Big cup, small machine? Here's what Nespresso can really do.
If you're thinking about switching to Nespresso or already own a machine, you might be wondering: Does Nespresso make regular coffee, or is it only for espresso lovers?
Quick Answer: Does Nespresso make regular coffee?
Nespresso makes regular coffee, but only with certain machines. Vertuo models brew a full-size cup of regular coffee, while OriginalLine machines focus on espresso and lungos.
While the short answer is: Yes, Nespresso makes regular coffee, it depends on the machine you have and what you consider “regular.”
Here's everything you need to know about your next Nespresso coffee!
What do we mean by regular coffee?
For many people, “regular coffee” means a standard 8-oz cup, like what you'd get from a drip coffee maker, French press, or Keurig.
It's typically smooth, mild, and made for sipping.
But in European coffee culture, a lungo, which is about 3.7 oz, is often considered the standard, longer version of an espresso.
So, depending on your expectations, Nespresso may already make what you consider regular coffee, especially if you enjoy a richer, espresso-style flavor in a slightly longer cup.
What is the difference between regular coffee and Nespresso coffee?
The main differences between these coffees come down to brewing method and taste:
- Regular coffee (from drip machines or pour-over setups) uses gravity to slowly extract coffee over several minutes. The result is typically lighter and smoother in flavor
- In contrast, Nespresso coffee is made using high-pressure extraction, similar to a professional espresso machine. This creates a richer, more intense flavor and a signature crema layer on top:
Even when Nespresso produces an 8-oz or larger cup (especially with Vertuo machines), the flavor tends to be bolder and more concentrated than your average drip-brew.
Is Nespresso only for espresso?
With espresso in its name, is Nespresso only meant to brew this specific coffee at home?
Not anymore. Nespresso offers much more than espresso coffee.
The introduction of the Vertuo line completely expanded what these machines can do.
Thanks to barcode-scanning and centrifusion technology, Vertuo machines can brew everything from short espresso shots to 12 oz mugs and 18 oz carafe-style coffees:
You simply insert the right pod, and the machine handles the rest.
The OriginalLine machines remain focused on espresso, lungo, and ristretto-perfect for traditional espresso drinkers and those who want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Tip: If you want to learn more about the differences between these Nespresso machine versions, you can read my in-depth guide here!
Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original: The key differences
Nespresso has two main machine lines, and only one of them brews full-sized, American-style coffee:
The newer Nespresso Vertuo makes regular coffee as we know it, and it's called a gran lungo. Here are a few highlights of the machine:
- Uses centrifusion brewing for a variety of cup sizes
- Offers 5+ sizes, including 5 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 18 oz
- Designed for people who want both true full-cup coffee and espresso
- Great pod options like Melozio, Stormio, and Carafe pour-over style
Now, the older Nespresso OriginalLine offers lungo coffees as its largest serving:
- Designed primarily for espresso-based drinks
- Lungo pods (3.7 oz) are considered “regular coffee” in many regions
- Lungo is a longer shot with a milder taste than espresso (learn more here!).
- You can also add hot water to a lungo to create an Americano-style brew
So while Original machines don't brew an 8 oz drip-style coffee by default, they do offer a satisfying lungo, and with a bit of hot water, you can stretch it to match the volume of regular coffee.
Nespresso machine comparison chart
If you want to learn more about the differences between the brewing capacities of both Nespresso machines, you can have a look at the easy overview below:
| Feature | Nespresso Vertuo | Nespresso OriginalLine |
| Makes full-size (8 oz+) coffee | Yes - 5 oz to 18 oz cup options | Not by default |
| Lungo (3.7 oz) brew option | Some Vertuo pods labeled as Gran Lungo | Yes - standard Lungo pods available |
| Espresso capability | Yes | Yes |
| Brewing method | Centrifusion (spinning + infusion) | High-pressure extraction (like traditional espresso) |
| Taste closest to drip coffee | Yes - especially with 7.77 oz and 18 oz pods | Not quite - flavor leans toward espresso |
| Best for | Full-size coffee lovers who still want espresso | Espresso and lungo drinkers who prefer smaller cups |
| Example pods for regular coffee | Melozio, Stormio, Carafe Pour-Over Style | Yes, especially with 7.77 oz and 18 oz pods |
Best Nespresso pods for regular coffee
If you're looking for the best Nespresso pods for regular coffee at home, I suggest the following based on your machine.
If you have a Vertuo machine at home, you can try these coffees:
- Melozio (7.77 oz) - Smooth, rounded medium roast
- Stormio (7.77 oz) - Bold, spicy dark roast
- Odacio (7.77 oz) - Bright, intense medium roast
- Carafe pour-over style (18 oz) - For sharing or large mugs (perfect for parties)
Do you have an Original machine? Then you can go with the following lungo pods:
- Vivalto lungo - Floral and roasted
- Fortissio lungo - Rich and full-bodied
- Vienna lungo - Smooth and malted
You can also add hot water to any of these to make a longer cup closer to drip coffee. The flavor will still be intense and rounded, just like drip coffee should be!
Conclusion
So, does Nespresso make regular coffee? Yes, but with a few caveats.
If you're looking for a full 8 oz or larger mug, the Vertuo line is your best choice.
It's specifically designed for brewing everything from single shots to full carafes, making it ideal for anyone who enjoys a traditional-sized morning cup.
If you already own an OriginalLine machine, you still have options. Lungo pods offer a longer, milder coffee than espresso, and with a bit of hot water, they can closely mimic the experience of regular drip coffee.
In short, Nespresso isn't just for espresso drinkers anymore.
With the right machine and pod, you can enjoy both intense shots and satisfying full-sized coffee, all with the convenience Nespresso is known for.
Learn more about Nespresso
Do you want to learn more about Nespresso machines? Check out my other articles below:
