The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
2. Best for budget: Nespresso Vertuo Pop
3. Best compact machine: Nespresso Essenza Mini
4. Best for milk coffee: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
5. Best for low maintenance: Nespresso Vertuo Next
How to choose
How we test
Brewing a delicious espresso at home has never been easier thanks to Nespresso machines. These machines are designed to work with coffee pods, making the coffee-making process less expensive, more efficient, and mess-free.
The cost of a Nespresso machine can range from $179 to $749, but the convenience and quality of the coffee make it a worthwhile investment. The newer Vertuo Nespresso machines are particularly efficient as they use auto pod recognition to read a barcode on the pod, which determines the coffee's strength and size. On the other hand, the Original range of Nespresso machines offers more customization options, allowing you to create your own unique coffee blends.
When choosing the best Nespresso machine, it's essential to consider your coffee-drinking habits. If you love lattes and cappuccinos, machines with an integrated milk frother will provide the perfect frothy finish. However, if you only drink espressos, a model without a frother will be less expensive. A large water tank is also a key feature to consider if you want to brew more cups of coffee in one go, but it can make the machine feel bulky. Other important factors include noise levels, appearance, and how easy the machine is to clean.
If you're an espresso drinker, you may want to check out our guide to the best espresso machines. Alternatively, if you want to explore options from other brands, take a look at our guide to the best coffee makers.
The quick list
Use the quick list to browse the best products and narrow down which Nespresso machine suits you based on first impressions. You can jump down the page to read more detailed reviews of each product and why they should get a prized spot on your kitchen counter.
The best Nespresso machine overall
The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the best Nespresso machine overall, and not just because of its modern stainless steel design. Auto pod recognition cuts down your coffee routine, and the milk wand delivers wonderfully frothy coffee.
The best budget Nespresso machine
Add a pop of color to your kitchen counter with the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Simple and compact, but with four size options and different strengths detectable by auto pod recognition, it serves tasty coffee in 20 to 30 seconds.
The best compact Nespresso machine
Being short on counter space doesn’t mean you need to give up on barista-style coffee. The Nespresso Essenza Mini doesn’t have fancy or sophisticated features, but it will brew you an espresso or lungo at the touch of a button.
The best Nespresso machine for lattes
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima excels at rich, creamy milk coffee, thanks to its three milk settings and separate milk frothing carafe. It can also brew an espresso in 30 seconds flat.
The best low maintenance Nespresso machine
No fuss, just coffee. The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee delivers espressos you can drink on the spot. Although it doesn't have a milk frother, it has convenient auto pod recognition technology.
The best Nespresso machines we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best Nespresso machine overall
✅ You want a professional set-up: If you’re keen to play the part of a home barista, the stainless steel Nespresso Vertuo Creatista looks the part.
✅ You want easy instructions: It’s easy to wrap your head around using this coffee machine, as you only need to insert a pod and press one button.
✅ You don’t want to learn barista skills: The model has an integrated milk frother that will steam your milk for you. Auto pod recognition also decides the size and strength of the coffee.
❌ You are on a budget: At $749, this is the most expensive Nespresso machine you can buy. While regular coffee drinkers will save compared to getting their fix from the local coffee shop, it’s still a significant investment.
❌ You prioritize flavor: Among coffee snobs, capsule coffee isn’t renowned for its fine taste. If you're extremely picky, you might want to bypass Nespresso altogether and get a machine that takes beans or grounds.
❌ You don’t have much counter space: This Nespresso machine, double the size of other models, will make your counter even more crowded.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is a professional-looking stainless steel coffee machine. It’s the most expensive Nespresso machine but has lots to offer, including an integrated milk frother, auto pod recognition and three temperature settings ★★★★★
There's no doubt about it: the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is good-looking and smart. Equipped with auto pod recognition, it can adjust the brew settings based on a barcode on the innovative Vertuo capsules. Then, there's the automated milk wand, which delivers creamy milk coffee upon demand.
Design: The machine is double the size of other Nespresso models. If you don't have the counter space, make room (or don't buy it). Unlike plastic models, stainless steel looks professional, and you can certainly imagine yourself as a barista with it in your kitchen.
Simple design features go a long way; there’s a finger loop to tilt the steam wand upwards. This automated steam wand is one of the best features for milk coffee drinkers without barista skills. After selecting one of three temperatures and a suitable froth level, the machine will sort out the rest. By reading the Vertuo capsule barcode, it instantly knows how much water is needed to brew your drink.
User reviews: On Amazon, people like how easy it is to use the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista and how delicious the coffee is. A few users have qualms about getting a ‘machine too hot’ error during use.
Performance: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista has the potential to be confusing. However, it's very easy to use. You just need to pull a lever and press one button to brew. The capsule bin holds 6-10 capsules. There are also three different height settings for various mug sizes. Heating the water and brewing the coffee takes no more than two to three minutes. Noise levels were around 79 dB, which is not too disruptive.
The main downside of this machine is that there is no way to make your coffee hotter or stronger. You also can’t heat more than 8 fl oz of milk at a time. The crema is usually thin and bubbly rather than thick and creamy.
Value: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista costs $749 directly from Nespresso or Amazon. For that, you could get three cheaper Nespresso Vertuo models. Still, it's justified, as it offers plenty of extra conveniences compared to other machines.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A large machine made from professional-looking stainless steel. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Easy to use and comes with an integrated milk frother. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | One of the most expensive Nespresso models but for good reason. | ★★★★ |
The best budget Nespresso machine
✅ You want simplicity: The machine can be operated using just one button, making it one of the easiest Nespresso machines. Just fill the water tank, insert a pod, and pull down the lever.
✅ You’re short on time: After you’ve inserted a coffee pod, the machine takes just 20 - 30 seconds to brew your coffee, so that you can be caffeinated and out of the door pronto.
✅ You are short on space: This is a compact Nespresso model. It can easily slide into a small space, making it a great option for those who live in an apartment or a smaller home.
❌ You drink milk coffees: You may be disappointed with this model if you’re picky about your milk coffees. It has no milk function; adding cold milk can make your coffee lukewarm. Steaming milk yourself is also extra fiddly.
❌ You’re incredibly short on space: Despite being very compact, the water tank sits at the back of the machine, which can make it difficult to fit on a narrow kitchen counter.
❌ You’re after something professional-looking: This Nespresso machine is made from plastic and very compact, so it doesn’t have the same wow factor as other, larger coffee machines.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is compact and incredibly quick at brewing coffee, delivering results within 20 - 30 seconds. While it doesn’t come with an integrated milk frother, it’s also very budget-friendly and won't clog your kitchen counter ★★★★
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is nothing fancy. It's small, simple and colorful. If you're short on counter space, this is a great solution for making coffee at home. Better yet, you can put aside extra pennies for cookies or cake to accompany your afternoon coffee, which costs under $200.
Design: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is extremely compact, measuring 16.5 inches in diameter. It also comes in many bright colors, including Aqua Mint, Spicy Red, and Mango Yellow. However, don't underestimate it based on size, as it can make an espresso in 15 to 20 seconds.
It’s easy to set up and just as easy to use. One lever, one button, and a small water tank are at the back. It only holds 20 fl oz, enough for two cups of coffee so that it may be best for couples or singles rather than families. The simplicity is fab in some ways but frustrating in others. For one, there is no integrated milk frother. However, the coffee is produced via centrifusion and creates a thick layer of crema if you add your own milk.
The machine can handle four sizes (a 40ml espresso, 80ml double espresso, 150ml gran lungo, or 230 ml mug). The Vertuo pods have strength ratings between 1 and 10, allowing for more customization.
Performance: This machine is quick to perform, producing coffee in 20 to 30 seconds once the pod is loaded. Just remember that if you drink your coffee with milk, it’ll take extra time to steam, and cold milk can make your coffee lukewarm.
User reviews: Reviews on the Nespresso website are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the great taste and its colorful, lightweight design.
Value: The machine costs $190 on Amazon, where it is often on sale. Other Vertuo models are far more expensive, making this an inexpensive option. The Vertuo pods cost $73.50 for a pack of 60, which is something to factor into your ongoing budget.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Pop review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact and colorful but lacks a milk function. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Easy to operate and produces coffee in 20-30 seconds. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Budget-friendly at under $200, although pod prices can add up. | ★★★★ |
The best compact Nespresso machine
✅ You own a milk frother: The Nespresso Essenza only produces espressos, so you will need your milk frother to get the perfect frothy latte or cappuccino.
✅ You are efficient: There’s nothing difficult about using this Nespresso model, as there are two size options, and you only need to press one button to brew yourself an espresso.
✅ You don’t want to spend much: The machine only costs $179 from Amazon and other retailers, making it one of Nespresso’s most affordable pod machines. That means more money for groceries and other luxuries.
❌ You want to impress guests: While the machine is reliable, the design isn't very impressive. It's so compact that it might go unnoticed in your kitchen.
❌ You drink out of a tall glass or mug: There isn’t much space between the drip tray and dispenser, so if you drink out of tall glasses or mugs, you may have to fork out on a new set.
❌ You want more customisable settings: This coffee machine is as simple as it gets, with just two size settings. If you want to experiment with the size and strength of your coffee, look at a different model.
🔎 The Nespresso Essenza Mini is simple, affordable, and good at producing great-tasting coffee at the touch of a button. It’ll slot into a small space very easily, but you’ll need to invest in a separate milk frother if you drink lattes or other milky coffees ★★★★
The Nespresso Essenza Mini may be one of Nespresso’s simplest models, but it gets the job done. It is inexpensive and reliable, churning out great-tasting coffee at quite an impressive speed.
Design: Part of the Original range, the Essenza Mini is just 4.3 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep. Black, red, and green aren’t the most exciting colors, but they add some options if you want a machine that will blend in with your kitchen.
You can brew an Espresso or Lungo (larger cup) by pressing one of two buttons. The 20.3 oz water tank is limited, so it will need refilling regularly if you opt for the latter. The bin holds around five or six pods before it needs emptying. Milk coffee drinkers are also left having to froth or steam their milk, as there is no milk frother.
Another thing to note about the design is that very tall mugs or glasses may not fit, as there’s limited space between the drip tray and the dispenser. The drip tray and bin slide out of the machine easily, making general upkeep straightforward.
Performance: Our reviewer has used the Essenza Mini as his primary coffee maker for many years and classes it as capable and simple. It’s durable, too, having handled regular use for five years straight.
Unusually, for a full regular mug of coffee, you usually have to press the Lungo button twice. Even then, it may need topping up with hot water or milk, which can weaken the coffee.
User reviews: Users on the Nespresso website are very pleased with how the machine is easy to use and quick to make coffee. Most people are happy with the water temperature, but a few commented that it began to leak with regular use.
Value: The machine costs around $179 at Nespresso, Amazon, Wayfair, and others. Other brands have similar basic pod machines, which cost less than the Essenza Mini. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and VertuoPlus machines are also cheaper.
Read more: Nespresso Essenza Mini review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact design with just two size options. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | A capable machine for espressos but the water tank needs refilling regularly. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Inexpensive and good value for a simpler design. | ★★★★★ |
The best Nespresso machine for lattes
✅ You love milky coffee: With three milk settings and a milk frother, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is practically paradise for milk coffee drinkers.
✅ You’ve used coffee machines before: Compared to other Nespresso machines, this machine has a few extra features to understand, so you will have a good headstart if you've already used some of the brand's other pod machines.
✅ You like variety: This machine isn’t just good at making espressos. It can also make a mean latte, macchiato, or cappuccino.
❌ You only drink espressos: If you only drink espresso, you will save a lot of money by getting one of Nespresso’s more basic pod machines.
❌ You lack counter space: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is one of the largest coffee machines in our round-up, especially in length, so you must allocate a fair bit of counter space.
❌ You hate cleaning up: This model requires more cleaning than others because the milk carafe has six separate components that must be removed and put back together.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima opens up a whole new world of lattes, macchiatos and cappuccinos. While it's a large machine, it looks professional and straightforward to use despite its three different milk settings due to auto pod recognition ★★★★★
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is a safe bet if you want foam without the cost. This coffee machine looks premium, but doesn’t it? It’s a whizz at making milk coffee, with three milk settings and a separate milk frothing carafe. Don’t underestimate its espresso either, which brews within 30 seconds.
Design: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissimia is long because it has a large water tank and milk carafe at the back and front. The first feature worthy of recognition is the auto pod recognition technology, which can brew an espresso, double espresso, or other beverage based on which pod you offer.
You only need to use your brain while using the milk frothing carafe, which needs to be filled with milk and attached to the machine. There are three options for a milk coffee: creamy latte, hot foam, or frothy cappuccino. This is bliss for milk coffee drinkers, as many basic Nespresso pod machines lack these settings.
Performance: Using the machine requires little effort, although complete novices may need an hour or two to feel comfortable and confident. The machine takes around 30 seconds to heat up and two to three minutes to pour coffee. Cleaning up after using the machine is the most tedious part, as the milk frother has six different components and can be fiddly disassembled and re-assembled after washing with soapy water.
User reviews: Reviews on Nespresso’s website praise how good the milk frother is and how quick and easy the machine is to use. One review mentions that the machine can leave a mess on the countertop.
Value: For milk coffee drinkers, this machine is great value. It costs $499 when brought directly from Nespresso, although it can cost less on Amazon or Best Buy. Is it worth it if you only drink espressos? Maybe not. The Nespresso Essenza and Vertuo Pop cost far less.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Bulky but benefits from a large water tank and professional look. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Produces delicious milk coffees without too much effort. | ★★★★★ |
| Value | May not be worth $500 if you don’t drink milk coffee. | ★★★★ |
The best low maintenance Nespresso machine
✅ You drink only espressos: The Nespresso Vertuo Next does not come with an integrated milk frother, so if you drink milk coffee, you'll need to find a different solution, such as buying a separate milk carafe.
✅ You want a quick morning routine: Because this machine has auto pod recognition, all you need to do is insert a pod with your desired brewing settings and wait a few minutes for your coffee to brew.
✅ Your kitchen has modern appliances: This model has a sleek matte finish and is available in black, white, or red. It’ll seamlessly blend in with modern kitchen appliances.
❌ You add milk to your coffee: As the model has no milk frother, you will need to heat or steam your milk. If this is a big issue for you, maybe get a machine with an integrated milk frother instead.
❌ You’re picky about temperature: Coffee by the Nespresso Vertuo Next is designed to be drunk immediately, so if you save it for when you arrive at the office, it might already be lukewarm.
❌ You’re forgetful: The auto pod recognition technology reads the pods' barcodes and adjusts the brew settings accordingly. Therefore, you’ll need to be aware of which size cup you offer so that it doesn't overflow.
🔎 Nespresso Vertuo Next is a gorgeous coffee machine. It can easily condense your morning routine, as the auto pod recognition saves you time. The only thing is milk coffee drinkers will need to steam milk separately ★★★★
The Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine will quickly become a staple in your morning routine. It is modern and sleek, with sought-after auto pod recognition technology. At just the press of a button, you can get an espresso, which is ready to drink straight away.
Design: The Vertuo pods contain the key to the strength and size of your coffee when using the Vertuo Next. Its auto pod technology detects whether you are requesting a single or double espresso, a Gran-Lungo, a carafe, or a mug-sized coffee. The water tank is large enough for several cups of coffee in one go.
The machine does not have an integrated milk frother, so coffee drinkers must steam their own milk. Compared to the Lattissima, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is far more compact. It can also fit five different cup sizes, from a 1.35-oz espresso to a 14-oz Alto. The Centrifusion technology should produce a richer, creamier coffee.
Performance: Our reviewer found that the machine was quick to brew and left no mess behind. However, they did notice that the coffee was already the perfect temperature for drinking as soon as it had finished brewing. Therefore, if you plan to add cold milk, it can quickly turn lukewarm.
User reviews: The reviews on Nespresso are mixed. Many like the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which is easy to use and inexpensive. Others find the machine slow and noisy. Many reviews also mention that their machine began to leak after a year or two of use.
Value: Given its modern, sleek design, you might be surprised to find that the Nespresso Vertuo Next Review costs just $189 from Nespresso, including its black, white, and red variations. From Amazon, it costs closer to $100. Those are pretty attractive prices for a Nespresso machine, although it doesn't have as shining reviews as some other models.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Next review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, modern design without a milk frother. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Brews espressos in a few minutes with little mess. | ★★★★ |
| Value | Inexpensive but users report leaks within a year or two. | ★★★ |
How we test the best Nespresso machine
At Top Ten Reviews, we take the time to test the best Nespresso machines in our homes. Our reviewers include coffee snobs and regular coffee drinkers, but both put the machines to rigorous testing to see whether they’re up to scratch.
The Nespresso machines have been resting in our reviewers’ homes for at least two weeks. During this time, they used the machine regularly and tested its different settings and functions, whether it was a milk carafe or auto pod recognition. They also tried the different size and strength settings (if any) and saw how easy it is to use, clean, and store.
Read more about how we test Nespresso machines and other appliances.
How to choose the best Nespresso machine for you
Decide your budget. Nespresso machines can be purchased for under $200, but the most expensive machine, the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, costs nearly $750. Deciding exactly how much money you are willing to spend on a Nespresso machine should be your first step. Next, you might also want to consider whether you’re willing to wait for future sales or whether your budget can be stretched if you find a machine that ticks all of your non-negotiables.
Assess your space. There’s no point in buying a machine that is too big for your kitchen space. Likewise, if your machine is too small, you may get frustrated with refilling the water tank daily. Families may have a higher coffee demand than a couple or someone who lives alone. A Nespresso machine should sit on the kitchen counter, so if you’re limited on counter space, you should check the machine's dimensions first. An integrated milk frother or a large water tank can make a machine considerably larger.
Design. While a stainless steel Nespresso machine looks the most professional, it generally costs more than a plastic coffee machine. You may also want to get a Nespresso machine that fits in with an existing color scheme. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop, for example, comes in a handful of different bright colors.
Pod type. The Nespresso Original machines use Original pods without brewing settings, meaning that you have more freedom to play with the size and strength settings on your machine (if there are any). Meanwhile, the Nespresso Vertuo machines only take Vertuo pods, each with a barcode with size and strength settings. This simplifies your coffee-making process, meaning you can get out of the door quicker in the morning because the machine does most of the thinking.
Milk frother. An integrated milk frother can be a make-or-break feature when buying a Nespresso machine. Machines with a milk frother are more expensive, so if you only drink espressos, it may not be worth the extra cost. However, milk coffee drinkers will need to weigh whether they will pay more for the perfect latte or sacrifice time steaming milk separately. There’s always the option of buying a separate milk carafe, although this can complicate your coffee routine and leave more margin for error when it comes to getting the temperature of your coffee right.
Best Nespresso machine: FAQs
Where to find the best Nespresso coffee maker deals?
From what we see, there always seems to be a Nespresso coffee maker deal to shop. Whether you want to make a shot of espresso or a creamy latte, we recommend checking out what some of your favorite resellers have on offer. Think Amazon, Home Depot and Walmart.
Bookmark our coffee maker deals page to shop all the discounts in one place.
