Best of
The Best Nespresso Machines
The best Nespresso machines ranked: Vertuo and Original line models compared on cup sizes, milk systems, tank capacity, and pod costs.
The short answer
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best Nespresso machine for most people: five cup sizes to 14 oz, a 60 oz tank, and barcode-automated Centrifusion brewing. Espresso purists who want cheaper pods should get the Essenza Mini with its 19-bar pump. Milk-drink lovers should look at the Gran Lattissima with nine one-touch recipes.
Top picks at a glance
The picks, ranked
| Product | Extraction | Cup sizes | Water tank | Used capsule container | Heat-up time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz | 60 oz | Holds 10 large capsules | About 25 seconds |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | - | Espresso and lungo (programmable) | 20.3 oz | - | - |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz | 37 oz (1.1 L) | - | - |
| Nespresso Gran Lattissima | - | - | 34 oz (1 L) | - | About 25 seconds |
| Nespresso Vertuo Creatista | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm | 6: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, alto, carafe | 60 oz | - | - |
| Nespresso Pixie | - | - | 24 oz (0.7 L) | Holds 10 capsules | 25 to 30 seconds |
| Nespresso Lattissima One | - | - | 34 oz (1 L) | Holds 10 capsules | About 25 seconds |
| Nespresso CitiZ | - | - | 34 oz (1 L) | Holds 10 capsules | About 25 seconds |
| Nespresso Evoluo | Centrifusion | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 7.7, and 14 oz | 54 oz | Holds 17 large capsules | - |
| Nespresso Inissia | - | - | 24 oz (0.7 L) | Holds 10 capsules | About 25 seconds |
Swipe sideways to compare all picks
01Best overall
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The big-tank Vertuo: five cup sizes from espresso to 14 oz Alto with barcode-read brewing.
- Extraction: Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm
- Cup sizes: 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz
- Water tank: 60 oz
The Vertuo Plus covers the most ground: five cup sizes from 1.35 oz espresso to 14 oz Alto, Centrifusion extraction at up to 7000 rpm, and a 60 oz tank that needs the fewest refills of the compact Vertuos. It heats in about 25 seconds and the barcode does the brewing math. Read the full Vertuo Plus review for the details.
Strengths
- Centrifusion spins capsules at up to 7000 rpm for thick crema on every size
- Five cup sizes from 1.35 oz espresso to 14 oz Alto cover shots and full mugs
- 60 oz water tank is the largest among the compact Vertuo models
- Barcode reading sets brew parameters automatically, so there is nothing to learn
Limitations
- Vertuo pods are proprietary, with fewer third-party options than Original
- Pods cost more per cup than Original line capsules
- Used capsule container holds 10 large capsules, so heavy users empty it often
| Extraction | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Cup sizes | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz |
| Water tank | 60 oz |
| Used capsule container | Holds 10 large capsules |
| Heat-up time | About 25 seconds |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the Centrifusion system, spinning capsules at up to 7000 rpm for thick crema on every size
- Many owners like the five cup sizes, from a 1.35 oz espresso to a 14 oz Alto
- Owners say the barcode reading sets brew parameters automatically, leaving nothing to learn
- Some owners dislike the proprietary Vertuo pods, with fewer third-party options than the Original line
- A common complaint is pods costing more per cup than Original line capsules
- Owners who brew heavily find themselves emptying the 10-capsule used container often
Best for: Households that want both espresso-style shots and full mugs of coffee from one pod machine.
Skip if: You object to proprietary pods; Vertuo capsules only come from Nespresso and cost more per cup than Original pods.
02Best budget Original
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The smallest Nespresso: real 19-bar espresso in a footprint barely bigger than a mug.
- Brew method: Nespresso Original pods
- Pressure: 19-bar pump
- Cup sizes: Espresso and lungo (programmable)
The Essenza Mini proves the 19-bar pump is the great equalizer: it brews the same genuine espresso as machines costing far more, in a 5.1 lb body, with Original pods that cost less per cup than Vertuo. The 20.3 oz tank and 6-capsule bin are the honest trade-offs. Our Essenza Mini review covers who the small capacities suit.
Strengths
- Most compact Nespresso machine made
- 19-bar pressure pump for genuine espresso extraction
- Heats in about 25 seconds
- Two cup sizes: espresso and lungo, with programmable volumes
Limitations
- Espresso and lungo only, no large coffee sizes
- 20.3 oz tank needs frequent refilling
- Original-line pods only, no Vertuo compatibility
| Brew method | Nespresso Original pods |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 19-bar pump |
| Cup sizes | Espresso and lungo (programmable) |
| Water tank | 20.3 oz |
| Heat-up | About 25 seconds |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the tiny footprint, the smallest in the Nespresso line, for crowded kitchens
- Many owners like the genuine 19-bar pump delivering proper espresso from such a small machine
- Owners say the roughly 25-second heat-up means a shot is ready almost immediately
- Some owners miss having larger coffee sizes, since it only pours espresso and lungo
- Owners note the 20.3 oz tank needs topping up often with regular use
- A common complaint is that it accepts Original pods only, with no Vertuo capsule compatibility
Best for: Espresso drinkers with tiny kitchens who want the cheapest entry to Nespresso.
Skip if: You drink large mugs of drip-style coffee; this makes espresso and lungo only.
03Best compact Vertuo
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The slim Vertuo: the same five cup sizes in a 5.5-inch-wide body with connected updates.
- Extraction: Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm
- Cup sizes: 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz
- Water tank: 37 oz (1.1 L)
At 5.5 inches wide, the Vertuo Next squeezes the full five-size Vertuo range into the slimmest body here, with Bluetooth and WiFi updates. The 37 oz tank refills more often than the Plus's 60 oz, which is the price of the footprint. See the Vertuo Next review for the head-to-head numbers.
Strengths
- 5.5 in width makes it the slimmest Vertuo machine for tight counters
- Same five cup sizes as the Plus, from 1.35 oz espresso to 14 oz Alto
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity enable automatic software updates
- Heats in about 25 seconds with Centrifusion extraction
Limitations
- 37 oz water tank needs frequent refills for multi-cup households
- Smaller used-capsule capacity than the larger Vertuo models
- Vertuo pods cost more per cup than Original pods
| Extraction | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Cup sizes | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 oz |
| Water tank | 37 oz (1.1 L) |
| Width | 5.5 in, the slimmest Vertuo |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and WiFi for updates |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 5.5-inch width that makes it the slimmest Vertuo for tight counters
- Many owners appreciate getting the same five cup sizes as the Plus, from espresso to 14 oz Alto
- Owners like the Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity that enables automatic software updates
- Some owners find the 37 oz tank needs frequent refills in multi-cup households
- A common complaint is the smaller used-capsule capacity compared with larger Vertuo models
- Owners note Vertuo pods cost more per cup than Original pods
Best for: Small kitchens that want full Vertuo versatility in the narrowest footprint.
Skip if: You brew many large cups daily; the 37 oz tank refills far more often than the Vertuo Plus's 60 oz.
04Best for milk drinks
Nespresso Gran Lattissima
The milk-drink flagship: nine one-touch recipes through the Rapid Cappuccino System.
- Pump pressure: 19 bar
- One-touch recipes: 9, including flat white and cafe latte
- Milk system: Rapid Cappuccino System, fresh milk
Nine one-touch recipes through the Rapid Cappuccino System make the Gran Lattissima the milk-drink flagship: flat white, cafe latte, cappuccino, and latte macchiato from fresh milk at one touch. The 19-bar pump and 34 oz tank keep the espresso base and the volume honest.
Strengths
- Nine one-touch recipes including flat white, cafe latte, cappuccino, and latte macchiato
- Rapid Cappuccino System textures fresh milk automatically
- 19-bar pump with 25-second heat-up keeps the espresso base genuine
- 34 oz water tank supports heavy daily use
Limitations
- Premium pricing driven by the milk system
- Milk carafe needs cleaning after use; milk residue waits for no one
- Original pods only, so no large Vertuo-style mugs
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
|---|---|
| One-touch recipes | 9, including flat white and cafe latte |
| Milk system | Rapid Cappuccino System, fresh milk |
| Water tank | 34 oz (1 L) |
| Heat-up time | About 25 seconds |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the nine one-touch recipes, including flat white, cafe latte, cappuccino, and latte macchiato
- Many owners love how the Rapid Cappuccino System textures fresh milk automatically for each drink
- Owners appreciate the 19-bar pump with a 25-second heat-up keeping the espresso base genuine
- Some owners say the premium pricing is driven by a milk system straight-espresso drinkers would never use
- A common complaint is the milk carafe needing cleaning after use, since milk residue waits for no one
- Owners note it takes Original pods only, so there are no large Vertuo-style mugs
Best for: Milk-drink lovers who want the widest one-touch menu in the Original line.
Skip if: You drink straight espresso; the milk system is expensive hardware you would never use.
05Best Vertuo for latte art
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
The barista Vertuo: six cup sizes plus a real steam wand with 3 temperatures and 3 textures.
- Extraction: Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm
- Cup sizes: 6: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, alto, carafe
- Water tank: 60 oz
The only Vertuo here with a real steam wand: 3 milk temperatures and 3 texture settings for genuine microfoam, paired with six cup sizes up to carafe and a 60 oz tank. It is the priciest Vertuo, but nothing else in the line teaches milk texture.
Strengths
- Automatic steam wand with 3 milk temperatures and 3 texture settings for real microfoam
- Six cup sizes from espresso to carafe, the widest Vertuo range here
- 60 oz water tank matches the Vertuo Plus for few refills
- Stainless steel Breville-built body with Bluetooth and WiFi updates
Limitations
- Premium pricing, the highest in the Vertuo line here
- Steam wand is manual; it rewards practice and punishes beginners
- Vertuo pods cost more per cup than Original pods
| Extraction | Centrifusion, up to 7000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Cup sizes | 6: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, alto, carafe |
| Water tank | 60 oz |
| Steam wand | 3 temperatures, 3 texture settings |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and WiFi for updates |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the automatic steam wand with 3 milk temperatures and 3 texture settings for real microfoam
- Many owners value six cup sizes from espresso to carafe, the widest Vertuo range in the lineup
- Owners like the stainless steel Breville-built body with Bluetooth and WiFi updates
- Some owners hesitate at premium pricing, the highest in the Vertuo line
- A common complaint is that the manual steam wand rewards practice and punishes beginners
- Long-term owners warn that Vertuo pod prices add up faster than Original pod costs over time
Best for: Latte-art aspirants who want Vertuo convenience with genuine manual milk texturing.
Skip if: You want one-touch milk drinks; the steam wand here is manual and needs technique.
06Best design
Nespresso Pixie
The design-forward Original: 19-bar extraction with aluminum side panels and a 24 oz tank.
- Pump pressure: 19 bar
- Water tank: 24 oz (0.7 L)
- Used capsule container: Holds 10 capsules
The Pixie wraps standard 19-bar Original brewing in aluminum side panels and a compact body, with a 24 oz tank and 10-capsule container that beat the entry models' capacities. You pay for build and looks over the Essenza Mini, not for different coffee.
Strengths
- 19-bar pump delivers the same genuine espresso as every Original machine
- Aluminum side panels give a sturdier, more premium feel than plastic bodies
- 24 oz water tank and 10-capsule container outlast the Essenza Mini's smaller capacities
- Heats in 25 to 30 seconds with 9-minute auto-off for energy savings
Limitations
- Brews the same espresso and lungo as cheaper Original machines; you pay for build and looks
- No milk system included
- Folding drip tray is functional but less stable for large mugs than bigger machines
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 24 oz (0.7 L) |
| Used capsule container | Holds 10 capsules |
| Heat-up time | 25 to 30 seconds |
| Body | Aluminum side panels |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the aluminum side panels for a sturdier, more premium feel than plastic-bodied models
- Many owners appreciate the 24 oz tank and 10-capsule container outlasting the Essenza Mini's smaller capacities
- Owners like the 25 to 30 second heat-up paired with a 9-minute auto-off that saves energy
- Some owners point out it brews the same espresso and lungo as cheaper Original machines, so the premium is for build and looks
- A common complaint is the lack of any included milk system
- Owners note the folding drip tray feels less stable under large mugs than the trays on bigger machines
Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want a compact Original machine with sturdier build than the entry models.
Skip if: You want the lowest price; the Essenza Mini and Inissia brew the same espresso for less.
07Best simple one-touch latte
Nespresso Lattissima One
The simple one-touch latte: fresh-milk cappuccinos and lattes from a single-serve milk system.
- Pump pressure: 19 bar
- Water tank: 34 oz (1 L)
- Milk system: Single-serve fresh milk, one-touch recipes
For solo latte drinkers, the Lattissima One is the efficient pick: one-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato from a single-serve fresh milk system, so no milk goes to waste. The 34 oz tank and 19-bar pump handle daily use without the Gran Lattissima's price.
Strengths
- One-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato with fresh milk, not powder
- Single-serve milk system means no leftover milk to store or waste
- 19-bar pump keeps the espresso base genuine
- 34 oz water tank suits daily multi-drink use
Limitations
- Milk system handles one serving at a time, slow for households
- Fewer drink options than the Gran Lattissima's nine recipes
- Milk components need rinsing after each use to stay hygienic
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 34 oz (1 L) |
| Milk system | Single-serve fresh milk, one-touch recipes |
| Used capsule container | Holds 10 capsules |
| Heat-up time | About 25 seconds |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise one-touch cappuccino and latte macchiato made with fresh milk rather than powder
- Many owners value the single-serve milk system because no leftover milk has to be stored or wasted
- Owners say the 34 oz tank comfortably suits daily multi-drink use
- Some owners find the milk system handling one serving at a time slow for households
- A common complaint is having fewer drink options than the Gran Lattissima's nine recipes
- Owners note the milk components need rinsing after each use to stay hygienic
Best for: Solo latte drinkers who want one-touch milk drinks without a separate frother.
Skip if: You make milk drinks for several people; the single-serve milk system brews one portion at a time.
08Best for multi-drink households
Nespresso CitiZ
The retro-modern Original: 19-bar brewing with a 34 oz tank for households that hate refilling.
- Pump pressure: 19 bar
- Water tank: 34 oz (1 L)
- Used capsule container: Holds 10 capsules
The CitiZ's 34 oz tank is the largest among compact Original machines, which matters when several people brew espressos and lungos through the morning. Retro-modern styling and the standard 19-bar pump round out a machine built for volume, not for tiny counters.
Strengths
- 34 oz water tank is the largest among the compact Original machines
- 19-bar pump brews genuine espresso and programmable lungo
- Retro-modern design stands out from the plainer compact models
- 9-minute auto-off and 25-second heat-up keep it efficient
Limitations
- Larger footprint than other compact Original machines
- No milk system; milk drinks need a separate frother
- Same two-drink range (espresso, lungo) as the cheaper models
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 34 oz (1 L) |
| Used capsule container | Holds 10 capsules |
| Heat-up time | About 25 seconds |
| Auto-off | 9 minutes |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 34 oz water tank, the largest among the compact Original machines
- Many owners enjoy the retro-modern styling that stands out from plainer compact models
- Owners appreciate the combination of a 25-second heat-up and 9-minute auto-off for efficient daily use
- Some owners find its footprint larger than the other compact Original machines
- A common complaint is having no milk system, so milk drinks need a separate frother
- Owners note it offers the same two-drink range, espresso and lungo, as the cheaper models
Best for: Multi-drink households that want Original pods with a large 34 oz tank and distinctive styling.
Skip if: Counter space is tight; the CitiZ is bulkier than the Mini, Pixie, and Inissia.
09Best discontinued value
Nespresso Evoluo
The big-tank Vertuo classic: 54 oz reservoir and 17-capsule capacity, now discontinued.
- Extraction: Centrifusion
- Cup sizes: 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 7.7, and 14 oz
- Water tank: 54 oz
The discontinued Evoluo still deserves a mention: a 54 oz tank and 17-capsule container dwarf current compact Vertuos, and remaining stock sells below its original positioning. Buy it only from sellers with return policies, since Nespresso no longer makes it.
Strengths
- 54 oz water tank beats every current compact Vertuo on refills
- 17-capsule used container is the largest here
- Five brew sizes from 1.35 oz espresso to 14 oz Alto
- Heats in about 15 to 20 seconds with Centrifusion extraction
Limitations
- Discontinued: availability is remaining stock and refurbished units only
- 11 lb weight and blocky 9.0 x 12.2 x 12.3 in body need real counter space
- No connectivity or milk system; a plain brewer by current standards
| Extraction | Centrifusion |
|---|---|
| Cup sizes | 5: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 7.7, and 14 oz |
| Water tank | 54 oz |
| Used capsule container | Holds 17 large capsules |
| Availability | Discontinued; remaining stock only |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 54 oz water tank for beating every current compact Vertuo on refills
- Many owners appreciate the 17-capsule used container, the largest capacity in this group
- Owners say it heats in about 15 to 20 seconds while covering five brew sizes up to a 14 oz Alto
- Some owners are wary that it is discontinued, with availability limited to remaining stock and refurbished units
- A common complaint is the 11 lb weight and blocky body demanding real counter space
- Owners note there is no connectivity or milk system, making it a plain brewer by current standards
Best for: Heavy Vertuo drinkers who find a unit; the 54 oz tank and 17-capsule bin suit high volume.
Skip if: You want a warranty and current support; the Evoluo is discontinued and sells through remaining stock.
10Best entry price
Nespresso Inissia
The entry Original: 19-bar espresso in a 5.3 lb body for the lowest cost of entry.
- Pump pressure: 19 bar
- Water tank: 24 oz (0.7 L)
- Used capsule container: Holds 10 capsules
The Inissia is the cheapest door into genuine 19-bar pod espresso: 24 oz tank, 10-capsule container, 25-second heat-up, and a folding drip tray for tall glasses, all in a 5.3 lb body. The plastic build feels its price, but the cup does not.
Strengths
- 19-bar pump brews the same genuine espresso as pricier Original machines
- 5.3 lb weight with an ergonomic handle; easy to move and store
- 24 oz water tank brews about 9 cups before refilling
- Folding drip tray fits taller recipe glasses and travel mugs
Limitations
- Lightweight plastic construction feels less sturdy than the Pixie
- No milk system included
- Two-button interface with minimal indicators asks for more attention
| Pump pressure | 19 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 24 oz (0.7 L) |
| Used capsule container | Holds 10 capsules |
| Heat-up time | About 25 seconds |
| Weight | 5.3 lb |
Sources: Nespresso official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
- Owners praise the 19-bar pump for brewing the same genuine espresso as pricier Original machines
- Many owners like the 5.3 lb body with an ergonomic handle that is easy to move and store
- Owners appreciate the folding drip tray fitting taller recipe glasses and travel mugs
- Some owners feel the lightweight plastic construction is less sturdy than the Pixie
- Owners note milk drinks are off the menu without buying a separate frother
- A common complaint is the two-button interface with minimal indicators asking for more attention than guided models
Best for: First-time Nespresso buyers who want the cheapest path to genuine pod espresso.
Skip if: You want premium build; the lightweight plastic body feels its price.
How we chose
We ranked ten Nespresso machines on published specifications: extraction system (Centrifusion vs 19-bar pump), cup size range, water tank capacity, used-capsule capacity, heat-up time, and milk system type. Vertuo and Original lines were judged separately on pod economics, since pods do not cross between lines and Vertuo pods cost more per cup. Discontinued models were included only where remaining stock still represents real buyer value.
Questions, answered
Should I buy Vertuo or Original?
Buy Vertuo if you want large mugs of coffee as well as espresso: five sizes up to 14 oz Alto. Buy Original if you drink espresso and lungo and want cheaper pods with wide third-party choice. Our Vertuo vs Original decoder maps the full trade.
Which Nespresso is best for lattes?
The Gran Lattissima: nine one-touch milk recipes through the Rapid Cappuccino System. The Lattissima One covers solo latte drinkers for less, and the Vertuo Creatista's steam wand suits buyers who want to learn milk texture manually. See the best Nespresso machines for lattes.
Are expensive Nespresso machines worth it?
For the espresso itself, no: every Original machine uses the same 19-bar pump, so the Essenza Mini brews the same shot as the Pixie. You pay for tank size, build materials, milk systems, and design. Vertuo pricing follows cup-size range and tank capacity more than extraction quality.
Can I use third-party pods?
Widely for Original: many compatible capsules exist. Rarely for Vertuo: the barcode system keeps the pod range mostly Nespresso-made, which is a core reason Vertuo costs more per cup. Factor that into the line decision, not just the machine price.