Consistent, convenient espresso from a single-serving capsule system. That’s the core promise of any nespresso espresso machine, and it’s a big reason they’ve become a kitchen staple. You get a perfect crema-topped shot in under a minute, with virtually no mess to clean up afterwards. It’s a game-changer for your morning routine.
But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? We tested a popular machine to see if it lives up to the hype. From the first sip to the daily maintenance, here’s what you really need to know before you buy.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Nespresso Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by…
|
9.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Black
|
9.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi,…
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville, Piano Black
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by…
|
9.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with…
|
8.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Chrome…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, Titan
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville,…
|
8.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi,…
|
8.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Chrome
|
8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Nespresso Espresso Machine
De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, Grey
The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker in Grey is a streamlined machine designed for simplicity and variety in your daily coffee routine. It functions as a single-serve system, meaning you get a freshly brewed cup or shot at the touch of one button. The machine heats up in about 25 seconds, so you don’t have to wait long, and it includes an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature for when your done using it. This machine’s main advantage is it’s versatility.
It brews four different cup sizes directly from the same machine: a 5oz and 8oz coffee, plus a single and double espresso. This flexibility lets you choose the right drink for the moment, whether that’s a large morning coffee or an afternoon espresso. The process is consistently simple—just insert a capsule, press the button, and the machine reads the barcode on the pod to adjust the brewing parameters for you. Your options extend far beyond just hot drinks.
You can easily pour any coffee blend directly over ice to create a smooth iced coffee or use it as a base for homemade lattes. With over 30 permanent coffee blends available from Nespresso, plus seasonal and limited edition options, there’s a wide range of tastes to try. You can find profiles from bold and intense to mild and balanced, all developed to work perfectly with the Vertuo system.
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Black
The Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi in Black is a compact and stylish appliance designed for your daily coffee routine. It focuses on delivering a consistent, high-quality espresso with minimal effort, making it a straightforward choice for your kitchen counter.
Its design is a key feature. The CitiZ has a clean, modern silhouette that fits well in most kitchens. It’s not overly bulky, so it won’t dominate your space.
The black finish gives it a sleek look that many find appealing. The machine aims to please those who appreciate both good coffee and good design, adding a simple elegance to your morning ritual. The water tank is located at the back, and the used capsule container is integrated, keeping the lines smooth.
Operation is intentionally simple. You lift the lever, insert a Nespresso OriginalLine capsule, and close it.
With one button for espresso and another for lungo, you get a pre-programmed beverage in seconds. The machine heats up quickly, usually in under 30 seconds. A 19-bar high-pressure pump is used to extract the coffee, which is standard for Nespresso machines to create the characteristic crema.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 1150 watts, 110ml, Black
The Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi is a compact powerhouse designed for small kitchens and busy mornings. At just 1150 watts, it heats up incredibly fast, so you can go from thinking about coffee to holding a cup in under a minute. Its slim profile takes up minimal counter space, but it doesn’t compromise on the quality of your brew.
This machine is all about delivering a consistant, barista-style espresso or coffee with the simple press of a button.
You have two cup size options at your fingertips: a 40ml espresso shot or a 110ml lungo. The one-touch buttons make it straightforward to choose your drink. The machine works exclusively with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, which offer a wide range of coffee blends and intensities to suit your taste.
The used capsules are automatically ejected into a small, integrated container at the back, which holds around six to nine pods before needing to be emptied. This keeps the process clean and simple.
An important note for getting started: please refer to the user guide or manual (provided as a PDF) before first use. This will walk you through the initial setup and cleaning cycles, ensuring your machine is ready for its first brew and performs optimally from day one.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville, Piano Black
The Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by Breville in Piano Black is a compact and efficient single-serve coffee system designed for simplicity and consistent results. It’s built to deliver barista-grade espresso and coffee at the touch of a button, making it a straightforward choice for your kitchen counter. This machine focuses on two core functions: brewing a single espresso shot or a larger lungo coffee.
With a rapid 25-second heat-up time, you can have a fresh cup ready almost instantly. Its automatic energy-saving shut-off feature helps conserve power when your not using it, which is a nice practical touch. The design is notably minimalistic and slim, so it fits easily in small spaces and can be moved around without hassle. The Piano Black finish gives it a sleek, modern look that blends into most kitchen decors. A key aspect of the Essenza Mini is its reliance on Nespresso’s capsule system.
This means you get a consistent pressure brew every time without the need to handle coffee grounds or deal with complex settings. Each machine comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules so you can begin tasting right away—just note the assortment you receive might vary from promotional images. The one-touch operation for both cup sizes makes it incredibly user-friendly, embodying the brand’s expertise in accessible espresso.
De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, Grey with Aeroccino Milk Frother
The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother is designed for your daily coffee routine. This machine simplifies the process of getting a great cup, weather its a large morning coffee or an afternoon espresso. It’s a dual system, meaning it brews both full mugs of coffee and concentrated espresso shots, all at the touch of a single button.
You don’t need to adjust settings or guess—the machine reads a barcode on each capsule to automatically set the correct parameters for that specific blend. One of its key conveniences is the speed. The machine heats up in about 25 seconds, so you’re not waiting long. It also has an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature, which is a nice touch for everyday use. You have flexibility in cup size, with options for a 5oz or 8oz coffee, and a single or double espresso.
This versatility means it can adapt to your mood. Want a bold, large cup to start the day? Or a small, strong shot after lunch? It handles both. You can also easily pour your coffee over ice to make refreshing iced versions. The included Aeroccino3 milk frother is a major plus. With one touch, it creates smooth, hot milk froth for lattes and cappuccinos, or cold froth for iced drinks. It works in seconds and is simple to clean, integrating seamlessly into your coffee making.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, Ink Black
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Milk Frother, Ink Black, is designed for a streamlined coffee experience at home. It’s a single-serve system, meaning you get a freshly brewed coffee or espresso at the touch of a single button. No mess, no guesswork. The machine heats up in about 25 seconds, so you don’t have to wait long for your morning cup.
It also has an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature, which is a nice touch for convenience and saving a little power when your not using it. This machine’s versatility is a key point. It brews four different cup sizes: a 5-ounce and an 8-ounce coffee, plus a single and double espresso. Whether you prefer a large mug to start your day or a concentrated shot after lunch, it handles it.
You can also use it to make iced coffees and lattes easily—just brew the coffee directly over a glass full of ice. This flexibility means it can cover most coffee styles you might want, from bold and intense to mild and smooth, served hot or cold. Included with the machine is the Nespresso Aeroccino3 milk frother. This separate device is simple: press the button once for hot, frothy milk, or press and hold for a cold froth. It works in seconds and cleans easily.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Chrome with Aeroccino Milk Frother
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Chrome with Aeroccino Milk Frother is a streamlined system for making barista-style drinks at home. It combines a single-serve coffee and espresso machine with a dedicated milk frother, all in a sleek chrome finish. This setup is designed for simplicity and consistency, aiming to give you cafe-quality results without the complexity. This machine is fully automatic.
You insert a Nespresso Vertuo capsule, press the button, and it handles the rest. It’s important to know it works exclusively with Nespresso’s Vertuo line of capsules. The machine reads a barcode on each capsule using what Nespresso calls CENTRIFUSION technology. This spins the capsule rapidly while hot water is injected, and the system automatically adjusts the brewing parameters—like water volume, temperature, and infusion time—to match that specific coffee blend.
The goal is to deliver an optimal extraction for each cup, whether it’s a small espresso or a large mug of coffee. It even creates a layer of crema on top of larger coffee sizes, which is a signature feature. The adjustable drip tray is a practical detail. It can be raised to accomodate an espresso cup or lowered for a full travel mug, giving you flexibility without spills. The included Aeroccino milk frother is a separate, standalone unit.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, Titan
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, Titan, is designed for a streamlined coffee experience at home. It uses Nespresso’s unique Centrifusion technology to brew a variety of cup sizes. The machine reads a barcode on each Vertuo capsule to automatically adjust the brewing parameters for that specific coffee, aiming for a consistent crema on every drink.
This model includes the Aeroccino milk frother.
This separate device lets you heat milk for a latte or froth it for a cappuccino with the press of a button. It’s a simple way to add milk-based drinks to your routine without a steam wand. The machine’s body is primarily plastic with some metal details, giving it a modern look that fits on most countertops.
Operation is straightforward. You lift the lever, insert a compatible Vertuo capsule, close the lever, and press the brew button.
The used capsules are deposited into a container at the back, which holds around 10 to 12 before needing to be emptied. The water tank is also at the back and is removable for easy filling at your sink. It’s a good idea to rinse the tank before you use it for the first time.
For setup and maintenance, its important to consult the user guide provided.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Light Grey
The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, with Aeroccino Milk Frother, Light Grey, is designed for a straightforward, high-quality coffee experience at home. This single-serve machine simplifies the process, letting you brew a fresh coffee or espresso at the touch of a single button. It’s built for convenience, with a rapid 25-second heat-up time so you don’t have to wait long.
Plus, it includes an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature, which is a nice touch for daily use and peace of mind. Its core strength is versatility. The machine brews four different cup sizes directly: a 5-ounce or 8-ounce coffee, and a single or double espresso. This flexibility means you can choose the right drink for the right moment, whether its a large mug to start your morning or a concentrated shot for an afternoon lift. The system is also designed to work perfectly over ice.
You can brew a coffee directly onto ice cubes to instantly create a smooth, flavorful iced coffee or iced latte without any dilution or bitter taste, which is a common problem with other methods. Included with the machine is the Nespresso Aeroccino3 milk frother. This separate device is incredibly simple; with one touch, it creates smooth, hot milk froth for lattes and cappuccinos or cold froth for iced drinks. It heats and froths simultaneously, ready in seconds, and its easy to clean.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, White
The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi in White is designed for a straightforward, high-quality coffee experience at home. It’s a versatile machine that brews both full mugs of coffee and single espresso shots, giving you flexibility depending on your mood.
Whether you prefer a bold, intense coffee to start your day or a milder, smoother cup for the afternoon, this machine handles it with a simple touch.
One of the key aspects of the Vertuo Next is it’s simplicity. You just pop in a Nespresso capsule, press the button, and the machine does the rest. It uses a unique centrifusion technology to spin the capsule at high speed, blending the coffee grounds with water for a consistently rich crema—even on your full mug coffees.
After brewing, the used capsule is automatically ejected into the used container, which makes cleanup practically non-existent. The machine also turns itself off after a few minutes, which is a nice feature for energy saving.
Each machine comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules so you can begin tasting right away. The assortment lets you try different blends and intensities to find your favorite.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Chrome
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville in Chrome is a single-serve machine designed for simplicity and variety. It brews both coffee and espresso at the touch of a single button, making your morning routine straightforward. The machine heats up in about 25 seconds, so you don’t have to wait long for your first cup. It also includes an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature, which helps manage power use when your not using it. This machine is built for every coffee occasion.
Whether you prefer a bold, intense espresso to start your day or a milder, larger coffee to sip on, it handles both. You can enjoy your drinks hot, or easily pour them over ice to create refreshing iced coffees and lattes at home. The versatility here means you can match your drink to your mood without needing multiple appliances. The Vertuo’s versatility is clear in its four programmed cup sizes. You can choose a single or double espresso shot for a concentrated boost.
For larger drinks, it brews a 5-ounce Gran Lungo or an 8-ounce standard coffee. This range covers most common coffeehouse-style drinks. The system uses Nespresso’s Vertuo pods, which the machine reads automatically to adjust the brewing parameters for each blend. This takes the guesswork out of getting a consistent cup. Your machine comes with a few key components to get you started.
Nespresso Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Nespresso machines are defined by their proprietary capsule system and consistency. This means you get a reliably good shot with minimal fuss. But with several models available, how do you pick the right one for your counter? This guide will help you focus on the key differences.
OriginalLine vs. VertuoLine
This is your first and most important choice. OriginalLine machines are designed for classic espresso and lungo shots. They use high pressure to extract from smaller capsules. VertuoLine machines, on the other hand, use barcode scanning and centrifusion to make both espresso and larger coffee drinks from bigger capsules. Ask yourself: Do you mostly drink straight espresso, or do you prefer big mugs of coffee?
Machine Size and Footprint
Consider your kitchen space. Some models, like the Pixie or Essenza Mini, are incredibly compact—perfect for tight spots or travel. Others have larger water tanks and used capsule containers, which are convienient but take up more room. Measure your space before you fall in love with a feature-packed model that won’t fit.
Milk Frothing Capability
Do you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos? If so, look for a model with an integrated milk frother, like the Lattissima or Creatista series. These are all-in-one units. Alternatively, you can buy any machine and add a separate Aeroccino frother later. The integrated option is smoother but often costs more.
Price and Features
Your budget steers this decision. Basic models start at a lower price and simply brew great espresso. As you move up, you pay for features: touch controls, programmable cup sizes, automatic milk systems, and sleek designs. Think about which conveniences are truly worth it for your daily routine. Sometimes, simpler is better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nespresso Espresso Machine
What’s teh difference between OriginalLine and VertuoLine machines?
This is the big one. OriginalLine machines use high pressure to brew espresso from smaller capsules. VertuoLine machines use barcode scanning and centrifugal force to brew both espresso and larger coffee drinks from bigger capsules. Your choice depends on if you mostly want espresso or also want full cups of coffee.
Are Nespresso pods recyclable?
Yes, they are. The aluminum capsules are fully recyclable. You can collect used pods in a recycling bag Nespresso provides and drop them off at a boutique or a partner location. You can also mail them back using a prepaid label. It’s a pretty straightforward system.
How do I clean and descale my machine?
For daily care, just rinse the drip tray and capsule container. You should run a water cycle through the machine without a capsule to flush it. For descaling, use the special Nespresso descaling solution or an approved brand every 3-6 months, or when your machine prompts you. The manual has easy step-by-step instructions.
Can I use other brands of capsules?
For OriginalLine machines, many third-party companies make compatible pods, so you have lots of options. For VertuoLine, the patent on the capsules is still active, so your choices are pretty much limited to Nespresso’s own brand for now. That might change in the future.
Is the espresso from a Nespresso machine good?
For a quick, convenient home brew, it’s very good. It produces a consistent crema and rich flavor with minimal effort. It won’t replicate a professional barista’s shot from a thousand-dollar machine, but for most people, the quality is excellent and the convenience is unbeatable.
What main features should I look for?
Think about size, milk frothing, and programmable settings. Compact models save counter space. If you love lattes, get a machine with a built-in milk frother or Aeroccino. Some models let you program your preferred cup size and brew strength, which is a nice touch for personalization.
Our Final Words
Embrace a vast world of pod-based convenience and variety. It’s about getting a great coffee exactly how you like it, every single time. You save teh effort of grinding and tamping without sacrificing that rich, crema-topped result. Your morning routine becomes simpler and more rewarding.
For a reliable and stylish centerpiece to your kitchen counter, a nespresso espresso machine is a fantastic choice. It fits neatly into a busy life, giving you a moment of calm and a fantastic cup. You really can’t go wrong with this level of quality and ease. It’s a simple way to make your day a little better.