Despite the growing range of coffee machines and brands, Nespresso remains one of the most popular ways to make quick pod-based coffee at home.
Its machines are compact yet capable of making consistent, high-quality, café-style drinks at the press of a button. Almost 40 years after its launch, there are dozens of models and hundreds of pods to choose from.
This is great in terms of options but can feel overwhelming when choosing the best Nespresso machine, either for the first time or when upgrading to a new model.
To help narrow down your choice, this guide will walk you through what you need to consider from size to price, the types of drinks you enjoy, how easy it is to clean, and where you can buy your pods from, with expert insights from James Bellis, CEO and founder of Balance Coffee.
How to choose a Nespresso coffee maker
1. What type of coffee drinker are you?
When it comes to choosing a Nespresso coffee maker, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether you opt for an Original Nespresso machine or a Vertuo model. This will be determined by what kind of coffee drinker you are.
Both ranges make single-serve coffee at the touch of a button, but each is designed with different features and coffee preferences in mind.
The Original Nespresso range, which includes the Lattissima One and Gran Lattissima ranges, as well as the CitiZ and Pixie collections, is designed for espresso lovers. It only brews smaller coffee servings—Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40ml), and Lungo (110ml)—but this makes it best suited to people who enjoy strong, concentrated coffee or espresso-based drinks, like cappuccinos and lattes.
"You can get a decent espresso with minimal effort [with Nespresso Original machines], and the pods are designed to keep the coffee fresh for longer, which is great for casual drinkers who don’t go through bags of beans quickly," said coffee expert James Bellis, CEO and founder of Balance Coffee.
By comparison, the Vertuo line of Nespresso machines, including the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Lattissima ranges, is more versatile and offers a wider range of seven brewing sizes.
- Ristretto (25 ml)
- Espresso (40 ml)
- Double Espresso (80 ml)
- Gran Lungo (150 ml)
- Mug (230 ml)
- Alto (355 ml)
- Carafe (535 ml)
Vertuo machines use a unique barcode system, meaning that each capsule is brewed to the right temperature, size, and strength based on which of these seven drinks you select. As a result, Vertuo coffee makers are best suited to people who enjoy both espresso and larger cups of coffee or for families with different preferences.
Learn more in our Nespresso Vertuo vs Original guide.
James Bellis is a professional barista, and CEO and founder of Balance Coffee. He was previously a barista trainer for UCC Coffee and Sales Director at Italian espresso machine manufacturer, Sanremo.
2. How much coffee do you drink a day?
The amount of coffee you drink throughout the day will affect which Nespresso machine you choose, which comes down to the water tank size.
If you drink multiple cups during the day, whether espresso-based drinks or larger coffees, or you regularly make coffee for others, having a machine with a larger water tank can save you time and hassle. A bigger tank reduces the need for constant refilling, meaning you can brew several cups in succession without interruption.
Equally, if you don't drink coffee much past the morning or want a Nespresso machine for the odd occasion or guests only, you can save money and countertop space by buying a machine with a small tank.
Machines like the Essenza Mini from Nespresso’s OriginalLine come with smaller water tanks that hold 20.3oz / 0.6 liters. While the smaller tank size means you’ll likely need to refill after making a couple of espressos or a single lungo, it’s sufficient if you only brew one or two cups daily.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or brew coffee for friends and family, a machine with a larger water tank, such as the Nespresso VertuoPlus or Lattissima Pro, is worth considering. These machines have more than double the capacity of tanks than Nespresso's compact models – between 40-57oz / 1L-1.5L, respectively. This allows you to make five or more coffees at a time without refilling. Machines like the Vertuo Creatista even offer 67.6 oz / 2-litre tanks, ideal for households where multiple people enjoy coffee throughout the day or if you often prepare altos and carafes.
Alternatively, if you want to balance the water tank and machine size, you may get on better with machines like the Nespresso CitiZ or Pixie. The CitiZ holds 33oz / 0.9L, while the Pixie's water tank has a 24 oz / 0.7L capacity. This strikes a good balance between compact design and practicality, allowing for more brewing before a refill is needed. If you make two or three coffees daily, this tank size will typically last you through the day without much trouble. It’s also a good choice if you occasionally entertain guests and want to brew multiple cups without the hassle of constant refills.
