The Real Cost of Using a Nespresso Machine

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Though I am a dedicated daily Dunkin' Donuts consumer, that doesn't mean I don't make coffee at home. I'm a little coffee freak: I'll buy pre-made caffeine confections and brew my own on the same day. Nothing can stop my caffeine habit, not even financial barriers.

When I want to caffeinate at home, I use a Nespresso machine, which is more expensive to buy upfront than some other coffeemakers—but the initial investment isn't the only chunk of change associated with using it. Here's what ongoing Nespresso ownership looks like from a financial standpoint, and how that compares to a regular ol' coffee pot.

The upfront cost of a Nespresso machine

First of all, there are a lot of different devices that fit under the category of "Nespresso machine." I personally own the Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi (with milk frother), which I like for its small footprint and sleek look.

The brand has a variety of machines available beyond that one. All of the devices use disposable pods to brew cups of espresso or coffee, but each is a little different—and some can cost as much as $700.

For the average consumer, like me, the smaller, less expensive ones are fine, but even saying "less expensive" here is purely relative, since $144 is nothing to scoff at when a standard coffee machine can be had for around $25.

Machine cost: Starting at $144

The best coffee options for the Nespresso

I prefer the taste and smoothness of my Nespresso to other brewing methods, but I know a lot of that depends on the quality of the coffee I'm putting into it, not necessarily the machine. I've found that it's more economical to source my pods directly from the brand rather than ordering them on Amazon or picking them up at Target.

Depending on where you live, there may even be a Nespresso store near you—in which case I recommend a visit; the employees tend to be extremely educated in all things coffee and can make recommendations to help you find your own perfect brew (that's how I wound up favoring the peanut and roasted sesame flavor). Plus you can sample everything, and even enjoy a cup at the in-store coffee counter. Signing up and getting a membership can be useful, as you'll regularly qualify for discounts and perks, and you'll earn points that can be traded for things like special mugs.

Of course, you can always just order or buy pods from your usual retailers. While a sleeve of 10 pods through Nespresso typically costs between $9 and $15 before any discounts, the prices on Amazon—both for Nespresso-branded ones and other collaborations, like Starbucks—are comparable. You can also get $16 refillable pods that can be used up to 100 times, though that doesn't include the cost of the beans you'll put in them.

I like shopping directly through Nespresso not only for the membership rewards, but because there's such a variety of flavors and styles available, but I know the same is true across the wider world of coffee. I have a Trade Coffee subscription, for instance, that provides me with a new bag of exotic or rare coffee every few weeks, so I know how many varieties and blends are out there. You can easily make a fabulous brew in a standard coffee pot if you take the time to seek out blends and beans that are better than your average Folgers.

For reference, you can buy enough Folgers coffee grounds to brew 240 cups of coffee for under $13. My favorite blend I've received from Trade, the Família Peixoto, is $15.75 per bag and makes 20 cups. Obviously, both of those options are more economical than the 10 cups you get for around $14 from Nespresso, so factor in that extra expense if you're considering this machine.

Pods cost: Starting at 90 cents to $1.50 each

Cleaning the Nespresso can also cost you

Finally, while you can clean and descale your Nespresso machine using vinegar (and I have even outlined the process for you), Nespresso recommends against doing so in favor of using their own products for cleaning. If you end up going the recommend route, you'll pay $12.99 to get two descaling packs.

After using my machine for a year, I've stuck with the vinegar method, but I do think I'll use the recommended cleaner soon. It's better to be safe than sorry, and I've noticed some weird tastes in my coffee lately, so it looks like I'll be adding another $13 to my list of expenses.

Cost of cleaning: $13 for two descaling packs

Must-have Nespresso machine accessories

Just like when I got my Peloton, I didn't stop to think about which accessories I might end up needing for a Nespresso machine, but since I made such a significant initial investment in both cases, I wanted to make sure I had all the add-ons to help me get the most out of it. If you're like me, that's more money you'll have to spend.

My favorite enhancement has definitely been my pod organizer. I got the rotating pod tree for $16.99, but you can also get pull-out drawers that stack underneath the machine itself for around $35. In retrospect, I wish I'd gotten the drawer instead of the rotating tree, since it would add a few inches to the height of my machine and make it easier for me to brew directly into my tall to-go mugs, but hindsight is 20/20.

I also got "The Sphere," which is just a little metal ball with prongs that you store in the freezer and set on top of your cup while you're brewing. It cost me a little over $13 and I got it thinking it would cool my drinks to iced coffee temperature without watering them down, but so far I haven't been able to make it work that way; it just lowers the temperature a little, not a lot. What it does do well is remove some bitterness from the brew, which is key for me as someone who uses each pod twice to save some money—the second brew of a pod always gets a little nasty, and this ball helps with that, though I can't explain the science behind it.

Bottom line

Though it costs more than an old school coffeemaker, both on initial investment and over time, I still recommend the Nespresso, and I'm glad I have one. It's easier to use and I like the flavor of my coffee. As long as you're comfortable paying a premium for the convenience, I think you'll be pleased too.