Nespresso Machines Compared

The most effective Nespresso machine is sleek, compact and looks modern. They are able to froth milk and can produce a variety coffee drinks and espressos with crema.

All Nespresso machines heat and pierce pre-portioned capsules that allow them to produce different drink sizes at the touch of the button. The various models differ in size, price and features.

The Original Line Original Line

The machines of the Original line pierce the capsule and then push hot water at 19 bars of pressure to create espressos and lungos in a variety of sizes. The machines also feature buttons for foaming and hot milk as well as a small tray of capsules, and an energy saving feature that shuts down the machine after 9 minutes. The sleek design of this machine as well as its convenient water container were highly praised by our test subjects however the smaller tank may be a problem for other users.

The Vertuo Line

If you are looking for a nespresso machine that can make coffee and espresso and espresso, the Vertuo Line could be the right choice for you. These machines use barcodes in their specially-designed capsules to brew the right amount of strength and volume every time. This allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks without worries about pressing the wrong buttons or forgetting the drink you chose. These machines can be combined with the Aeroccino milk frother from Nespresso which we adore for making delicious lattes and capspuccinos.

The first VertuoLine machines were released in 2014, and while they weren't widely praised, Nespresso listened to customer feedback and rectified the issue with the release of the Evoluo machine in 2015. The new Vertuo models offer more colors and are more user-friendly to use than their predecessors.

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

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus was released in 2016 and is one of the top models available. It comes with an energy-saving mode and optimum heating time to help you save on your electricity bill. It's also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible, meaning you can connect your device to receive notifications and maintenance alerts. The swiveling tank is adjusted to fit different countertop configurations. The drawer that is used for capsules 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 simple and uses Centrifusion which is a unique extraction technique that gives top-quality results. The small water tank is one of the drawbacks however it's an issue for most users. The machine also comes with various settings that can be programmed to meet your individual preferences. The machine has a dedicated button for iced drinks making it simple to make the perfect iced latte coffee.

The Essenza Line

The Essenza line from Nespresso is the pod machine that is a basic model. It's compact and affordable. It makes a great cup or espresso in just minutes. The machines can make an espresso or lungo at 19 bars of pressure. You can also program the machines to make smaller drinks like the Ristretto. This is a great option for those who do not want to brew whole-lattice drinks but still want the high-end quality of Nespresso.

If you're committed to your coffee, we suggest you purchase a machine in the Original line. They provide a superior cup of espresso and are easier to modify than Vertuo models. If you're limited in space and space, the Essenza Mini will be a ideal option.

The design of the Essenza Mini makes it a ideal choice. Its sleek, minimalist design makes a stunning addition any kitchen. It's smaller than hot-water kettle and is easily tucked into a corner alongside your other kitchen appliances. It is available in five different colors that will fit into any style.

Nespresso's pod-only machines are extremely easy to use. The Essenza Mini has just two buttons: one for an espresso, and another for lungo. The espresso button brews a double-shot of espresso while the lungo button makes the full cup of lungo coffee. The Nespresso website includes videos that demonstrate how to program the machine to work with different sizes.

It's also easy to clean. The capsule container that is removable is easy to dispose of, and both the reservoir for water and the reusable tray can be easily accessed for cleaning and refilling. The digital display will tell you when to descale and how many capsules are left.

The only drawback to this simple machine is that it is able to only brew two sizes of coffee machine nespresso pods and doesn't come with an milk frother. Combining it with an additional frothing device allows you to make barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home, however this adds cost and complexity to your coffee maker.

The CitiZ Line

The Nespresso CitiZ is a sleek, compact Original Line machine with a slim footprint. It uses Nespresso classic capsules, and is available with or without the use of a frother. It is simple to operate and maintain. The machine heats up in just 25 seconds and features an energy-saving function that turns it off after 9 minutes of inactivity.

The CitiZ brews every capsule with precision. The high-performance pump that has 19 bars of pressure helps extract the delicate aromas and flavors within each capsule, creating a smooth crema. Actually, the machine delivers more rich crema than many of its competitors, which means it makes an excellent cup of coffee.

The CitiZ is an excellent option if you don't wish to purchase a costly machine that has a wand of steam. It is also a great option for those who are new to espresso making because it's very user-friendly. All you need to do is place it in the capsule, press the button, and you'll be served an espresso cup that is delicious, freshly brewed espresso.

The CitiZ isn't just quick and simple to use but it also has some functional features that make it stand out from other models of its type. It has a folding tray that allows you to use any mug size you have. The machine also has an extra small container that stores capsules that have been used underneath the spout. This is a great feature because it saves the user from having to take out capsules manually.

You can use any capsule blend you like with the CitiZ, though you may have to play around to find the right blend for you. The machine can make robust, full-bodied and strong coffee with an incredibly thick cap. It is quiet, too, which can be a plus for those who live in an apartment.

CitiZ isn't equipped with foaming milk as an option. You can add this for an additional fee. It also doesn't come with a hot water dispenser which means you'll have to boil your own water if you intend to make more than two cups in a row.