One last point on water tanks: Consider the placement and design of the tank. Some machines, like the VertuoPlus, have a water tank that can be moved and repositioned to better fit your counter space, offering flexibility and convenience.
3. Do you prefer consistency or variety?
One key consideration when choosing a Nespresso coffee maker is whether you prefer the flexibility of using a variety of brands and experimenting with different coffee blends or if you’re happy sticking with Nespresso. Original machines are compatible with various third-party capsules, whereas Vertuo models only work with Nespresso pods.
That's not to say Vertuo pods don't offer variety – they're available in 23 regular varieties plus limited editions and seasonal flavors – but they only use Nespresso coffee blends. This lacks a certain level of experimentation and keeps you locked into paying Nespresso prices, even if it does make your brews consistent.
By comparison, you can buy a range of pods for a range of prices for the Original line of machines from Nespresso and third-party roasters, including Illy, Grano Milano, Lavazza, and more. Additionally, a growing number of artisanal and local roasters are starting to produce their capsules for Original machines, giving you access to unique and specialty coffees that Nespresso may not offer.
4. How much space do you have?
"Another important factor to consider is space on your kitchen counter," continued Bellis. Some Nespresso machines are compact and easy to fit in smaller kitchens, while others can take up more space than you might expect."
Compact models like the Nespresso Essenza Mini in the Original line or the Vertuo Next are ideal if you're short on space. The Essenza Mini measures just 3.3 x 12.8 x 8in / 8.1 x 33 x 20.4 cm (w x d x h), making it one of the smallest machines in the entire Nespresso range, while the Vertuo Next is slightly larger at 5.5 x 16.8 x 12.4 in / 14 x 42.7 x 31.5 cm. Both are perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who prefers a minimalist setup.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you have more space to work with and want a machine that offers more functionality, larger models like the Gran Lattissima or the VertuoPlus Deluxe could be a good fit. These machines are twice the width of the Essenza Mini and Vertuo Next. Still, the extra bulk brings additional features, including an integrated milk frother in the case of the Lattissima and a large, rotating water tank in the case of the Vertuo Plus Deluxe.
In terms of aesthetics, the majority of Nespresso machines are designed to look stylish and traditional, with largely metal and black and grey finishes. The most sleek and most like a standard espresso machine is the Creatista Pro, made in collaboration with Breville. It's made almost entirely of stainless steel and has a thin, integrated steam wand.
The Vertuo Pop+ is then the most colorful of the lot, with eight different colors, including Mint, Candy Pink, and Mango Yellow. Odd machines such as the Essenza Mini and CitiZ can be found in lime green and cherry red colorways.
5. To froth milk, or not to froth milk
Another thing to consider when choosing a Nespresso model, which is also determined by how much space you have, is whether you opt for a model with a built-in milk frother.
"If you love a flat white or latte every morning, an inbuilt steam wand is a game changer – it makes the process much easier and more streamlined," said Bellis. "But, if you only occasionally indulge in milk drinks, my suggestion would be to save some money and counter space by going for a machine without a frother and picking up a separate one when needed."
Models like the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima and Gran Lattissima have built-in frothing systems. The Pro has a 16oz / 0.4-liter milk tank and three milk recipes for cappuccinos, lattes, or adding hot foam to other coffee drinks. The Gran Lattissima's milk tank is slightly larger, at 16.9oz / 0.48 liter, and makes cappuccinos, lattes, and latte macchiatos.
On both models, the integrated frother automatically heats and froths the milk for you at the press of a button. The milk is then stored in a detachable container, easily cleaned, or stored in the fridge for later use. Machines with integrated frothers tend to be larger, though, so that's worth considering.
Suppose you prefer a more compact machine or don’t need an integrated frother. You can always pair your Nespresso – or any coffee machine – with Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother.
The Aeroccino is a standalone frother that can be bought separately or bundled with select Nespresso machines. There's the Aeroccino4 model, which makes cold foam and hot milk for cappuccinos and latte macchiatos, and the Aeroccino XL, which makes hot milk foam, cold milk foam, and hot milk.
6. How much maintenance are you willing to do?
When choosing a Nespresso machine, consider how much time and effort you're willing to put into cleaning and maintaining it. Generally speaking, pod machines are easier to clean and maintain than full-scale espresso machines, but different models come with different levels of upkeep, particularly if they have milk frothers or larger water tanks.
Basic Nespresso models focusing solely on brewing espresso and lungo drinks without integrated milk frothers are the easiest to maintain. They usually just need descaling every few months (depending on water hardness) and occasionally wiping down the exterior and water tank.
Models with milk frothers need to be cleaned after every use to prevent milk residue from building up and making the froth look or taste poor. Most Nespresso machines with integrated milk systems, like the Lattissima series, have automatic cleaning functions that help with this, but you'll still need to disassemble and manually clean certain parts, such as the milk carafe and frothing wand, to ensure they're properly clean.
If you choose an Aeroccino, cleaning is easier but still required after each use. The Aeroccino can be rinsed and wiped fairly quickly and is dishwasher safe.
All Nespresso machines have a descaling alert that lets you know when to clean them, typically every three to six months. Machines like the VertuoPlus or Lattissima Pro have more detailed descaling instructions and automatic cleaning programs. These models are a good bet if you want a machine that offers the most features but practically cleans itself.
There are more tips and advice in our how-to guide on how to clean a Nespresso machine.
7. What's your budget?
Prices for Nespresso machines range from $129 for the Vertuo Pop+ up to $849 for the Creatista Pro, so understanding how much you're willing to spend on the machine itself, as well as the ongoing cost of capsules and maintenance will help you make the right choice.
Start by reviewing the questions above to understand what matters most to you from your machine. From here, you can either select a machine that ticks all these boxes in a price range that suits you or if the features you've selected put machines out of range, you can work out which are dealbreakers and which aren't.
If you want quick and simple coffee without bells or whistles, models like the Vertuo Pop+ ($129), Vertuo Plus ($169), or Essenza Mini ($179) do the job well.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, mid-range machines like the Nespresso CitiZ ($279) or Pixie ($229) offer slightly larger water tanks and sleeker designs and can often be paired with external milk frothers, giving you more flexibility without breaking the bank.
And if you want the full coffee pod experience, with integrated frothing and advanced brewing features, high-end machines like the Vertuo Lattissima ($375), Vertuo Creatista ($699), and Vertuo Creatista Pro come with all the bells and whistles.
You then need to factor the ongoing cost of capsules. If you opt for a VertuoLine machine, you’ll be limited to Nespresso’s proprietary capsules which start at $1.25 for individual pods. Original pods are cheaper, starting at 80c per pod. Original machines are compatible with third-party capsules, which can be more cost-effective depending on where you buy them, and the brand.
And finally, you need to consider how much it costs to clean and maintain your machine. Nespresso sells its descaling kits for $10.99 for a pack of two. Depending on how often you need to descale your machine, which can vary based on water hardness and usage, this can add a small but recurring cost to your coffee routine. Third-party descaling kits are also available, often cheaper, but may not be specifically tailored to Nespresso machines.
To choose the right Nespresso coffee maker, you've got to consider your coffee preferences, daily consumption, and budget. The OriginalLine offers compact designs like the CitiZ and Pixie, perfect for occasional coffee drinkers. If you're an espresso lover and want the flexibility to use different coffee blends, the CitiZ and Pixie are also perfect.
The VertuoLine, with its unique barcode system, is a great choice if you like a wide range of coffee sizes and want to brew larger cups. If you're a heavy coffee drinker or have many coffee enthusiasts, a machine with a bigger water tank, like the VertuoPlus or Lattissima Pro, would be a good choice. You should pick the Original or Vertuo based on your coffee preferences and habits.
