Nespresso machines are known for being convenient and easy to use. Just pop in a pod, press the start button, and voila! You've got a rich cup of espresso in just minutes.
A Nespresso machine speeds up your morning routine and helps you save money by eliminating the need for mid-day coffee runs and overpriced lattes. These days, many models offer additional features like milk frothers that bring an authentic coffee shop feel right to your kitchen.
To help you find the perfect single-serve coffee maker, we've rounded up the best Nespresso machines on the market. These easy-to-use coffee makers are a worthy addition to any kitchen, regardless of whether you live alone, are short on time, or just enjoy the convenience.
How do Nespresso coffee machines work?
Nespresso machines are incredibly easy to use. Simply fill the water tank, pop in a Nespresso capsule, and press the button. The device does the rest! But how does that single press of a button create the perfect cup?
Part of the magic lies in the Nespresso capsules. The small pod or capsule contains a single serving of coffee grounds. When closed inside the machine, a small hole is pierced in both ends of the pod, allowing water to run through.
When the user presses the button, water from the tank is heated to the perfect brewing temperature. It's then forced through the pod under high pressure using centrifugal force and directed into your cup below. These days, many models offer different brew strength and cup size options to customize your morning espresso.
Is Nespresso Machine Environmentally Friendly?
Single-serve coffee makers have earned a reputation for being bad for the environment. While there are some grounds for these claims, your Nespresso machine's environmental friendliness varies widely depending on how you use it. In general, Nespresso machines are one of the more eco-friendly single-serve coffee machines.
Traditional plastic pods are, in fact, damaging to the environment. Research by a UK-based coffee brand found that out of the 39,000 coffee pods produced each minute, 29,000 of them end up in landfills. Over the course of a year, a single person could easily go through upwards of 600 of them!
Thankfully, Nespresso capsules are made from recyclable aluminum, which reduces their environmental impact significantly. You can eliminate the need for disposable pods entirely by purchasing a reusable metal Nespresso pod that can be filled with the coffee grounds of your choice.
What are Nespresso pods, and where can I buy them?
Nespresso pods are single-serve capsules of coffee grounds that are compatible with all Nespresso machines. It's important to note that Nespresso capsules and K-cups aren't the same things, so you'll always need to double-check that the capsules you're purchasing are compatible with your machine.
You can purchase Nespresso capsules at most grocery stores and major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. You can also purchase them directly from the Nespresso store or the Nespresso website.
Additionally, you can purchase a reusable pod that can be filled with ground coffee from your favorite coffee shop around the corner. Not only is this the most sustainable option, but it's also the most affordable.
The Best Nespresso Machines
Today, there are a number of different Nespresso machines to choose from. While some higher-end models may offer sleek designs and fancy touch screens, a basic machine will do just the trick for those on a budget.
When deciding between models, there are three key factors to consider: price, reservoir size, and additional features. A larger reservoir means won't need to be refilled as often and are a must-have for larger households. Additional features like size customization and milk frothers make it easy to diversify your morning coffee routine.
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Best Nespresso Machine Overall
If you're a first-time Nespresso machine owner, you can't go wrong with Breville's Nespresso Vertuo Machine with milk frother. It creates the perfect cup by using a capsule-specific brewing system that optimizes every brew. Plus, you can choose from six cup sizes: 5 oz, 8 oz, and 14 oz coffee; single and double espresso; and a pour-over style carafe.
The tech-savvy coffee maker reads barcodes on compatible Nespresso capsules and adjusts to create the perfect brewing setting for that particular roast. After brewing, the capsule is automatically ejected and stored until you're ready to recycle it.
Another stand-out feature of the Vertuo Nespresso Machine is its Aeroccino3 milk frother. With just one touch, it froths all types and temperatures of milk (including plant-based) with minimal noise and vibration.
The Vertuo is made using 54% recycled materials, making it Breville's most sustainable single-serve coffee maker yet. Its compact size and slim design make it perfect for small kitchens and dorm rooms. Plus, the fully-removable water tank makes it a breeze to refill.
JASSY Small Espresso Coffee Machine
Best on a Budget
Nespresso machines are notoriously expensive. But with JASSY's Small Espresso Coffee Machine, you can enjoy all the ease and convenience without breaking the bank. Just like more expensive models, it offers 19 bars of power and lattes with a touch of a button.
Choose from two espresso sizes: regular and lungo. Despite its compact size, the 24 oz water reservoir holds enough for nine servings. The used capsule storage and drip water box make for easy clean-up after you brew.
De’Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine
Best for Small Kitchens
If you don't have a lot of spare counter space, check out the De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso machine that doesn't waste one bit. Despite its small size, this Essenza mini espresso maker delivers up to 19 bars of pressure— enough to create the rich flavor and velvety texture of your favorite coffee shop. Choose from basic black, cherry red, or unexpected light green.
This compact machine features two programmable sizes (1.35 oz espresso and 5 oz lungo), you can recreate all your favorite coffee and espresso drinks with ease. The energy-efficient model heats water in under thirty seconds and automatically switches off after use. Plus, it comes with a complimentary pack of Nespresso pods to help you find your perfect roast.
De’Longhi Nespresso Lattissima One Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
Worth the Splurge
If you're looking for a splurge-worthy espresso maker that offers both style and function, look no further than De'Longhi's Nespresso Lattissima One Espresso Machine with milk frother. With its sleek design and unbeatable convenience, you'll be happy to show it off on a countertop instead of hiding it in a pantry.
What sets the Lattissima One apart from other Nespresso machines is its innovative milk system. Simply fill the milk container with the amount of milk you want in your drink, and the machine froths and pours it directly into your cup. The dishwasher-safe milk jug makes for quick and easy clean-up.
Its 33.8 oz water reservoir is larger than most single-serve coffee makers, making it the ideal choice for large families, waiting rooms, and break rooms. The used capsule is ejected into an internal storage container after each use, so you'll never have to worry about messy countertops again. Not to mention the fact that it can make a latte in just 40 seconds with only one touch!
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Majesto Coffee Machine
Best Touchscreen Design
The eye-catching futuristic design isn't the only thing you'll love about the Dolce Gusto Majesto Coffee Machine. Its touchscreen display offers an easy interface that makes it easy to create a wide range of coffee house-inspired beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and specialty coffees like mocha, macchiato, and hot chocolate. Plus, users can choose between hot or cold dispense for the perfect drink any time of year.
With 15 bars of pressure, the professional-grade machine brews optimal flavor, aroma, and body to every last cup. The patent smart capsules lock in freshness to maximize freshness and create consistent flavor. Its sizable 60 oz water reservoir makes it a great choice for office settings and reception areas.
Breville Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine
Most Reliable
If you're looking for a reliable coffee machine that makes perfect espresso every time, go with Breville's Inissia Original Espresso Machine. The barista-grade coffee maker crafts rich espresso and velvety-smooth single-serve coffee with ease, thanks to 19 bars of pressure and a 20.3 oz water tank. Users can make up to nine coffees before needing a refill.
With just one touch, you can enjoy either a single-shot espresso or lungo in less than one minute. It takes the machine just 25 seconds to reach optimum brewing temperature. The folding drip tray can be removed for easy cleaning and to accommodate larger mugs. It even features a used capsule container that holds up to eleven used coffee pods.
Perhaps the best part of Inissia is that it's available in a wide range of colors that match almost any kitchen decor style. Choose from black, silver, dark grey, red, and more. Thanks to its compact size and sleek design, the convenient machine tucks perfectly away on a countertop or kitchen shelf.
Nespresso Creatista Plus
Most Stylish
If you are an espresso lover, then you must check out Nespresso Creatista Plus. This smart machine makes excellent brew and has microfoam frothing technology. With this machine, you can make latte art right in the comfort of your home.
With this high-end look espresso machine, you have 8 types of coffee to choose from: ristretto, espresso, lungo, latte, cappuccino, flat white, or latte macchiato. Not to mention with the attached milk frother, you have 11 different milk temperatures to select from and 8 different foam textures. The possibilities are endless.
