Nespresso Machines Compared

The top Nespresso machines are sleek and compact, and look modern. Many of them have milk-frothing capabilities and they are able to make a variety of crema-topped espresso drinks and coffee drinks.

All Nespresso machines heat and puncture pre-portioned capsules, which allows them to produce different drink sizes with the touch of the button. The various models differ in size, price and features.

The Original Line

The Original line of machines can pierce capsules and then push hot steam at 19 bar pressure to make lungos or espressos in various sizes. They also have buttons for hot milk and frothing, a small tray for the capsule, as well as an energy-saving feature that turns off after nine minutes of inactivity. The sleek design of this machine and its water container that is convenient were praised by our testers however the smaller tank might be an issue for others.

The Vertuo Line

If you are looking for a nespresso machine that will make espresso and coffee, the Vertuo Line may be right for you. These machines make use of barcodes in their specially designed capsules to make the perfect amount and strength every time. This lets you enjoy your favorite drinks with no anxiety about hitting the wrong buttons or not remembering the drink you chose. These machines can also be used together with the Aeroccino milk frother from Nespresso, which we love for making delicious lattes and capspuccinos.

The first VertuoLine machines were introduced in 2014, and while they weren't highly rated, Nespresso listened to customer feedback and fixed the problem with the release of the Evoluo machine in 2015. The new Vertuo models come with more options in color and are simpler to use than their predecessors.

Another advantage of the Vertuo Line is that these machines are compatible with all capsules from Nespresso and also those from brands such as Williams Sonoma and illy. Contrary to this the Original Line only works with nespresso coffee makers-branded capsules.

One of the top models is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which was launched in 2016. The model comes with an energy-saving mode and optimum heating time to help you reduce your electricity bill. It is also Wi-Fi enabled and Bluetooth compatible, so you can connect your device to receive notifications and maintenance alerts. The swiveling tank can be adjusted to suit various countertop configurations. The used capsule drawer can also be closed and opened by pressing a button.

VertuoPlus has a compact, easy-to-use design that occupies minimal counter space. The brewing process is efficient and utilizes an exclusive extraction method known as Centrifusion to produce top-quality results. The small size of the water tank might be a little limiting factor for some people, but this will only be a minor issue. The machine also has several settings that can be programmed to accommodate your individual tastes. The machine also has a button for iced beverages which makes it easy to make the perfect iced latte or coffee.

The Essenza Line

The Essenza line is Nespresso's smallest pod machine. It's extremely small and inexpensive, brewing a great cup of coffee or espresso within a matter of minutes. These machines can brew an espresso or lungo at 19 bar of pressure. You can also program the machines to make smaller drinks, such as a ristretto. This is an excellent option for those who don't wish to brew full-lattice drinks but still want the quality of Nespresso.

If you're serious about your coffee, we suggest a machine from the Original line instead. They produce a better espresso and are more flexible than Vertuo machines. If you're short on space, the Essenza Mini is hard to beat.

The design of the Essenza Mini makes it a great option. Its slim minimalist frame makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen. It's smaller than hot-water kettle and can easily be tucked into a space alongside your other kitchen appliances. It comes in 5 different colors that will fit into any style.

Nespresso machines that only use pods are extremely easy to operate. The Essenza Mini only has two buttons, one for a lungo and the other for an espresso. The espresso button brews two shots of espresso, while the lungo brews a full cup of lungo-style coffee. The Nespresso website includes videos that demonstrate how to program the machine to work with different sizes.

It's also easy to clean. It has a removable capsule container that's easy remove and the reservoir of water and the reusable tray are accessible to refill and clean. The machine has a digital display that will let you know when it's time for a descale, and the machine will notify you of how many capsules are left so that you can stock up.

This simple machine comes with two sizes of drinks, however it does not have a milk frother. Combining it with a frothering device lets you make barista quality lattes and cappuccinos at home, but this adds complexity and expense to your coffee maker.

The CitiZ Line

The Nespresso CitiZ is a sleek compact Original Line machine with a small footprint. It is compatible with Nespresso's traditional capsules and can be purchased with or without a milk frother. It's easy to use and maintain, too. The machine heats in 25 seconds, and it has an energy-saving feature that shuts it off after 9 minutes of inactivity.

The CitiZ brews each capsule with a high degree of precision. The high-performance pump with a pressure of 19 bars helps extract the delicate aromas and flavors in each capsule, making an incredibly creamy crema. Actually, the machine delivers an even more luscious crema than the majority of its competitors, which means it makes an excellent cup of coffee.

If you're not looking to buy a higher-priced machine that has a steam wand, the CitiZ is a great choice. It's also a good choice for those who are brand new to espresso making because it's extremely user-friendly. All you need to do is place it in a capsule, push the button, and you'll get the perfect cup of freshly brewed espresso.

The CitiZ isn't just quick and simple to use but it also comes with practical features that make it different from other models of its kind. For instance, it comes with a cup tray that folds down and lets you use any size mug you have on hand. It also has a small bin underneath the spout that holds capsules that have been used. This is a fantastic feature, as it will eliminate the need to remove capsules manually.

CitiZ accepts any capsule blend, but you might have to play around to find the blend that is most suitable for you. The machine can make strong full-bodied espresso, as well as an extremely dense cap of crema. The machine is quiet, too, which can be an advantage for those who live in apartments.

The CitiZ does not include foaming options for milk, but you can get it for an additional cost. The CitiZ doesn't also have a hot water dispenser and you'll have to boil your own water if you intend on making more than two cups in a row.