So, you decided you want a new coffee maker, and you've landed on Nespresso as the ideal brand for you. But what now? There are some major differences you should understand before you even start shopping, and from there, there is a huge range of machines to choose from.
Fortunately for you, I've been testing Nespresso machines for over five years, and while I've admittedly moved onto more manual machines, I was once a very happy Nespresso owner for a number of sleep-deprived student years.
I'll run down the key things you should know before you shop below, but if you want to skip to the best Nespresso machine you can buy, I'll offer two key options. The first is the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, which features milk frothing. Due to its Vertuo tech, it can brew a range of drink sizes, but this also locks you into Nespresso-branded pods, which can be more expensive.
Want something a bit simpler? Take a look at the Nespresso CitiZ + Milk, which is a high-quality machine that makes great espresso. This is a Nespresso Original model, meaning it brews from a standard pod size (which doesn't have to be Nespresso-branded) and can make two drink sizes.
What you need to know before buying a Nespresso machine
Nespresso makes two types of machine: Original and Vertuo. When choosing the right machine for you, it will help to know which type of brewer best suits your lifestyle.
I wrote a complete Nespresso Original vs Vertuo article where I pitted my favorite machine from each option head-to-head. But I'll give you a brief summary of my findings here.
Price: Nespresso Vertuo machines can often be cheaper than the Original line, and you'll also see them on sale during sales events like Black Friday. But if I was feeling cynical, I'd suggest that it's because you're locked into a more expensive ecosystem when you buy Vertuo.
Without getting too deep into the history, Nespresso owns the patent for Vertuo pods, but not for Original line machines, meaning you can buy pods for your Orignal machine from a number of brands, many of which will save you a lot of money over time.
Winner: Nespresso Original
Variety: With an Original machine you can only brew from one pod size, so you're limited to either an espresso or a more watered-down lungo. Whereas Vertuo machines can brew many sizes, all of which come with their own specific pods. These pods have barcodes which will allow your machine to brew the perfect length for that capsule automatically.
Winner: Nespresso Vertuo
Taste: Personally, I prefer the quality of the coffee you get from Original machines. That's because Vertuo machines are brewed using a unique spinning motion that creates a thick layer of faux-crema at the top of your cup. Some people love how this looks, but for me, I want a more authentic brew. If you love traditional espresso, you should maybe consider buying an espresso machine, but the Original line will give you a more conventional shot of coffee.
With that being said, Nespresso does create some very interesting flavors for its Vertuo line. Some of the most popular include Sweet Vanilla, Golden Caramel, and even a pod that's designed specifically to pair with oat milk.
Winner: It depends on your preference!
The best Nespresso machines you can buy today
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Best overall
If you want a Nespresso machine that can do it all, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is our top pick. This multi-faceted machine can make a selection of milky drinks and still has all the benefits of Nespresso's clever Vertuo system which automatically brews the ideal drink length for your chosen capsule.
We enjoyed the neat design of this attractive machine, which has a removable milk container that slots easily onto the front unit to make all-in-one cappuccinos or latte macchiatos. You can also make a babyccino, so not everything you make in this machine needs to be espresso-based.
In terms of performance, we were happy with the range of drinks we made in this machine, but the milk-based were the standouts. We also made a delicious long coffee over iced, but noticed that the 57fl oz container could run out fast if you prefer to drink mugs of coffee over espresso.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review.
Best Original line
Looking for an Original-line coffee maker that can keep up with a range of coffee preferences? The CitiZ & Milk reliably delivers rich, aromatic shots crowned with a dense crema that rivals café quality. And our reviews writer and former barista Erin doesn't say that lightly! Its compatibility with both Nespresso Original-line and a wide variety of third-party pods offers flexibility and predictable ongoing costs, making it a smart pick for espresso lovers who want choice and value from their daily routine.
Using the CitiZ & Milk is straightforward. The two-button interface keeps things simple, offering programmable cup sizes for espresso and lungo, while the integrated milk frother expands your drink options without complicating your workflow. We found daily use nearly effortless: loading pods, pressing a button, and enjoying a consistently satisfying shot, all within just a couple of minutes. This fuss-free approach makes it easy to fit high-quality espresso into even the busiest mornings. However, compared to Vertuo line machines, its suitability for Americano-lovers is questionable. That's a general downside of Original-line machines, though, and the CitiZ & Milk remains the best of that bunch.
While this machine features a milk frother, it's not in the form of a dispenser, like you'll find with the Lattissima. Instead, it comes in the form of an add-on Aeroccino which sits in an in-built housing on the right side of the machine. This allows you to customize the amount of milk you're frothing and the thickness you'd like, but it still needs to be poured into your finished cup. Nespresso does sell the Aeroccino separately, but it works out cheaper to buy it built-in with the CitiZ.
The main downside? Its construction feels less premium than the metal-clad Creatista Plus, but it also costs less up front and lets you take advantage of more affordable Original-line pods. If you’re weighing it against the Vertuo Pop Plus, the CitiZ & Milk adds the milk module and maintains a user-friendly footprint, balancing value and convenience for its category.
Read our full Nespresso CitiZ + Milk review.
Best value
Nespresso's Vertuo Pop+ coffee maker is the brand's most compact and budget-friendly Vertuo model. Regularly on sale for around $100, it's got the same versatility as many Nespresso machines, but in a smaller frame.
You get to choose from five drink sizes with this machine, which is one less than larger options such as the Vertuo Creatista, which can brew carafe coffees. However, you still get to brew Espresso (1.35oz), Double Espresso (2.7oz), Gran Lungo (5oz), Coffee (8oz), and XL (12oz) drinks. That's the same as the Vertuo Plus.
With a smaller frame comes a shorter mug capacity, so you may need to remove the cup holder to fit in some larger cups. However, this is easily done and slots back into place in seconds. The water reservoir is also removable, which means it's easy to refill. That's useful because this machine does have a smaller water capacity than others on the market. If you're on a budget or working with a small space, this is a savvy choice.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus review.
Best for iced coffee
Nespresso’s Vertuo Up is the brand’s most compact Vertuo model yet, measuring just 4.7 inches across and featuring a clever rotating water tank that fits snugly at the back or either side. If you’re short on counter space or want a machine that tucks neatly into a teeny kitchen, this design gives you flexibility without feeling like a compromise.
We found the Vertuo Up exceptionally easy to use, living up to Nespresso’s reputation for breezy daily coffee. The rotating water tank makes refilling and cleaning simpler, even in cramped kitchens, and the overall operation is so straightforward that even first-timers will be brewing confidently in minutes.
There's also the benefit of an over-iced setting, which is a new feature available exclusively with the Up. Pair it with Nespresso's dedicated over-ice capsules and enjoy a more mellow and less watered-down brew.
There’s a catch, though: the Vertuo Up only works with Nespresso’s patented Vertuo pods. That means you’re locked out of cheaper third-party options, and as we've said in our Original versus Vertuo section, the Vertuo pods are pricier and can be tougher to source, so your ongoing costs will be higher and you’ll need to plan ahead for refills.
Compared to its siblings, the Vertuo Up trades premium features for value and space-saving design. It’s much slimmer than models like the Vertuo Lattissima or Creatista Plus, but you won’t get milk frothing or advanced customization, and it’s notably loud in use, peaking at 70.9dB in our tests. If small footprint and iced drinks matter more than endless drink options or luxury finishes, the Vertuo Up is a sensible pick — just budget for those pods.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Up review
Best for milky drinks
I find hard to recommend a Nespresso machine that costs over $600, but it can't be denied that if you want the best of the best and price isn't an option, Nespresso made the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista for you. It's got the classic Vertuo brewing system and can make drinks in 6 sizes, including 5, 8, 12, and 18 oz coffees, as well as single and double shots.
What really stands out is, first, the high-tech look and feel of the design. Who doesn't love a Breville-style stainless steel coffee maker? Not everyone will this the Vertuo Creatista is a looker, but I'm quite keen on the build which straddles retro and hyper-modern style.
Secondly, milk steaming options are next-level. Featuring Breville's bespoke automatic milk steaming wand, which can brew to three different temperatures and textures, you'll be set to make any milk-based milk drink you could want with this machine.
But it goes without saying that you could get this same milk wand on an actual espresso machine for around the same price, so this one's for the Nespresso fans who'd knowingly choose a single-serve over a classy espresso machine. If that's you, this is a great option.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review
Also tested
How we test the best Nespresso machines
Millie has been reviewing Nespresso machines for five years, so it's a good thing she loves coffee. In fact, she's such an enthusiast that she's even taken a course with the Specialty Coffee Association to qualify as a barista. She brings these skills to all of her coffee reviews, from luxe espresso machines to entry-level pod models, and uses her in-depth knowledge to recommend the right machines to our readers.
Helen has reviewed countless kitchen appliances from coffee makers to air fryers. She's an expert home economist and spent years working at the Good Housekeeping Institute before going freelance. She reviewed a number of the machines in this guide.
We tested each and every coffee maker in this guide to bring you our comprehensive ranking. There are a few models that have very similar names: that's because Nespresso is currently adding Vertuo iterations of its most popular Original lineup to its offering: for example, the most recent Nespresso launch of the Vertuo Creatista is a Vertuo version of Nespresso's original Creatista machine, which features the same steam wand but with a different brewing system. Ranking these machines is tricky, because it depends on your prefered Nespresso system.
When reviewing, we firstly considered the actual taste of the coffee. After all, even the most convenient Nespresso machine would be no good if it didn't provide quality flavors. We also considered user experience though, because single-serve machines are designed to put convenience at the forefront. If a machine felt too prissy, we marked it down. This included the need to refill too often, or empty the capsules too regularly.
Where Nespresso machines came with milk wands or dispensers, we tested them on every setting. A good milk dispenser should create evenly distributed micro-foam that's not too hot and which lasts a good amount of time. And we give bonus points where it brews cool enough to steam plant milks without burning them.
If you're not sure which type of coffee maker to buy, be sure to check out our guide.
How to choose the best Nespresso machine for you
When considering which Nespresso machine would best fit you, it's important to consider the context of how you will be using your device, the space you have available, and the pods you want to use.
How you will use your Nespresso
If you need a coffee machine that can handle larger servings, either for multiple morning drinkers or for guests later on in the day, make sure you've got a fast brew, a large water reservoir, and a large pod storage drawer. You could also check out the best coffee makers for some pod-alternative options.
However, if you just need a few cups in the morning to get you going, you won't need to pay for these features and can easily get by with a much smaller device.
How much space you have
Nespresso machines can get pretty large, even though they're still only using smaller pods. Once you add milk frothers, reservoirs, and pod storage into the equation you can easily start running out of counter space. Measure not only the coffee machine you're intending to buy, but also the accessories and storage needed to make the most of it.
Pod type
Nespresso Vertuo machines use different pods to the Original line of coffee makers. These pods allow for the centrifusion brewing technique that makes Vertuo coffee so creamy and well-balanced, so it's worth checking which pod type your chosen device will take.
Price
Nespresso tends to offer more premium and expensive designs compared to other pod brands on the market. This is because these machines can actually reach a high enough temperature and pressure to produce a quality espresso, complete with a layer of crema. Some of the best Keurig coffee makers come close to offering a comparable performance, and these feature a more reasonable price. However, if you want an espresso similar to what you’d get from an espresso machine, Nespresso is your best bet.
Some Nespresso machines are more wallet-friendly than others, particularly if you opt for a smaller design which doesn’t come with so many features or milk-frothing capabilities. And when you compare the price of our winner, which costs less than $200, to some of the best espresso machines, you will find there’s substantial savings to be had by opting for Nespresso.
FAQs
Which Nespresso machine is best for most people?
We’d recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima for most people because it does a bit of everything. It can make different drink sizes through the Vertuo system, and the built-in milk frother makes it a strong pick if you want cappuccinos, lattes or other milky drinks without much extra effort.
Should I buy a Nespresso Original or Vertuo machine?
If you mostly drink espresso or lungo, we’d steer you toward an Original machine. If you want more drink sizes and like the idea of the machine automatically adjusting to each pod, Vertuo is the better fit — just remember that you’ll be tied to Nespresso’s own Vertuo capsules.
Are Vertuo pods more expensive than Original pods?
They can be, mainly because Vertuo pods are part of Nespresso’s own closed capsule system. With an Original machine, you can use Nespresso capsules or compatible third-party pods, which gives you more choice and could save money over time.
Which Nespresso machine should I buy if I mainly drink espresso?
If espresso is your priority, we’d pick the Nespresso CitiZ. It’s an Original-line machine, so it’s better suited to short, more traditional espresso-style drinks than Vertuo models, which are designed around a wider range of drink sizes.
Which Nespresso machine is best for milky drinks?
For most people, we’d go with the Vertuo Lattissima because its integrated milk system keeps things simple. If you want something more premium and like the idea of a steam wand with more control over milk texture, the Vertuo Creatista is the more luxurious option.
What is the best value Nespresso machine?
We’d choose the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ if value is the main priority. It’s compact, often more affordable than larger models, and still gives you several Vertuo drink sizes, though the smaller design means you may need to refill it more often.
Can Nespresso machines make regular coffee, or only espresso?
It depends which type you buy. Original machines are mainly for espresso and lungo drinks, while Vertuo machines are better if you want larger, mug-sized coffees as well as shorter espresso-style drinks.
Are Nespresso machines good for small kitchens?
Yes, but we’d pay close attention to the size of the machine and any milk accessories before buying. A compact model like the Vertuo Pop+ makes sense for smaller counters, while machines with built-in milk systems or larger reservoirs will need more room.
Is a Nespresso machine better than a regular espresso machine?
We’d choose Nespresso if convenience matters more than control. If you want to grind beans, adjust extraction, steam milk manually and fine-tune every drink, a traditional espresso machine will suit you better. And while you can get some great-tasting coffee from a Nespresso machine, there's no replicating the taste of a really quality shot of espresso from a top-tier machine.
What's the difference between Nespresso vs Keurig?
If you're searching for the best Nespresso, you've likely also come across the brand's main competitor, Keurig. The two brands offer similar pod coffee machines, but with some key differences that will fit one use case better than another.
The Nespresso range tends to offer a slightly more complex approach to brewing your coffee. Many models make the most of centrifusion brewing techniques which allow for a more well-balanced coffee flavor, and many also use smart capsule recognition to automatically set the correct brew environment for your drink of choice. If you're after a more premium brewing method, it might be worth paying the slightly higher prices for a Nespresso machine.
However, the best Keurig coffee makers can make the most of the K-Cup variety on offer. There are so many brands offering their own K-Cup coffees, from Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme to Starbucks. If you're looking for extra variety in your brews, or if you want to spend a little less, this is likely the best way to go.
