What Is The Difference Between The 5 Nespresso Lattissima Models?
If you are looking for a Nespresso machine that can easily make you a cappuccino or latte, then a Lattissima might be a great option for you. However, there are five models that you can currently find for sale. Which one should you get? It will depend on which features matter most to you. In this Nespresso Lattissima comparison guide, I will explain all of the differences to help you figure out which one is best for you.
What Is The Nespresso Lattissima Range?
In the world of Nespresso, there are Original line models that make only espresso and Vertuo models that make both espresso and coffee. Among the Original line machines, there are more “basic” models like the Essenza Mini, Pixie, CitiZ and Inissia and then more advanced and premium models like the Creatista and Lattissima. The Creatista and Lattissima models have built in milk frothing capabilities so you can make lattes and cappuccinos with the push of a button. The basic models require you to buy an Aeroccino milk frother accessory to make these drinks. The Lattissima range is made by De’Longhi. The Creatista range is made by Breville. Both De’Longhi and Breville are Nespresso manufacturing partners and global leaders in small kitchen appliances.
There are currently five different Nespresso Lattissima machine models made by De’Longhi – the Gran, Pro, Plus, Touch and One. As you will see in my Nespresso Lattissima comparison guide below, the Gran and Pro have some additional features that the other three don’t. That is why they are more expensive.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2012 | 2018 | 2011 | 2021 |
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $649 | $649 | $499 | $399 | $399 |
The Lattissima’s Signature Rapid Cappuccino System
Unlike the Nespresso Creatista Pro and Plus which froth milk using a steam wand and a stainless steel jug, all Nespresso Lattissima models have milk container that attaches to the machine. With a press of a button it will prepare the milk for the type of drink you selected. It is programmed to add milk in the correct order either before or after brewing the espresso depending on the recipe. This functionality unique to the De’Longhi Nespresso Lattissima models is called the Rapid Cappuccino System. It’s a bit of a misnomer since the Lattissima models can also make lattes, but it is quick and easy!
The Rapid Cappuccino System is removable on all Nespresso Lattissima models. If there is milk left in it, you can store it in the fridge for a couple of days. To clean it 2-3x a week, you will need to disassemble it. You can wash it by hand or in the top rack of your dishwasher.
A Note About Dairy Allergies
If you have dairy allergies, please note that De’Longhi says that the Rapid Cappuccino System is designed to work with cow milk. 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.
Nespresso Lattissima Model Comparison
If a Nespresso Lattissima machine sounds like something you would enjoy, you’ll need to figure out which of the five models is best for you. Keep reading to find all the differences you need to know in my Nespresso Lattissima model comparison guide.
Espresso Selections
All five Lattissima machines brew two different Nespresso pod sizes (1.35 oz espresso and 3.7 oz lungo) using the same exact 19 bar pressure system. That means you’ll get the same, great tasting espresso no matter which model you pick. If you choose the Lattissima Gran or Pro, you’ll also have the option of making ristretto. Compared to espresso, ristretto is made using less water so it has less volume (0.85 oz) and is more concentrated.
All 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 any of these models. If you want to be able to brew both coffee and espresso, you should buy a Nespresso Vertuo.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso Sizes | 1. Espresso 2. Lungo 3. Ristretto | 1. Espresso 2. Lungo 3. Ristretto | 1. Espresso 2. Lungo | 1. Espresso 2. Lungo | 1. Espresso 2. Lungo |
Milk-Based Recipe Selections
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 Lattissima Gran allows you to make more milk-based drinks with the push of a button compared to the Pro, Touch, Plus and One. In addition to a cappuccino and a latte macchiato which you can make with any Lattissima model, the Gran can also make a caffe latte and a flat white.
The Lattissima Touch and the Lattissima One both have three milk drinks. In addition to a cappuccino and latte macchiato, the Touch can make a caffe latte and the One can make an espresso macchiato.
The Lattissima Pro and Plus have the fewest recipe options. They can only make a cappuccino and a latte macchiato.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk-Based Recipes | 1. Cappuccino 2. Flat white 3. Caffe latte 4. Latte macchiato | 1. Cappuccino 2. Latte macchiato | 1. Cappuccino 2. Cafe latte 3. Latte macchiato | 1. Cappuccino 2. Latte macchiato | 1. Cappuccino 2. Latte macchiato 3. Espresso macchiato |
| Milk Only Options | 8. Hot milk 9. Hot foam | 6. Hot foam | 6. Hot foam | N/A | N/A |
The beauty of the Lattissima Nespresso machines is that they can make all of these milk-based drinks with the push of a button. Pop in a capsule, select your drink and your machine will do the rest. It will add the right volume of espresso, the right amount of milk and foam and all in the right order for the recipe you selected.
Hot Milk Only
If you want to make your own recipe, the Lattissima Gran, Pro and Touch can also prepare hot milk or foam (depending on the model) without espresso. That can come in handy if you want an easy way to make some hot chocolate.
Hot Water
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. In comparison to other Nespresso Lattissima models, 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
Most of the Lattissima models have labeled buttons that you use to make your drink selections. The exception is the Lattissima Pro which also has a digital display screen.
Power And Speed
There is not much of a difference in the power rating across the Lattissima models. However, there is a difference in how quickly the machines heat up. The Lattissima Pro is the fastest, whereas the Lattissima Plus is the slowest. There is not much of a difference between the Gran Lattissima, Touch and One models. All Lattissima models have the optional energy saving mode.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Power Rating (watts) | 1300 | 1300 | 1300 | 1400 | 1400 |
| Heat Up Time (seconds) | 30 | 15 | 25 | 40 | 30 |
Machine Size
Compared to the basic Original line models, the Lattissima range of espresso makers all have a larger footprint. This isn’t a surprise given that they have the built in milk container for the Rapid Cappuccino System. If you are tight on counter space, the Lattissima One is the smallest of the group. The Gran Lattissima and the Pro are the largest. The Gran and Pro Lattissima models are also quite a bit heavier compared to the other ones.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7 x 10 x 14.4 in | 7.6 x 10.8 x 13 in | 6.8 x 10.2 x 12.6 in | 6.7 x 10.2 x 12.6 in | 6.1 x 10.1 x 12.8 in |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs | 12.6 lbs | 9.9 lbs | 9.8 lbs | 9.3 lbs |
Care And Maintenance
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. With the smallest water tank and used pod holder, the Lattissima Touch has the clear disadvantage here compared the Plus, One, Pro and Gran. The Lattissima Pro has the largest water reservoir. The Lattissima Gran and the Pro hold more used capsules vs the Touch, Plus and One.
All five models will require more deep cleaning (called descaling) every 3 months or so. This will remove mineral buildup from water that can impact performance as well as the taste and temperature of your espresso.
| Lattissima Model | Gran | Pro | Touch | Plus | One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Tank Size | 34 fl oz | 44 fl oz | 30 fl oz | 30 fl oz | 34 fl oz |
| Used Capsule Capacity | 14 pods | 13 pods | 8 pods | 10 pods | 10 pods |
Nespresso Lattissima and Creatista Comparison
As mentioned earlier, the Lattissima range by De’Longhi and Creatista range by Breville are both premium Nespresso models with built in milk frothing. Given that the price points are similar, it is worth understanding the differences to see which one you may prefer. 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. 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. Like the Rapid Cappuccino System, the steam wand 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.
Still unsure about Nespresso?
If you are still on the fence about buying one of these machines, you can read more about why I think a Nespresso is worth it or learn more about the other models out there.
