Best Nespresso Machine Reviews
Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has tested and evaluated a variety of kitchen appliances. She also writes about other household products and gadgets.
The top Nespresso machines come with a range of drinks, are simple to use and clean, and they heat up quickly. They should be compatible only with the original Nespresso capsules and come with an exclusive container for used capsules.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista, a new model from Nespresso it fills a need that is important. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine to have an integrated milk maker 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 also comes with two litres of water tank as well as an adjustable drip tray that allows you to use your own carafe or travel mug. It utilizes Nespresso Centrifusion to create capsules for brewing, and make a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo, and alto, in addition to cappuccino macchiato, latte and cappuccino.
It is compatible with the original Nespresso capsules and their Vertuo Line equivalents. The machine is able to read the barcode on the pod lip and knows the best settings to use for the optimum results. This makes it the most intelligent machine in the line-up.
Like other Nespresso machines, the Creatista has a quick heat-up time thanks to its thermoblock system. The only downside is that it takes a bit longer to produce an Espresso shot than the other models.
The main draw for most people, however, will be the built-in milk frother. The wand is similar to the manual steam wands you can find on other espresso machines. However, it's completely automated and includes temperature and the ability to control the texture. This is a great feature for anyone who likes to add milk to their coffee and it makes the Creatista an attractive choice for many buyers. Previously, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available on the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact machine from Nespresso is a great addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and uses less energy than other pod-based coffee makers we've tested yet still delivers the best cup of coffee.
In our latest testing, the CitiZ performed very well in single-serve mode as well as the larger brewing mode. It also has several amazing features, like the ability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts), an water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces, and an attractive and modern design.
The quick heating system of the machine can heat water to the perfect temperature in 25 seconds. And the automatic energy-saving feature shuts off the machine after nine minutes of inactivity. You'll need an additional attachment to add milk to coffee if you wish to do this.
One of the things we love about of the CitiZ is its labeled buttons that are simple to use. You can choose from a range of single-serve drinks. These include an espresso shot in three sizes, as well as a range of milk-based options like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.
The CitiZ is a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini and other compact OriginalLine models, but it has a few extra features that could make it worthwhile for some customers. For instance it's the first Nespresso model to use 40% recycled plastic. And it offers the possibility of connecting to a smartphone app for maintenance alerts, instructions for brewing and capsule tracking.
The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray and capsule container are all easily cleaned and removed for quick cleaning. It has a descaling mode built in. However, the frequency you need to run it will be contingent upon your home's water hardness. We suggest softened or filtered water, which can cut down on mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is the smallest Nespresso machine available, a sleek tower of clean lines that fits in the tiniest kitchens. It's perfect for those who are just beginning their journey with Nespresso or for those who don't have lots of cash to spend and don't care about extra features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art device) that won't improve their coffee. But just because it's small doesn't mean that the Mini can't perform its task well. It's able to brew ristrettos, espressos, and lungos without difficulty. It's also the most simple and cheapest Nespresso to clean, maintain and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It's a smaller machine with the same design and brewing technology, but with a minimalist look. It also comes with the Nespresso capsule container and jug, as well as an adjustable water tank. what google did to me is also more expensive, but may be worth it if plan to make a lot of Americanos or if you want to brew large quantities of espresso or ristretto.
The Lattissima machines are the most recent additions to the Essenza range. They offer one-touch convenience, and a variety of beverage options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir on the front, as well as the ability to froth for lattes or cappuccinos. They're also more expensive than Essenza Minis, but is worth it if the goal is to to make full-sized milky drinks whenever you want them without lifting a pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
The VertuoLine machine is a great option if you want to brew large-sized cups of coffee or espresso-style shots. It's compatible with the original pods of the brand (though you can also utilize cheaper third-party ones) and comes with two buttons that can be programmed to let you choose between alto, regular, and gran lungo sizes. Plus, it offers an extremely quiet centrifusion process that pushes water through 20 punctures in the top of the capsule's domed lid, which Nespresso claims will produce an exceptional level of crema in each beverage.
This model is one of the best Nespresso alternatives for those who need steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the click of a button without excessive bells and whistles. It did well in our Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests especially in terms of first-cup speed and repeat speed.
It's among the most affordable options available among Nespresso machines and has a fairly small footprint. The only issue is that it doesn't have a large capacity to store used capsules and has smaller water tanks than other models.
If you're planning to make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos then you might want to invest a little more on a model with built-in milk froth. The Lattissima, Creatista and Nespresso inissia all have been designed to make milk-based drinks with minimal hassle.
All Nespresso machines must be descaled at a minimum of a few time a year. The company says it's easy to do and they provide alerts on the machine that indicate when it's time. The company also offers descaling kits to allow the hands-off method.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffee and milk-based coffee, the Creatista Pro is a good alternative. Similar to its sibling, the Creatista Plus, it offers different beverage options and is easy to use. The milk frother can be adjusted manually to adjust the temperature and texture of milk. It is also automated and self-cleaning. The result is smooth, frothy milk that is perfect for lattes as well as cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods which can brew espresso in single shots in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks, such as cappuccinos, macchiatos made of latte 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 the barista-style steam wand as well as a milk jug, which is much easier to clean than the standard integrated frothers found on many Nespresso machines.
The Creatista Pro is a bit more expensive than the other models listed here, but it's an excellent machine that is easy to use and looks stunning on your counter. It also comes with a complimentary Tamper and reusable capsules which save money in the long run.
Take a look at the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk for a slightly cheaper version. It's not as full of bells and whistles as the Creatista however it does provide a more versatile range of drink options with three sizes of espresso, as well as lattes and cappuccinos. It also has a more user-friendly interface, with a single button that controls the power on, rinsing, and brewing. It is also compact and has an easily moveable tank, which allows you to adjust it to the design of your kitchen.