If you want coffeehouse-style drinks at home without much fuss, a Nespresso machine is a solid option.
With such a wide choice of machines available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
Quick Answer: What is the best Nespresso machine?
My top pick for most people is the Nespresso VertuoPlus. This machine brews both espresso and regular coffee, and the large water reservoir means fewer refills. Coffee-making is fast and straightforward.
The only instances in which I wouldn't recommend it are if…
- You're looking for a compact Nespresso machine. In this case, I highly recommend the Nespresso Pixie machine, which is compact yet offers everything you need.
- You're on a budget. Consider the Nespresso Vertuo Next machine. This model is reasonably priced but offers many impressive features.
This article will cover the best Nespresso machines on the market today.
I'll review the pros and cons of each and discuss which machine would be best for which circumstance.
If you want a quick answer between the Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original machines, then don’t forget to use my free tool below:
Let's go more in-depth now!
Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you love making coffee at home, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is a strong all-around option. This machine is simple to use and can brew both coffee and espresso.
One of the reasons I love this machine is that it keeps the process simple while still giving you multiple options.
Simply pop in the capsule and brew a cup of coffee.
This machine also heats up quickly, despite its large water reservoir.
In most cases, the machine is ready to brew in under a minute, making it convenient for those who are typically in a rush in the mornings and prefer to take their coffee on the go.
Bottom line: I recommend the Nespresso VertuoPlus if you’re looking for a simple, efficient coffee maker with a wide range of cup sizes. It's quick to brew and easy to use, saving time on busy mornings.
Pros
- Easy to use. This machine is extremely user-friendly. Simply pop a pod in and move on.
- Large water reservoir. The large reservoir allows you to refill the machine less frequently, saving you time and effort.
- Brews multiple sizes of espresso shots. This machine features multiple espresso shot sizes, including a single and double shot.
Cons
- Moderate temperature coffee rather than hot. This machine sometimes doesn't heat coffee as hot as many people like it. This may not be the best option if you like your coffee to be very hot.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Nespresso-Breville |
| Capacity | 8 ounces (236.58 ml) |
| Dimensions | 6”D x 17”W x 13”H (152.4 x 431.8 x 330.2 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1300 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
Best bang for your buck: Nespresso Vertuo Next Machine
This is one of the most reasonably priced Nespresso machines on the market. However, this doesn't mean it sacrifices quality or features.
This popular Nespresso machine brews espresso and coffee in various sizes.
Regular coffee can be brewed in quantities ranging from 5 ounces to 18 ounces (147.86 to 532.32 ml), and it can also be brewed as espresso in both single and double shots.
For many people, the 18-ounce (532.32 ml) coffee is the preferred option, especially when brewing for a party.
This machine is also very simple to use; all you need to do is lift the lid and place the pod.
Bottom line: With this Nespresso machine, you'll get a thick layer of crema on top and a wide range of cup sizes to choose from. If you like the option of brewing larger cups, it's a convenient pick.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price. This Nespresso machine produces some of the best espresso shots for under $200. It's definitely a bargain.
- Compact size. The machine is smaller than many Nespresso machines, making it one of the best options if you have limited space.
- Multiple brewing options. This machine offers a wide range of brewing options.
Cons
- Doesn't always sense the pods. Sometimes, you don't quite get what you want with the pods, and the machine occasionally has trouble sensing which pod is placed inside.
- Occasionally stops working. Although rare, this machine has received some reports of suddenly stopping and then restarting.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Nespresso-Breville |
| Capacity | 18 ounces (532.32 ml) |
| Dimensions | 6”D x 17”W x 12”H (152.4 x 431.8 x 304.8 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1350 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Most compact full machine: Nespresso Pixie Machine
This machine is one of the most compact Nespresso machines on the market.
It's easily transferable from place to place and, as an added advantage, also comes with a milk frother.
This machine is the most expensive on the list, and it's also one of the most feature-packed.
With a width of only 18.19” (462.02 mm) and a height of just 11.89” (302 mm), this machine can fit practically anywhere. It's especially good for low-hanging cabinets.
Another advantage of this machine is that it can heat your water in under a minute. This is a huge advantage for those who are always running low on time.
Bottom line: I highly recommend this Nespresso machine if you travel often or have very limited space. It's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and performs efficiently when making coffee.
Pros
- Small and compact. The size of this machine is definitely its biggest advantage, and it can be used nearly anywhere.
- Comes with a frother. Another benefit of this machine is that it comes with a milk frother. This is the way to go if you’re a fan of lattes. For instructions on how to make an easy latte, check out this article.
Cons
- Costly. If you're interested in this compact Nespresso machine, you can expect to pay over $200.
- Requires frequent emptying. Since this machine is compact, you will need to empty the capsule container frequently and refill the water reservoir regularly.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Nestle |
| Capacity | 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.56”D x 18.19”W x 11.89”H (192.02 x 462.02 x 302 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1260 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
Most advanced: Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
The Nespresso Creatista Plus allows you to create personalized cafe-style quality coffees at home.
This machine is the most expensive on the list but is by far the most advanced.
With this Nespresso machine, you can make a range of cafe-style drinks at home.
The Creatista Plus features a stainless steel exterior with a built-in milk frother, making it particularly handy for those who enjoy milk-based drinks.
Additionally, it guides you through the drink settings, which helps remove some of the guesswork around sizing and prep.
As a side note, the purchase also includes a complete set of Nespresso pods.
Bottom line: This is a premium pick for everyday coffee drinkers who love experimenting with new drinks. If you want guided controls and milk-drink options in one machine, it's worth a look.
Pros
- Advanced. This machine comes equipped with numerous additional features.
- Milk frother. The milk frother is one of this Nespresso machine's key features that makes it worth the price. With espresso and milk, what drink can’t you make?
- Multiple coffee options. This machine accepts over 30 coffee pod flavors for everyday use. You’ll also have additional access to holiday flavors.
Cons
- Expensive. This is a big upfront cost, and it makes the most sense if you'll use it often.
- Bulky. Due to its numerous features, this machine is bulky and difficult to maneuver, so ensure you have a dedicated spot for it.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Breville |
| Capacity | 3.1 Pounds (1.40 kg) |
| Dimensions | 6.7”D x 16.1”W x 12.2”H (170.18 x 408.94 x 309.88 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1500 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Most efficient: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Machine
This Nespresso machine is built for efficiency. It’s an all-in-one coffee maker and milk frother and is straightforward to operate once you learn the controls.
This machine heats up in about 25 seconds, so there's hardly any waiting time if you're in a hurry.
In addition to a quick heating time, this machine features one-touch buttons that allow you to make most drinks with minimal effort.
If you have a specific latte in mind, simply touch the button and create one.
Through this machine, you can also try a wider range of milk drinks at home if you want.
Bottom line: I highly recommend this Nespresso machine if you want a one-touch setup that keeps things efficient and convenient. It heats up quickly and makes it easy to prepare espresso-based drinks at home.
Pros
- One-touch recipes. The one-touch buttons make this machine a top-of-the-line model. You can make a consistent macchiato, latte, or flat white with minimal effort.
- Quick heat-up. This machine heats up in less than thirty seconds, making it one of the quickest on the list.
- Built-in frother. The added milk frother is another major advantage of this Nespresso machine.
Cons
- Expensive. At its steep price, this is not a budget model.
- Problems with the frother. There have been occasional challenges with the milk frother spitting out water instead. This is a rare issue and appears to be limited to specific batches of this machine. Still, it can be a significant drawback, especially given the price point.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Nestle Nespresso |
| Capacity | 1 Liter (1000 ml) |
| Dimensions | 7.99”D x 14.44”W x 10.86”H (202.94 x 366.77 x 275.84 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1260 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
Smallest machine: Breville Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine
This mini espresso machine is a great option for those seeking a compact yet efficient solution.
While it won't give you the benefits of a full machine, it offers the basics. This is an especially good option if you prefer straight espresso or drinks such as Americanos.
Another benefit of this machine is that it’s relatively inexpensive, costing under $200, which is a reasonable price for a Nespresso machine.
This machine features a one-touch for espresso and lungo. Simply touch the button and get a consistent pour every time.
Bottom line: This machine is tiny, and it fits nearly anywhere. It's a solid choice if you mainly drink straight espresso and want something simple and efficient.
Pros
- Size. The machine’s size is its biggest advantage. There’s hardly a better option if you have limited space available and don’t need a full machine.
- Versatile. Even though this machine only makes espresso, there's a lot you can do with it. Nearly every coffee drink has a base of espresso, and you can make various iced drinks, even without a milk frother.
- Efficient. This machine makes your espresso quickly and easily.
- Relatively inexpensive. This machine is on the more affordable end of the spectrum, considering many Nespresso machines cost well over $200.
Cons
- Very basic. If you're a fan of more extravagant drinks, you won't be able to do too much with this machine.
- Must be precise with coffee. One of the major disadvantages of this machine is that you must be very precise with the grind to achieve a good cup of coffee.
If the grind isn’t fine enough or if it isn’t tapped well enough, you’ll end up with a bad brew. (Only applicable when using third-party coffee pods)
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Breville |
| Capacity | 0.6 Liters (600 ml) |
| Dimensions | 4.3”D x 8”W x 12.8”H (109.22 x 203.2 x 325.12 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1255 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Largest water reservoir: Nespresso Vertuo Machine
If you’re an everyday coffee drinker, you probably know the struggle to refill your water reservoir every other day.
Sometimes, it’s every day if you have a family drinking coffee simultaneously.
Luckily, Nespresso has created a solution for this.
This machine has a reservoir of 54 ounces of water (1596.97 ml), which can last a few days between refills, depending on the amount of coffee you drink.
Additionally, this machine offers multiple cup sizes for both coffee and espresso. You can choose 5 or 8 ounces (147.86 or 236.58 ml) for a coffee or a single or double espresso shot.
Bottom line: This is a good pick if you want a larger water reservoir and don't want to refill it as often. How long it lasts will depend on your household's coffee habits.
Pros
- Huge tank. This is the biggest benefit of this Nespresso machine.
- Quick heat-up. This machine heats up in approximately 25 seconds.
- Multiple brew options. You can choose two different sizes of coffee and two different sizes of espresso.
Cons
- Larger machine. This machine isn’t compact. As such, you should have adequate counter space to store it.
- Single-serve only. Unlike other Nespresso machines discussed in this article, you can only make single servings with this machine.
Product specifications
| Category | Description |
| Brand | Nestle Nespresso |
| Capacity | 1597 milliliters (54 oz) |
| Dimensions | 9”D x 12.2”W x 12.3”H (228.6 x 309.88 x 312.42 mm) |
| Filter type | Reusable |
| Wattage | 1350 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Factors to consider
When purchasing a Nespresso machine, making an informed decision is essential. No one likes to make a big purchase only to have to return it shortly after.
With this in mind, several factors should be considered when purchasing a Nespresso machine.
Below are the most important factors to consider:
- Frequency of use
- Machine features
- Machine and pod costs
Let's look at each of these factors in more depth below:
Frequency of use
Before splurging on a Nespresso machine, ask yourself how often you plan on using it.
If you think you'll use it daily, it can be well worth it. However, if you plan on using it only occasionally, it might not be worth the expense.
Nespresso machines are great for everyday coffee drinkers or those who prefer espresso over brewed coffee.
These machines make creating an espresso very simple. This may be your answer if you can't live without your morning latte.
Machine features
When choosing a Nespresso machine, carefully examine its features.
As you've seen in this article, while all Nespresso machines perform the same basic functions, there are quite a few additional features to consider.
Here are some machine features to consider:
- Water reservoir size
- Milk frother
- Capacity
- Machine size
Machine and pod costs
The final consideration is the cost of the machine and the pods.
Nespresso machines don’t come cheap, and choosing a machine that works for both the features you want and the price is important.
However, many other payment options are available if you don’t want to pay the full amount upfront.
You can use options like Afterpay and Affirm to make payments if your credit is approved. This is especially helpful for those pricier machines.
The cost of the pods is also important, and how many pods you'll use depends on how much coffee you drink:
- The Original line pods cost between $0.85 and $1.10.
- The Vertuo pods range in price from $1.00 to $2.25 per capsule.
Tip: You can check out the current prices for each pod available in this article, which provides a comprehensive overview of each Nespresso coffee pod.
Key takeaways
Nespresso machines have a lot to offer coffee lovers.
There are many options to choose from, but I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of some of the best options available on the market.
The best overall Nespresso machine is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. This machine boasts well-rounded features and is available at a reasonable price.
However, if this isn’t your style, many other options exist. Be sure to consider the key factors: frequency, features, and costs, when deciding on a machine.
