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, as well as heat up quickly. They should only be compatible with the original Nespresso capsules, and come with an exclusive container for capsules that have been used.

1. The Vertuo Creatista

The Vertuo Creatista, a new model from Nespresso, fills a niche that is significant. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine that comes with an integrated milk maker and it's an excellent addition to the line-up.

The machine is a middle-of-the-line Vertuo model with a premium stainless steel design. It comes with a 2L tank of water, as well as a removable drip plate that allows you to make use of your own travel carafe or mug. It makes use of Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to brew capsules, and it can create a wide range of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo and alto, in addition to cappuccino macchiato, latte, and cappuccino.

It's compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. The machine is able to read the barcode on the lip of the pod and know what settings to use to achieve the best value coffee machine results. This makes it the most intelligent machine in the line-up.

The Creatista, like other Nespresso machines, has a quick temperature rise due to its thermoblock system. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to prepare an espresso shot than other models in the range.

The big draw for most people is the built-in milk frother. The wand is similar to the steam wands that are manual on other espresso machines. However, it's completely automated and comes with temperature and the ability to control the texture. This feature is great for those who want to add milk to coffee. It will make the Creatista more appealing to buyers. Before, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available with the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.

2. The CitiZ

This sleek and compact machine from Nespresso is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and uses fewer energy resources than most other pod-based machines we've tried however it still makes a great cup of coffee.

In our latest testing of the CitiZ, we found that the CitiZ performed well in single-serve mode and larger brewing mode. It also comes with a variety of cool features, including the ability to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for maintenance alerts and capsule tracking) and a reservoir for water that holds up to 32 ounces of water filtered and an elegant, modern design.

The machine's fast heat-up feature brings water to the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts the machine off after nine minutes of idle. If you want to add milk to your coffee, you'll need a separate milk frothing attachment.

The CitiZ's labeled, easy-to-use button is one of our top picks. You can choose from a wide range of single-serve drinks, including espresso shots in three sizes, and milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.

The CitiZ might be a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. It does offer a few additional features that some consumers might find worth the cost. It's also the first Nespresso machine to use 40% recycled materials. It also offers the option of connecting to a smartphone application for maintenance alerts, instructions for brewing, and capsule tracking.

The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray, and capsule container are removable to allow for easy cleaning. It also comes with an inbuilt descaling feature. The frequency of use will depend on the hardness of the water in your home. We recommend softened or filtered water, which can cut down on mineral buildup.

3. The Essenza Mini

The Mini is a small Nespresso machine that fits in even the smallest kitchens. It's a great option for those who are single or Nespresso beginners who don't wish to spend a lot of money and who aren't interested in paying for extra features that won't improve their cup of coffee in any way (like Bluetooth technology or a the latte art wand). But just because it's tiny does not mean that the Mini can't do its job well. It's able to brew ristrettos, espressos, and lungos without difficulty. It's also the most simple and least expensive Nespresso to clean, maintain, and operate.

The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It's got a similar minimalist design and features the same brewing technology however, it's an all-in-one machine that comes with an adjustable water tank for varying brew sizes and an Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It's also a bit more expensive, but it may be worth the extra cost for those who will be making a lot of Americanos or if you want to make larger amounts of ristretto and espresso.

The Lattissima machines are the most recent addition to the Essenza range. They provide one-touch convenience, and a variety of drink options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all come with a milk reservoir on the front, as well as an ice-maker to make cappuccinos or lattes. These are also more expensive than the Essenza Minis, but is worth it if your aim is to be able to make full-sized milky beverages whenever you want them without lifting the pod.

4. The Vertuo Plus

This VertuoLine machine is a great option if you're looking to brew large cups of coffee or espresso-style shots. It is compatible with the brand’s original pods, but you can also use third-party pods. It comes with two programable buttons that let you choose between regular and regular sizes. Additionally, it comes with the quiet process of centrifusion that pushes water through 20 punctures in the capsule's domed top which Nespresso claims helps create an extraordinary amount of crema in each drink.

This model is among the best coffee pod machine Nespresso options for those who want steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the touch of a button without excessive bells and whistles. It performed well in the Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests, especially in the first-cup and repeat speed.

It is one of the most affordable machines from Nespresso and has a slim footprint. The only caveat is that it doesn't have a broad capacity for storing used capsules and has a smaller water tank than other models.

If you're interested in making milk-based drinks, such as lattes or cappuccinos then you might want to invest an extra bit on a machine with built-in milk froth. The Lattissima, Creatista and Nespresso inissia are all designed to make milk-based drinks with little effort.

One thing to keep in mind is that all Nespresso machines have to be descaled at least once a year. The company says it's easy to do this and they provide alerts on the machine when it's time. The brand also sells descaling kits that allow for a hands-off approach.

5. The Creatista Pro

If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffees such as the Creatista Pro may be a ideal choice for you. Similar to its sibling, the Creatista Plus, it offers various drinks and is simple to use. The milk frother can be adjusted manually to alter the temperature and texture of the milk. It is also automated and self-cleaning. The result is irresistibly smooth and frothy milk that's ideal for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.

The Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods that can be used to make espresso with a single shot in three sizes, or milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, and flat whites. It is simple to use and has a large LED display and buttons that are labeled for each type of drink. It also comes with the barista-style steam wand as well as a jug for milk, which is much easier to clean than the traditional integrated frothers that are found on the majority of Nespresso machines.

The Creatista Pro is a bit more expensive than the other models reviewed here, but it's a top machine that is easy to use and looks gorgeous on your counter. It includes a tamper, capsules that can be reused and a topper. This will save you money over the course of time.

Consider the Nespresso CitiZ&Milk for a slightly cheaper version. It might not have as many bells, whistles and features as the Creatista however it does offer a wider range of drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and three different sizes of espresso. It also has a more user-friendly interface with a single button that controls the power, rinsing and making. It is also small and comes with an easily moveable tank, which allows you to adapt it to the design of your kitchen.