Brigitt Earley is a Good Housekeeping Institute expert who has tested and evaluated a variety of kitchen appliances. She also writes about household appliances and gadgets.
The top Nespresso machines are elegant and durable, fast to heat up, simple to use and clean and offer a range of drink options. They should work with the original Nespresso capsules and come with a specific used capsule container.
1. The Vertuo Creatista
The Vertuo Creatista, a new model from Nespresso is a product that fills a gap that is significant. It's the first and so far only Vertuo machine with an integrated milk maker and it's a fantastic addition to the line-up.
The machine has the highest quality stainless steel design with a brushed finish and is located in the middle of the Vertuo lineup. It also comes with a 2L water tank and an adjustable drip tray that allows you to use your own carafe or travel mug. It utilizes Nespresso Centrifusion to make capsules of brewing, and create a variety drinks. This includes espresso, alto and lungo as well as cappuccino lattes and macchiato.
It is compatible with both the original Nespresso capsules and their Vertuo Line equivalents. The machine is able to read the barcode located on the pod lip to determine the most optimal settings for optimal results. This makes it the most intelligent machine in the line-up.
The Creatista is, like other Nespresso machines, has a rapid temperature rise due to its thermoblock system. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to make an espresso shot than other models in the line-up.
The built-in milk frother is the primary draw for the majority of people. The wand is akin to the steam wands that are manual on other espresso machines. However, it's completely automatic and comes with temperature and texture control settings. This feature is ideal for those who like adding milk to their coffee. It will make the Creatista more appealing to buyers. In the past, the only option to purchase a milk-based Nespresso was to purchase the Aeroccino or the Lattissima models.
2. The CitiZ
This sleek, compact machine by Nespresso is a great addition to any kitchen. It's easy to clean and consumes less energy than other pod machines we've tried, but still makes a great cup.
In our most recent tests, the CitiZ was able to perform well in both single-serve and larger mode of brewing. It also has a number of cool features, such as the ability to connect via WiFi or Bluetooth (for tracking capsules and maintenance alerts) as well as an water tank that can hold up to 32 ounces, and a sleek and modern design.
The heating system that is rapid of the machine heats water to the ideal temperature in 25 seconds. The energy-saving feature automatically will shut down the machine after nine minutes. If you'd like to add milk to your coffee, however, you'll need to buy a separate milk frothing attachment.
best coffee machine under 100 's labeled, easy-to-use button is among our top choices. You can choose from a variety of single-serve drinks. These include an espresso shot in three sizes, as well as a variety of milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.
The CitiZ is a little more expensive than the Essenza Mini and other compact OriginalLine models, but it has some extra features that could make it worth the cost for some consumers. For instance it's the first Nespresso model to use 40% recycled plastic. And it offers the option of connecting to a smartphone app that provides maintenance alerts, brewing directions, and capsule tracking.
The CitiZ's water reservoir, drip tray, and capsule container are removable to allow for easy cleaning. It also comes with a built-in descaling mode. The frequency of use will depend on the hardness of water in your home. We recommend softened or filtered water, which will cut down on mineral buildup.
3. The Essenza Mini
The Mini is a small Nespresso machine that can fit into the tiniest kitchens. It's a great option for single folks or Nespresso novices who don't want to spend a lot of money and who aren't interested in spending extra money for features that won't improve your coffee in any way (like Bluetooth technology or a latte art wand). But just because it's small does not mean that the Mini isn't capable of doing its job well: it can brew espressos, ristrettos and lungos with ease. It's also the simplest and cheapest Nespresso machine to clean, maintain, and operate.
The Nespresso Essenza Plus is a slightly larger version of the Mini. It shares a minimalist design and offers the same brewing process, however, it's an all-in-one machine that includes an adjustable water tank for varying brew sizes and an Nespresso capsule container and Jug. It is also more expensive, but could be worth it if intend to make a lot of Americanos or if you plan to brew large cups of espresso or ristretto.
The most significant new addition to the Essenza line is the Lattissima series of machines, which offer one-touch convenience and a variety of beverage options. The Lattissima Pro, the Gran Lattissima and the Lattissima One all have front-attached milk reservoirs as well as a frothing wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. They are also more expensive than Essenza Minis, but worth it if your goal is to to make full-sized milky drinks anytime you want them, without lifting the pod.
4. The Vertuo Plus
This VertuoLine machine is a great option you're looking to brew large-sized cups of coffee or espresso-style shots. It's compatible with the Nespresso original pods, however it is also possible to use third-party pods. It has two programmable buttons to choose between alto and regular sizes. It also offers the centrifusion process that draws water from 20 punctures in the top of the capsule. According to Nespresso the process produces a high level of crema.
This model is among the best Nespresso options for those who want steady, reliable coffee and espresso at the click of a button with no bells and whistles. It did well in our Single-Serve Coffee Makers lab tests, particularly when it comes to first-cup speed and repeat speed.
It's among the most affordable options among Nespresso machines and has a relatively small footprint. It has a smaller tank as well as a smaller capacity for capsules used than other models.
If you're interested in making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, it's worth spending an extra bit on a model with an integrated milk frother. Both the Lattissima and Creatista can make it without much effort, while the Nespresso Inissia was designed to make your life easier with an integrated milk container that holds up to 12 used capsules.
All Nespresso machines should be descaled at least once a year. The company claims it's easy to do so and they provide warnings on the machine to let you know when it's time. You can also purchase descaling kits from the company to have a more relaxed approach.
5. The Creatista Pro
If you're a Nespresso lover who enjoys milk-based coffee and milk-based coffee, the Creatista Pro is a good option. It's also easy to use and has the same drink options as its counterpart that is the Creatista Plus. The milk frother is automated and self-cleaning, but it also lets you manually adjust the milk texture and temperature as desired. The result is smooth, frothy and creamy milk that is perfect for lattes as well as cappuccinos.
This Original Line machine uses Nespresso Vertuo Pods. It can brew espresso in three different sizes or milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and latte macchiatos. It's incredibly simple to use with large LCD display that is clear and bright, as well as labeled buttons for the various drinks. It also has a barista-style steam wand and milk jug, which is easier to clean than conventional integrated frothers on many Nespresso machines.
The Creatista Pro may be a bit more expensive than the other models, but it is an expensive machine. It's user-friendly and looks stunning on your counter. It comes with a tamper and capsules that are reusable and a topper. This saves money over the course of time.
You could consider the Nespresso CitiZMilk for a slightly cheaper version. It might not have as many bells, whistles, and features as the Creatista but it has an array of drinks that include cappuccinos, lattes, and three different espresso sizes. It also has a more intuitive interface, featuring a single button to turn the machine on and rinsing. It's also compact and small and has a moveable water tank that allows you to easily adjust it to your kitchen's layout.
