Nespresso has taken the world by storm.
These machines deliver beautifully balanced espresso by incorporating a revolutionary concept - incorporating the use of pre-portioned encapsulated espresso pods.
People love espresso - we will even pay upwards of 6 dollars for 30ml of the stuff!
Nespresso is different. Instead of paying 3-6 dollars for a shot of liquid gold, Nespresso offers espresso for around 0.70 - 2 dollars.
So what is the best Nespresso model?
Best Nespresso Machines
Nespresso Machine |
Milk Frother |
It Can Brew |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
VertuoLine |
No |
Espresso Coffee (8oz) |
|
Breville Creatista |
Yes |
Espresso Ristretto Lungo Capuccino Latte Flat White Latte Maccchiato |
|
VertuoLine Evoluo |
No |
Espresso Coffee (8oz) |
|
Prodigio |
No |
Ristretto Espresso Lungo |
|
Lattissima Pro |
Yes |
Ristretto Espresso Lungo Latte Capuccino Hot Milk |
|
Inissia |
No |
Espresso Lungo |
|
Lattissima Plus |
Yes |
Espresso Lungo Capuccino Latte Maccchiato |
|
Pixie |
No |
Espresso Lungo |
Nespresso VertuoLine
With VertuoLine, Nespresso's capsule brewing technology is made even more perfect.
The VertuoLine is the next generation of Nespresso. Instead of simply brewing whatever Nespresso capsule is placed into the machine, VertuoLine adapts to the coffee that is used.
This revolutionary concept of automated adaptation is possible because of a bar code that is printed around each Grand Cru (or capsule).
The machine reads this barcode and then adjusts brewing parameters to perfectly brew the prescribed coffee. The VertuoLine also incorporates Centrifusion, which is a new technology that gently spins the capsule while brewing. This process fully extracts coffee solubles.
Unlike the older generation of Nespresso machines, the Vertuoline can brew large cups of coffee. You now have the option of using large coffee capsules - choosing between an impressive array of roast profiles and flavors.
You could choose the Intenso - a blend of Guatemalan robustas and South American Arabicas that meld into a deep, toasty brew.
Or the fruity and lively Odacio blend - a blend of Ethiopian and Nicaraguan coffees that penetrate the palate with savory notes of stone fruit.
There are even flavored capsules like the Hazelino and the Caramelizio.
But it doesn't stop there! There are even more flavors in the Vertuoline large coffee selection.
Vertuoline machines read what coffee is in the chamber, and it adjusts brewing parameters for you. Machines of the past needed to be adjusted manually, but VertuoLine lets you breathe. All one must do is activate the brewing cycle with a click of a button.
Note that as of current, there are only four espresso options for the Vertuoline:
The VertuoLine is revolutionary. Coffee has never been brewed with intelligent automated quality like this.
Pros
Cons
Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
When many think of home espresso machines, they immediately picture a Nespresso unit.
Nespresso is notorious for consistent, easy espresso preparation.
Many also think of products from Breville - a company that has been around since 1932.
This machine takes the beauty of Nespresso and Breville design and combines it into an intellectual brewing beast.
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus was innovatively designed to be a performing machine, yet, it's aesthetic quality cannot be matched. Everything from its LCD high resolution interface to its gleaming surface compliments the coffee it produces.
The high resolution interface depicts an array of user settings. With the rotary selector knob, you can choose from an impressive arsenal of brewing options. Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White & Latte Macchiato drink options are all readily available.
Also keep in mind that coffee volume, milk temperature, and milk texture can be manipulated via the settings function. This precision offered by the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus will change your coffee game.
When one can change coffee and milk variables on the fly, they become a capable and savvy barista.
When you are satisfied with the settings, just press the start button beside the rotary selector knob.
One should also notice the traditional Breville style steam wand on this machine. Breville's advanced milk texture technology will play a part in every cup. The user can easily steam milk into the complimentary milk pitcher - pouring whatever latte art they can conjure up!
When Nespresso and Breville teamed up to design this machine, milk worries became a thing of the past.
Good coffee, good milk, latte art... what more could you want?
Pros
Cons
Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo
The Evoluo is the other VertuoLine Nespresso machine that we are featuring today.
VertuoLine is Nespresso's new brewing technology that features automatic blend recognition and Centrifusion brewing.
Compared to the standard VertuoLine machine, Evoluo is more square shaped. The aesthetic differs between the machines, but the intelligent quality of coffee is the same.
Since the Evoluo is part of the Vertuoline series, it more than just espresso. Nespresso's new Vertuoline machines brew large cups of coffee - expanding your coffee journey further than ever before with Nespresso!
You now have the option of using large coffee capsules. One can choose between many roast profiles and flavors.
Intelligent quality is made possible with the Evoluo's automatic blend recognition function. When a capsule is inserted into the machine, a barcode on the rim of the capsule is scanned. As soon as this happens, the Evoluo whips into gear. Coffee parameter adjustments are made based on capsule type.
Every coffee is different. Coffee growing regions differ in elevation, humidity, and plant varietal. All of these differences make individual coffees unique. Nespresso knows this, so they created VertuoLine to provide a custom fix.
Nespresso also incorporated Certrifusion Technology into the VertuoLine brew process. The Evoluo will spin the capsule at 7000 times a minute. This spinning gently moves the coffee around to incorporate and fully extract coffee solubles.
Every coffee lover should try this machine. Even if you are a craft coffee bon vivant, Nespresso will offer you consistent and balanced espresso.
Pros
Cons
Nespresso Prodigio
The Nespresso Prodigio is Nespresso's first bluetooth enabled machine.
Honestly, technology and coffee go pretty well together.
This machine connects to your Apple or Android device, providing you with a myriad of user capabilities.
One can now brew a cup of coffee from their bed by activating the brewer from their phone. You can even set an automatic brewing time, and then change the settings with ease.
Many home coffee machines are capable of brewing coffee automatically, but this would require the user to prepare the machine in advance. Many coffee machine interfaces are confusing, and just setting an automatic brew time can be a chore.
With the Prodigio, all the user needs to do is drop a capsule in the chamber and be on their way. The Nespresso Prodigio app simplifies all machine processes.
The app's interface is intuitive, ergonomic, and accessible. You can easily check how many pods are left in your stock, see machine descaling alerts, and there is even an option to purchase Nespresso capsules on the app!
Even if the Prodigio didn't have the current tech capabilities, it would still be a great machine... It is a Nespresso product after all.
The water reservoir is adjustable, giving you versatility when deciding where your machine will be placed. Instead clumsily setting your machine on the counter, the Prodigio gives you placement options.
Along with the versatility comes quality. The Prodigio is a true Nespresso product - offering you three different beverage options of the highest quality. It's never been easier to achieve a brilliant serving of espresso.
Nespresso's Prodigio is perfect for the routine junky. With a 25 second machine heat up speed, smartphone compatibility, and the infamous Nespresso capsule brewing technology, the Prodigio is a hard machine to beat.
Pros
Cons
Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Lattissima Pro is a powerhouse. It's robust, simple, and it will brew your liquid gold espresso with ease.
Espresso machines need to be robust. Parts are attached, detached, cleaned, and messed with. Many companies fall short in their design of machines. If espresso machines are built cheaply, chaos will ensue, and money will be wasted.
Nespresso offers not only good machines, but strong well made ones.
The Lattissima Pro has a refined brushed aluminum finish. It offers a sleek cube design that features an integrated LCD touchscreen. Many of the machine's components are integrated, so buttons or parts breaking or being overused is not an issue.
The touchscreen gives the user everything one could ever want with espresso. There are 7 programmable buttons with automatic flow stop.
One can readily choose from 6 pre-programmed drinks:
It also has a hot water function for other beverages of your choice
Whether you're in the mood for a creamy milk beverage or a savory shot of espresso, the Lattissima Pro has you covered.
A distinctive feature of the Lattissima Pro is the Milk Froth Texture regulator. Without fail, the milk steamed by this machine will foam to absolute perfection. The Texture Regulator can even be adjusted on the fly to suit taste and texture preference.
The Lattissima Pro's plentiful options and features are not a burden. It's easy and painless to clean. The milk frother detaches from the unit, allowing for a cleanly routine.
The detachable decanter/frother is a huge asset to the Lattissima Pro. You can easily detach this piece, allowing for easy milk and refrigerator access. Just add milk, put in the fridge, and attach to your Nespresso unit for a carefree morning Latte.
The drip tray also detaches from the unit, letting you easily access the used Nespresso capsules (to discard).
Because these parts easily detach, cleaning is made easy. These parts are easily cleaned, and your machine's maintenance will remain flawless. A hot water cycle will clean the inside of the unit, and monthly descaling maintenance will keep the Lattissima Pro running smoothly for years to come.
The pressure on this machine stays at 19 bars - which is more than enough to brew everything you need.
If you're looking for a powerful, aesthetic machine, this is it.
Pros
Cons
Nespresso Innisia
Every espresso machine manufacturer sells a bare-bones unit that embodies the vision and utility of a product line. Unfortunately, some bare bones products do not perform up to par.
