For many people, coffee is an integral part of a busy lifestyle. It’s the key to getting your day going and keeping you fueled. However, you may find that, in the mornings or during your breaks, you might not have the time to fiddle around with an espresso machine or even stand in line at your local coffee shop. You might think that means you’re stuck with some form of subpar instant coffee. But why should you have to compromise on the quality of your coffee just because you need it fast?
Nestle Nespresso pods are crafted to accommodate all of your needs. They produce flavorful coffee that is energizing and lightning-fast. In the wake of this brilliant idea, a host of Nespresso machines have hit the market. They’re designed to execute the ideal pressure and temperature of every kind of Nespresso pod, and they brew delicious coffee instantly and automatically.
Be your own barista with a Nespresso machine. Read on to discover some of the best models out there, and improve your morning routine instantly.
Breville Nespresso BNV450IBL VertuoPlus Espresso Machine with Aeroccino
Best Overall
Easy and Versatile Coffee Machine
Brew delicious coffee with the press of a single button. It can fit both the 5- and 8-ounce Nespresso pods and brew each variety exactly as it was meant to be brewed. It also comes with a starter set of capsules.
Pros:
- One-touch brewing
- Fits 5- and 8-ounce pods
- Milk frother included
- Comes with complimentary pods
Cons:
- Sometimes leaks
- Does not always heat coffee sufficiently
De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker
Easiest to Use
Don’t Worry About Refilling Water or Emptying Pods
This machine heats up in a mere 15 seconds, and knows exactly what pressure, temperature, and time is needed for every kind of Nespresso pod. Its tank holds 40 ounces of water, and it can store 17 empty Nespresso pods.
Pros:
- Automatically adjusts brewing conditions
- Heats in 15 seconds
- Holds 40 ounces of water
- Stores 17 empty pods
Cons:
- Pods only available through the company
- Short lifespan
Breville Nespresso BNV250BKM Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Most Complete Set
Milk Frother and Free Pods Included
Receive a gift of 12 free pods when you order this smart coffee machine. It brews to each pod’s exact specifications and comes with an Aeroccino milk frother so you can create barista-grade drinks in your own kitchen.
Pros:
- Free gift of 12 pods
- Automatically adjusts brewing conditions
- Heats in 15 seconds
- Milk frother included
Cons:
- Does not always heat coffee sufficiently
- Pods only available through the company
Breville Nespresso BEC220BLK Essenza Mini Espresso Machine
Most Compact
Small, Fast, and Effective
If space is tight in your home, but you still want fast, delicious coffee, this model is your answer. It’s Breville’s smallest Nespresso machine but doesn’t compromise on speed or flavor. Complementary pods are included.
Pros:
- Compact
- 19 bars of pressure
- Accommodates 1.35- and 5-ounce pods
- Complementary pods included
Cons:
- Sometimes leaks
- Short lifespan
De’Longhi Nespresso EN80B Original Espresso Machine
Most Versatile
Works with Multiple Pod and Cup Sizes
You’ll never miss the hassle of a coffee shop with this versatile machine. It accommodates 1.3- and 5-ounce pods, and has a foldable drip tray that allows you to use larger cups. Nine cups worth of water heats in 25 seconds.
Pros:
- Accommodates 1.35- and 5-ounce pods
- Foldable drip tray
- Heats in 25 minutes
- 24-ounce tank
Cons:
- Loud
- Pods may get stuck
FAQs
What Kind of Pods Fit in My Machine?
When buying a Nespresso machine, it’s important to understand that Nespresso has two lines of pods and corresponding machines: Original and Vertuo. Original pods come in four sizes, from .85 ounces to five ounces. They focus on espresso and Americano coffees.
Vertuo, the newer line, has five sizes ranging from 1.35 to 18 ounces, and includes coffee types from espressos to lattes and more. Vertuo pods include barcodes that tell the machine exactly what combination of pressure, temperature, and time is needed for that particular coffee.
Original pods do not include this technology. The pods in each line are shaped differently, and the machines are not interchangeable. Make sure you know what Nespresso line you like and buy a machine that will work with it.
What is Descaling?
Unless you are using distilled water, the water you put in your Nespresso machine contains small amounts of minerals. Over time, these minerals can build up inside your machine, creating a rough, chalky sediment. This sediment can end up in your coffee and can damage the machine over time.
Descaling is a process in which you periodically remove this sediment from the inside of the coffee maker—or rather, your coffee maker does it for you with a bit of help. Nespresso sells descaling kits that contain packets containing lactic acid which you add to the water tank. You then run the machine on the special descaling mode, which your user’s manual will tell you how to access. Nespresso recommends descaling your machine about every three months.
Buying Guide
Nespresso’s combination of speed, ease, flavor, and versatility has made it a favorite among coffee lovers. If you’ve been sacrificing the quality of your coffee because of your busy schedule, learn how to find your ideal Nespresso machine using these considerations.
- Nespresso Line: Nespresso manufactures two lines of coffee capsules: Original and Vertuo. Original focuses on espresso and Americano, while Vertuo has a range of styles and uses special technology to brew them all to perfection. Every Nespresso machine is compatible with only one of these lines, so know which one you prefer before purchasing.
- Size: Nespresso machines range in size from compact to larger models. All of them brew just one cup at a time, but some can accommodate different amounts of water and used capsules. Consider how much space you have and how much coffee you’ll be brewing.
- Aeroccino: Nespresso has a milk frother attachment, which they call the Aeroccino. Some machines come with this attachment; otherwise, you can buy it separately.
- Color: All Nespresso machines are available in black. Some, however, have other color choices. If you’re hoping to have your coffee machine fit the color scheme of your kitchen, look for models that offer a wider range of colors.
