What to Buy Coffee, Tea & Espresso The 5 Best Nespresso Machines for 2024, According to Our Tests Sleek machines. Consistent quality. Easier mornings. By Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick, CNC is a leader in the realm of nutrition and special diets, helping to make healthy eating affordable and easy for all. She has cooked professionally, intermittently, for well over twenty years, and has nearly a decade of professional writing experience. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines and Summer Rylander Summer Rylander Summer is a freelance food and travel writer who began by writing about Swedish cheesemaking traditions in 2018. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 16, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Nespresso Machine How We Tested Nespresso Machines Factors to Consider FAQ More Coffee and Espresso Machines We've Tested Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Williams Sonoma Nespresso machines are loved by millions of coffee drinkers, as they require minimal effort, don’t take up too much counter space, and can produce espresso and drip coffee with a dreamy layer of crema. Sure, you can use an espresso machine and milk frother to craft cafe-quality beverages, but they take practice and can demand strong barista skills. A Nespresso machine, however, relies only on you popping in a pod and starting the device — a skill nearly anyone can master and is suitable for busy mornings. There are many different Nespresso machines to choose from, and devotees of the brand tend to hold enthusiastic opinions about everything from the best pods to the ideal ounce size for the perfect cup. Decades ago, the Nespresso pod selection was grand, but the machine options were few; times have changed since then, and you can now enjoy Nespresso in anything from a scant ounce plus pour to an extra-large mugful. To help you find the right model, we tested top models and have compiled the best Nespresso machines on the market. Keep scrolling to learn the pros and cons for each option on our list. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville at Amazon ($190) Jump to Review Best Value: Nespresso Evoluo Coffee Maker at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Small: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ at Amazon ($149) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Nespresso Lattissima Espresso Machine at Amazon ($357) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso Machine at Amazon ($750) Jump to Review Best Overall Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville Amazon View On Amazon $190 View On Target $190 View On Williams-Sonoma $200 Pros This user-friendly machine brews four sizes, offers pod storage, and has a large water tank. Cons The water tank can occasionally leak. The VertuoPlus Deluxe snags our top spot thanks to its ease of use and consistent quality. Using capsules from Nespresso’s Vertuo line, you can brew espresso and coffee in four sizes with this machine — and the generously sized 60-ounce water tank means you won’t have to fuss with refills between brews. Whether we selected espresso or a full-size cup of coffee, the VertuoPlus turned out smooth, aromatic beverages each and every time. We didn’t love that the water tank leaked during our tests — not enough to be a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of — but we do appreciate the ability to store 17 capsules inside the machine. The VertuoPlus Deluxe is a great choice for busy households or even a small office. Capsule Type: Vertuo | Dimensions: 5.5 x 16.9 x 12.4 inches | Milk Frother: No | Water Tank Capacity: 60 ounces Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Best Value Nespresso Evoluo Coffee Maker View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Crate & Barrel $270 Pros This machine is easy to use and turns out great-tasting drinks. Cons You have to apply quite a bit of pressure to open and close the machine. We appreciate the simplicity of the Evoluo — it’s easy to use and easy to clean. But more importantly, it brews lovely drinks whether you’re looking for a quick espresso or an 8-ounce cup of coffee. The Vertuo line of capsules provides plenty of options (we liked both the Colombia coffee and the Rich Chocolate espresso), and the fact that you can brew in four sizes with the Evoluo is convenient. The footprint of the Evoluo is quite compact as well, making this a great option for small spaces. There’s even a descaling alarm, so you won’t have to wonder if the machine is overdue for a good cleaning. Capsule Type: Vertuo | Dimensions: 9 x 12.2 x 12.3 inches | Milk Frother: No | Water Tank Capacity: 54 ounces The Best Nespresso Capsules and Pods of 2024, According to a Barista Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Best Small Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Amazon View On Amazon $149 View On Nespresso.com Pros Surprisingly small, surprisingly versatile. Cons It’s lightweight and might slide around on the countertop. This little machine offers a lot of bang for your buck. Not only can it brew in five sizes ranging from espresso to an XL, 12-ounce coffee, the Vertuo Pop+ comes in nine different colors. It’s small and easy to use (and easy to clean) and brews to the same high standards as more expensive Nespresso machines. We did notice that its lightweight build meant the Vertuo Pop+ was likely to slide around on countertops during handling, and similarly, it’s a little louder during the brewing process than heftier machines. Either way, this is a fantastic price for an excellent Nespresso machine. Capsule Type: Vertuo | Dimensions: 8.6 x 14 x 10.4 inches | Milk Frother: No | Water Tank Capacity: 25.4 ounces Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Most Versatile Nespresso Lattissima Espresso Machine Courtesy of Wayfair View On Amazon $357 View On Williams-Sonoma $400 View On Best Buy Pros Easy to use after you get the hang of it and makes a mean latte. Cons The only customizable component is the amount of milk. If you’re a milky espresso beverage person, the Lattissima One is a great choice for your at-home coffee needs. The milk frother works effectively and can be used just for frothing milk if you’d like — no coffee required. There’s a bit of a learning curve with the Lattissima One, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s easy to use and clean. It’s important to note that while you can brew espresso and lungo sizes, you can’t brew different sizes of coffee with the milk setting — the milk is the only quantity you can change here. We found the measurement marks on the milk container to be helpful in determining just how much to use for each drink, and the extra effort was worth it. The Lattissima One yielded great-tasting coffee drinks each time. Capsule Type: Original | Dimensions: 10.5 x 12.8 x 6.1 inches | Milk Frother: Yes | Water Tank Capacity: 33.8 ounces Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Best Splurge Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso Machine Williams Sonoma View On Amazon $750 View On Williams-Sonoma $750 View On Sur La Table $750 Pros This is about as close as you can get to a barista-style Nespresso machine. Cons There’s a learning curve with the milk frother. This is a sleek-looking Nespresso machine that carries a hefty price tag — but if you enjoy creating your own coffee beverages at home, it’s worth a closer look. The Vertuo Creatista is easy to use for brewing coffee and even automatically detects the ideal size based on your selected Vertuo pod. The milk frother took us a little more time to get used to using, but once we figured it out, it was a pleasure to use — and the machine even told us when the milk frother was due for a cleaning. Our lattes turned out rich and frothy, and the taste of the espresso wasn’t lost in the milk. Overall, the Vertuo Creatista is worth spending time with and makes the beverage creation process a very enjoyable one indeed. Capsule Type: Vertuo | Dimensions: 8.98 x 16.41 x 12.64 inches | Milk Frother: Yes | Water Tank Capacity: 68 ounces Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Food & Wine / Siobhan Wallace Our Favorite Nespresso Machine As our best overall pick, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe gives you multiple cup size options for both espresso and coffee, operates at the press of a single button, and lets you place the tank in the most convenient area for where it’s stored. It’s straightforward, versatile, and efficient. How We Tested Nespresso Machines In order to determine the best Nespresso machines, we tested some of the most loved, best-reviewed models. We looked at a number of factors, including performance, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and design. We first looked at how easy or difficult the machine is to use for both brewing coffee and steaming milk (if applicable), including the experience of adding water to the reservoir and interacting with the control panel. We then recorded how long the machine took to brew a cup of coffee and pull an espresso shot. For applicable models, we recorded how long the milk took to steam. We described the taste and body of the coffee and espresso shots. Was the brew quality consistent, or did any of the brews taste better or worse than the others? For applicable models, we also described the consistency and texture of the steamed milk, noting whether it had consistent, strong, weak, or less-than-impressive foam. Finally, we paid attention to how easy or difficult the machine was to clean per the manufacturer's instructions. Factors to Consider Original vs. Vertuo Machines Nespresso machines range in functionality in terms of how complex or simple they are for brewing, but they are all easy to use, operating at the touch of a button. The Original line was inspired by European-style espresso, offering three brewing options — espresso, ristretto, and lungo. The Vertuo line was inspired by Australian-style coffee, featuring espresso, double espresso, long black, and pour-over. The Original line can make both small and large espresso shots with crema on top. Because of their milk frothers, the Lattissima series and Creatista models can also craft barista-style drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. For the other Original models, you can purchase a separate milk frother to use with the coffee machine. For people who prefer coffee to espresso, consider choosing a machine from the Vertuo line. In addition to short and long espresso shots, it can brew full cups of coffee, up to 14 ounces at a time. Each series of Nespresso requires its own style of pods, so whichever you opt for, you will want to purchase your boxes of pods accordingly; Original pods only fit Original machines, and Vertuo pods only fit Vertuo machines. Milk Frother You can purchase Nespresso machines and milk frothers separately or buy a model with a milk frother attached. If you want barista-style drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos and don’t want to have two different appliances, your best bet is a Nespresso maker with a built-in milk frother. If you prefer straight espresso or coffee or already own a milk frother, consider buying just a machine. Price Ranging from less than $200 to over $800, the price of a Nespresso machine depends on how many different types of drinks it can make. Simple models that can brew espresso and lungo only, such as the Essenza Mini, are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Those that can make up to 10 different cafe beverages and allow for customization are on the higher end. Size When choosing a Nespresso machine, consider how much open counter space you have and whether or not you want it to be on display at all times. If you prefer appliance-free counters, make sure you pick one that can fit in a cabinet when not in use. The Essenza Mini is the smallest Nespresso maker option on our list, while the Creatista Pro and Grand Lattissima are larger models because of their attached milk frothers. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use a Nespresso machine? For most Nespresso machines, you’ll begin by filling the tank with water. Then, you’ll press a button to heat the water, select your brew size, and lift the lever to add a capsule. Close the lever, place a cup underneath the spout, and press start. It will automatically stop when it’s done brewing. How do you clean a Nespresso machine? Clean the drip tray after each use by removing it from the machine. Rinse the water tank when empty, and wash with mild dish soap. Wipe down the remainder of the device with a damp cloth. If it has a steam wand, wipe it down after each use, as should a milk frothing machine or pitcher. Do Nespresso machines brew real espresso? No. Nespresso machines use pods with pre-ground coffee and operate at the push of a button, while traditional espresso machines require a specific grind size, careful tamping, and precise timing. As a capsule-based machine, Nespresso’s brewing process doesn’t follow the standards to produce real espresso, but the results are very similar and taste delicious. What kinds of drinks can you make with a Nespresso machine? Nespresso machines vary in their abilities to make different drinks, but all of them can make basic versions of espresso. The machine with the fewest options can make two sizes of espresso, whereas models with milk frothers can make additional drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. Additionally, Vertuo machines can make larger cups of coffee. More Coffee and Espresso Machines We've Tested The Best Espresso Machines for Elevated Mornings, According to Our Tests The Best Drip Coffee Makers for Your Caffeine Kickstart, According to Our Tests The 7 Best Small Coffee Makers for Compact Spaces, According to Our Tests The 7 Best Coffee Makers with Grinders of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our Expertise Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, bestselling author, and lover of coffee. She appreciates that Nespresso makes espresso drinks available to everyone, everywhere, from the comfort of their own homes. Summer Rylander is a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. Rylander updated this piece using Food & Wine’s own testing insights to make these recommendations. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit