Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has tested and evaluated several kitchen appliances. She also writes about household appliances and products.
The best Nespresso machines come with a range of drinks, are easy to operate and clean, as well as get hot quickly. They should only be compatible with the original Nespresso capsules and come with a special container for used capsules.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista, a new model from Nespresso it fills a need that is important. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine that comes with an integrated milk frother, and it's a fantastic addition to the line-up.
The machine is a premium brushed stainless steel design and is situated in the middle of the Vertuo range. It comes with a 2L tank of water and an adjustable drip plate that allows you to make use of your own travel carafe or mug. It utilizes Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to brew capsules and is able to make a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, lungo and alto and also cappuccino latte and macchiato.
It is compatible with the original Nespresso capsules and their Vertuo Line equivalents. The machine can read the barcode that is located on the lip of the pod to determine the best settings to achieve the best results. This makes it one of the most sophisticated machines available.
Like other Nespresso machines like the Creatista has a quick heat-up time due to its thermoblock system. The only issue is that it takes longer to make a Espresso shot than other models.
The built-in milk frother is the primary draw for a lot of people. It's wand looks like the manual steam wands you'll see on other espresso machines, however it's completely automated and has settings to control temperature and texture. This is a great feature for those who love adding milk to their coffee and it will make the Creatista an attractive choice for a lot of customers. Before, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available in the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact machine from Nespresso makes a lovely addition to any kitchen. It's easy-to-clean and uses less energy than other pod machines we've used however it still makes a great cup.
In our most recent testing it was found that the CitiZ performed very well in single-serve as well as larger mode of brewing. It also comes with a variety of cool features, including the ability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts) and a water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces, and an elegant and modern design.
The rapid heating system of the machine can heat water to a perfect temperature in 25 seconds. The energy-saving feature automatically stops the machine after 9 minutes. If you'd like to add milk to your coffee, however you'll need a separate milk frothing attachment.
One of the things we love about of the CitiZ is the labeled buttons that are easy to use. You can choose from a wide range of single-serve beverages, including espresso shots in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
The CitiZ is a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini and other compact OriginalLine models however it does have a few extra features that could make it worthwhile for some customers. It's also the first Nespresso machine to make use of 40% recycled materials. Additionally, it has the possibility of connecting to a smartphone app for maintenance alerts, brewing instructions 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 integrated descaling mode. The frequency of use will depend on the water hardness in your home. We recommend softened or filtered water, which can reduce the amount of mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is the tiniest Nespresso machine available and is a sleek tower with clean lines that fits in the tiniest kitchens. It's ideal for those just beginning to learn about Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of money to spend and don't think about additional features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art device) that won't improve their coffee. The Mini isn't huge but that doesn't mean it isn't capable of doing its job. It can brew ristrettos and espressos as well as lungos. It is also the easiest and least expensive Nespresso machine to clean, maintain, and operate.
If you're looking to buy something bigger than the Mini, there's the Nespresso Essenza Plus. It's a smaller model with the same brewing technology and minimalist design. It also comes with the Nespresso capsule jug and container and an adjustable water tank. It's also a little more expensive, but it could be worth the extra expense when you'll be brewing mostly Americanos or if you're looking to brew larger amounts of ristretto and espresso.
The most notable addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which provide the convenience of one-touch and a variety of beverage options. which coffee machine is best , the Gran Lattissima and the Lattissima One all have front-attached milk reservoirs, as well as an ice-making wand that can make cappuccinos and lattes. They're also more expensive than the Essenza Minis, but is worth it if your aim is to to make full-sized milky beverages whenever you want them without having to lift the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
The VertuoLine machine is a great option you're looking to make large cups of coffee, or espresso-style shots. It's compatible with the brand's original pods (though you can also utilize cheaper third-party ones) and comes with two buttons that are programmed to allow you to select between regular or regular as well as gran lungo sizes. Plus, it offers a quiet centrifusion process that pushes water through 20 punctures within the capsule's domed top which Nespresso says helps produce an extraordinary amount of crema in every beverage.
This model is one of the best Nespresso options for those who want steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the click of a button without excessive bells and whistles. It performed well in the Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests, particularly when it came to first-cup and repeat speed.
It's one of the more affordable options available among Nespresso machines and has a compact footprint. It has a smaller tank and a smaller capacity for capsules that are used than other models.
If you want to make milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos it's worth spending an extra amount of money into a model that has an integrated frother. Both the Lattissima and Creatista can make it without much effort and the Nespresso Inissia was designed for maximum convenience with an integrated milk container that can hold up to 12 used capsules.
All Nespresso machines should be descaled at a minimum of once a year. The company says it's easy to do and has warnings on the machine to let you know when it's time. You can also purchase descaling kits from the manufacturer to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you are a Nespresso fan who loves milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a good choice for you. It is also easy to use and provides the same beverage options like its sibling, the Creatista Plus. The milk frother can be manually adjusted to adjust the temperature and texture of milk. It is also automated and self-cleaning. The result is smooth, frothy milk perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods that can be used to make espresso with single shots in three sizes, or milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and flat whites. It's incredibly simple to use with a large LED display, with clear lighting and clearly labeled buttons for different drink types. It also comes with an artisanal steam wand that resembles a barista and a milk jug that is less difficult to clean than the standard integrated frothers found on many Nespresso machines.
The Creatista Pro may be a bit more expensive than other models, but it is a premium machine. It's easy-to-use and looks great on your counter. It includes a tamper, capsules that can be reused and a Tamper. This will save you money over the course of time.
For a cheaper model, you can look into the Nespresso CitiZMilk. It might not have as many bells, whistles, and features like the Creatista but it has a wider range of drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and three different espresso sizes. It also has a more intuitive interface, with a single button that can be used for powering on and cleaning. It's also small and compact and has an adjustable water tank that allows you to easily adjust it to the layout of your kitchen.
