The best Nespresso machines in 2023, tried and tested

Whether it’s a morning eye-opener, afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner decaf, espresso fans take their java seriously. But if learning to become a home barista sounds overwhelming, a Nespresso automatic home coffee maker may become your new BFF.

But with so many options, which model should you choose? We put seven Nespresso machines to the test, and while we found they all deliver the same espresso and coffee quality and taste, some have extra features that make them stand out. Read on for our faves.

Best Nespresso machine overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville

$170 $127 at Amazon and Nespresso; $170 at Breville

The thing you’ll notice immediately when comparing Nespresso machines is that they can deliver the same cup of hot coffee with the same taste, whether you’re using an entry-level or high-end machine.

For that reason, the VertuoPlus by Breville tops our list as the best overall Nespresso coffee maker. It’s the most affordable machine in our testing pool, is extremely simple to operate and uses the updated and improved Vertuo barcoded capsules, which let the machine adjust its brewing method no matter what size or strength drink you like, from single espresso shot to American-style drip coffee.

Sleek and sturdy, the VertuoPlus couldn’t be simpler to set up out of the box: Attach the ample, 40-ounce water tank (the larger the tank, the fewer times you need to refill it), position it to fit your space (to the right, left or straight back), adjust the four-position drip tray/cup holder, run a rinse cycle and you’re off and running.

While Vertuo capsules can cost more than the smaller Original variety, we like the fact that they allow for more brewing options, including 1.35-ounce espressos, 2.7-ounce double espressos, 5-ounce gran lungos, 8-ounce coffees and more.

Once you’ve selected your capsule, simply tap the top button to heat (it takes about 30 seconds), touch the lid’s lever to open it, pop in your capsule, touch to close, tap the button again and in seconds, your java, with a thick crema foam on top, is ready to drink. The used capsule automatically ejects into a capsule container the next time you lift the lid, which holds 13 used pods.

We’ve been using our VertoPlus almost daily for several years now with nary a hiccup (and, honestly, very little maintenance). At 5.6 inches wide, 16.7 inches deep and 12.8 inches high, it’s slim enough to tuck away nicely on our counter, extremely sturdy and comes in six neutral colors (silver, white, black, gray, Titan and Ink Black).

On the negative side, it’s not quiet (although not as loud as a coffee grinder) and a sleeve of 10 pods can run you north of $30. However, if your household includes both espresso and coffee drinkers who value ease and convenience, this is the machine for you. If you’re buying for latte lovers or espresso purists, read on.

Best Nespresso machine with a milk frother: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima by De’Longhi

$527 at Amazon; $499 $374 at Best Buy and Nespresso

If you’re someone who likes a little coffee with your milk and you prefer the convenience of an all-in-one device to using a separate milk frother, investing in a Nespresso machine with a built-in frother will not only make your morning ritual incredibly convenient but will save you money in the long run when you whip up your own lattes, cappuccinos and latte macchiatos at home.

The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima by De’Longhi works like a dream. Like other Nespresso Vertuo machines, it’s super simple to set up and operate, looks modern and stylish (this one comes in matte black or matte white and black) and uses smart barcode technology to automatically sense the type of crema-topped drink you want to produce (1.35-ounce espresso, 2.7-ounce double espresso, 5-ounce Gran Lungo, 8-ounce mug, 12-ounce XL or 18-ounce carafe).

But adding to the Vertuo Lattissima’s appeal is its 16-ounce built-in milk frother that allows you to select preprogrammed drinks, including lattes and latte macchiatos, cappuccinos and hot foam. We tested all the options using whole, 2% and almond milk and got a lovely, light foam each time (2% works best).

To make a drink with milk, touch the coffee button on top, wait 30 seconds for the machine to heat, turn the lever to unlock the lid, insert your desired capsule, press the head down and turn the lever back to lock it into place. Next, fill the milk carafe, place it on the machine, turn the knob to “milk” and select your preference setting. Adjust the cup support to one of three positions (or remove it altogether for a travel mug), rotate the spout to the center of the cup, press the coffee button and let it work its magic.

The display is clear and intuitive, a self-cleaning function includes a rinse alert symbol that illuminates when you need to self-clean the milk spout (it takes about 40 seconds) and the frother parts are all top-rack dishwasher-safe. Another nice feature is that you can store the unused milk in the lidded container in the refrigerator for its next use, so you don’t need to worry about exact measurements or waste.

For having a built-in frother, the Lattissima is still a nice size, measuring 16 inches deep by 7.5 inches wide by 12.4 inches high; though, at 13 pounds, it’s a little heavy to move when you need to pull it forward to refill the 54-ounce water tank. We like that the capsule collector bin holds 10 small or six large capsules and is easy to empty. And, if tech features are your thing, the machine can pair with your phone or tablet using the Nespresso app.

Again, like the VertuoPlus, capsules aren’t cheap, but they’re still less expensive than a coffee shop latte. Just note that at several hundred dollars more than our favorite machine overall, this model brews the exact same espresso and coffee as other Nespresso machines, so unless you really want the convenience, it may make more sense to invest in a separate milk frother or steamer.

However, if a one-stop shop is appealing and money isn’t an issue, the Vertuo Lattissima is our top pick for a Nespresso with a built-in frother and has made a delicious afternoon cappuccino a regular part of our daily routine.

Best splurge Nespresso machine: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista by Breville

$750 $562 at Amazon, Best Buy and Nespresso

Purists will be quick to tell you a Nespresso coffee maker is not a substitute for a real espresso machine. But with the high-end Vertuo Creatista by Breville sitting pretty on your counter, we got results that seemed pretty close to us and that we think will satisfy most coffee drinkers, especially when it comes to milk drinks.

This stainless steel model gets our nod for best luxury Nespresso coffee maker not only because it looks like it belongs in a fancy coffee shop but due to its integrated milk wand and included stainless steel pitcher, intuitive LED display and, of course, Nepresso’s user-friendly one-touch brewing.

Milk frothing options include caffe latte, cappuccino, flat white and latte macchiato, and you can adjust to three milk and texture levels. (The instruction manual includes recommended levels for each drink.) To make a milk drink, simply pour your milk into the pitcher, place the pitcher on a sensor under the wand, select your temperature and texture/froth level and touch the froth button. You then add your capsule, double-click the start button and both the frother and coffee maker get to work. When you’re done, wipe down the wand and the machine automatically releases steam to clean it. Add the milk to your coffee or espresso, and you’re all set.

We tried whole, 2% and almond milk, and all performed well, although the 2% fared best. The machine handles single and double espressos, plus 5-, 8-, 12- and 18-ounce coffees. Want to shorten the coffee extraction? Simply double-click the start button.

If this all sounds great and you’re ready to splurge, you should know that the Vertuo Creatista takes up space: It’s 9.6 inch by 16.4 inches by 12.7 inches and weighs 15 pounds. But it does come with a large 67.6-ounce water tank, and the capsule container holds 10 used small capsules or six large ones, which limits your need to move the machine around very often. You can also pair the machine with the Nespresso app for recipes, expert advice and machine care information.

Dedicated espresso lovers may prefer the similar Creatista Plus by Breville, which uses Nespresso Original capsules and is very similar and less expensive than this Vertuo version. Still, we prefer having the ability to brew more coffee formats — something that’s especially handy when your household includes both espresso and drip-coffee drinkers or you like to entertain.

What is a Nespresso machine, and how is Nespresso different?

Since 1986, Nespresso has offered single-serve machines that use aluminum pods filled with finely ground beans to deliver espresso and coffee drinks. And while the taste isn’t for everyone,?Nespresso’s convenience and strong crema-topped brews have created many loyal fans.

Generally more flavorful than what you get from a Keurig-style machine, Nespresso coffee is espresso-like, stronger than drip though not quite as concentrated as what you’d get from a barista pulling a shot or — with some practice — from a high-end espresso machine at home. Nespresso are incredibly consistent, however, giving you identical results shot after shot, and they’re very convenient compared to most espresso machines. Using a thermoblock rather than a boiler, they heat to brewing temperature in just three to 30 seconds, and they are extremely easy to use.

Nespresso works with other manufacturers, including Breville and De’Longhi, to produce machines that use two distinct capsule varieties: Original — which typically brew 0.84-ounce ristrettos, 1.35-ounce espressos and 3.72-ounce lungos — and Vertuo, which uses barcoded capsules that tell the machine which size to brew, from espressos to 14-ounce coffees. (Note: The barcode technology means you can only use Nespresso Vertuo-brand pods; third-party manufacturers produce and sell Original-size pods.)

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than most K-Cups (Nespresso capsules range in price about $0.80 to $1.65 each), and you must use specifically sized pods — Original or Vertuo — depending on the machine, buying a Nespresso can save caffeine junkies a lot of money in the long run by skipping the coffee shop run and brewing at home.

How we tested

Testing the machines over several weeks, we evaluated each coffee maker in design, functionality and durability categories. We made multiple cups of coffee on each machine, brewing different styles and sizes (for example, ristretto, espresso and lungo), tested milk frothers for featured recipes (including lattes, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and flat whites) and used Nespresso-brand Original or Vertuo pods based on the coffee maker’s requirement. We paid close attention to the unboxing process, noting the completeness and clarity of the instruction manuals, the intuitiveness of the machines and the ease of getting started. From there, we tracked temperature, foam, taste, extra features, overall performance and more. Read on for breakdowns of each category.

Recycling note: You can recycle both Original and Vertuo capsules through Nespresso’s recycling program. Used aluminum capsules may be dropped off at collection points, Nespresso and partner stores, or they can be sent through a UPS mail-in program at no cost to you.

Brew function

Design and durability

Setup and breakdown

Warranty

Other Nespresso machines we tested

Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker

$175 at Amazon

Love using K-Cups while your significant other is strictly Team Nespresso? Have a roommate who prefers using plain old grounds for her morning cup of Joe? This 3-in-1 model from Instant Pot will save you serious counter space. Compatible with K-Cup pods, Original Nespresso pods and ground coffee, the Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus is easy to use, lets you adjust your brew strength, and allows you to brew 8-, 10- and 12-ounce K-Cups and 2-, 4- and 6-ounce Nespressos, using Original capsules. It comes with the usual adjustable drip tray to accommodate your mug size and has a large 68-ounce water reservoir.

While K-Cups gave us results similar to other single-serve coffee machines using that type of pod, we found that when using Nespresso capsules the Instant Pod delivered a slightly more watery, not quite as hot drink with less crema than the other Nespresso-specific machines tested. It’s also quite large compared to the other machines, but if the unique versatility of the dual K-Cup and Nespresso functions intrigues you, it’s worth a try.

Nespresso Inissia by De’Longhi?

$156 at De’Longhi

Live in a small space or looking for a coffee machine to stash in your office? The Nespresso Inissia by De’Longhi will catch your attention. The smallest machine we tested is a scant 4.7 inches wide by 12.6 inches high by 9 inches deep and weighs a little over 5 pounds. It features a unique style from other Nespressos: Lift a handle to push the lever back, insert an Original capsule, then pull the handle back down. The problem was it took us three tries — and wasted three capsules — to get the capsule to puncture correctly (subsequent tries worked fine). And while light, the machine is made of plastic, and we worried we would break the thing trying to pull the handle back down when capsules got stuck. That said, the Inissia brews two sizes, 1.35-ounce espresso and 5-ounce lungo, can be programmed to adjust the water volume and comes with an adjustable drip tray, 23-ounce water tank and descaling cycle.

Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville

$650 $487 at Amazon and Nespresso

Just like our luxury winner, the Vertuo Creatista, we love the look of this sleek Nespresso machine. The high-end model is available in all stainless steel or stainless steel with black, white or blue, bringing a professional barista vibe to your kitchen. Unlike the Vertuo Creatista, the Creatista Plus takes Original pods only (making ristretto, espresso or lungo sizes) and features an intuitive high-res LCD display that walks you through the process. It has the same integrated steam wand and stainless steel milk pitcher as the Vertuo version but comes with 11 milk temperature settings and eight froth/texture levels. The Creatista Plus has the same automatic purge of the steam wand after each use, is a bit smaller at 15.4 inches by 12 inches by 6.7 inches with a 50.7-ounce water tank and has a descaling alarm and option to program cup sizes. It’s a dream and beautiful, but we give the Lattissima the edge for yielding the same results at a lower price.

Nespresso Essenza Plus by Breville

$229 at Nespresso

While we prefer Nespresso’s Vertuo line for the option to brew espresso or drip-style coffee, those who stick to espresso exclusively may still opt for the brand’s Original line. Generally, the capsules are less expensive, and since they don’t use Vertuo’s barcode technology, you can find third-party pods that can save you a few bucks. Our favorite Nespresso Original machine in testing was the Essenza Plus by Breville. It takes up very little counter space and is light enough to transport to a cupboard or cabinet between uses easily. You can easily adjust the water volume to your liking. And like some other Nespresso machines, if you geek out on tech features, this model can be paired with the company’s app to access customizable recipes, reorder capsules and receive maintenance and descaling alerts.