Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has evaluated and tested several kitchen appliances. She also writes about other household items and gadgets.
The top Nespresso machines provide a wide 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 capsules that have been used.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista is a brand new model from Nespresso, fills a niche that is significant. It's also the very first and only Vertuo machine to come with an integrated milk frother.
The machine is an elegant brushed stainless steel design and is located in the middle of the Vertuo lineup. It has a 2L tank of water and an adjustable drip plate that allows you to use your own travel cup or mug. It makes use of Nespresso Centrifusion to create capsules for brewing, and create a variety of drinks. This includes espresso, alto and lungo as well as cappuccino latte and macchiato.
It's compatible with the original Nespresso capsules as well as their Vertuo Line counterparts. The machine can detect the barcode on the pod's lip and understands what settings to use to get the best results. This makes it one of the smartest machines available.
The Creatista, like other Nespresso machines, has a quick temperature rise due to its thermoblock system. The only drawback is that it takes longer to make an Espresso shot than other models.
The built-in milk frother is the main draw for the majority of people. best coffee machines with pods looks like the steam wands with manual steam that you'll see on other espresso machines, however it is fully automatic and comes with control settings for temperature and texture. This is an excellent feature for anyone who likes to add milk to their coffee and it makes the Creatista a more attractive option for many buyers. Previously, Nespresso milk-based coffee was only available on the Aeroccino and Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This compact, sleek machine by Nespresso is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and uses less energy than other pod-based coffee makers we've tested, but still provides an excellent cup of coffee.
In our latest tests of the CitiZ, we found that the CitiZ did very well in single-serve mode as well as the larger brewing mode. It also comes with a variety of cool features, like the possibility of connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for maintenance alerts and capsule tracking), a water reservoir that can hold up 32 ounces of water that has been filtered, and an elegant, modern design.
The rapid heating system of the machine can heat water to a perfect temperature in 25 seconds. The automatic energy saving feature shuts off the machine after nine minutes of idle. You'll need a separate attachment to add milk into your coffee if you'd like to do this.
The CitiZ's labeled and user-friendly button is one of our top picks. You can choose from a range of single-serve drinks, such as espresso shots in three sizes, as well as a variety of milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
The CitiZ might be a bit more expensive than the Essenza Mini or other compact OriginalLine models. However, it comes with several extra features that some customers might consider worth the cost. For instance it's the first Nespresso model to make use of 40% recycled plastic. It also offers the option to connect with an app for smartphones to receive reminders for maintenance and brewing instructions.
CitiZ's drip tray, capsule container, and water reservoir are all easily removed for cleaning. It also comes with a built-in descaling mode. However, the frequency at which you need to run it will be contingent upon your home's water hardness. We recommend using filtered or softened water, which will cut down on mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is a small Nespresso machine that fits in the tiniest kitchens. It's ideal for those who are just beginning to learn about Nespresso or for those who don't have a lot of money to spend and don't care about extra features (like Bluetooth or a latte-art tool) that will not improve their coffee. But just because it's tiny does not mean that the Mini isn't capable of doing its job well. It's able to brew espressos, ristrettos, and lungos without difficulty. It's also the simplest and least expensive Nespresso to clean, maintain, and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It shares a minimalist design and comes with the same brewing process, however, it's an all-in-one device that includes an adjustable water tank that can be used for various brew sizes as well as a Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It is also more expensive, but it could be worth it if intend to make a lot of Americanos or if your goal is to make large quantities of espresso or ristretto.
The most notable addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which provide one-touch convenience and a variety of beverage options. The Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima all have a milk reservoir on the front and a frothing tool to make cappuccinos or lattes. They're also more expensive than the Essenza Mini, but they're worth it if you want the ability to make full-sized milky drinks at any time without ever having to lift the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
The VertuoLine machine is a great choice if 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 use cheaper third-party pods) and comes with two buttons that can be programmed to let you choose between alto standard, regular, and Gran lungo sizes. It also has a centrifusion process that pulls water out of 20 punctures in the capsule's top. According to Nespresso the process produces a high level of crema.
This model is among the best Nespresso options for those who want consistent, foolproof coffee and espresso at the push of a button without excessive bells and whistles. It was a great performer in the Single-Serve Coffee Makers' laboratory tests, particularly when it came to first-cup and repeat speed.
It's one of the cheapest machines from Nespresso and has a compact footprint. It has a smaller tank as well as a smaller capacity for capsules that are used than other models.
If you're planning to make milk-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos it's worth investing a little extra on a model that has an integrated frother. Both Lattissima and Creatista can be made without much effort and the Nespresso Inissia is designed for maximum convenience with a milk container that can hold up to 12 capsules.
The most important thing to remember is that all Nespresso machines must be descaled a few times a year. The company claims it is easy to perform and the machine will notify you when it's required. The company also offers descaling kits for the hands-off method.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffees, the Creatista Pro may be a ideal choice for you. It's also easy to use and has the same drinks as its counterpart, the Creatista Plus. The milk frother is automated and self-cleaning, however it also allows you to manually adjust the milk texture and temperature as desired. The result is smooth, frothy milk that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods that can be used to brew espresso in one shot in three sizes, as well as milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, and flat whites. It is easy to use and comes with large LED displays and buttons that are labeled for each drink type. It also comes with an artisanal steam wand that resembles a barista and a milk jug, which is less difficult to clean than traditional integrated frothers that are found on many Nespresso machines.
The Creatista Pro is a bit more expensive than the other models listed here, but it's a top machine that's easy to use and looks beautiful on your countertop. It also comes with a free Tamper and reusable capsules which save money in the long run.
Consider the Nespresso CitiZMilk for a slightly cheaper version. It might not have as many bells, whistles and features as the Creatista however it does offer more drinks that include cappuccinos, lattes, and three different espresso sizes. It offers a more user-friendly interface, with just a single button to turn the machine on and washing. It's also small and compact and comes with a moveable water tank that lets you easily adapt it to the layout of your kitchen.
