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Nespresso Machine Comparison & Buying Guide

Taking the time to read a comparison of Nespresso machines is key before you decide to buy. After all, these machines are not cheap! Most importantly, what Nespresso machine to buy will depend on whether you like to drink espresso, regular coffee, or both.

The old Nespresso models, known as the Original line, brew only espresso pods. Espresso is a highly concentrated coffee that is typically served in small shots. Espresso is the only type of coffee that can be used to make milk-based drinks like lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, americanos and flat whites.

On the other hand, the new Nespresso model, called the Vertuo line, can make a wide range of beverages and cup sizes. While there are a handful of espresso Vertuo capsules, the big differentiator for Vertuo machines is that they can also make a traditional American 8-14 ounce cup of coffee. If your go-to morning drink is a regular coffee or if you enjoy both, then a Vertuo coffee maker is for you.

Once you know which line is right for you, choosing a model will come down to the functionality you value. We have all of the info you need for a comparison of 2022 models so you can find the best Nespresso machine to buy for you.

If you are still on the fence about whether or not you even want a Nespresso machine, check out this article first where we explain why Nespresso is worth buying. Then come back to read our Nespresso machine comparison.

Old Nespresso Models Comparison (Original Line) – Espresso Only

All Original line espresso makers brew with a 19 bar pump pressure system. This makes a barista-quality espresso each time with just the push of a button. The key differences across the models have to due with milk-frothing features and machine size. Remember, these machines only prepare espresso, not the typical American-style coffee.

Summary

ModelOur RatingThis is the best Nespresso machine for…
Creatista Plus9/10The latte art-loving espresso enthusiast seeking the most beverage variety and the most creative control over the drink making process
Latissima Pro8/10The espresso enthusiast willing to trade some drink customization in favor of ease of use. Especially great for those who like to make larger or multiple milk-based drinks each day.
Latissima One8/10Espresso drinkers looking to spend less on a machine that is still a quick and easy way to make single-serve milk-based drinks.
CitiZ8/10Those with limited countertop space who want an espresso machine that looks as good as its coffee tastes. Option to buy with or without the Aeroccino milk frother.
Essenza Mini8/10Those with limited countertop space looking for a no fuss way to quickly brew espresso.

Note: when shopping the CitiZ and Essenza Mini you’ll see some machines made by Nespresso’s manufacturing partner De’Longhi while others are made by Breville. The functionality is exactly the same. The only difference is design and price so you should choose based on that.

Creatista Plus

Creatista Plus - Our top pick for best Nespresso machine to buy

The Nespresso Creatista Plus is one of the two most premium models and our pick for the best Nespresso original machine. It has more beverage choices than other machines. It makes cappuccinos, lattes, latte macchiatos and flat whites, in addition to a simple espresso, ristretto or lungo. Use the LCD screen on top of the machine to select your drink and then follow the simple 2-3 steps.

The Creatista Plus has a built-in steam pipe and comes with a stainless steel milk jug which are used to easily froth milk. The milk temperatures and froth settings are all customizable. The Creatista Plus makes it easy to for even a beginner to make coffee shop quality drinks at home. The steam wand cleans itself into the drip tray after every use and the LCD screen displays alerts when other cleaning is needed.

Latissima Pro

Latissima Pro Nespresso Machine

The Latissima Pro has a sleek brushed aluminum design with 5 different coffee drinks. With just the push of a button, you can use it to prepare a ristretto, an espresso, a lungo, a cappuccino or a latte macchiato.

You can also use it to warm milk froth or prepare hot water when you want tea. When making a cappuccino or a latte macchiato, the machine will prepare the espresso and milk in the correct order and the milk with be perfectly frothed every time.

The Latissima Pro has a large milk container that is removable and can be stored in the fridge if you are making a single, small drink.

Latissima One

Latissima One Nespresso machine

In addition to an espresso or lungo, the Latissima One can make three milky espresso drinks. Just fill the milk jug to the desired level, insert a pod, press the button and you can enjoy a cappuccino, a espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato. It heats up in just under 35 seconds.

The Latissima One is compact with a modern look in colors like black and white. However, the material used is mostly plastic. The single-serve milk jug is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

CitiZ

CitiZ Nespresso Machine

The Citiz has a compact, stylish retro-modern design, perfect for urban kitchens. It can make either an 1.35 oz espresso or a 5 oz lungo. It heats up in just 25 seconds.

You can buy the CitiZ model with or without the milk frother. If you want to make warm cappuccinos or lattes, then go for the bundle. If not, just stick with the basic CitiZ model.

Essenza Mini

De'longhi Essenza Mini - Best Nespresso Machine to buy at opening price point
De’Longhi design
Breville Essenza Mini - Best Nespresso Machine to buy at opening price point
Breville design

The Essenza Mini is the newest and most compact model. It can make a 1.35 oz espresso or a 5 oz lungo. Both the water reservoir and capsule drawer have less capacity than other models. As a result, the Essenza mini will require more frequent clean up. See my related post for an in-depth review of the Essenza Mini.

There are two different designs from Nespresso manufacturers – one by De’Longhi and one by Breville – but the functionality is the same. If you want to heat milk, you can buy a milk frother.

New Nespresso Models Comparison (VertuoLine) – Coffee & Espresso

All Vertuo coffee machines brew a variety of cup sizes: 1.35 oz espresso, 2.7 oz double espresso, 5 oz Gran Lungo, 8 oz coffee, and 14 oz Alto. Unlike the Original line, the Vertuo line uses barcodes on the pods to customize the brewing pressure, temperature and duration for the perfect cup of coffee every time. None of the models have hot milk making or frothing built-in. However, you can purchase the frother accessory separately or in a bundle.

Summary

ModelOur RatingThis is the best Nespresso machine for…
Vertuo Next5/10The coffee lover who enjoys pour-overs, has limited counter space and enjoys technology (or any 1 or more of those 3).
Vertuo Plus9/10The coffee drinker who wants to optimize their kitchen counter space and doesn’t need pour-overs or bluetooth
Evoluo9/10Coffee drinkers who have more flexible counter space and value speed and less frequent clean up
Vertuo8/10Coffee drinkers who have more flexible counter space and are willing to pay a small premium for slightly faster speed and less frequent clean up

Vertuo Next

Nespresso Vertuo Next - Newest Model To Buy

The Vertuo Next is the newest and smallest Vertuoline model. In addition to the five sizes that all Vertuo models can brew, the Next also has the ability to brew up to 18 oz of pour over coffee. After brewing coffee beans, the Vertuo Next will auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.

The width is only five and a half inches, making it perfect for small spaces. The Vertuo Next also has Bluetooth. It’s made from 54% recycled materials.

One word of caution. It seems many users of this machine who are members of Nespresso Facebook and Reddit groups complain about difficulties they have with the Vertuo Next, often within the first year. If you buy a Next, be sure to register it with Nespresso ASAP so that issues will be covered under your warranty.

VertuoPlus

Nespresso VertuoPlus Breville
Breville version
Nespresso VertuoPlus De'Longhi
De’Longhi version

The Nespresso VertuoPlus features a water tank with adjustable placement so you can optimize your kitchen counter space. There is even a deluxe version of the VertuoPlus that has a larger water tank for less frequent refilling. It has a motorized open and close and will auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.

The difference between the Breville and De’Longhi is a different top design. We recommend choosing the one with the best price.

Vertuo

Nespresso Vertuo - What Nespresso Machine to Buy?

This is the original Vertuo model, released in 2014. It has a smaller footprint than the VertuoPlus, but the water tank does not move. While it lacks a couple of other features found in newer models, the core Vertuo brewing tech is the same. It also has benefits for those short on time like the fastest heat up time and largest used capsule container for less frequent clean up. Read our full review of how the Vertuo and VertuoPlus compare.

Evoluo

The Evoluo has the largest water tank and used capsule container of any Vertuo line. That makes it a great choice for people who want to spend less time cleaning. It also has more heating power than the VertuoPlus model. If you want to learn more, see my post on how the Evoluo compares to other Vertuoline models.

While technically a discontinued model, the Evoluo is a Nespresso fan favorite. You can still find legitimate first-party sellers online and Nespresso.com.

Once you decide which Nespresso machine to buy, it’s time to stock up on espresso or coffee pods! Use our buying guides to shop by caffeine content or intensity level to find your favorite Nespresso capsule. Once you get your machine, come back and see our post on how to use Nespresso machines for all of the info you need to know.

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