Nespresso Lattissima Plus Espresso Machine
Next up is the Lattissima Plus. This is a slightly higher-end choice, but we love it because it combines all the features of a great espresso machine with a milk wand. This will allow you to not only pull shots, but craft drinks such as lattés and cappuccinos.
This machine uses Nespressos Original pods, and this makes it another good choice for traditionalists.
With a great heating system, it wont have you waiting too long for your morning coffee. And with its intuitive controls, youll be able to experiment with differing amounts of water and milk. The Lattissima Plus specifically lets you adjust these settings and then set the machine to remember.
The milk frothing process makes use of a well-positioned wand. While it definitely requires regular cleaning, many users report that the wand works well and is not too difficult to keep neat.
RELATED: Read our recent review of the Nespresso Lattissima Pro!
Nespressos Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine is similar to the Lattissima. However, it uses the newer Vertuo pods. For this reason, it will provide some more flexibility in your brewing. Its a great choice for someone who wants to enjoy some straight espresso, some more complicated drinks with milk, and some regular coffee.
This machine includes a 40-ounce water reservoir and a clever auto-shutoff feature. Additionally, it can eject capsules after brewing, and this takes some of the clean-up off your plate.
The Verdict: Pod Coffee Machines
Cuisinart gets an honorable mention for versatility, but, in our opinion, Nespresso is leading the market in both form and function. The VertuoPlus looks good, fits most kitchens, incorporates thoughtful design details to optimize convenience , dispenses beautiful, premium coffees, and leads the way with recyclable aluminum capsules. Just like Clooney, this smooth operator is an A-list model.
Why You Should Trust Us
For guidance on what a real espresso should taste like, we consulted Sprudge associate editor Liz Clayton, who has worked on our guides to coffee makers and coffee grinders. We also interviewed several colleagues at Wirecutter who swore by their Nespressos to learn what they loved about their machines. We visited two New York City Nespresso Boutiques to examine and handle each machine in real life, as well as to attend a tasting of drinks made from several different Nespresso models. Writer Sabrina Imbler is an avid coffee drinker and also wrote our guide to the best French press.
Don’t Miss: Can Coffee Make You Tired
Peet’s Coffee Variety Pack
The capsules are available in four different amazing flavors. This is 100 percent Arabica Coffee. Even though you can use them for your Nespresso coffee machines, these capsules are not for Nespresso Vertuoline. In terms of flavors, go for Decaf Ristretto, Crema Scura, Ricchezza, and Nerissimo. You should give the Crema Scura a try as it has an intensity level of 9.
- Contains four Boxes of 10 Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules, One Box Each of Ricchezza, Crema Scura, Ristretto, and Nerissimo Espresso
- Flavor and Roast: Ricchezza Crema Scura , Ristretto , Nerissimo
- Designed for Nespresso Original Machines Only: Compatible brewers include Essenza Mini, Essenza Plus, Pixie, CitiZ, Lattissima, KitchenAid, and Creatista. Not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines
- Recyclable: Peets aluminum capsules are fully recyclable through our mail-back program. Each aluminum capsule is sealed to preserve that delicious aroma and flavor for an intense espresso experience
- How to Brew: Peet’s capsules are designed for Ristretto or Espresso pulls on your Nespresso Original brewer.
How To Use Nespresso
If youre going to use Nespresso-compatible capsules, make sure first that theyre actually compatible with your machine. Newer machines are harder to find compatible pods for. Older models may have more options as the needles were able to pierce even plastic pods. You can find out more from the manufacturer of the individual pods.
Make sure that youre putting the pods in just right as well. If you dont line them up exactly, the needle may not come into contact with the thinner area of the pod, and it may not be able to open it up properly. That means you need to pay careful attention to how you install it and whether the lid of the machine closes.
If the cover doesnt close, try to install the pod again and press down firmly. Make sure youre not pushing down too hard as you could break the needle or the pod itself. That would just cause a bigger mess for you.
Finally, make sure to clear out the pod bin to make sure that new pods can be easily loaded in.
Also Check: How To Get Coffee Out Of Shirt
Buying A Dualit Pod Machine
Dualit makes a small range of compact coffee machines that give the flexibility of using either ground coffee, ESE pods or Dualit NX coffee pods which you use with a specially adapted portafilter.
What drinks you can make: Plenty of coffee and tea options.
Capsule price: 20p-29p
Available from: Stores including John Lewis and Lakeland, and online
Compatible pods: Its NX pods are Nespresso-compatible so can be used in Nespresso Original machines and Nespresso-compatible models, as well as Dualit’s own range.
Recycling: According to Dualit, if your recycling collection accepts mixed plastics, you can recycle its plastic NX pods if you dismantle, empty and clean them out. Dualit also sells a range of compostable capsules that can be composted industrially using your local councils food waste collection scheme .
Pros: Easy to use
See all our Dualit coffee machine reviews.
Bestcapsule / Coffee Pod Machine
- Award Winner 2021
Milk Frother
The small-but-mighty Essenza Mini is Nespresso’s most compact offering. It packs a punch for coffee drinkers who love a perfectly brewed cup, but want to save space on their kitchen benchtop.
