What Are The Differences Between The Nespresso Lattissima Gran and Pro?
If you are looking to splurge on a Nespresso machine that can easily make you a cappuccino or latte, then a Lattissima machine might be a great option for you. The two most advanced (and expensive) models in the range are the Gran Lattissima and the Lattissima Pro. The suggested retail price for both models is $649. The Lattissima Pro was released in 2012, while the Gran Lattissima was released more recently in 2019. Since they are usually the same price, understanding some minor and major differences between them can help you decide on the Gran Lattissima vs the Pro. Keep reading to learn more.
- Espresso Size Options: Tied
- Milk-Based Recipe Options: Gran Lattissima Wins
- Easy Hot Water Prep: Lattissima Pro Wins
- Display vs Buttons: Lattissima Pro Advantage
- Power And Speed: Lattissima Pro Advantage
- Machine Size: It Depends
- Care And Maintenance: Lattissima Pro Is Better
- Summary: Which Lattissima Should You Buy?
- Nespresso Lattissima vs The Creatista Models
Espresso Size Options: Tied
Both the Gran Lattissima and Lattissima Pro brew three different Nespresso sizes. You can brew a 1.35 oz espresso, a 3.7 oz lungo, or 0.85 oz ristretto for a more concentrated coffee. Both models use the same exact 19 bar pressure system. That means you’ll get the same, great tasting espresso no matter which one you pick.
Both models will allow you to easily program a custom shot size if you want to extract more or less from each pod. I personally don’t recommend this, but if it tastes good to you then great. You can always reset your machine to go back to the default sizes. Note that you cannot make regular coffee with either of these models. If you want to be able to brew both coffee and espresso, you should buy a Nespresso Vertuo.
Milk-Based Recipe Options: Gran Lattissima Wins
If you are looking at any of the premium Lattissima Nespresso machines, it is probably because you like milk-based espresso drinks. Therefore, it’s important to understand what type of drinks you can easily make with each Lattissima model.
The Gran Lattissima allows you to make more milk-based drinks compared to the Pro. The Gran can make a cappuccino and a latte macchiato, just like the Pro, but with the Gran you’ll also be able to make a caffe latte and a flat white. If you need a refresher, here is what these recipes mean:
- Cappuccino: milky espresso topped with a thick layer of frothed milk
- Latte Macchiato: a large amount of frothed milk topped with espresso for a bolder taste
- Flat White: espresso with a generous amount of hot lightly frothed milk added
- Caffe Latte: a long espresso with a generous amount of hot lightly frothed milk added
| Gran Lattissima | Lattissima Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Milk-Based Recipes | 1. Cappuccino 2. Flat white 3. Caffe latte 4. Latte macchiato | 1. Cappuccino 2. Latte macchiato |
If you want to make your own drink recipe, the Lattissima Gran and Pro can both prepare milk on its own. That can come in handy if you want an easy way to make some hot chocolate. The Pro can only prepare milk froth alone. In contrast, the Gran Lattissima can make either steamed milk or milk froth.
If you have dairy allergies, please note that De’Longhi, the manufacturer, states that these models are designed to work with cow milk. Skimmed or semi-skimmed will be best. The results for other types of milk like oat, soy and almond cannot be guaranteed. If you have a dairy allergy, I think you may be better off with a Creatista Plus since you can have more control over the milk frothing and steaming.
Easy Hot Water Prep: Lattissima Pro Wins
One great feature of all Nespresso Original machines, Lattissima models included, is that you can run them without a pod to get hot water for an americano, tea, etc. The water may be a little brown at first because of espresso residue, but if you run it a couple times it will clear up. If you think you may want hot water only often, consider the Lattissima Pro. It is the only one to have a dedicated hot water spout. Since coffee never comes out of it, you’ll always get clean hot water on your first attempt with the Lattissima Pro.
Display vs Buttons: Lattissima Pro Advantage
Unlike the Gran Lattissima, the Lattissima Pro which has a digital display screen. You can use this screen to access the menu, start special functions like descaling, and customize your settings. The Gran Lattissima only has buttons; there is no display screen.
Power And Speed: Lattissima Pro Advantage
There is not much of a difference in the power rating between the Gran Lattissima vs Lattissima Pro. However, there is a difference in how quickly the machines heat up. The Lattissima Pro is the fastest. At 15 seconds, it heats up twice as fast as the Gran Lattissima. Both Lattissima models have the optional energy saving mode.
| Gran Lattissima | Lattissima Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Power Rating (watts) | 1300 | 1300 |
| Heat Up Time (seconds) | 30 | 15 |
Machine Size: It Depends
If you are tight on counter space, the width and depth of the Pro Lattissima is just a little bit smaller than the Gran Lattissima. However, if you are trying to fit your coffee maker under something, the Gran Lattissima might be better for you because it is a tiny bit shorter. The Gran Lattissima is also a bit lighter vs the Lattissima Pro.
| Gran Lattissima | Lattissima Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7 x 10 x 14.4 in | 7.6 x 10.8 x 13 in |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs | 12.6 lbs |
Care And Maintenance: Lattissima Pro Is Better
The most frequent caring for my Nespresso that I do a few times a week involves cleaning and refilling the water tank and emptying the used capsule container. The bigger the water tank and used capsule container, the less often you will need to attend to them. There is not much of a difference in the size of the used capsule container with these two models. However, the Lattissima Pro has a much bigger water reservoir vs the Gran. That means you’ll need to refill the tank less often with the Pro.
| Gran Lattissima | Lattissima Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Tank Size | 34 fl oz | 44 fl oz |
| Used Capsule Capacity | 14 pods | 13 pods |
Summary: Which Lattissima Should You Buy?
You can see my analysis, that the Lattissima Pro beats out the Gran Lattissima on most of the dimensions I analyzed. However, the most important thing for you to consider is what type of coffee you like to drink. If you really love flat whites or caffe lattes, you should get the Gran Lattissima since the Pro cannot make these. If you only want to make cappuccinos and latte macchiatos, get the Lattissima Pro so you can enjoy its other features.
Nespresso Lattissima vs The Creatista Models
If you are going to spend over $600 on a Nespresso machine, you should also consider the premium Creatista models by Breville. Given that the price points are similar, it is worth understanding the differences to see which one you may like better. The Creatista Plus and Pro can both make cappuccinos, lattes, latte macchiatos and flat whites. Only the Gran Lattissima has all of those options.
I personally find the design of the Creatista Pro and Plus more appealing than the Lattissima Gran or Pro. The Creatista’s stainless steel finished looks very sleek on a kitchen counter. I also like the manual control I can get with the Creatista’s steam wand. It is very easy to use but it also gives you the option to try latte art. The Lattissima Rapid Cappuccino System doesn’t create the type of microfoam needed for latte art. I also find it easier to clean the Creatista’s steam wand and milk jug compared to disassembling and cleaning the Lattissima Rapid Cappuccino System.
