Nespresso Machines Compared

The top Nespresso machines are slim compact and modern. Most offer milk-frothing capabilities, and they can make a variety of crema-topped espresso and coffee drinks.

All Nespresso machines are able to heat and pierce pre-portioned capsules, allowing them to create different drink sizes with the touch of the button. The different models differ in their size, price and features.

The Original Line Original Line

The Original line of machines puncture capsules and then push hot steam at 19 bar pressure to create lungos or espressos of various sizes. They also come with buttons for hot milk and frothing, a tiny tray for the capsule, and an energy-saving feature that shuts off after nine minutes of inactivity. The sleek design of the machine and its water container are loved by our testers however, the smaller tank might be a problem for some.

The Vertuo Line

If you are looking for a nespresso machine with milk frother machine that will make coffee and espresso and espresso, the Vertuo Line could be the right choice for you. These machines use barcodes on their specially-designed capsules that allow them to brew the perfect amount and strength every time. This allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks without having to be concerned about pressing the wrong button or forgetting your choice. Additionally, these machines are compatible with Nespresso's Aeroccino milk frother which is one of our favorites for creating delicious cappuccinos and lattes.

The first VertuoLine machines were launched in 2014, and although they weren't widely praised, Nespresso listened to customer feedback and rectified the issue by releasing the Evoluo machine in 2015. The new Vertuo models are more user-friendly than the previous models and offer various color options to complement your kitchen decor.

Another benefit of the Vertuo Line is that these machines are compatible with all Nespresso-brand capsules and capsules from other brands like Williams Sonoma and illy. The Original Line, on the contrary, is only compatible with Nespresso capsules.

One of the best models is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which was launched in the year 2016. It has an ideal heat-up time, as well as an energy-saving mode to help you save money on your electricity bill. It's also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capable that allows you to connect your device to receive notifications and maintenance alerts. The swiveling tank for water can be adjusted to accommodate different countertop configurations, and the used capsule drawer opens and closes with a press of one button.

VertuoPlus is compact and easy-to-use design that occupies minimal counter space. Its brewing is streamlined and utilizes Centrifusion, an exclusive extraction technique that gives top-quality results. The small water tank one of the drawbacks but it's a minor inconvenience for most users. The machine has a number of settings that can be programmed to suit your preferences. The machine also has a button for iced drinks, making it easy to create the perfect iced latte coffee.

The Essenza Line

The Essenza line from Nespresso is the entry-level pod machine. It's extremely small and inexpensive, brewing the perfect cup of espresso or coffee within a matter of minutes. The machines in this line brew either an espresso or a lungo with 19 bars of pressure. They can also be reprogrammed to make smaller drinks, like a ristretto, and you can select the size you want at the push of the button. This is a great choice for those who do not want to brew whole-lattice drinks but still want the quality of Nespresso.

If you're serious about your coffee, we recommend a machine from the Original line instead. They make a better espresso and are more customizable than the Vertuo machines. If you have a limited space, the Essenza Mini will be a ideal option.

Another reason that the Essenza Mini is a great choice is its design. Its sleek, minimalist design is a stunning addition to any kitchen. It occupies less space than a kettle with hot water, and it's easy to place in an unoccupied space near your kitchen appliances. It is available in five different colors to match any decor.

Nespresso's pod-only machines can be extremely easy to use. The Essenza Mini has just two buttons: one for an espresso, and the other for a lungo. The espresso button brews two shots of espresso while the lungo button makes the full cup of lungo coffee. The Nespresso website has videos that show you how to re-program the machine to accommodate other sizes.

This machine is also incredibly easy to clean. The capsule container is easy to throw away, and both the water reservoir and the reusable tray can be easily opened for cleaning and refilling. The display can tell you when it's time for a descale and the machine can inform you of how many capsules are left so that you can buy more.

The only drawback to this simple machine is that it can only brew two sizes of drinks and doesn't include an milk frother. Combining it with an additional frothering device lets you make barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home, but this adds cost and complexity to your coffee maker.

The CitiZ Line

The Nespresso CitiZ is a sleek, compact Original Line machine with a small footprint. It works with Nespresso's classic capsules, and can be purchased with or without a milk frother. It is simple to operate and maintain. The machine heats up in just 25 seconds, and a feature to conserve energy shuts it off after nine minutes of idleness.

The CitiZ brews each capsule with a high level of precision. The high-performance pump with 19 bars of pressure helps extract the delicate aromas and flavors in each capsule, resulting in the perfect smooth crema. The machine produces a more luscious crema compared to most of its competitors. This means that it makes a better cup of coffee.

If you don't want to purchase a more expensive machine equipped with a steam wand the CitiZ is a good choice. It's also a good choice for those who are new to espresso-making because it is very user-friendly. You only need to put in a capsule, then press the button to get a cup full of freshly-brewed delicious espresso.

In addition to its fast and simple brewing procedure, the CitiZ also comes with some unique functional features that distinguish it from other models in its class. It has a folding tray that lets you make use of any size mug you have. The machine also has a small storage bin underneath the spout that holds used capsules. This is a great feature since it frees the user from having to take out capsules manually.

You can make any capsule blend you like with the CitiZ however, you may have to play around to discover the one that works for you. The machine produces an intense, full-bodied espresso and an extremely large cap of crema. The machine is quiet, and that can be an advantage for those who live in an apartment.

CitiZ isn't equipped with foaming milk options. You can add this for an extra cost. The CitiZ doesn't also have hot water dispenser and you'll have to boil your own water if you plan on making more than two cups at a time.