The 6 Best Nespresso Machines of 2023

As for the milk frothing, the Vertuo Creatista includes both a steam wand and a separate milk jug, along with detailed steaming instructions that feature latte art tips. You can program three different temperature and froth settings for the milk, which gives you the opportunity to play around and determine which texture works best for your personal espresso-with-milk needs.

The 6 best Nespresso machines in 2023

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• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best compact
• Best for cappuccinos and lattes
• Best splurge
• Best design
• What to consider
• Nespresso Original vs. Vertuo lines
• FAQs

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Imagine the perfect cappuccino: creamy espresso, airy foam, and the smallest saucer you’ve ever seen. What if you could have all that without leaving the house? The best Nespresso machines provide both the simplicity of the best single-serve coffee makers and the flavor complexity of true espresso.

If you love espresso but don’t want to commit the space and budget to the best espresso machine, a Nespresso machine is the answer. Our top pick is the Nespresso VertuoPlus, an efficient machine that uses auto-brew technology to satisfy coffee and espresso drinkers alike. For espresso loyalists, the Nespresso Lattissima One uses a 19 bar pressure system and an integrated milk frother to make your home a cafe.

Top picks for the best Nespresso machines

Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus – See at Amazon
This sleek and user-friendly machine brews coffee and espresso at the touch of a button and has an adjustable water-tank so it can fit wherever you need it to.

Best budget: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ – See at Amazon
One of Nespresso’s newer releases, the Vertuo Pop+ is compact, efficient, and easy on both the eyes and the wallet.

Best compact: Nespresso Essenza Mini – See at Amazon
The Essenza Mini makes home espresso quick and easy; it has one touch brewing, fits onto even the narrowest counters, and can easily be tucked away when not in use.

Best for cappuccinos and lattes: Nespresso Lattissima One – See at Amazon
Fans of milk-based espresso beverages will love the Lattissima One, a luxe model with an integrated milk frother to save space.

Best splurge: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista – See at Amazon
Home barista dreams can come true with the Vertuo Creatista, a professional-grade model with precision brewing and top-of-the-line milk frothing technology.

Best design: Nespresso CitiZ by De’Longhi – See at Amazon
Streamlined and modern, the CitiZ is a visual conversation piece that still makes rich espresso with a lightning fast pre-heating cycle.

Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus

• Dimensions: 8.7″ W x 12.7″ D x 12.8″ H
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 40 oz
• Pod type: Vertuo
• Attached milk frother: No

Pros: Easy to operate, brews coffee quickly, automatically adjusts brewing settings, large water carafe, can hold up to 10 used pods, comes in 13 colors

Cons: Larger than many other models, doesn’t include a milk frother

Our choice for the best Nespresso machine overall is a model that’s celebrated for its brewing speed and consistency. The VertuoPlus features thoughtful designs like a one-touch brewing system, an adjustable cup shelf, and a moveable water tank.

You’ll notice that the VertuoPlus only has one button: this is because the machine uses Nespresso’s auto-brew technology to read a barcode on each capsule and adjust the brew settings including size and amount of water saturation to make the ideal cup. You can stop brewing early by pressing the button while the machine is running if you want, say, a single shot from a double espresso pod.

We also love the large receptacle for used pods; it can hold up to 10 at a time, so you won’t need to constantly empty the compartment between brew cycles. While the machine itself is larger than some of its competitors, the water tank can be swiveled to a few different positions, which cuts down on its total footprint.

While the VertuoPlus doesn’t come with an integrated milk frother, a frothing add-on like the Nespresso Aeroccino3 or Aeroccino4 are viable options for latte lovers. All in all, the VertuoPlus exemplifies the best of the Nespresso concept, and its “flaws” prove easy to work with, especially considering its reasonable price.

The VertuoPlus is designed so that making barista-quality espresso and coffee is as straightforward and stress-free as possible, which is why it is our pick for the best Nespresso machine overall.

Best budget: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+

• Dimensions: 8.6″ W x 14″ D x 10.4″H
• Weight: 7.9 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 25.4 oz
• Pod type: Vertuo
• Attached milk frother: No

Pros: Lightweight, easy to fit in small spaces, comes in 8 colors, can be paired with the Nespresso app for brewing tips and maintenance alerts

Cons: Need to manually lock the machine before use, carafe needs to be refilled more frequently than larger versions, doesn’t include a milk frother

The Vertuo Pop+ is small enough to easily tuck into a kitchen cabinet, but is so cute that you’ll want to keep it on full display. It comes in 8 colors, including bright hues like red, aqua, and “mango yellow,” and the streamlined profile is ideal for any kitchens with limited counter space.

