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Best Nespresso machine of 2024: Our top pick for coffee lovers
This single-serve coffee maker brews an impressive cup of joe with just the touch of a button.
As convenient as they are, even the best single-serve coffee makers are not exactly known for their stellar-tasting coffee. Most will produce a serviceable cup of joe, and if you want something better, you need to invest in an espresso machine (or stick with daily visits to the coffee shop). That is, unless you buy a Nespresso machine. These single-serve coffee makers will get you pretty darn close to hand-pulled espresso but in a fraction of the time.
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Nespressos turn the decidedly manual process of making espresso into an almost instantaneous event. You pop a pre-portioned aluminum pod of coffee into the machine, press a button and presto — your coffee is ready. It's a simple way to get your caffeine fix, but the world of Nespresso can feel quite the opposite. The company makes more than a dozen models within two lines, Vertuo and Original. So what's the difference between all the Nespresso machines? And which exactly is the top Nespresso machine? Read on, 'cause I'm here to help you out.
Over several weeks, I tested the most popular models, relying on my knowledge as a longtime editor at home and food magazines (and my experience as a coffee obsessive) to select the best. I brewed cup after cup and shot after shot, looking for smart design, eco-friendliness and other factors. Read on for my pick for the best Nespresso machine. Want to see how Nespresso stacked up to similar brands? Check out our list of the best single-serve coffee makers of 2024. And if you're all about iced coffee, here's our roundup of the best iced coffee makers.
Best Nespresso machine overall
Water tank capacity: 40 oz. | Machine size: 8.7"W x 12.7"D x 12.8" H | Colors: Gray, silver, charcoal, red, navy, black, matte black | Pod compatible: Yes | Smart: No | With grinder: No | Watts: 1,300
Right off the bat, the VertuoPlus made my mornings about a million times better. You push just one button to operate it, and there's a built-in mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle built into the machine. It looks as good as it works too with a sleek, rounded design that takes up minimal counter space. (FYI: Both De'Longhi and Breville make versions of the VertuoPlus; I tested the De'Longhi, but they share similar specs).
Nespresso has two different lines: Original and Vertuo. The former can only make espresso (albeit various-sized shots), whereas Vertuo machines can also make larger cups of coffee, up to 18 ounces (enough to fill a carafe). As its name suggests, the VertuoPlus is part of the Vertuo line and gives you the ability to make four cup sizes: a 1.35-ounce espresso shot, a 2.7-ounce double espresso shot, a 5-ounce gran lungo and an 8-ounce coffee. It takes 1 minute, 40 seconds to brew an 8-ounce serving.
But how do I choose what kind of brew I want? you might be wondering, considering that the machine has only one button and no way to program it. Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers use pods printed with a barcode that indicates drink type. There are espresso pods for shots of espresso, coffee pods for the 8-ounce servings and so on. Pop in the pod you want and the machine automatically adjusts to brew your desired drink. All Nespresso drinks are brewed with a layer of crema on top — I found it added to each cup's richness, especially with lattes and cappuccinos, but if that's not for you, you may prefer a Keurig coffee maker. Also, Nespresso Vertuo pods typically cost more than $1 per pod, so while using one is cheaper than buying a latte every day, it's still an investment.
With some other Nespresso models, you need to manually close the machine over the coffee pod, which can take some muscle. The VertuoPlus opens and closes automatically with the touch of a lever, which comes in handy if you lack hand strength. Another nice touch: You can adjust the placement of the 40-ounce water tank from the back to the side of the machine. I liked this flexibility, but I also found that it made the tank less secure than other models. More than once I accidentally toppled it, getting water all over my counter.
When it comes to maintenance, you don't have to do much other than refill the water tank and empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 capsules). Nespresso recommends you descale the machine every three months or 300 pods.
My one big gripe with the VertuoPlus is the amount of waste it produces, but this is an issue with all single-serve coffee makers. Many companies have tried to combat this by offering a reusable single-serve filter that you fill with grounds, but with Nespresso, you're locked into its proprietary, single-use aluminum pods. Not ideal — but at least the company offers a recycling program. You can drop off used pods at 250-plus locations or order free recycling bags with prepaid UPS labels.
- One-button operation
- Movable water tank
- Makes espresso and coffee
- Small footprint
- Single-use pods only
- Pods can get expensive
Factors to consider when choosing a Nespresso machine
Of course you want your machine to brew good coffee, fast. But you should also consider these factors:
Eco-friendliness: The moment you start shopping for a single-serve coffee maker, you'll find that every brand touts sustainability. The bottom line, though, is that using coffee pods creates waste. Nespresso has made efforts to be more eco-friendly: You can recycle the capsules, which are made from aluminum, by dropping them off at 250-plus locations or ordering free recycling bags. (If you live in New York City or Jersey City, N.J., you can toss used pods directly in your curbside blue recycling bins.)
Size and weight: Many Nespressos don't have huge footprints — and they can be tucked away under upper cabinets when not in use. You should also look at a machine's weight before buying if there's a chance you'll have to drag it to a different spot in the kitchen on a regular basis. The VertuoPlus clocks in at 10 pounds.
Variety of cup sizes: Do you want to brew a shot of espresso and call it a day? Or are you looking for a pod machine that can make a wide range of drinks, from shots to 8-ounce mugs to 18-ounce carafes? Nespresso Vertuo machines make the widest array of servings; Nespresso Original machines make only traditional espresso servings, from 0.85 to 5 ounces.
Variety of drink types: With Vertuo machines, your drink is determined by which Vertuo pod you use. That said, some Nespresso machines are designed with specific drinks in mind. For example, the Vertuo Creatista has an integrated steam wand that froths milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. And the compact Vertuo Pop+ is being sold as part of an iced coffee bundle with an ice cube tray and tumbler.
Water tank capacity: If the idea of having to refill your machine's water tank every time you want another cup of coffee makes you cringe, look for a reservoir that can hold at least 40 ounces (roughly enough for four cups). Don't leave water in the tank for extended periods of time; all machines specifically instruct you to use fresh water for the best coffee taste.
How we tested
I made coffee ... and coffee ... and more coffee, until it seemed like I should just call myself a barista. In all seriousness, I evaluated every Nespresso machine from the moment I opened the box to its final brew. I used each one a minimum of five times, with an 8-ounce serving of coffee and an espresso shot as my control. I timed each machine to see how quick it was, and I used a food thermometer to test the temperature of each freshly brewed cup. If the machine came with additional features (like a built-in milk frother), I used them multiple times as well.
I also had less-technical considerations. I looked for a sleek design, minimal maintenance and high-end finishes. After all, most of us keep our coffee machine on the counter in broad daylight — I wanted our top pick to look as good as it functioned.
Taste is subjective, so I kept my notes on flavor to a minimum and instead focused on how hot the coffee was, its mouthfeel, the level of crema and whether there was any grittiness or sediment left in the bottom of the mug.
Other Nespresso machines we liked
Nespresso Essenza Mini: There's a reason this $180 single-serve coffee machine resides in hotel rooms all over the world — it measures just 3 inches wide and 8 inches tall and makes solid single and double shots of espresso. I found it a bit loud and drippy, but if you're looking for something fail-proof and you love espresso, this itty-bitty brewer from Nespresso's Original line will do the trick. Note: De'Longhi and Breville both make versions of this machine and the Vertuo Next, below. The specs are mostly the same, though the models may look slightly different.
Nespresso Vertuo Next: If Nespresso had never made the VertuoPlus, this $149 smart coffee maker would jump to the top of my list. Though it's narrower than the VertuoPlus, it makes five cup sizes (the VertuoPlus makes four) and connects to an app so you can personalize your experience and keep track of your pod stash. Alas, this machine is noisier than the other models I tried, and you have to physically lock the machine after inserting a pod by pushing a lever (it's not automatic like with the VertuoPlus). It takes some force and could prove difficult for some people.
Nespresso machine FAQs
Which Nespresso machine is best for everyday coffee?
If you're looking for a regular cup of joe, you should pick a machine from Nespresso's Vertuo line. These coffee makers can brew shots as well as 8-ounce cups of coffee (and even larger sizes in some cases).
What's the difference between Nespresso machines?
All Nespresso machines can make espresso, but beyond that, the machines do have their differences. They vary in size, design, color and the types/sizes of drinks they can make. Original machines use different coffee pods than Vertuo machines, and they also extract the coffee differently. Original machines use high pressure; Vertuo models rely on what Nespresso calls Centrifusion technology, which spins the pod rapidly, mixing the grounds with hot water.
How do you clean a Nespresso machine?
Generally, you should rinse the water tank regularly and hand-wash any removable components. As with any coffee maker, you'll need to deep clean or descale it every three or so months (or whenever your machine's descale light turns on). Nespresso sells a descaling kit that occasionally goes on sale.
How do you use a Nespresso machine?
The best part about a Nespresso machine is that you don't need to be a tech wizard to use it. Most of the machines have only a few buttons at most, and they're pretty self-explanatory. If you need pointers, I recommend ignoring the paper instruction manual and instead checking Nespresso's website, which has how-to videos and manuals that, for some reason, are often different from what's in the box and more user-friendly. I referred to the videos a lot and found them very helpful.
Where do you buy Nespresso pods?
You can buy them directly from Nespresso or at various retailers including Amazon, Target, Macy's and Walmart (though you can't get them in most grocery stores). Some brands sell pods that are compatible with Original line machines, but if you have a Vertuo machine, you can use only the proprietary Nespresso capsules for that line.
How much caffeine is in a Nespresso pod?
According to Nespresso, four to five cups of Original Nespresso coffee and two to five cups of Vertuo coffee add up to 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is the amount a healthy adult can safely consume in a day.
Is Keurig or Nespresso better?
It's a matter of personal taste. Both companies make a range of machines with various bells and whistles. Keurig machines typically are more affordable (they start at $90 to Nespresso's $130), whereas Nespresso machines are better known for coffee quality.