But unlike those companies, Nespresso produced a bare-bones machine that is powerful, appealing, and sleek.
Say hello to the Nespresso Inissia - a simple machine that not only works, but shines.
The interface of this machine is made up of two buttons. One button depicts a small cup, and the other button pictures a slightly larger cup. These buttons allow the user to brew coffee and turn off the unit.
To brew coffee, one only needs to fill up the 22 ounce water reservoir, insert a capsule, and select a brew setting. To insert a capsule, the large lever at the front of the machine needs to be pulled down. This will reveal a small capsule opening.
When the brew size is selected, well balanced espresso will pour forth from the spout.
These brew sizes are espresso, lungo, and custom. Espresso is a traditional size espresso shot. This style of coffee highlights acidity, aroma, and intensity. The lungo function brews a larger shot of espresso that resonates with a full bodied profile.
To brew a custom shot, one can either program the sizes of the two functions or hold one of the buttons. Holding a button will trigger a manual brew process.
Like most Nespresso machines, the drip tray can be adjusted. Just flip up the tray if you wish to use a larger glass.
While this machine is cut and dry, it's a powerful Nespresso product. Great for the minimalist.
Pros
Cons
Nespresso Lattissima Plus
This machine from Nespresso is a slightly simplified version of their Lattissima Pro unit.
The Lattissima Plus is great for the user that enjoys an easy hands-on brewing experience.
The user interface on this machine is simplified brewing glory.
On the front interface are four buttons and brewing options:
Espresso - the all-around Nespresso brewing experience. This selection ensures the user with a beverage that highlights bright, complex aromatic profiles.
Lungo - a larger espresso selection. This recipe encapsulates you with a full-bodied, delicious espresso experience. Lungo is larger than the espresso recipe. It's a larger, entirely different tasting profile.
Cappuccino - make this drink with a touch of a button. Just set up the milk frother and decanter, insert your capsule, and brew a delightful creamy beverage. Cappuccinos highlight the espresso flavor; the creamy milk cuts down stronger espresso notes while keeping the bright and savory flavors.
Macchiato - the Latte macchiato preserves the intricacies of espresso while sweetening the overall flavor profile. You'll be in coffee bliss within minutes!
The strengths of the Lattissima Plus lie in the simplicity and cleanliness.
Like the Lattissima Pro, many parts are detachable, and thus, easy to clean. The water tank, milk station, and drip tray can all be accessed, disassembled, and cleaned in minutes. There is even a steam wand cleaning function.
The drip tray and espresso station are a unique feature of the Lattissima Plus. Multiple sizes of drinks can be easily made due to the drip tray manipulation. If a large mug is needed, slide in the drip tray to reveal a large brewing area. For smaller drinks, pull out the drip tray drawer.
For those of you that want a simple brewing experience, this is your machine.
Pros
Cons
Nespresso Pixie
Imagine a durable machine the size of a rabbit.
Imagine a powerful brewing device that is no wider than a table spoon and no taller than a small stack of Nespresso capsules.
Small espresso machines are a valued asset in the coffee world. Espresso machines are typically large and cumbersome. Espresso machines take up space, they are expensive, and they need enough pressure power to work properly.
This is why Nespresso's Pixie machine is a mechanical coffee brewing wonder.
It's small, and it extracts balanced espresso.
Like the Innisia, this espresso brewing unit is fit for the minimalist. It rises above all espresso extraction criteria. These machines are indeed similar, but there are a few differences.
Nespresso doesn't just remake their machines to be smaller. They manufacture and design machines that solve coffee problems. For its size, the Pixie has a range of useful and innovative features.
The interface has two buttons. The buttons depict a small and a large cup. The small coffee cup button delivers a traditional sized espresso shot, and the other button produces a lungo (large) sized shot.
When Pixie's drip tray detaches, a clever basket behind the drip tray is revealed. This basket holds the used Nespresso capsules. When these are properly discarded, the user can easily reattach the tray and fold it up to allow for different size drinks to made.
Nespresso even designed aesthetically placed indicator lights around the drip tray. These are displayed if the water level or used capsule tray needs attending to.
It's easy. It's ergonomic. It's minimalist.
Pros
Cons
In Conclusion
Nespresso is revolutionizing the coffee industry.
The company's constant display of innovation and design is changing the way we enjoy our coffee.
Nespresso knows that espresso can be tricky. However, with these new machines, especially with the VertuoLine technology, espresso, and coffee confusion is no longer an issue.
The best Nespresso machine is one that adapts to your taste in coffee. Whether you enjoy milk beverages or just straight espresso a Nespresso machine will be a handy companion.
Good luck on your espresso machine hunt!