8 Best Nespresso Machines, Tested and Reviewed
Here are our top picks whether you're looking for an original or Vertuo Nespresso machine.
Tested by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Nespresso machines are well known for their ability to make espresso drinks from a convenient capsule that's ready within minutes. Depending on which Nespresso machine you choose, there are a variety of drinks available such as espresso, double espresso, lungo, lattes or other milk-based coffee drinks at the push of a button. It can be difficult to know which is the best Nespresso machine to buy because there are so many different models that are compatible with either the original or Vertuo capsules.
That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab tested Nespresso machines for ease of use and performance to help you choose the best one. We've been testing coffee makers for over a decade including drip coffee makers, single-serve coffee machines, French press coffee makers, latte machines, cold brew coffee makers and coffee makers with grinders to help you make the best cup of coffee at home.
Nespresso by De'Longhi Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker
Pros
- Foolproof operation
- Makes coffee and espresso
- Automatic detection of capsule type for the perfect cup each time
Cons
- Compatible only with Nespresso Vertuo pods
The VertuoPlus perfectly balances features, price and design, making it the best Nespresso machine for most people. It's also one of the most affordable Nespresso machines out there, so it's a good entry for consumers who are interested in trying out this type of appliance.
Despite the budget-friendly price point, this coffee maker is highly functional. Because it’s part of the VertuoLine, it can make both coffee and espresso, and it uses barcodes on each specially-designed capsule to brew the right strength and volume every time.
Choose from five drink types: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto. Then let the machine do the work — there's nothing to think about, thanks to that automatic detection of capsule type. For a little something extra, you can always use the brand’s Aeroccino milk frother — the best milk frother we’ve tested — in tandem with the machine.
In our tests, every cup of coffee came out hot and well-rounded with a luxurious, thick crema. We also liked that there's one top-facing button that controls everything: power, rinsing and brewing. Adding to the convenience, the unit is relatively compact, the position of the water tank can be adjusted to accommodate any counter space and the lid opens and closes with one touch of the lever.
If there's any downside, it's that this Nespresso machine is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods, but this isn't unique to this particular model, as the different types of pods aren't interchangeable.
Dimensions: 16.88" x 5.59" x 12.79" | Capsules: Vertuo | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 60 oz
Pros
- Makes coffee and espresso, both hot or cold
- Automatic detection of capsule type
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- Compatible with Vertuo pods only
- Doesn't include a milk frother
The latest in the VertuoLine, the Vertuo Pop+ is a stylish coffee and espresso machine that comes in a rainbow of seven colors such as pacific blue, spicy red, aqua mint, mango yellow and more. This compact machine has a slim profile so it doesn't take up too much counter space. It offers a choice of 5-, 8- and 12-ounce coffees as well as single or double espressos. Plus, it can brew both hot and cold beverages.
When we tested this at home, we found the small removable water tank easy to fill. The one-touch push button is simple and and the machine quickly heats up to quickly brew a cup. Like other Vertuo models, the machine reads the barcodes on the capsules to brew to the specific type of coffee inside so it's the right strength, volume and taste every time.
After brewing, it automatically shuts off when idle for two minutes. The biggest drawback we found? There's not a lot of space between the brewing spout and platform, so you're limited to shorter glasses which can be an issue for a large 12-ounce drink.
Dimensions: 8.6" x 14" x 10.4" | Capsules: Vertuo | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 24.5 oz
Nespresso by Breville Essenza Mini
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Straightforward operation
- Makes full-bodied, creamy espresso
Cons
- Small water tank
- Louder than VertuoLine machines
The tiny-but-mighty Essenza Mini is an affordable Nespresso machine that consistently makes quality, full-bodied espresso with a nice crema. The super-compact design (at just over four inches wide!) forgoes bells and whistles for classic pod espresso. If you're satisfied with a solid espresso or lungo (with the option to remove the drip base for a bigger cup), you won't miss much else. Not to mention, it’s a great option if you don’t have much space or want to keep things simple.
This model is part of the original line of machines, so it achieves 19 bars of pressure when brewing. This means you may find the machine a bit louder than some other models, despite its small footprint.
Perhaps the biggest sacrifice, though, is the size of the water container. It's definitely on the smaller side, but our testers didn't mind refilling it for the freshest-tasting cups. On the upside, the machine does have an energy-saving component: It automatically shuts off after nine minutes of inactivity.
Dimensions: 8" x 4.3" x 12.8" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 20.3 oz
Nespresso by Breville Creatista Plus
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Lots of brewing options
- LCD menu
Cons
- Somewhat loud while brewing
- Does not make regular coffee
With its classic Breville stainless steel design and matching milk jug, the Creatista Plus looks like a high-end machine — and it has the features to match. The integrated steam wand for milk frothing is perfect for making lattes and other drinks.
Despite this high level of functionality and execution, the machine is surprisingly easy to use. It comes equipped with an LCD menu that allows you to select from 11 different milk temperatures and eight milk froth textures. All you have to do to make the perfect hot beverage is choose your drink — ristretto, espresso, lungo, latte, cappuccino, flat white or latte macchiato — then select a size and pick a milk temperature and texture.
Because the Creatista Plus belongs to the original line, it is louder during the brewing process (thanks to those 19 bars of pressure) than the VertuoLine. It doesn’t work with VertuoLine pods or make regular coffee either.
Overall, it's one of the more expensive Nespresso models available. But our experts say it's a fantastic pick for anyone who loves their lattes and wants reliably delicious espresso from a beautiful machine.
Dimensions: 6.7" x 16.1" x 12.2" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: Yes | Water tank capacity: 50 oz
Nespresso by Breville The Creatista Pro
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Lots of customization options
- Spout for hot water
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not make regular coffee
For a top-of-the-line Nespresso machine, look no further than the Creatista Pro. This machine is similar to the Creatista Plus but with more features such as a dedicated hot water spout for tea and long blacks and a larger water reservoir. You can also customize the coffee volume, milk temperature and even the froth level and texture.
Our testers love that they could also save their custom drink preferences with specific milk volume and texture as presets. While it doesn't make regular coffee, this machine uses the original capsules for drink options including a ristretto, espresso, lungo, Americano, flat white, cappuccino, café latte and latte macchiato. You can also heat your milk and espresso at the same time so the espresso shot doesn't get cold waiting for the milk to froth.
It comes equipped with a LCD screen that displays pictures and text of the drink options. The beautiful stainless steel design is distinctly Breville. One thing to note: This machine is on the larger side to accommodate all the extra features.
Dimensions: 16.75" x 7.75" x 13" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: Yes | Water tank capacity: 68 oz
Nespresso by De'Longhi Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine
Pros
- Easy to use
- 9 drink presets
- Detachable milk hopper
Cons
- Milk frother is difficult to clean
- Inconsistent between drinks
It doesn't get much easier to make a cappuccino or latte macchiato than with the Gran Lattissima Nespresso machine. Load the capsule, then with one touch, the machine brews coffee, froths milk and pours it into your cup, making this a beginner-friendly frothing machine. Other drink options include ristretto, espresso, lungo, flat white, caffè latte, hot milk and hot foam.
The milk hopper is detachable and can be stored in the fridge for use another time. We love that the milk jug is dishwasher-safe, but our users found the milk frother attachment was a bit difficult to clean because it requires disassembling multiple components. The Gran Lattissima is easy to use with labeled buttons and an LED screen, although testers noticed it was somewhat inconsistent between drinks.
Dimensions: 7.99" x 14.44" x 10.86" | Capsules: Original | Milk frother: Yes | Water tank capacity: 34 oz
Pros
- Makes great espresso
- Compact and portable
- Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules or coffee grounds
Cons
- Can be difficult to use and pod adapter is sold separately
- No water reservoir; must source hot water separately
Although it’s not a true Nespresso machine, the Wacaco Nanopresso is the best non-electric alternative to a proper espresso machine we’ve seen.
This portable espresso maker has impressive power too. It can generate up to 18 bars of pressure with hand power alone, brewing a creamy espresso shot anywhere you also have access to hot water — even somewhere remote like a campground. You can use coffee grounds to make espresso, but you can also purchase this pod-adapter attachment, to use original Nespresso capsules for extra convenience.
Relative to its size, it is a pricey gadget — and it’s not the easiest to use without some practice — but it’s the go-to for travelers and adventurers who are serious about their espresso or Nespresso while traveling.
Dimensions: 2.83" x 3.03" x 7.28" | Capsules: Original capsules (adapter required) or ground coffee | Milk frother: No | Water tank capacity: 2.71 oz
How we test espresso and Nespresso machines
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we test Nespresso machines according to the methodology we use when testing espresso machines. We evaluate their ease of use, time to brew, consistency, taste and noise level. In our most recent test of espresso machines, we rounded up over 20 models, brewing more than 60 cups of espresso.
If the machine had a milk frother, we tested it with both skim and oat milks. While we haven't formally tested every single Nespresso machine in the Lab, we've selected many of our road-tested top picks. Here, we prioritized machines that balance useful features with price, that are easy to set up and use and brew consistent espresso time after time.
Most Nespresso models produce the same quality of espresso, but during taste tests, we assured each machine produced a hot, smooth cup of espresso that had depth and wasn't too bitter or acidic, plus had crema that was smooth without any noticeable big or small air bubbles.
What to look for when buying the best Nespresso machine
Before you get brewing, you'll have to decide what type of machine best suits your needs. Some models, like those in the popular VertuoLine, make both coffee and espresso. Some have built-in milk frothers for creating the perfect latte or cappuccino. Others create more crema for a well-rounded espresso. Although almost all Nespresso models are simple to use and less expensive than other espresso machines, it’s important to consider the features that fit your needs before making the investment. Here's what to keep in mind:
✔️ Original vs. VertuoLine: To understand the differences between all the Nespresso models, you must first understand the difference between how the VertuoLine and the original series of machines operate.
- Original machines, including the Creatista Series, the Essenza, the CitiZ and the Lattissima Series, produce espresso by forcing water through the top of a pod using 19 bars of pressure (much like a traditional espresso machine), eventually rupturing the foil at the bottom of the pod and allowing the espresso to flow out. Because the original machines operate more like real espresso machines, they can make espresso only, not coffee, and you should expect a more traditional level of crema. Original machines are also louder than VertuoLine machines because of this process.
- VertuoLine machines, first introduced in 2014 to appeal to the North American market, use a different technology that Nespresso likes to call “centrifusion”: Water flows in through the top of the dome-shaped capsule, mixes with espresso through centrifugal force, and then flows out through 20 punctures on the side of the capsule. As a result of this centrifusion process, the VertuoLine machines produce espresso with a thick layer of crema, plus they also can make regular coffee.
✔️ Original capsules vs. Vertuo capsules: This is important to consider because you can’t swap pods between machine types. However, all pod types can be recycled through the Nespresso capsule recycling program. Here's the difference:
- Original pods come in only one size. They are generally easier to find, less expensive and available in more varieties, although this may change. If you’re strictly an espresso fan and prefer a traditional level of crema, the original line will likely suit your needs.
- Vertuo pods have custom barcodes that the machines read in order to automatically produce the right drink every time, making them very easy to use. Vertuo pods also come in different sizes, so your larger drinks won’t be diluted. If you’re looking to make a wide variety of coffee drinks and want a machine that’s very easy to use (and can make coffee!), a VertuoLine model is your best bet.
✔️ Milk frothers: Some Nespresso models, including the Creatista series and the Gran Lattissima, come with integrated steam wands for frothing milk. These are very convenient for those looking to make macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks with milk. However, these milk frothers can sometimes be difficult to clean and maintain. Nespresso also sells the Aeroccino, a separate milk frother that’s often bundled with their machines. If you want a café experience, you should consider choosing a model with an integrated frother. The Aeroccino doesn’t produce a “true” microfoam, but it performed great in our milk frother testing and prepares milk quickly and easily for your coffee and espresso.
✔️ Size: If you’re looking for a machine as small, powerful and refined as a shot of espresso itself, there are several compact options, including the Essenza Mini and CitiZ. These machines forgo extra features and big water reservoirs in order to remain small and lightweight. But if you want to make many drinks in a row or a larger cup of coffee for yourself, you’ll need to consider the larger, taller models. Make sure the machine you choose will fit under your cabinets and suit the kind of vessel you’ll be drinking your coffee from.
✔️ Manufacturer: Don’t be thrown off by the labels “by Breville” or “by De’Longhi” on different Nespresso models: Both companies have the rights to manufacture these machines, and neither necessarily makes a better one. The differences you’ll notice between manufacturers have more to do with design — for example, many of the Breville machines match the company’s usual stainless steel and brushed-stainless steel aesthetic.
How to use Nespresso machines
Since Nespresso’s launch in 1986, the Swiss company has developed a range of sleek automatic home coffee and espresso machines that use a patented pod-based system. To operate a Nespresso machine, simply choose your favorite pod from their coffee or espresso offerings, pop it into the machine and press a button for a drink in seconds.
Which Nespresso Vertuo is the best?
We love the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi which is our overall top pick for the best Nespresso machine. It's extremely easy to use and has a great price, making it great for first-time Nespresso users or those who want to purchase a new machine. It offers options for espresso or coffee with additional choices for double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto.
What is the difference between Vertuo and VertuoPlus?
The VertuoPlus is similar to the Vertuo with a few upgrades. The VertuoPlus has an adjustable water tank that swivels to left, right or behind the machine, so it accommodates most counter spaces. Another handy feature, it automatically opens and closes, as well as ejecting the capsule after it's finished brewing.
No matter which machine you choose, both have a computerized scanning system that reads the barcode on the Vertuo capsule and uses the Nespresso Centrifusion technology that relies on centrifugal force to brew espresso and coffee.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda most recently updated this article. One of her first jobs at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing coffee makers. Since then, she has tested and written about many coffee and espresso makers, and coffee-related accessories such as coffee grinders. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting. She is also a judge for GH's annual Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards.
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience writing about household products, including kitchen appliances. She also holds a degree in Culinary Arts from The French Culinary Institute (now the Institute of Culinary Education). Earley worked under the guidance of experts at The Good Housekeeping Institute to research and write about the best Nespresso machines.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks. She conducted the latest side-by-side test of espresso machines and uses at least one daily. Her favorites are easy to use and clean and — most importantly — deliver a rich and balanced cup of espresso.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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