The best Nespresso machines have revolutionized home espresso brewing, providing a convenient and mess-free experience with their coffee pods. They range in price, with models ranging from $179 to $749, but they make great coffee.
Vertuo machines offer innovative features like auto pod recognition and customization options for different needs and tastes.
Consider your coffee-drinking habits when choosing a Nespresso machine. Machines with a milk frother are perfect for lattes and cappuccinos, while models without frothers are great for espresso. To ensure your machine meets your specific requirements, you'll need to consider things like water tank capacity, noise level, appearance, and cleaning ease.
If you're interested in alternatives to Nespresso, explore our guide to the best espresso machines or our recommendations for pod coffee makers from other brands.
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
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The best Nespresso machine overall
The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista stands out as an attractive and clever coffee machine. By reading the barcode on Vertuo capsules, it automatically adjusts the brewing settings to ensure every cup is just right. One of the best features is the automated milk wand, which makes perfectly frothed milk, perfect for creamy coffee drinks.
However, it's worth noting that this machine is significantly larger than other Nespresso models. If counter space is a concern, you might want to rethink your purchase or see if you can fit it. Instead of plastic, the stainless steel looks sleek and professional, giving you the feeling of having a barista in your own kitchen.
The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista incorporates user-friendly features; for instance, the steam wand can be tilted up easily using a finger loop. When you pick a temperature and choose your desired froth level, the machine does the rest. Based on the Vertuo capsule barcode determines exactly how much water is needed to brew each drink.
Amazon reviews praise the machine's simplicity and the taste of the coffee it makes. Some customers report getting a 'machine too hot' error when using it.
Although the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is designed to be user-friendly, it can still be a bit confusing at first. You use a lever and a button to brew. The capsule bin holds 6 to 10 capsules, and there are three height settings. Even though the machine brews coffee in just two to three minutes, the main drawbacks are that there are limited options for stronger or hotter coffee, and the crema can be thin and bubbly instead of rich and creamy.
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
Despite its simple design and vibrant color options, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop stands out for its stylish appearance. It's 16.5 inches in diameter, so it's perfect for people who don't have much counter space. If you're looking for something sweet to pair with your coffee, it's just under $200, so you have some extra cash to spend.
Easy to use. It has just one lever and a button, and a small water tank that holds 20 fl oz—so you can make about two cups of coffee with it. Although it's simple, it has some limitations, especially if you're looking for an integrated milk frother. Using centrifusion technology, the Vertuo Pop creates a rich crema layer when you add milk.
With the Vertuo, you can get four coffee sizes: a 40ml espresso, an 80ml double espresso, a 150ml gran lungo, and a 230ml mug. Vertuo pods come in strength ratings from 1 to 10, so you can customize your taste.
Coffee is ready in just 20 to 30 seconds after inserting a pod. However, adding cold milk will require extra steaming time, potentially leaving your coffee lukewarm.
Nespresso's user reviews say the machine has great taste and a lightweight, colorful design that makes it a popular choice for coffee lovers. Whether you're a couple or just a single coffee drinker, the Vertuo Pop is a chic and functional option.
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
It's one of Nespresso's simplest models, yet it delivers great-tasting coffee without fuss. It's affordable, dependable, and can brew a delicious cup almost instantly.
Essenza Mini is 4.3 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep and belongs to the Original range. Although its color options aren't very exciting—black, red, and green—you can easily mix them in with your kitchen decor.
There are just two buttons to choose between Espresso and Lungo, the latter being a bigger cup. It has a water tank of 20.3 ounces, so you'll need to refill it regularly, especially if you like Lungo. It takes around five or six pods to empty the waste bin, but there's no frother included, so you'll have to steam or froth it yourself.
The space between the drip tray and dispenser may not accommodate taller mugs or glasses. Fortunately, both the drip tray and waste bin slide out easily, making maintenance easy.
The Essenza Mini has been our reviewer's primary coffee maker for years, and it's been working great even after five years. The Lungo button is pressed twice for a full regular mug, so you might need to add milk or hot water. Some people say it leaks over time, but most users like how easy it is and how fast it brews.
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
This Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is a great choice for coffee lovers who want good foam, but don't want to break the bank. With its premium appearance, this coffee machine excels in crafting milk-based beverages, with three distinct milk settings and a separate milk frothing carafe. Don't forget it brews an espresso in 30 seconds, too.
This model has a longer design due to the generous water tank and milk carafe at the back and front. The autopod recognition technology ensures optimal brewing no matter what kind of pod is used, whether it's espresso, double espresso, or other drinks.
You'll need a bit of time to get accustomed to the Lattissima, but it's easy to use. Just fill the milk-frothing carafe with your milk and attach it to the machine. Milk coffee fans will love the creamy latte, velvety hot foam, and airy cappuccino options. Since many standard Nespresso machines don't have such versatility, this is a dream come true.
The machine takes about 30 seconds to heat, and it makes coffee in just two to three minutes with very little effort on my part. However, the milk frother's six parts need to be carefully disassembled and reassembled after cleaning, which makes the cleanup process a bit cumbersome.
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
The Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine is set to become an indispensable part of your morning routine, combining modern aesthetics with advanced technology. It's got an auto pod recognition feature, so you can make your espresso with just a click of a button. Whether you want a single or double espresso, a Gran-Lungo, a carafe, or a mug-sized coffee, this machine uses Vertuo pods that determine its strength and size. It has a big water tank, so you don't have to refill it.
Although it has no integrated milk frother, coffee lovers can steam milk separately with the Vertuo Next. Additionally, it's a lot smaller than the Lattissima, accommodating five different cup sizes, from a 1.35-ounce espresso to a 14-ounce Alto. Centrifusion technology makes it richer and creamier than its predecessor.
According to user feedback, the machine brews coffee quickly and leaves no mess. Interestingly, the coffee finishes brewing at a drinkable temperature, which can be a downside if you add cold milk.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next gets mixed reviews. Some users like its easy-to-use design and affordability, but some say it's slow and noisy during operation. There are also reports of leaks developing after a year or two, so future buyers may want to be wary.
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 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 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 must 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
Are Nespresso machines worth it?
A Nespresso machine's standout feature is its convenience. It's designed for quick and easy operation, so users can make espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos without hassle. Making a quality cup of coffee in just a few minutes can be a big deal for people with busy lives. Especially efficient models like the Nespresso VertuoPlus are great for mornings when you're pressed for time.
Nespresso machines are also great for saving you money. If you buy coffee drinks from cafes a lot, investing in a Nespresso machine could save you a lot of money. Regular users can save hundreds of dollars a year by making their favorite drinks at home instead of buying them from coffee shops.
These benefits have to be weighed against the quality of the coffee. While Nespresso machines deliver a convenient and consistent brew, some coffee enthusiasts argue they don't compare to the flavor and richness of coffee made with traditional espresso machines. You might feel like a compromise if you go for authentic espresso experiences with a Nespresso.
How much do Nespresso machines cost?
Depending on the model and features, a Nespresso machine can cost between $150 and over $600.
At the lower end of the spectrum, the Essenza Mini, one of the most affordable models, is priced at around $180. This compact machine is designed for simplicity and efficiency, making it a great entry point for those new to Nespresso. While it's budget-friendly, it doesn't have some advanced features of higher-end models, like a milk frother or customizable settings.
Most mid-range machines cost $250 to $400. They usually have milk-frothing capabilities, bigger water tanks, and more brewing options. Nespresso VertuoPlus, for example, lets you make both espresso and larger coffees to satisfy everyone.
It's not uncommon for premium machines to cost over $600. They usually have advanced technology, like smart connectivity, so you can control brewing settings from your phone. In addition, they may have high-quality materials and design elements that make your kitchen look great.
In addition to the initial purchase price, you'll also have ongoing costs to consider, like the cost of coffee pods. Nespresso pods typically cost $0.70 to $1.00 each, which adds up over time.
How long do Nespresso machines last?
Nespresso machines are well known for being durable, and they typically last around 6-10 years if well-cared for. Of course, this lifespan depends on a few different factors, including how often you use it, your environment, and whether you regularly maintain the appliance. This means regular descaling. There's also the warranty to consider, which is 1-2 years and should cover general repairs and, in some circumstances, replacements.
When is the best time to buy a Nespresso machine?
You can get a Nespresso machine deal on Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Many retailers offer substantial discounts during these shopping events, so it's a great time to buy. Additionally, holiday sales around Christmas are a great time to buy because retailers are trying to eliminate their stock.
Nespresso usually releases new models in the spring and fall. When new models come out, older models usually get a price cut. If you're not set on having the latest features, you can save a lot on established models that perform well.
Stores run seasonal sales year-round, like back-to-school specials and summer clearances. These sales can offer discounts on coffee makers, including Nespresso.
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.
