I love the convenience of my Nespresso machine — that satisfying click of the capsule, the quick brew, and the aroma of fresh espresso filling the kitchen.
But I’ll be honest: there were times when my Nespresso didn’t quite live up to the hype. Some days, it tasted a little bitter. Other times, too weak or watery.
And I started wondering… is this really the best it can taste?
Quick Answer: How to make your Nespresso taste better
Make your Nespresso taste better by using filtered water, preheating your machine and cup, selecting fresh high-quality capsules, and matching the correct brew size. Regularly clean and descale your machine to maintain optimal flavor. Simple adjustments to water, capsule choice, and maintenance improve taste significantly.
If your Nespresso isn’t tasting as good as you’d like, don’t worry. These tips are easy, effective, and totally worth it.
Let’s dive in.
Why does Nespresso sometimes taste bad?
Before it’s time to talk about various solutions, let’s quickly cover some of the main problems why your Nespresso sometimes tastes bad.
If your Nespresso tastes off — maybe bitter, sour, burnt, or just weak — a few culprits are often to blame:
- Old or poorly stored capsules: Nespresso pods do expire, and stale coffee equals flat flavor
- Mineral buildup: Over time, limescale from tap water can block proper flow and heat transfer
- Low water quality: Hard water or chlorinated tap water can dull coffee flavor and even add a chemical aftertaste
- Wrong cup size or over-extraction: Using a lungo setting with an espresso capsule can “water down” your shot and pull bitter compounds
- Lack of maintenance: Residual oils and old grounds inside your machine will mess with the flavor
Understanding these issues helps you troubleshoot and tweak for better results.
There are more ways you can improve your Nespresso coffee, which you can find out by reading along:
1. Choose the right Nespresso capsules
Not all capsules are created equal, and the one you’re using might not suit your taste preference or brew method.
Here’s how to choose smarter:
- Intensity level: Capsules are rated from 1 (mild) to 13 (bold). If your coffee tastes weak, go for a higher intensity
- Roast type: Dark roasts (like Kazaar or Ristretto) tend to have rich, bold flavors, while light roasts (like Ethiopia or Volluto) are fruitier and brighter
- Single-origin vs. blends: Single-origin capsules give you a clearer, more defined flavor (great for black coffee drinkers). Blends can be more balanced and forgiving, especially in milk drinks
- Espresso vs. lungo: Don’t use espresso capsules for lungo shots — they’re not designed to be brewed with extra water and will taste diluted. (Learn more about their differences here!)
Pro tip: Store your capsules in an airtight container, away from sunlight and heat, to preserve freshness.
2. Improve water quality for better extraction
Coffee is over 90% water, so if your water isn’t clean, your coffee won’t taste clean either.
Here’s how to optimize your brew water:
- Filtered water: Use filtered or bottled spring water. Avoid distilled water (too soft) or hard tap water (full of minerals)
- Water temperature: Nespresso machines are designed to hit optimal brewing temps (around 195°F–205°F), but buildup or overuse can mess with that. Regular descaling helps maintain temperature consistency
- Descaling frequency: If you use your machine daily, descale every 1–2 months. For lighter use, every 3 months is fine. Nespresso also sells official descaling kits tailored to each machine
Bonus tip: If your area has very hard water, consider investing in a small water softener or filter pitcher for brewing water.
3. Preheat your Nespresso machine and cup
Baristas know that cold equipment can “shock” espresso and cool it too fast, flattening the taste.
Preheating makes a noticeable difference in flavor and mouthfeel.
Here’s what to do:
- Run a cycle with just water (no capsule) before brewing — this warms up the machine’s internal system
- Preheat your cup with hot water — this is especially important for espresso or ristretto shots. A cold cup saps heat instantly and dulls the aroma and crema
This simple step boosts the body, maintains crema, and enhances aroma.
Keep in mind that running water through your machine is only possible on the Nespresso Original machines.
If you have a Vertuo machine at home, you can still preheat your coffee cup with hot water for the optimal flavor!
4. Adjust coffee volume for better balance
A lot of people press the Lungo button for every capsule — but this can ruin the balance if the capsule is intended for espresso (40ml) or ristretto (25ml).
Here’s the breakdown:
- Ristretto (25 ml): Shorter shot, more concentrated — bolder flavor, thicker crema. Works great for intense blends like Kazaar
- Espresso (40 ml): Classic balance of strength and smoothness. Ideal for most Nespresso capsules
- Lungo (110 ml): More diluted, often less intense. Best used with capsules made for it, like Fortissio Lungo or Vivalto Lungo
Don’t be afraid to customize the shot volume using your machine’s programmable settings.
For example, if you want a more concentrated taste, you can program your machine to extract only 30 ml from an espresso capsule.
If you have a Nespresso Vertuo machine, you’ll have more pod sizes, and you can stop the brewing process by clicking on the main button while brewing!
5. Froth milk the right way for a creamy texture
For those who love milk-based drinks (like lattes or cappuccinos), properly frothed milk can make or break your cup.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold milk straight from the fridge. Cold milk stretches better and creates sweeter, more stable foam
- Choose the right milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture. Oat milk (barista blends) is an excellent plant-based option with a naturally sweet taste and good frothability
- Frothing tip: Don’t overheat the milk — 140°F is the sweet spot. Any hotter and the milk starts to lose sweetness and can develop a burnt taste
- Clean your frother after each use to avoid rancid milk residue, which can ruin your drink
A simple handheld frother, whisk, or French press can do the trick if you don’t have the Aeroccino or a steam wand.
You can learn more about frothing milk at home in this in-depth article.
6. Keep your Nespresso machine clean
Even with filtered water and high-quality capsules, a dirty machine will produce subpar coffee. Regular cleaning is crucial.
Here’s a simple cleaning schedule:
- After every use: Run a quick water cycle (without a capsule) to rinse the spout and internal lines
- Weekly: Remove and wash the drip tray, used capsule container, and water tank with warm soapy water
- Monthly: Descale your machine using Nespresso’s official descaling kit or a third-party solution (check your model’s manual for an easy guide)
Extra tip: Don’t forget to clean the pod chamber and the spout — oils and old grounds can collect there and turn rancid.
7. Use third-party accessories for more control
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider stepping up your Nespresso game with accessories that give you more flexibility:
- Reusable capsules: Let you choose your own beans and grind size — great for experimenting with fresh coffee and different origins. Just make sure you get ones that are compatible with your machine model
- Grind-your-own beans: If you use a reusable pod, a burr grinder gives you better control over grind size (aim for fine-to-medium grind, slightly finer than drip coffee)
- Capsule holders & organizers: Keep your capsule collection fresh and visible, making it easier to pick the right one each time
- Scales or measuring tools: If you want to go next-level, using a scale can help dial in your coffee-to-water ratio
These tools give you barista-like control and can reduce waste in the long run.
Conclusion
Making better Nespresso coffee isn’t about switching machines — it’s about understanding the variables and dialing them in.
By choosing the right capsule, using better water, cleaning your machine, and paying attention to details like cup temperature and shot volume, you can dramatically improve the taste.
Small changes make a big difference in flavor. These tips allow you to make café-quality Nespresso at home without requiring a $3,000 espresso setup.
Learn more about Nespresso
If you want to learn more about Nespresso coffee, you can have a look at the fun articles below:
