The 6 best Nespresso machines for coffee, shots of espresso, and lattes

Our choice for the best Nespresso machine overall is a model that's celebrated for its brewing speed and consistency. The VertuoPlus features thoughtful designs like a one-touch brewing system, an adjustable cup shelf, and a moveable water tank. 

You'll notice that the VertuoPlus only has one button: this is because the machine uses Nespresso's auto-brew technology to read a barcode on each capsule and adjust the brew settings including size and amount of water saturation to make the ideal cup. You can stop brewing early by pressing the button while the machine is running if you want, say, a single shot from a double espresso pod. 

We also love the large receptacle for used pods; it can hold up to 10 at a time, so you won't need to constantly empty the compartment between brew cycles. While the machine itself is larger than some of its competitors, the water tank can be swiveled to a few different positions, which cuts down on its total footprint. 

While the VertuoPlus doesn't come with an integrated milk frother, a frothing add-on like the Nespresso Aeroccino3 or Aeroccino4 are viable options for latte lovers. All in all, the VertuoPlus exemplifies the best of the Nespresso concept, and its "flaws" prove easy to work with, especially considering its reasonable price.

The VertuoPlus is designed so that making barista-quality espresso and coffee is as straightforward and stress-free as possible, which is why it is our pick for the best Nespresso machine overall.

The Vertuo Pop+ is small enough to easily tuck into a kitchen cabinet, but is so cute that you'll want to keep it on full display. It comes in 8 colors, including bright hues like red, aqua, and "mango yellow," and the streamlined profile is ideal for any kitchens with limited counter space.

The Vertuo Pop+ also features Bluetooth pairing with the Nespresso app, which provides brewing advice, cappuccino and latte recipes, and reminders for when to descale the machine and empty the pod holder. 

Preheating takes only 30 seconds, and the brewing technology allows the Vertuo Pop+ to calibrate its cycles to suit each individual type of Vertuo pod. Like the VertuoPlus, the Vertuo Pop+ can work alongside the Aeroccino to make milk-based espresso beverages with ease.

The Pop+ brews in five sizes from a single espresso shot to a 12-ounce cup. It's a versatile choice for espresso drinkers who want to watch their budget without compromising on coffee quality.

If you're a coffeehouse regular who loves an expertly-made cappuccino, then the Lattissima One is the best Nespresso machine for you. This machine includes a milk chamber nestled into the front of the device (so it doesn't increase the machine's width) and provides frothed milk for espresso beverages with the touch of a button. 

You can find written instructions in the box (or video tutorials on Nespresso's YouTube channel) to talk you through the process of making espresso and milk drinks. Customer reviews also indicate that the Lattissima One can be used to froth non-dairy milk (though we haven't tried it ourselves), so you can easily whip up a soy capp or oat milk latte.

The Lattissima One cuts an attractive figure on your countertop: clean lines, shining metal accents, and a lean profile. Home coffee brewers determined to make professional-grade lattes might prefer the pricier Lattissima Pro, which features a larger milk carafe and can froth milk more quickly than the Lattissima One. But the lower cost of the Lattissima One doesn't reflect a lower quality of espresso brewing and milk steaming, so we tend to prefer this model. 

Coffee fans who like a seamless blend of function and fashion will find plenty to love about this impressive multitasker.

Weighing in at only 5 pounds, the Essenza Mini is the smallest model offered by Nespresso, but it's petite stature in no way limits its brewing power. This lean machine preheats in under 30 seconds, and shifts from flashing to solid lights on the control buttons makes it clear when it's time to start brewing. The Essenza Mini has two control buttons: one for standard (or "short") shots that produce a smaller amount of stronger espresso and one for lungo ("long") shots that have more liquid and a lighter flavor profile. 

The machine's brewing system is relatively quiet, so it's a good bet for folks with roommates or partners who like to sleep in. In just 2-4 minutes, you'll find a smooth shot of espresso in your best espresso cup with a distinct level of crema on top. The Essenza Mini's small size also makes it a viable option if you need to bring a Nespresso machine on the road — it's compact enough to use in a hotel room or a camper. 

While the Essenza Mini isn't the cheapest option for compact Nespresso machines, its consistency, high performance caliber, and light weight more than justify the slightly higher price point.

For enterprising coffee drinkers who want to try making latte art, the Vertuo Creatista has them covered. This new Nespresso model (made with sleek stainless steel) includes size options ranging from a 5 ounce single espresso shots to an 18 ounce carafe of coffee, and the preheating and brewing take only a minute or two.

As for the milk frothing, the Vertuo Creatista includes both a steam wand and a separate milk jug, along with detailed steaming instructions that feature latte art tips. You can program three different temperature and froth settings for the milk, which gives you the opportunity to play around and determine which texture works best for your personal espresso-with-milk needs. 

While the Vertuo Creatista has a hefty price tag, avid latte lovers can justify the expense when comparing it to what they're already spending at coffee shops. We wouldn't recommend the Creatista for more casual coffee drinkers, but the true connoisseurs out there will appreciate this best Nespresso machine's precision and versatility.

While all Nespresso machines are meant to be displayed, no other model taps into the needs of interior design nerds quite like the CitiZ. This compact Nespresso is similarly-sized to other small models like the Essenza Mini and Vertuo Pop+, but its stainless steel paneling, streamlined tank and cup placement, and polished modern industrial vibe feel especially Instagrammable.

Thankfully for the fashionable coffee drinker, the CitiZ isn't content to rest on its visual beauty. This machine also proves highly functional, with one of the fastest preheats in the Nespresso fleet and the ability to brew both short and lungo shots in two minutes flat. The removable water tank is simple to refill in the sink, and its position at the rear of the machine keeps everything nicely contained. If you're in the market for a Nespresso that would look right at home in a SoHo artist loft, you've found it here.

Brewing features: The best Nespresso machines are designed to be intuitive, but decide ahead of time how many "bells and whistles" you want on your model. Do you want a simple one-touch machine that just makes espresso, or are you willing to do temperature frothing control for models with milk containers? Nespresso machines are almost all simpler than the best espresso machines, but the complex ones have enough features to require a learning curve.

Original vs. Vertuo: For just espresso drinkers, go with a machine from the Original line. Using a 19-bar pressure system, Original Nespressos get the closest to actual espresso. Most of them only brew in short, single, and double espresso shots. If you want a more versatile brewer, the Vertuo line of machines makes espresso and regular cups of coffee ranging from 5 to 12 ounces.

Milk frother: If you prefer lattes, cappuccinos, or any other milk and coffee drink, you'll need one of the best milk frothers. Some Nespressos, like the Lattissima and Creatista, have built-in frothers or steam wands, but those are pricier and a pain to clean. Otherwise, look for a Nespresso machine bundle that includes an Aerocinno frother (often as part of a sale during shopping events).

First and foremost, the Original machines only produce ristretto (very short shots), espresso, and lungo brews, while the Vertuo machines can make full cups of coffee in addition to espresso shots. Plus, the brewing technology is different. Original machines use a 19-bar high pressure extraction system that's similar to traditional espresso machines, making them one of the few pod machines used by even serious espresso drinkers. The Vertuo devices use a proprietary Centrifusion brew technique that enables the machines to brew coffee as well as espresso. Essentially, the Vertuo Line offers more variety, but might not satisfy an espresso purist.

Is the coffee made with a Nespresso machine "real" espresso?

It depends on who you ask. Espresso is finely-ground coffee that's brewed using around 9 bars of steam pressure and has a layer of crema. Nespresso machines and pods (especially from the Original line) largely adhere to those standards, though with a quicker extraction time.

Insider's espresso experts agree with most other pro baristas: Nespresso machines are the closest a pod machine has come to making true espresso, but the flavor is muddier and less complex than from a traditional espresso machine. 

Are Nespresso pods recyclable or compostable?

Nespresso pods are made of aluminum, so they're 100% recyclable. That said, you can't just toss them in your recycling bin for regular pickup. Nespresso has a capsule recycling program that allows you to either bring your used capsules to a collection center or boutique, or to mail them back to the company when you receive new capsule shipments.

While the aluminum pods aren't compostable, Nespresso is working on a paper pod design that can go through the composting process, and they'll be posting updates on their site as they become available.

How do you descale a Nespresso machine?

The descaling needs for each Nespresso model are slightly different, so be sure to consult your model's instruction manual for a full guide. The basic process, however, involves emptying the used capsule drawer, filling the tank with clean water, adding Nespresso's Descaling Solution to the tank, and running the machine through a brew cycle with the solution. Then you'll empty the tank and refill it with fresh water, finally running a second brew cycle so that the water can rinse the machine clean.

How often do you need to descale?

Descaling is the process of removing the hard deposits of calcium and lime that form on the inside of the Nespresso machine over time. Regular descaling will allow your machine to operate more efficiently and will extend its lifespan. Nespresso recommends that you run your machine through a descaling process every 3 months or after 300 brew cycles (whichever comes first).

What's the difference between Original and Vertuo pods? 

The main difference is that Original pods are only espresso and Vertuo pods are both espresso and coffee. Nespresso Original pods come in espresso, ristretto, and lungo sizes. Vertuo pods have a lot more flexibility: you can brew espresso, double espresso, lungo, 5- to 12-ounce coffees, and 18-ounce carafes. From there, both lines of pods come from various brands and vendors, but be sure to buy the best Nespresso pods that match your machine as they are not interchangeable.