What to Buy Coffee, Tea & Espresso The 6 Best Nespresso Machines of 2023 These top picks consistently produce quality brews with perfect crema in any size you choose. By Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick, CNC is a leader in the realm of nutrition and special diets, helping to make healthy eating affordable and easy for all. She has cooked professionally, intermittently, for well over twenty years, and has nearly a decade of professional writing experience. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 27, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Kevin Liang Nespresso machines are loved by millions of coffee drinkers, as they require minimal effort, don’t take up too much counter space, and can produce espresso and drip coffee with a dreamy layer of crema. Sure, you can use an espresso machine and milk frother to craft cafe-quality beverages, but they take practice and can demand strong barista skills. A Nespresso machine, however, relies only on you popping in a pod and starting the device — a skill nearly anyone can master and is suitable for busy mornings. There are many different Nespresso machines to choose from, and devotees of the brand tend to hold enthusiastic opinions about everything from the best pods to the ideal ounce size for the perfect cup. Decades ago, the Nespresso pod selection was grand, but the machine options were few; times have changed since then, and you can now enjoy Nespresso in anything from a scant ounce plus pour to an extra-large mugful. To help you find the right model, we’ve compiled the best Nespresso machines on the market. Keep scrolling to learn the pros and cons for each option on our list. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Nespresso Vertuo Next at Amazon Jump to Review Nespresso Creatista Pro at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best Small: Nespresso Mini Espresso Machine at Amazon Jump to Review Most Versatile: Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Nespresso Gran Lattissima at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Walmart Pros This user-friendly machine brews four cup sizes, offers pod storage, and has a large water tank. Cons The water tank can occasionally leak. From a single espresso shot to a full cup of coffee, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is our top choice for its efficiency and ease of use. It has a fast heating time, shuts off automatically after being inactive for nine minutes, and offers four drink sizes — single and double espresso shots and five- and eight-ounce cups of coffee. The 60-ounce tank means you can have multiple brewing sessions before adding more water, and it’s removable for easy refills and adjustable for convenient countertop placement. This model is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, but don’t worry, there are plenty of options to suit your flavor profile, whether you like nutty, fruity, or chocolatey coffee. What’s more, you can store up to 17 capsules in the machine. Overall, this machine earns top marks for its ease of use, performance, and design. Price at time of publish: $200 Style: VertuoDimensions: 5.5 x 16.9 x 12.4 inchesMilk Frother: NoWater Tank Capacity: 60 ounces Best Value Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Williams-Sonoma Pros This will make a full carafe of coffee, and can froth milk hot or cold. Cons Frothing cold milk is more difficult than warm. If you prefer a larger cup of coffee, this is the Nespresso machine for you, offering 18-ounce servings as well as five- and eight-ounce cups and espresso shots. Those who enjoy espresso drinks will appreciate the included milk frother, which works for hot and cold milk (although hot milk may froth more quickly and easily). The barcodes on Vertuo capsules automatically tell the machine what settings to use, so there’s no guesswork. While the water tank capacity is just over half the size of the VertuoPlus Deluxe, this is also a more compact machine that can fit into smaller quarters. It also offers bluetooth connectivity for a modern brewing experience, plus it’s partially made of recycled materials. Price at time of publish: $230 Style: VertuoDimensions: 5.51 x 14.72 x 12.45 inchesMilk Frother: Yes Water Tank Capacity: 37 ounces Nespresso Creatista Pro by Breville Williams-Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma View On Sur La Table View On Best Buy Pros Highly customizable, you can select precisely the quantity of water and coffee, as well as the level of milk frothing, and save it in the system. Cons The settings may initially be overwhelming. The Creatista Pro is similar to the Creatista Plus but offers more customizations for serious home baristas. It features a touchscreen where you can select from eight presets, including ristretto, espresso, lungo, Americano, flat white, cappuccino, cafe latte, and latte macchiato, and also save personalized creations. When creating your own drinks, you can adjust the frothing level, milk temperature, coffee volume, and more. The built-in frothing system produces ideal microfoam for those who love latte art, achieving a velvety-smooth texture with tiny bubbles. What’s more, you can make a specialty drink even on the busiest of mornings because it allows you to extract coffee and froth milk at the same time. With a 68-ounce removable water tank, refilling the tank will be a less frequent task than with many of the other models. Price at time of publish: $850 Style: OriginalDimensions: 16.75 x 7.75 x 13 inchesMilk Frother: YesWater Tank Capacity: 68 ounces Best Small Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Lime Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Williams-Sonoma Pros It takes up minimal counter space and is available in fun, bright colors. Cons It lacks the features of some other Nespresso machines. Slightly smaller than the already diminutive Nespresso Pixie, the Essenza Mini is ideal for tight spaces such as dorm rooms and kitchenettes. Despite its compact size, it heats up as quickly as many other Nespresso makers, coming to temperature in only 25 seconds. You have the option to purchase just the machine or the machine plus the Aeroccino 3 milk frother, so the latter is the best choice if you ever want to make lattes. This machine offers two programmable cup sizes, including espresso and lungo. The difference between the two is that lungo coffee is less concentrated than espresso, containing more water due to a longer extraction time. The device barely weighs over a pound; its curved edges help it to fit into tight spots; and the water tank has a small footprint at the back of the machine. It also features an eco-friendly low-energy mode after three minutes and auto-shutoff after nine minutes. Price at time of publish: $209 Style: OriginalDimensions: 4.3 x 12.8 x 8.1 inchesMilk Frother: Yes, there is a bundle option with the Aeroccino 3 Water Tank Capacity: 20.3 ounces Most Versatile Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother Amazon View On Amazon View On Sur La Table View On Williams-Sonoma Pros It operates quickly, produces strong espresso and coffee, and comes with a quality milk frother. Cons Coffee may not be as hot as some people prefer it. This Nespresso Vertuo machine features a rounded, retro-style design, but the included Aeroccino milk frother is what makes it one of our favorites. The frother works for hot and cold recipes, which means the foam can pair perfectly with hot and iced coffee. You can even use the frother for non-coffee drinks, such as matcha lattes. The machine offers four cup sizes, including two for espresso shots and two for drip coffee, and it has a 40-ounce removable water tank that heats up in just 15 seconds. Whether you want espresso or coffee, your drink with a thick layer of delicious crema. Price at time of publish: $270 Style: VertuoDimensions: 11.93 x 11.91 x 8.32 inchesMilk Frother: Yes Water Tank Capacity: 40 ounces Best Splurge Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee and Espresso Machine Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Wayfair Pros The single-touch milk system has six different types of foam available and can even make it extra hot. Cons Some non-dairy milks might not froth as well as others. Sleek and sophisticated in appearance, enjoying a barista-quality beverage is as easy as pressing a single button with this high-end Nespresso center by coffee favorite De’Longhi. With seven different drinks to choose from, you can make an espresso, a ristretto, a lungo, a latte, a cappuccino, a macchiato, or a flat white at the press of a button. Plus, there are settings to add extra hot milk or foam. The water system can be programmed to accommodate the hardness of your water, ensuring excellent-tasting coffee regardless of your water quality. The system heats up quickly, at just 25 seconds for coffee and 40 seconds for milk. You’ll want to clean the milk system after usage, which is as easy as putting the milk container in the dishwasher. Price at time of publish: $638 Style: OriginalDimensions: 7.99 x 14.44 x 10.86 inchesMilk Frother: Yes Water Tank Capacity: 33.8 ounces Our Favorite As our best overall pick, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe gives you multiple cup size options for both espresso and coffee, operates at the press of a single button, and lets you place the tank in the most convenient area for where it’s stored. It’s straightforward, versatile, and efficient. Factors to Consider Original vs. Vertuo Nespresso machines range in functionality in terms of how complex or simple they are for brewing, but they are all easy to use, operating at the touch of a button. The Original line was inspired by European-style espresso, offering three brewing options — espresso, ristretto, and lungo. The Vertuo line was inspired by Australian-style coffee, featuring espresso, double espresso, long black, and pour-over. The Original line can make both small and large espresso shots with crema on top. Because of their milk frothers, the Lattissima series and Creatista models can also craft barista-style drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. For the other Original models, you can purchase a separate milk frother to use with the coffee machine. For people who prefer coffee to espresso, consider choosing a machine from the Vertuo line. In addition to short and long espresso shots, it can brew full cups of coffee, up to 14 ounces at a time. Each series of Nespresso requires its own style of pods, so whichever you opt for, you will want to purchase your boxes of pods accordingly; Original pods only fit Original machines, and Vertuo pods only fit Vertuo machines. Milk Frothers You can purchase Nespresso machines and milk frothers separately or buy a model with a milk frother attached. If you want barista-style drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos and don’t want to have two different appliances, your best bet is a Nespresso maker with a built-in milk frother. If you prefer straight espresso or coffee or already own a milk frother, consider buying just a machine. Price Ranging from less than $200 to over $800, the price of a Nespresso machine depends on how many different types of drinks it can make. Simple models that can brew espresso and lungo only, such as the Essenza Mini, are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Those that can make up to 10 different cafe beverages and allow for customization are on the higher end. Size When choosing a Nespresso machine, consider how much open counter space you have and whether or not you want it to be on display at all times. If you prefer appliance-free counters, make sure you pick one that can fit in a cabinet when not in use. The Essenza Mini is the smallest Nespresso maker option on our list, while the Creatista Pro and Grand Lattissima are larger models because of their attached milk frothers. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use a Nespresso machine? For most Nespresso machines, you’ll begin by filling the tank with water. Then, you’ll press a button to turn heat the water, select your brew size, and lift the lever to add a capsule. Close the lever, place a cup underneath the spout, and press start. It will automatically stop when it’s done brewing. How do you clean a Nespresso machine? Clean the drip tray after each use by removing it from the machine. Rinse the water tank when empty, and wash with mild dish soap. Wipe down the remainder of the device with a damp cloth. If it has a steam wand, wipe it down after each use, as should a milk frothing machine or pitcher. Do Nespresso machines brew real espresso? No. Nespresso machines use pods with pre-ground coffee and operate at the push of a button, while traditional espresso machines require a specific grind size, careful tamping, and precise timing. As a capsule-based machine, Nespresso’s brewing process doesn’t follow the standards to produce real espresso, but the results are very similar and taste delicious. What kinds of drinks can you make with a Nespresso machine? Nespresso machines vary in their abilities to make different drinks, but all of them can make basic versions of espresso. The machine with the fewest options can make two sizes of espresso, whereas models with milk frothers can make additional drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. Additionally, Vertuo machines can make larger cups of coffee. Our Expertise Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, bestselling author, and lover of coffee. She appreciates that Nespresso makes espresso drinks available to everyone, everywhere, from the comfort of their own homes. For this article, she used her expertise and did market research to determine the best Nespresso machines on the market. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit