.
Nespresso Pixie Espresso
With 300 perfect reviews, the Pixie is a great machine to brew your espresso. It’s compact, has a great price point, and performs flawlessly. This gives authentic European taste, and the is also easy to use. Definite thumbs up.
Nespresso Creatista Plus
This workhorse makes perfect espresso and coffee – and is a beautiful machine. While not the least expensive machine, the extra features, performance, and durability are well worth it. The 200 glowing reviews say it all – it’s efficient, makes great espresso, and is barista grade. If you only want to buy one espresso machine for the rest of your life – make it this one.
Nespresso Lattissima One
This machine made it to the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things – a pretty big achievement. It offers very simple operation, great taste, and is very easy to clean. While there are more deluxe options – this is a great mid-range choice of Espresso machine, and we highly recommend it.
Nespresso CitiZ
The CitiZ offers delicious espresso, and a great price point. The machine itself has an elegant look, and the time-to-heat is only about 25-30 seconds. We highly recommend this, though you can certainly spend a little more, and get an even more deluxe machine, as well.
What Is Nespresso?
This particular way of espresso-making can trace its humble origins to Switzerland. In the 1970s, an employee at Nestlé first invented the machine which utilizes a single-use capsule of coffee beans to brew the fresh beverage.
However, the machine failed to take off until the early 2000s, when Nepressos landed in Paris as a simple concept store. Since then, it has taken over the world market, though it is particularly popular in Europe.
Today, Nespresso can not only be found in your kitchen — industrial-grade machines are often a hallmark in its many boutique stores across Europe.
Fun fact — did you know that the title “Nespresso” is derived from a mash-up of the parent company Nestlé and espresso? This linguistic trick is common for Nestlé. Just think about Nescafé, BabyNes, and Nesquik.
How Does Nespresso Work?
Nespresso supplies you with a steady stream of coffee, one cup at a time. All you need is a Nespresso machine, a capsule of loose ground coffee, and water. The capsule of coffee — typically 6 or so grams of fine grounds — is inserted into the machine. The machine punctures of the capsules with pressurized water.
The thin foil at the bottom of the capsule breaks, releasing the brewed coffee through a number of filters and funnels into your coffee mug.
How Do I Use My Nespresso?
If you have recently purchased a Nespresso machine — no matter the type — you might be wondering how exactly to use it. Well, the first step for all machines is to rinse both the inside and the outside before putting it to the test. You’ll want to fill the reservoir, the section on the machine where you put water before it is made into coffee. After it is rinsed and plugged in, the “lungo” button will activate the machine.
A “Lungo” size is basically twice the size of a regular espresso shot. Make sure you have a large travel mug ready and press the lungo button several times to run water through the machine. Don’t worry — you can just throw out the water.
Now that your Nespresso is rinsed, it’s ready to put to work. After turning the machine on — remember “lungo” — you simply insert the capsule, place the correctly sized mug on the tray before the machine. Make sure there is enough water in the reservoir. If you are using the Vertuo series, you’ll have to select a size. Then press “lungo” and the machine should do the rest.
What’s The Difference Between Nespresso And Other Single-Use Coffee Makers?
In the case of what came first, the chicken or the egg, Nespresso makes that answer easy. Any other pod-based coffee machine only came along after the patent for Nespresso waned. So, both machines brew coffee in essentially the same manner: the single-use capsule inserted into a pressurized machine that pierces the plastic capsules with hot water.
However, other machines seem to focus on providing different benefits to their consumers. While your other pod-based machine can brew beyond coffee — selling tiny capsules for earl gray tea to hot chocolate, Nespresso focuses strictly on coffee. Additionally, Nespresso also can brew straight espresso.
If you are looking to also brew specialty coffee items like lattes and espresso, Nespresso will be the machine to buy.
Where Can I Get The Nespresso Coffee Capsules?
Though you can find Nespresso capsules at your grocery store, it might be more convenient to cut out the middle man and use Nespresso’s easyorder. Capsules will be delivered to your door, and you can customize the frequency and date of shipping.
It’s important to note here that through the online easyorder, you have the entire coffee selection at your fingertips — from classic flavors like Napoli to Venezia to barista creations like cocoa truffle. You can mix and match throughout your journey as a proud Nespresso owner. You can purchase a single capsule to test out a new, tricky flavor, or you can buy bulk if you are certain you’ll love all the flavors in a pack.
What Happens To The Discarded Capsules?
Maybe you’ve heard the great debate when it comes to single-use capsules. Since each coffee is individually portioned and store in a small aluminum pod, any average coffee consumer is going to generate a fair amount of waste.
However, you’ll be happy to learn that Nespresso offers several solutions to keep capsules sustainable. The aluminum pods can be collected and brought to a drop-off location: namely, Nespresso boutiques. Here, you can also use the trip to stock up on pods.
Additionally, Nespresso takes advantage of a mailing partnership so you can mail in your used pods and they will be recycled and repurposed. In other words, you can enjoy your coffee system guilt-free!
What’s The Difference Between Espresso And Coffee?
Owning a Nespresso is a lot like being your own personal barista. In fact, espresso is considered the purest form of coffee by some. It certainly has the purest form of caffeine — roughly 80 mg of caffeine per 1.5 fluid ounce. With regular coffee, you get the same amount of caffeine but over 8 fluid ounces. Espresso — invented by Italians — is made through high pressure and speed. The Nespresso can make espresso. And it can’t be easier.
All you have to do is order the correct espresso pods; for example, Nespresso sells Double Espresso Scuro for a dollar per capsule or by the box-load. Then, all you have to do is press “espresso” on your Nespresso machine. It’s the easiest way to act as your personal barista, especially in the morning before you’ve had your coffee.
What Kind Of Drinks Can I Make With A Nespresso?
Equipped with the right kind of espresso capsules and the right kind of accessories, the caffeinated world is at your fingertips. You can make lattes, mochas, dirty chais, anything!
Let’s take a look at how’d you make a latte using a Nespresso machine. First, you need to make espresso using a capsule of Vivalto Lungo or Fortissio Lungo Grand Cru in the “lungo” setting. In a separate cup, you’ll want to froth approximately 100 ml of whole milk. Or skim milk. However, keep in mind the fat content since it affects the quality of the froth.
Nespresso recommends using the Aeroccino milk frother or the steam wand of your Nespresso machine. Depending on your specific machine, you’ll have a steam wand or you’ll have purchase your own accessory in order to froth the milk.
If you don’t have a steam wand on your machine or a frother, you can also whisk, shake, or blend the milk to achieve the same result — albeit a tad clumsier. When the milk is frothed, you simply pour your creation atop the espresso. And then you have your own homemade latte!
Can I Make Iced Drinks With My Nespresso?
You can make iced coffee drinks using your Nespresso — all you need is ice! An iced latte requires a hot espresso poured over cold milk and plenty of crushed ice. Mainly, you’ll want to watch which flavored capsules you are using for iced drinks. Dark, richer flavors work better chilled.
What Kind Of Accessories Do I Need For My Nespresso?
Not only is any Nespresso machine extremely multi-faceted, but you can purchase a myriad of items through Nespresso to complete your barista station. We’ve already mentioned the Aerocinna frother. Coming in red, black, and silver colors, these smooth cylinders helps separate the milk proteins into frothy, light goodness.
Again, you’ll want to be mindful of the fat content. Low fat means dry froth; high fat creates silky foam.
What other accessories might you want to look for to compliment your Nespresso? A reciprocal for all your capsules, of course! Many savvy Nespresso-owners have found creative ways to store their single-use coffee capsules.
Some keep the varied and flavored capsules in decorative bowls, while others store their coffee in mini shelves. If you like keeping a lot of flavors handy — Nespresso offers the regular flavors, like hazelnut, but they also provide the adventurous caffeine fiend flavors such as caramel cookie and vanilla custard pie.
How Can I Clean My Nespresso Machine?
Lastly, it’s important to discuss proper Nespresso care. Be sure to regularly wipe and clean your Nespresso machine. All those used capsules should be discarded properly. If you’re concerned about the environment, it will behoove you to learn that Nespresso offers drop-offs to recycle capsules and evening a mailing program: the aluminum and coffee grounds are separated. The aluminum is repurposed into other products and the used grounds are composted.
You’ll want to also regularly clean the water reservoir as well. Rinse and drain the tank often. You can also open, rinse, and lock the capsule container.
If you turn the lever to the “lock” position, tab the button three times in rapid succession, it will cause the machine to self-clean: running hot water through its system in quick spurts.
Any tap of the button will stop this process, however! Any Nespresso machine will require good upkeep in order for it to continue supplying you with delicious coffee.
The Best Nespresso
There you have it – our picks for the best Nespresso. There are a ton of great kitchen tools besides Nespresso machines, so be sure to take a look at our other reviews in the home section.