As far as luxurious espresso machines that can produce great shots with incredible convenience and in very little time, there is only one brand that can do the magic: Nespresso.
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso has built their name across the world as an exceptional and premium coffee and espresso brand.
They’ve got quite a large lineup of machines, but we feel that the best Nespresso machine in terms of quality and value is the Nespresso Latissima. It uses OriginalLine pods and has a built in frother.
What is Nespresso?
Nespresso machines are quite unique yet they have made a footprint in the competitive world of espresso makers. Known as a single-serve espresso machine, these can only make one cup of espresso at a time.
As of now, there are 24 types of OriginalLine capsules and 22 types of VertuoLine capsules. Learn more about the differences between VertuoLine and OriginalLine here.
Nespresso machines use pre-measured and pre-packaged hermetically sealed capsules. All the action that is required of you is to place the pod inside the machine, and with the press of a button, you have a shot of espresso ready to go.
Quick Nespresso Machine Comparison
If you’re strapped for time, the comparison table below can help you make a quick decision.
Further down, you’ll find more detailed reviews of each Nespresso espresso machine.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | OriginalLineOriginalLineNespresso Lattissima Touch |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | VertuoLineVertuoLineNespresso Vertuo |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | OriginalLineOriginalLineNespresso Essenza Mini |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
 | OriginalLineOriginalLineNespresso Creatista Plus |
| CHECK BEST PRICE → |
 | VertuoLineVertuoLineNespresso Vertuo Next |
| CHECK BEST PRICE → |
Things to keep in mind about Nespresso machines
Before we get to our picks for the best Nespresso machine, there are a few common factors that you should keep in mind before going forward:
19 bars of pressure
All Nespresso machines use 19 bars of pressure for extracting espresso. While the standard requirement for pressure in a typical espresso machine is just around 9 bars, the bar rating is often used as a marketing gimmick to advertise superior espresso. That’s not always the case, and as long as a machine can do at least 9 bars, you’re good to go.
OriginalLine and VertuoLine
Nespresso machines are pod based coffee makers and come in two versions: OriginalLine and VertuoLine. OriginalLine pods are smaller and come in two sizes: espresso and lungo.
OriginalLine machines are also compatible with a variety of third party pods, too, though these pods are not officially endorsed by Nespresso. With OriginalLine machines, you can make espresso and lungo, and some machines can also make ristretto.
VertuoLine machines use dome-shaped VertuoLine pods, which come in a variety of sizes to make 5 types of beverages. Vertuo pods have barcodes that the machine reads to control variables like brew time and temperature.
The whole idea behind Vertuoline was to develop a coffee maker that could serve as a coffee and espresso machine.
Unlike OriginalLine which uses pressure, VertuoLine uses centrifusion as its extraction system. The result is usually a thicker crema but a slightly weaker taste.
In summary, both Original and Vertuo are pod based but the sizes are different and the types of coffee brewed are also different. Vertuo also uses a special barcode technology that instructs the machine how to brew this particular pod.
Learn how to use Nespresso machines here
Learn about hacks to save money and brew better coffee here
Customizable brew sizes
In OriginalLine machines, you can adjust the brew size of espresso and lungo to pull more or less water. Once you set the brew size, the machine will remember it.
Who makes Nespresso machines?
Nespresso themselves don’t make any of their machines: instead, they have tie-ups with other companies to make their machines for them. In Nespresso showrooms, the 3rd party branding is not present on the machines.
If you buy from other merchants, you’ll see that the machine is either made by Breville or Delonghi.
These two brands make most of the machines for the North American market.
Why would you want a Nespresso?
The biggest advantage of Nespresso machines is the convenience. Espresso is rather finicky to make, but Nespresso lets you make nearly coffee shop standard espresso shots with the press of a button.
These coffee makers have a very quick heat up time, much faster than the heat up time of a typical coffee machine. Once you power on, you’ll be ready to pull a shot within 30 seconds.
A coffee enthusiast may turn up their nose at the comparison of handcrafted coffee shop coffee to something from a pod, though!
With that said, Nespresso is quick, it’s easy, and you don’t have to worry about grinding coffee beans, tamping them down, and pulling a shot.
Nespresso makes espresso easy. They’re easy to clean, easy to use, and take up very little counter space.
Disadvantages of Nespresso
Of course, it’s not all roses. Many in the coffee world consider don’t consider Nespresso to be authentic coffee and feel that the shot produced falls short of a proper espresso.
Also, the pods are quite expensive and the cost will significantly add up over time.
Best Nespresso Machine in 2020: Top Picks
1. Nespresso Lattissima By DeLonghi (OriginalLine): Best Nespresso Machine For Latte and Cappuccino
The Nespresso Lattissima is a single serve Nespresso system by DeLonghi which easily incorporates milk to make super easy lattes or cappuccinos.
While this is a single serve, the Lattissima does come with a 33.8 oz reservoir. So, you do not need to refill it with each cup you make. The machine can froth milk as well; this means you do not have to purchase additional accessories to make specialty drinks.
It takes 25 seconds for the Lattissima to heat up for an espresso shot, and 40 seconds for a milky coffee. A 19 bar pump extracts a thick, velvety espresso topped with a layer of crema.
Because of the incorporated milk frothing and the ability to make both Lungo and espresso, the Lattissima is also a wonderfully versatile home espresso machine.
The Lattissima is available in three versions:
