The Nespresso Machine We Recommend: Nespresso Essenza Mini
*At the time of publishing, the price was $140.
In terms of the quality of the drinks they make, all Nespresso machines are basically the same, so the least expensive model is your best bet. The Nespresso Essenza Mini is our pick because it makes the same espresso-like drink as any other model in the Original line for a fraction of the cost. You can even program it to brew your preferred volume of coffee. The Essenza Minis slim, tidy frame takes up less space than a hot water kettle and can easily squeeze between kitchen appliances with countertop to spare. Plus, it comes in two shapes and five colors to blend in well with any kitchen.
The Essenza Mini is a fully functional, if basic, Nespresso machine. A Nespresso representative confirmed to us that the brewing technology inside the Essenza Mini is exactly the same as that of every single other machine in the Original line. So when you buy a more expensive Nespresso model, such as the CitiZ , what youre actually paying for are glossy steel parts or milk-frothing capabilities. Sure, more expensive machines also offer larger water tanks and the ability to hold more used capsules. But refilling the Essenza Minis water tank or emptying the waste container takes mere seconds, and we dont think the extra storage is worth a hundred dollars more.
The brewing technology inside the Essenza Mini is exactly the same as that of every single other machine in the Original line.
Upgrade Pick: Nespresso Essenza Plus
*At the time of publishing, the price was $210.
If you want a Nespresso machine that can make a wider variety of espresso drinks, we recommend the Nespresso Essenza Plus. This slightly larger machine can brew espressos, lungos, and ristrettoseverything the Essenza Mini canbut it can also brew two sizes of Americano by adding hot water to your espresso, so its an excellent option for households that enjoy different coffee drinks or for people who may want something more similar to regular coffee. The Essenza Plus also boasts a larger water tank and used-capsule tray than our top pick offers, and thanks to its few extra inches of height, it can accommodate taller cups than the Essenza Mini can.
To brew an Americano with the Essenza Plus, you simultaneously press the hot water button and either the espresso or lungo button, depending on the size of Americano you want. The hot water button also works on its own, as the water comes out of a separate spigot. Though this hot water feature initially struck us as an exciting option to brew tea, we found that the Essenza Pluss hot water comes out, at its hottest, at around 160 °Fnot hot enough for most teas. And if youve just brewed coffee, in order to avoid a muddied cup of water you have to wait several minutes for the spigot to stop dripping its final brown droplets before you can brew the hot water.
What Should You Consider Before Buying Nespresso Coffee Capsules
Roast
There are a few types of roasts out there, such as light, medium, or dark, that determine the taste and aromas of the coffee. Finding your preferred roast is an excellent place to start, as most of the Nespresso coffee capsule manufacturers will have this information on their product packaging or description.
VertuoLine or OriginalLine
There are two different types of Nespresso coffee machines: VertuoLine and OriginalLine. The OriginalLine machine only brews espresso, but the VertuoLine can make espresso and regular coffee.
Because of these different functions, the two machines require different capsules. Double-check which machine you own and which machine the capsules are tailored for most of the time, the manufacturer of these capsules will write down exactly which coffee machine is the most suitable one.
Intensity
You may notice intensity numbers on packages of Nespresso capsules. Nespresso uses a numbered scale from 1 to 13. The lower the number, the lighter the flavor. The higher the number, the bolder the flavor. These numbers take some getting used to, but are a quick way to compare and determine which capsules will suit your palette.
For example, if you usually prefer a strong coffee drink, then anything over 9 is usually a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter, less intense coffee, then choose with a number less than 7.
Quantity
Taste
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Nespresso Capsules Vertuoline Variety Pack
If your new Nespresso machine takes Vertuoline pods, snag this variety pack, which contains 30 pods spread over three of the brands best-selling coffee blends. Youll get a chance to check out Nespresso’s Stormio, Odacio and Melozio blends, which vary in caffeine contents. Amazon buyers love this one, with over 36,000 shoppers giving the set an average 4.8 stars and hailing its great tasting coffee.
Glass Nespresso Vertuoline Storage Drawer
Keep everything organized with this tempered glass storage drawer, which holds 40 Vertuoline capsules and can support the weight of your Nespresso maker on top, making it a great space saver. Amazon buyers have given it an average 4.8 stars with over 21,000 reviews, and say it makes for a beautiful display.
