Nespresso Machines Compared
The best Nespresso machine is sleek, compact and looks modern. Most have milk-frothing capability and are able to make a variety of espresso and coffee drinks with crema.
All Nespresso machines are able to heat and pierce pre-portioned capsules, which allows them to make different drinks sizes with the touch of the button. The different models vary by size, price, and features.
The Original Line
The Original line machines pierce capsules and then pump hot steam at 19 bar pressure to make lungos or espressos of different sizes. They also come with buttons for hot milk and frothing, a smaller tray for the capsule, and an energy-saving feature that shuts off after nine minutes of inactivity. Our testers praised this machine for its sleek design and practical water container, though the smaller tank may be a problem for certain.
The Vertuo Line
If you're looking for a nespresso machine that will make espresso and coffee, the Vertuo Line could be the right choice for you. The machines utilize barcodes in their specially-designed capsules that allow them to brew the perfect strength and volume each time. This lets you enjoy your favorite drinks with no anxiety about hitting the wrong buttons or not remembering what you selected. Additionally they are able to work with Nespresso's Aeroccino milk frother, which is one of our favorites for creating delicious lattes and cappuccinos.
The first VertuoLine machines were launched in 2014, and even though they didn't come highly recommended, Nespresso listened to customer feedback and fixed the problem by releasing the Evoluo machine in 2015. The new Vertuo models offer more options in color and are simpler to use than their predecessors.
Vertuo machines can also be used with capsules from other brands, like Williams Sonoma or illy. The Original Line, on the other hand, only works with Nespresso capsules.
One of the best models available is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which was launched in the year 2016. This model offers an optimal heat-up time, as well as an energy-saving mode that can help you reduce your electric bill. It's also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capable which allows you to connect your smartphone for notifications and maintenance alerts. The swiveling tank is adjusted to suit various countertop configurations. The drawer used in the capsule can also be opened and closed by pressing the button.
VertuoPlus has a compact, easy-to-use design that occupies minimal counter space. Its brewing is streamlined and it uses Centrifusion, a unique extraction technique that gives top-quality results. The small water tank could be a little limiting factor for some people but it's likely to be a minor inconvenience. The machine also has several settings that can be programmed to suit your personal preferences. This includes a dedicated iced beverage button, which makes it simple to create the perfect Latte or coffee iced.
The Essenza Line
The Essenza line from Nespresso is the simplest pod machine. It's compact and reasonably priced. It can make a delicious coffee or a cup in just minutes. These machines can brew an espresso or lungo at 19 bar of pressure. You can also reprogramme the machines to brew smaller drinks, such as the ristretto. This is a great choice for those who don't want to brew whole-lattice drinks but still want the high-end quality of Nespresso.
If you're serious about your coffee, we recommend using a machine from the Original line instead. They produce more espresso and are more flexible than the Vertuo machines. However, if you're strapped on space the Essenza Mini is hard to beat.
Another reason that the Essenza Mini is a great option is its design. Its sleek, minimalist design makes a stunning addition any kitchen. It occupies less space than a kettle for hot water and is easy to place in an empty space near your kitchen appliances. It is available in five different colors that will fit into any style.
Nespresso machines that use only pods are extremely easy to operate. The Essenza Mini only has two buttons, one for an lungo and the other for an espresso. The espresso button makes two shots of espresso, while the lungo brews a full cup of lungo-style coffee. The website of Nespresso has videos that show you how to go about changing the program to make other sizes.
It's also easy to clean. The capsule container is easy to dispose of and both the reservoir for water and the reusable tray are easily accessible to clean and refill. The digital display will inform you when it's time to descale and how many capsules you have left.
This simple machine comes with two sizes of drinks, but it doesn't have a milk frother. Combining it with a separate frothing machine opens the door to quality barista lattes and cappuccinos however, this adds cost and complexity to your home coffee maker.
The CitiZ Line
The Nespresso CitiZ Original Line machine is sleek and compact, with a tiny footprint. It makes use of Nespresso classic capsules and comes with or without a frother. It's easy to operate and maintain, too. The machine can be heated up in only 25 seconds, and an energy-saving feature turns it off after nine minutes of idleness.
The CitiZ makes each capsule with a high degree of precision. The high-performance pump, 19 bars, helps extract the delicate flavors and superior aromas in each pod, creating an deliciously smooth crema. The machine produces a richer crema than many of its competitors. This means it makes a better cup of coffee.
If you don't wish to buy a higher-priced machine equipped with a steam wand the CitiZ is a good choice. It's also a good choice for those who are brand new to making espresso because it's extremely user-friendly. You only need to insert a capsule and press the button to enjoy a cup full of freshly brewed delicious espresso.
In nespresso coffee maker to its speedy and simple brewing process In addition to its simple and quick brewing process, the CitiZ also has some interesting functional features that distinguish it from other models in its class. For instance, it has a folding cup tray that allows you to use any size mug that you have on hand. The machine has an extra small container that stores capsules that are used under the spout. This is a great feature as it prevents you from having to remove the capsules manually.
CitiZ accepts any capsule blend, but you might have to play around to find the blend that works best for you. The machine produces strong, full-bodied coffee that has the thick cap. The machine is quiet and that can be beneficial for those living in an apartment.
The CitiZ does not come with the option of foaming milk, but you can get it for an additional fee. It does not have hot water dispenser therefore you'll have to boil water yourself if you want to make more than two cups at the same time.