Price
- Input Power1,260 to 1,870 W
- Water Tank Capacity1 L
- Colour / FinishBlack, Cream, Red, Silver and White
- Heat-upTime
- Award Winner 2022
Milk Frother
Most reviewers positively raved about their Nespresso Creatistas performance, which made it worth its price. Some purchased multiple units, while others used their pod machine up to eight times daily.
Price
- Colour / FinishBlack Truffle, Brushed Stainless Steel, Sea Salt and Smoked Hickory
- Heat-upTime
- Shot FunctionsRistretto, Espresso and Lungo
Milk Frother
The small-but-mighty Essenza Mini is Nespresso’s most compact offering. It packs a punch for coffee drinkers who love a perfectly brewed cup, but want to save space on their kitchen benchtop.
Price
- Colour / FinishLime Green, Red and White
- Heat-upTime
- 900 x 205 x 330 mm
- Heat-upTime
Milk Frother
At under $200, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie is not only affordable, but uses a slow extraction method that has reviewers raving about its full-bodied, café-quality taste.
Price
- 210 x 124 x 330 mm
- Auto Shut-offYes
Also Check: How Much Caffeine In Nespresso Voltesso
Nespresso Inissia Machine Best Value
This next model is a super basic machine all around. The Inissia uses the Original capsules, and its our overall pick as best Nespresso machine for the money. We think youll enjoy how reliable it is, and how well the slim design can fit into any kitchen.
Because the Inissia uses the Original capsules, it is like the previous model a good choice for those who already know what kind of Nespresso they like. With a simple control system and a quick boiler, this machine will not disappoint.
Consider the Inissia as a great choice for difficult places. For example, the no-nonsense approach complements a busy office. The simplicity will be a boon if youre buying a machine to be used by kids or the elderly.
- Doesnt fit larger cups or travel mugs very well
How To Buy The Best Coffee Capsule Machine
When you purchase a capsule machine youre essentially buying into a particular brand of coffee too. Having tried all the major pod brands, my overall favourite brand is Lavazza , followed closely by Illy . Nespresso takes third place for having pods I feel are a bit too small and, in many cases, too weak for my leathery palette. To illustrate this I cut open a Lavazza and Nespresso pod and measured the contents. The Lavazza contained 7 grams of coffee while the Nespresso came in at just 4 grams.
There is another Nespresso option, however, and its called the Vertuo system. Instead of just one standard pod size, the Vertuo uses five different sizes to satisfy a wide range of coffee preferences: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and extra large Alto. Youll also be pleased to learn that the Vertuos standard espresso capsules contents weigh a much more respectable 7g just like the Lavazza pods with the larger pods weighing in at substantial 13 grams. Nespresso Vertuo pods retail from 43p per pod.
As with any coffee-making machine, we would recommend using only bottled water with your pod system because a) it tastes better and b) theres less chance of the internals getting clogged by limescale.
For Americanos, espressos and other, more purist drinks that dont rely on milk, results range from good to excellent. These machines can also serve as a “gateway drug” to a more heavy-duty, non-pod coffee maker.
Also Check: What Coffee Maker Brews The Hottest Coffee
Very Interesting Flavored Capsules:
- Creamy Coconut: Brazilian dark roast with coconut flavors.
- Chocolate Donut: Ethiopian dark roast with chocolate flavors.
- Vanilla Macaron: A great dark roast from Ethiopia with biscuit taste and vanilla flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: A great flavored coffee made with dark roasted Brazilian beans
- Hazelnut Cupcake: Dark roasted coffee from East Africa, with light hazelnut tastes.
- Sea Salt Caramel: A rather excellent capsule I must say! Ethiopian beans and dark roasted.
- Peppermint Bark: A Dark roast from Southeast Asia with lovely minty tones.
My Suggestion: Absolute must trys are the Sea Salt caramel, Pumpkin Spice and Broadway coffee capsules. You will enjoy the aromas and flavors. If you are new to this brand start with their variety pack and enjoy a different coffee regularly.
Look For Flavor First
Coffee lovers know that when youre shopping for espresso capsules that are compatible with Nespresso , freshness often has a bigger influence on the coffees flavor than the origin of the bean or even its roast level. Thats why were more inclined to recommend large and well-established brands with a lot of turnovers. Smaller boutique brands are often better for whole bean coffee.
So instead of seeking out a particular region of origin or roast, look for a brand you trust and a flavor profile you enjoy.
Weve recommended several variety packs for this exact reason. These are fantastic not only because they allow you to sample many flavor profiles to find your favorite but also because you can switch up your coffee each day.
Maybe its a mellow sunny day, and you want a mild brew. Or perhaps you have a hectic workday planned and need something more intense. This is one of the great benefits of single-serve coffee machines in general!
Don’t Miss: How To Make Coffee Drinks At Home
The Best Nespresso Capsule Alternative
With capsules ranging from $0.30 to $0.50, Bestpresso is one of the cheapest options on the list, but that doesnt mean the quality isnt there. Bestpresso capsules contain some great coffee.
There are varieties from around the world, as well as flavors like caramel, vanilla, and chocolate.
Not all of Bestpressos coffees are ethically sourced, and their capsules are not biodegradable or compostable. However, Bestpresso gives you the option of including a recycling bag in your online order, so you can collect the cups and send them back to Bestpresso to be recycled.
There are some great-tasting varieties of coffee here, even if it is not the most ethical or sustainable of the coffee companies we reviewed. If you are looking for the cheapest Nespresso capsules on the market without compromising flavor, Bestpresso is the right choice.
This is a great choice and almost won for best tasting. Peets has a passionate following and if you try their sampler pack you might end up addicted as well.
Peets capsules average about $0.70 per capsule.
The espresso varieties are done well, with their Richezza and Crema Scura being two of my favorites.
The company has done an excellent job supporting coffee farmers and the environment at the same time. 100% of their coffee is ethically sourced according to Enveritas standards, and even their roasting process is LEED-certified. They are helping out farms on an individual level with training and other support.
Other Options We Tested
- Nespresso Vertuo Next: The Vertuo Next is notable for being made of 54 percent recycled materials, according to Nespresso. It didn’t make our list, however, as we found usage a little more confusing than average, along with some coffee sediment at the bottom of our cups.
- Nespresso Creatista Pro: The Creatista Pro is one of the more advanced Nespresso machines, and it offers users a lot of control over their coffee. But we prefer its newer iteration, the Creatista Plus.
- Nespresso Pixie: This is one of the fastest and most compact Nespresso makers. While it’s certainly worthwhile, we opted to showcase a similar machine in the Essenza Mini.
- Nespresso CitiZ: The CitiZ is a compact OriginalLine machine available in numerous colors. Unfortunately, we found the espresso too watery for our liking.
- Nespresso Vertuo Plus: The Vertuo Plus performed well in our testing process, but the taste and consistency of coffee made by the Vertuo won us over.
Read Also: Is Coffee Meets Bagel Free
How To Clean Your Nespresso Coffee Machine
Over time, coffee oils and the residue from grinds build up in all coffee machines, as does limescale from water. These will not only affect the performance of your machine but also the flavour of your coffee. Descaling packs are a safe way to flush your Nespresso coffee machine of this residue with minimal fuss and mess. Buy the Nespresso Descaling kit pack of 2 for £7
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Pod Machine
Best machine for pod versatility
Pros:
- Reliable crema every time, no matter the drink size.
- Made from 54% recycled plastic
- Versatile range of Nespresso pods available
Cons:
- Takes Nespresso pods only
Star rating: 4.5/5
This coffee pod has a single button, but can make five different drinks. How? Because each has a bespoke barcode on the underside that the machine scans to know which drink to brew. Pop a pod into this machine, manually adjust the drip tray to accommodate your chosen cup and the machine whirrs into life, brewing espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, and alto drinks, each with a thick layer of silky froth. It’s the right hazelnut colour for a crema and although a tad foamy, is a reliable addition for crema lovers.
Available from:
- Easy serve espresso pods compatible
Cons:
- The lungo coffee isn’t as long as we’d have liked
- The illy ESE pods were individually wrapped in protective sleeves
Star rating: 4/5
You May Like: Dunkin Donuts Cocoa Mocha Latte
What Are The Different Types Of Nespresso Machines
Nespresso splits its machines into its Vertuo line and an Original line. Vertuo coffee makers will have this branding in their names, however the Original line encompasses larger and sometimes more expensive devices like the Lattissima, CitiZ, and Essenza.
The main difference between Vertuo and Original Nespresso machines is the coffee sizes you’ll be able to brew from them. The Vertuo line offers everything from 1.35oz to 18oz while Originals are designed to offer smaller but stronger brews of between 0.85oz and 5oz.
You’ll also need different pods for these machines, but both are made from recyclable aluminium and offer a massive range of blends and strengths.
Nespresso Vertuo Espresso & Coffee Machine
This machine by Breville has an alluring modern design, five size options, an impressive 15-second heating time, and the Aeroccino 3 milk frother for a cappuccino-style finish. It requires a special type of Nespresso pods, which are dome-shaped and spin up to 7,000 times a minute inside the brewer. This creates a delicious crema layer over your finished cup. The package also includes a variety bundle of Nespresso pods, so you can decide which flavors you like best.
While this is a great machine, it didnt make the top spot on our list because of its specialized pods. Some users may not have a problem finding the pods, but theyre not as readily available as K-Cups. Nespresso also doesnt offer nearly the flavor variety of Keurig, and this machine may not make coffee hot enough for some people.
- May not make hot enough cup for some
You May Like: How Much Is Kona Coffee In Hawaii
Which Varieties Are Included
Now you can have the best of both worlds with Nespresso from our list! There are now compatible pods that come in one flavor or a variety pack.
If youre not finding the perfect coffee for your taste, then perhaps its time to try something new. Many people love variety and are always on the go so that they can enjoy their favorite drink any hour of day or night never get bored with just one type!
How To Choose Alternative To Nespresso Machine: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the alternative to nespresso machine? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right alternative to nespresso machine? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying alternative to nespresso machine
When shopping for a alternative to nespresso machine, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
Read Also: How To Get Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans