Nespresso Machines Compared
The best Nespresso machines are slim compact and modern. Most have milk-frothing capability and can make a variety of coffee drinks and espressos with crema.
All Nespresso machines heat and puncture pre-portioned capsules, which allows them to produce different drink sizes with the touch of a button. The different models differ by size and price as well as features.
The Original Line
The machines of the Original line penetrate the capsule and then pump hot water at 19 bar of pressure to make espressos and lungos in a variety of sizes. The machines also feature buttons for foaming and hot milk as well as a small tray of capsules and an energy-saving feature that shuts down the machine after 9 minutes. The sleek design of the machine and its convenient water container were loved by our testers, but the smaller tank may be a problem for some.
The Vertuo Line
If you're looking for an espresso machine that can make coffee and espresso and espresso, the Vertuo Line might be the best choice for you. These machines use barcodes in specially designed capsules that ensure the best volume and strength every time. This lets you enjoy your favorite drinks without worries about pressing the wrong buttons or forgetting what you selected. These machines can also be used with the Aeroccino milk frother from Nespresso which we adore for making delicious lattes and capspuccinos.
The first VertuoLine machine was introduced in 2014. Although they weren't widely recommended, Nespresso listened and corrected the issue, releasing the Evoluo in 2015. The new Vertuo models come with more color options and are easier to use than their predecessors.
Another advantage of the Vertuo Line is that these machines work with all Nespresso-brand capsules, as well as those from brands such as Williams Sonoma and illy. Contrary to this, the Original Line only works with Nespresso-branded pods.
One of the top models available is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which was launched in the year 2016. This model has an excellent heat-up time, as well as an energy-saving mode to help you save money on your electricity bill. Ongoing is also Wi-Fi enabled and Bluetooth compatible, so you can connect your device to receive maintenance alerts and notifications. The swiveling tank is adjusted to suit various countertop configurations. The used capsule drawer can also be opened and closed by pressing a button.
The VertuoPlus is simple to use and has a compact design that takes up minimal counter space. Its brewing is streamlined and it uses Centrifusion, an exclusive extraction method that produces high-quality results. The small water tank is one of the drawbacks but it's a minor inconvenience for most users. The machine also has several settings that can be programmed to suit your personal preferences. The machine also has a button for iced beverages making it simple to make the perfect iced lattes or coffee.
The Essenza Line
The Essenza line from Nespresso is the pod machine that is a basic model. It's small and affordable. It can make a delicious coffee or cup in only minutes. The machines in this line brew either an espresso or a lungo, with 19 bars of pressure. They can also be reprogrammed to brew smaller drinks like a ristretto. you can select the size you want at the touch of an button. This is a great option for those who don't want to brew full-lattice drinks but still want the high-end quality of Nespresso.
If you're serious about your coffee, we suggest an espresso machine from the Original line instead. They provide a superior cup of espresso and are much easier to customize than Vertuo models. If you have a limited space, the Essenza Mini will be a excellent choice.
Another reason why the Essenza Mini is a great option is its design. Its sleek, minimalist design makes a stunning addition any kitchen. It's smaller than a hot-water kettle and is easily tucked into a corner near your other kitchen appliances. It comes in five different colors to fit any design.
Nespresso's pod-only machines can be extremely simple to operate. The Essenza Mini has just two buttons one for espresso, and another for a lungo. The espresso button makes two shots of espresso while the lungo button creates the full cup. The Nespresso website has videos that show you how to reprogram the machine to accommodate other sizes.
It's also easy to clean. It comes with a removable capsule container that's easy dispose of, and the water reservoir and reusable tray are easily accessible for refilling and cleaning. The display can inform you when it's time for a descale and the machine will inform you of the number of capsules are left so that you can stock up.
The downside to this super-simple machine is that it can only brew two sizes of coffee and doesn't come with a milk frother. Combining it with a separate frothing device allows you to enjoy high-end barista-quality cappuccinos and lattes, however, this will cost you more and adds complexity to your home coffee maker.
The CitiZ Line
The Nespresso CitiZ Original Line machine is sleek and compact with a small footprint. It is powered by Nespresso classic capsules, and is available with or without the use of a frother. It is simple to operate and maintain. The machine heats in 25 seconds and has an energy-saving function that switches off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
The CitiZ brews each capsule with a high level of precision. The high-performance pump, 19 bars, helps extract the delicate flavors and superior aromas in each pod, creating an unctuous crema. In fact it produces more rich crema than many of its rivals and this means it produces a the best tasting cup of coffee.
The CitiZ is a great choice for those who don't want to buy a high-priced machine that has a wand of steam. It's also a good option for people who are new to making espresso because it's very user-friendly. All you have to do is insert a capsule, press the button, and you'll have the perfect cup of freshly brewed espresso.
In addition to its quick and simple brewing process, the CitiZ also has some interesting functional features that set it apart from other models in its class. It has a folding tray that allows you to use any size mug you have. The machine also has a small storage bin under the spout, which holds capsules that have been used. This is a nice feature because it saves the user from having to take out the capsules manually.
CitiZ accepts any capsule blend, however you may have to experiment to find the one that best suits your needs. The machine produces an intense full-bodied espresso, as well as an extremely dense cap of crema. The machine is also quiet which is a plus for people who live in apartments.
CitiZ isn't equipped with foaming milk options. You can add it for an extra cost. It also doesn't have hot water dispensers and you'll have to boil your own water if you plan to make more than two cups in a row.