The Vertuo Pop+ also features Bluetooth pairing with the Nespresso app, which provides brewing advice, cappuccino and latte recipes, and reminders for when to descale the machine and empty the pod holder.

Preheating takes only 30 seconds, and the brewing technology allows the Vertuo Pop+ to calibrate its cycles to suit each individual type of Vertuo pod. Like the VertuoPlus, the Vertuo Pop+ can work alongside the Aeroccino to make milk-based espresso beverages with ease.

The Pop+ brews in five sizes from a single espresso shot to a 12-ounce cup. It’s a versatile choice for espresso drinkers who want to watch their budget without compromising on coffee quality.

Best compact: Nespresso Essenza Mini

• Dimensions: 3.3″ W x 12.8″ D x 8″ H
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 20.3 oz
• Pod type: Original
• Attached milk frother: No

Pros: Very small and lightweight, water carafe is easy to refill and reattach, preheats and brews very quickly

Cons: Used pod storage is small, pricier than comparable models, doesn’t include a milk frother

Weighing in at only 5 pounds, the Essenza Mini is the smallest model offered by Nespresso, but it’s petite stature in no way limits its brewing power. This lean machine preheats in under 30 seconds, and shifts from flashing to solid lights on the control buttons makes it clear when it’s time to start brewing. The Essenza Mini has two control buttons: one for standard (or “short”) shots that produce a smaller amount of stronger espresso and one for lungo (“long”) shots that have more liquid and a lighter flavor profile.

The machine’s brewing system is relatively quiet, so it’s a good bet for folks with roommates or partners who like to sleep in. In just 2-4 minutes, you’ll find a smooth shot of espresso in your best espresso cup with a distinct level of crema on top. The Essenza Mini’s small size also makes it a viable option if you need to bring a Nespresso machine on the road — it’s compact enough to use in a hotel room or a camper.

While the Essenza Mini isn’t the cheapest option for compact Nespresso machines, its consistency, high performance caliber, and light weight more than justify the slightly higher price point.

Best for cappuccinos and lattes: Nespresso Lattissima One

• Dimensions: 6.1″ W x 12.8″D x 10.1″H
• Weight: 9.3 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 33.8 oz
• Pod type: Original
• Attached milk frother: Yes

Pros: Includes an attached milk frother; comes with instructions on how to make lattes and cappuccinos; heats, brews, and froths quickly

Cons: On the pricey side; larger than some competitors

If you’re a coffeehouse regular who loves an expertly-made cappuccino, then the Lattissima One is the best Nespresso machine for you. This machine includes a milk chamber nestled into the front of the device (so it doesn’t increase the machine’s width) and provides frothed milk for espresso beverages with the touch of a button.

You can find written instructions in the box (or video tutorials on Nespresso’s YouTube channel) to talk you through the process of making espresso and milk drinks. Customer reviews also indicate that the Lattissima One can be used to froth non-dairy milk (though we haven’t tried it ourselves), so you can easily whip up a soy capp or oat milk latte.

The Lattissima One cuts an attractive figure on your countertop: clean lines, shining metal accents, and a lean profile. Home coffee brewers determined to make professional-grade lattes might prefer the pricier Lattissima Pro, which features a larger milk carafe and can froth milk more quickly than the Lattissima One. But the lower cost of the Lattissima One doesn’t reflect a lower quality of espresso brewing and milk steaming, so we tend to prefer this model.

Coffee fans who like a seamless blend of function and fashion will find plenty to love about this impressive multitasker.

Best splurge: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista

• Dimensions: 9.6″ W x 16.4″D x 12.7″H
• Weight: 15 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 67.63 oz
• Pod Type: Vertuo
• Attached milk frother: Yes

Pros: Large water tank, used capsule compartment can hold up to 1,; includes an attached milk frother, one-touch precision brewing

Cons: Expensive, large and heavy

For enterprising coffee drinkers who want to try making latte art, the Vertuo Creatista has them covered. This new Nespresso model (made with sleek stainless steel) includes size options ranging from a 5 ounce single espresso shots to an 18 ounce carafe of coffee, and the preheating and brewing take only a minute or two.

As for the milk frothing, the Vertuo Creatista includes both a steam wand and a separate milk jug, along with detailed steaming instructions that feature latte art tips. You can program three different temperature and froth settings for the milk, which gives you the opportunity to play around and determine which texture works best for your personal espresso-with-milk needs.

While the Vertuo Creatista has a hefty price tag, avid latte lovers can justify the expense when comparing it to what they’re already spending at coffee shops. We wouldn’t recommend the Creatista for more casual coffee drinkers, but the true connoisseurs out there will appreciate this best Nespresso machine’s precision and versatility.

Best design: Nespresso CitiZ

• Dimensions: 5.2″ W x 14.4″D x 10.9″H
• Weight: 7.25 lbs
• Water tank capacity: 34 oz
• Pod type: Original
• Attached milk frother: No

Pros: Lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, water tank is easy to refill, preheats in just 25 seconds

Cons: More expensive than other compact models, doesn’t include a milk frother

While all Nespresso machines are meant to be displayed, no other model taps into the needs of interior design nerds quite like the CitiZ. This compact Nespresso is similarly-sized to other small models like the Essenza Mini and Vertuo Pop+, but its stainless steel paneling, streamlined tank and cup placement, and polished modern industrial vibe feel especially Instagrammable.

Thankfully for the fashionable coffee drinker, the CitiZ isn’t content to rest on its visual beauty. This machine also proves highly functional, with one of the fastest preheats in the Nespresso fleet and the ability to brew both short and lungo shots in two minutes flat. The removable water tank is simple to refill in the sink, and its position at the rear of the machine keeps everything nicely contained. If you’re in the market for a Nespresso that would look right at home in a SoHo artist loft, you’ve found it here.

What to look for in a Nespresso machine

Brewing features: The best Nespresso machines are designed to be intuitive, but decide ahead of time how many “bells and whistles” you want on your model. Do you want a simple one-touch machine that just makes espresso, or are you willing to do temperature frothing control for models with milk containers? Nespresso machines are almost all simpler than the best espresso machines, but the complex ones have enough features to require a learning curve.

Original vs. Vertuo: For just espresso drinkers, go with a machine from the Original line. Using a 19-bar pressure system, Original Nespressos get the closest to actual espresso. Most of them only brew in short, single, and double espresso shots. If you want a more versatile brewer, the Vertuo line of machines makes espresso and regular cups of coffee ranging from 5 to 12 ounces.

Milk frother: If you prefer lattes, cappuccinos, or any other milk and coffee drink, you’ll need one of the best milk frothers. Some Nespressos, like the Lattissima and Creatista, have built-in frothers or steam wands, but those are pricier and a pain to clean. Otherwise, look for a Nespresso machine bundle that includes an Aerocinno frother (often as part of a sale during shopping events).

What’s the difference between Nespresso’s Original and Vertuo Lines?

First and foremost, the Original machines only produce ristretto (very short shots), espresso, and lungo brews, while the Vertuo machines can make full cups of coffee in addition to espresso shots. Plus, the brewing technology is different. Original machines use a 19-bar high pressure extraction system that’s similar to traditional espresso machines, making them one of the few pod machines used by even serious espresso drinkers. The Vertuo devices use a proprietary Centrifusion brew technique that enables the machines to brew coffee as well as espresso. Essentially, the Vertuo Line offers more variety, but might not satisfy an espresso purist.

The 6 Best Nespresso Machines of 2023

These top picks consistently produce quality brews with perfect crema in any size you choose.

Ariane Resnick, CNC is a leader in the realm of nutrition and special diets, helping to make healthy eating affordable and easy for all. She has cooked professionally, intermittently, for well over twenty years, and has nearly a decade of professional writing experience.

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Nespresso machines are loved by millions of coffee drinkers, as they require minimal effort, don’t take up too much counter space, and can produce espresso and drip coffee with a dreamy layer of crema. Sure, you can use an espresso machine and milk frother to craft cafe-quality beverages, but they take practice and can demand strong barista skills. A Nespresso machine, however, relies only on you popping in a pod and starting the device — a skill nearly anyone can master and is suitable for busy mornings.

There are many different Nespresso machines to choose from, and devotees of the brand tend to hold enthusiastic opinions about everything from the best pods to the ideal ounce size for the perfect cup. Decades ago, the Nespresso pod selection was grand, but the machine options were few; times have changed since then, and you can now enjoy Nespresso in anything from a scant ounce plus pour to an extra-large mugful.

To help you find the right model, we’ve compiled the best Nespresso machines on the market. Keep scrolling to learn the pros and cons for each option on our list.

Best Overall

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville

• This user-friendly machine brews four cup sizes, offers pod storage, and has a large water tank.

From a single espresso shot to a full cup of coffee, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is our top choice for its efficiency and ease of use. It has a fast heating time, shuts off automatically after being inactive for nine minutes, and offers four drink sizes — single and double espresso shots and five- and eight-ounce cups of coffee. The 60-ounce tank means you can have multiple brewing sessions before adding more water, and it’s removable for easy refills and adjustable for convenient countertop placement.

This model is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, but don’t worry, there are plenty of options to suit your flavor profile, whether you like nutty, fruity, or chocolatey coffee. What’s more, you can store up to 17 capsules in the machine. Overall, this machine earns top marks for its ease of use, performance, and design.

Price at time of publish: $200

Best Value

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

• This will make a full carafe of coffee, and can froth milk hot or cold.

• Frothing cold milk is more difficult than warm.

If you prefer a larger cup of coffee, this is the Nespresso machine for you, offering 18-ounce servings as well as five- and eight-ounce cups and espresso shots. Those who enjoy espresso drinks will appreciate the included milk frother, which works for hot and cold milk (although hot milk may froth more quickly and easily).

The barcodes on Vertuo capsules automatically tell the machine what settings to use, so there’s no guesswork. While the water tank capacity is just over half the size of the VertuoPlus Deluxe, this is also a more compact machine that can fit into smaller quarters. It also offers bluetooth connectivity for a modern brewing experience, plus it’s partially made of recycled materials.

Price at time of publish: $230

• Style: Vertuo
• Dimensions: 5.51 x 14.72 x 12.45 inches
• Milk Frother: Yes
• Water Tank Capacity: 37 ounces

Nespresso Creatista Pro by Breville

• Highly customizable, you can select precisely the quantity of water and coffee, as well as the level of milk frothing, and save it in the system.

The Creatista Pro is similar to the Creatista Plus but offers more customizations for serious home baristas. It features a touchscreen where you can select from eight presets, including ristretto, espresso, lungo, Americano, flat white, cappuccino, cafe latte, and latte macchiato, and also save personalized creations. When creating your own drinks, you can adjust the frothing level, milk temperature, coffee volume, and more.

The built-in frothing system produces ideal microfoam for those who love latte art, achieving a velvety-smooth texture with tiny bubbles. What’s more, you can make a specialty drink even on the busiest of mornings because it allows you to extract coffee and froth milk at the same time. With a 68-ounce removable water tank, refilling the tank will be a less frequent task than with many of the other models.

Price at time of publish: $850

Best Small

Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Lime

• It takes up minimal counter space and is available in fun, bright colors.

• It lacks the features of some other Nespresso machines.

Slightly smaller than the already diminutive Nespresso Pixie, the Essenza Mini is ideal for tight spaces such as dorm rooms and kitchenettes. Despite its compact size, it heats up as quickly as many other Nespresso makers, coming to temperature in only 25 seconds. You have the option to purchase just the machine or the machine plus the Aeroccino 3 milk frother, so the latter is the best choice if you ever want to make lattes.

This machine offers two programmable cup sizes, including espresso and lungo. The difference between the two is that lungo coffee is less concentrated than espresso, containing more water due to a longer extraction time. The device barely weighs over a pound; its curved edges help it to fit into tight spots; and the water tank has a small footprint at the back of the machine. It also features an eco-friendly low-energy mode after three minutes and auto-shutoff after nine minutes.

Price at time of publish: $209

• Style: Original
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inches
• Milk Frother: Yes, there is a bundle option with the Aeroccino 3
• Water Tank Capacity: 20.3 ounces

Most Versatile

Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother

• It operates quickly, produces strong espresso and coffee, and comes with a quality milk frother.

• Coffee may not be as hot as some people prefer it.

This Nespresso Vertuo machine features a rounded, retro-style design, but the included Aeroccino milk frother is what makes it one of our favorites. The frother works for hot and cold recipes, which means the foam can pair perfectly with hot and iced coffee. You can even use the frother for non-coffee drinks, such as matcha lattes.

The machine offers four cup sizes, including two for espresso shots and two for drip coffee, and it has a 40-ounce removable water tank that heats up in just 15 seconds. Whether you want espresso or coffee, your drink with a thick layer of delicious crema.

Price at time of publish: $270

• Style: Vertuo
• Dimensions: 11.93 x 11.91 x 8.32 inches
• Milk Frother: Yes
• Water Tank Capacity: 40 ounces

Best Splurge

Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee and Espresso Machine

• The single-touch milk system has six different types of foam available and can even make it extra hot.

• Some non-dairy milks might not froth as well as others.

Sleek and sophisticated in appearance, enjoying a barista-quality beverage is as easy as pressing a single button with this high-end Nespresso center by coffee favorite De’Longhi. With seven different drinks to choose from, you can make an espresso, a ristretto, a lungo, a latte, a cappuccino, a macchiato, or a flat white at the press of a button. Plus, there are settings to add extra hot milk or foam.

The water system can be programmed to accommodate the hardness of your water, ensuring excellent-tasting coffee regardless of your water quality. The system heats up quickly, at just 25 seconds for coffee and 40 seconds for milk. You’ll want to clean the milk system after usage, which is as easy as putting the milk container in the dishwasher.

Price at time of publish: $638

• Style: Original
• Dimensions: 7.99 x 14.44 x 10.86 inches
• Milk Frother: Yes
• Water Tank Capacity: 33.8 ounces

Our Favorite

As our best overall pick, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe gives you multiple cup size options for both espresso and coffee, operates at the press of a single button, and lets you place the tank in the most convenient area for where it’s stored. It’s straightforward, versatile, and efficient.

Factors to Consider

Original vs. Vertuo

Nespresso machines range in functionality in terms of how complex or simple they are for brewing, but they are all easy to use, operating at the touch of a button. The Original line was inspired by European-style espresso, offering three brewing options — espresso, ristretto, and lungo. The Vertuo line was inspired by Australian-style coffee, featuring espresso, double espresso, long black, and pour-over.

The Original line can make both small and large espresso shots with crema on top. Because of their milk frothers, the Lattissima series and Creatista models can also craft barista-style drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. For the other Original models, you can purchase a separate milk frother to use with the coffee machine.

For people who prefer coffee to espresso, consider choosing a machine from the Vertuo line. In addition to short and long espresso shots, it can brew full cups of coffee, up to 14 ounces at a time.

Each series of Nespresso requires its own style of pods, so whichever you opt for, you will want to purchase your boxes of pods accordingly; Original pods only fit Original machines, and Vertuo pods only fit Vertuo machines.

Milk Frothers

You can purchase Nespresso machines and milk frothers separately or buy a model with a milk frother attached. If you want barista-style drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos and don’t want to have two different appliances, your best bet is a Nespresso maker with a built-in milk frother. If you prefer straight espresso or coffee or already own a milk frother, consider buying just a machine.

Price

Ranging from less than $200 to over $800, the price of a Nespresso machine depends on how many different types of drinks it can make. Simple models that can brew espresso and lungo only, such as the Essenza Mini, are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Those that can make up to 10 different cafe beverages and allow for customization are on the higher end.

Size

When choosing a Nespresso machine, consider how much open counter space you have and whether or not you want it to be on display at all times. If you prefer appliance-free counters, make sure you pick one that can fit in a cabinet when not in use. The Essenza Mini is the smallest Nespresso maker option on our list, while the Creatista Pro and Grand Lattissima are larger models because of their attached milk frothers.

For most Nespresso machines, you’ll begin by filling the tank with water. Then, you’ll press a button to turn heat the water, select your brew size, and lift the lever to add a capsule. Close the lever, place a cup underneath the spout, and press start. It will automatically stop when it’s done brewing.

Clean the drip tray after each use by removing it from the machine. Rinse the water tank when empty, and wash with mild dish soap. Wipe down the remainder of the device with a damp cloth. If it has a steam wand, wipe it down after each use, as should a milk frothing machine or pitcher.

No. Nespresso machines use pods with pre-ground coffee and operate at the push of a button, while traditional espresso machines require a specific grind size, careful tamping, and precise timing. As a capsule-based machine, Nespresso’s brewing process doesn’t follow the standards to produce real espresso, but the results are very similar and taste delicious.

What kinds of drinks can you make with a Nespresso machine?

Nespresso machines vary in their abilities to make different drinks, but all of them can make basic versions of espresso. The machine with the fewest options can make two sizes of espresso, whereas models with milk frothers can make additional drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. Additionally, Vertuo machines can make larger cups of coffee.

Our Expertise

Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, bestselling author, and lover of coffee. She appreciates that Nespresso makes espresso drinks available to everyone, everywhere, from the comfort of their own homes. For this article, she used her expertise and did market research to determine the best Nespresso machines on the market.