You May Like: Espresso Pods For Nespresso Vertuo
Best For Lattes: Nespresso Originalline Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio
Courtesy of Bloomingdales
What We Love:Strong espresso that can stand up to steamed milk complex flavor profile
What We Don’t Love: Bitter and bold, which may not suit all tastes
When selecting an espresso to use in a milk-based beverage like a latte, it makes sense to opt for a dark, bold roast that can hold its own and maintain a strong balance with the mild flavor and rich texture of the milk.
The Nespresso Arpeggio Intenso fulfills all of these requirements, along with hints of malt and fruit from the Arabica beans, as well as savory smoky notes.
Series: Original | Intensity: 9 | Serving Size: 1.4 ounces | Roast:Dark
Best Dark Roast: Nespresso Originalline Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar
Courtesy of Amazon
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Enjoy with or without milk
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Caffeine content may be too high for some
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Bitterness is acquired taste
With an intensity rating of 12 out of 13, the Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar makes a darkly delicious cup of coffee. The blend contains three different types of coffee beans, two of which are sourced in South America and the third from Central America. The resulting flavor is extremely bold and the shot itself is super rich in body. There’s also a mild spiciness that sets the capsules apart from many other dark roasts. Brace yourself for the scrumptiously bitter aftertaste, almost like eating dark chocolate. The Palermo Kazaar capsules will wake you up in the morning with a punch of caffeine or give a taste of late-night decadence. Keep in mind that these capsules are only compatible with OriginalLine machines.
Category: Original | Intensity: 12 out of 13 | Cup Size: 0.85 and 1.35 ounces| Origin: South America and Latin America | Roast: Dark
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How To Choose The Best Nespresso Capsules
Once youve noted what style of Nespresso machine youre shopping for , choosing the right Nespresso pods for you comes down to your taste. Do you like dark and intense roasts? Do you like to add milk to your coffee? What flavors do you enjoy? This buyers guide will help you take your answers to these questions and turn them into the perfect morning cup of coffee.
Gourmesso Flavored Espresso Capsules Variety Pack
Soothe your soul and your coffee brain with Gourmessos variety pack of certified fair trade coffees. The 50 pods are preservative-free and are made with BPA-free, food-grade plastic. The pack features caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate and coconut blends, and the company offers a satisfaction guarantee. More than 3,400 shoppers on Amazon give the coffee a glowing review for its rich flavors.
Read Also: How To Order Coffee At Tim Hortons
Nespresso Vertuoline Barista Creations
Pros
Cons
Bianco Forte is made for intense milk coffee lovers, including Reverso Intenso. It emulates robust, yet perfectly balanced Melbourne baristas recipes. It uses contrasting split roasted Arabicas from Colombia and Kenya for cereal notes and milky sweetness.
One of the most popular Nespresso Vertuo pods, Bianco Leggero is inspired by the Brooklyn baristas. It features the light-roasted natural sweetness of the Indonesian and Kenyan Arabicas. Youll feel the decadent notes of caramel with sweet biscuits.
at no cost to you.
Who Should Get A Nespresso
Nespresso isnt the same as drip coffee, and a Nespresso machines reliance on single-use capsules means it cant make a pot for multiple people. Its great if you want an ultra-concentrated espresso-like drink or a morning latte. But if you just want a big cup of coffee, plenty of other setups will serve you better. The trade-off is the time and effort those other methods require: Although easy to use, our favorite coffee machine brews a full pot in just under seven minutes. Any French press takes around four minutes to brew. Pour-over, too, takes several carefully attended minutes during which you need to add hot water. You also have to clean all these devices after each use.
What you get from a Nespresso machine is not quite espresso but more a thin, ultra-concentrated, espresso-size coffee drink.
Another thing: Nespresso has historically faced criticism from environmentalists for creating huge amounts of waste through its single-use capsules. The company has since expanded and upgraded its recycling program, which lets you ship used capsules back to Nespresso to be recycled for free . But if sustainability is a priority, you might steer clear of Nespresso in the first place. Read more about the environmental case against Nespresso below.
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Best Decaf: Nespresso Vertuoline Altissio Decaffeinato
Nespresso
What We Love: Equal in flavor to Nespressos caffeinated capsules
What We Don’t Love:Only comes in 1.4-ounce pods only works with VertuoLine machine
Since espresso is so closely associated with an invigorating jolt of caffeine, decaf espresso often finds itself shunted to the side of any discussion about this style of coffee.
However, Nespresso makes an excellent decaffeinated espresso for its Vertuo machine. It features a medium roast with a mixture of Costa Rican Arabica and Brazilian Robusta beans, which creates a clear and concentrated flavor with a silky texture.
Series: Vertuo | Intensity:9 | Serving Size: 1.4 ounces | Roast: Medium
Difference Between Vertuo Line And Original Line
- Brew Sizes Vertuo Line offers 18, 8, 5, 2.7, and 1.35 oz. pod sizes. On the other hand, Original Line offers 5, 3.7, 1.35, and 0.85 oz. pod sizes.
- Pod Shapes All of the Vertuo Line pods have a rounded-shaped bottom and wider on top. All Original Line pods have a bullet-shaped bottom and a 37 mm width at the top.
- Drink Variations Vertuo Line pods are for coffees and espressos. Original Line pods are used only for espresso and similar milk-based drinks.
- Extraction Style Vertuo Line machines use the Centrifusion technology whereas, the Original line applies the simple puncture and pressure formula.
Also Check: What Is Starbucks Strongest Coffee
Finding The Right Nespresso Coffee Pod Intensity For You
Nespresso coffee pods use an intensity scale between 1 to 12, with anything below a 6 intensity considered as not intense, and anything around 8 and above considered a strong, intense cup of coffee. The intensity scale for Nespresso coffee pods do not measure caffeine level, however, but rather the intensity and fullness of the body in the coffee pods.
The intensity affects a few things, most importantly the concentration of coffee , the degree of the roast, and the robustness of the coffees overall body. The higher the rating of our Nespresso coffee pods will mean a bolder, more intense cup of coffee experience.
If you are looking for something to wake you up, but isnt quite as bitter, we do have some options for you, like our Media Noche, which has a fruitier taste profile with pleasant aromatics and yet a delicious richness. Our Nespresso coffee pods do tend to have a higher level of intensity because we here at Volcanica Coffee enjoy a strong cup of coffee.
Our more intense Nespresso coffee pods are still smooth and delicious, with intense bodies of cocoa notes with a nice bite to them to really get your morning going. Whatever your caffeinated coffee pod needs, we have you covered with our wide array of delicious Nespresso coffee pods.
Don Francisco’s & Cafe La Llave Espresso Capsules Variety Pack
For those looking to dip even further into the world of coffee exploration, theres the Don Francisco variety pack, which contains 50 different capsules from the companys four espresso varieties. You can even feel good about buying these pods, because they’re fully recyclable through Terracycle. The California-based coffee company has blended, roasted and packed its java in one form or another for more than 140 years, so theyve got to be doing something right.
Also Check: Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker
The Real Flavor Factors
So before we dive into the crema, we need to talk about the brew underneath it. As we mentioned before, the two lines have different brew technology. The Original has a classic pump-based, pressure-driven one while the VertuoLine uses a new centrifugal extraction method.
Consequently, the VertuoLine machines use lower temperature than the Original machines. This seemingly minor difference can actually have a pretty big impact on the taste of your brew. The higher temperature means more of the oils will be extracted from the grounds, making for a more flavorful, stronger coffee.
This leaves the Vertuo models producing milder coffee that may even come out closer to lukewarm than piping hot. And while the OriginalLine isnt going to give you the same heat as a fresh French Press or real espresso machine brew, the cups still tend to be pleasantly warm.
So if it isnt giving you a stronger or hotter coffee, what is this centrifugal technology doing? Its making more crema.
Best Bargain: Bestpresso Variety Pack
Courtesy of Amazon
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Thorough coffee descriptions on packaging and website
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Inconsistent taste
If you love your Nespresso machine but wish the capsules were just a little less expensive, these Nespresso-compatible pods by Bestpresso can save you some money. This kit comes with 120 pods, with 20 of each variety. They are certified kosher, have no preservatives or sugar, and when youre done making coffee, the capsules are recyclable. The included varieties are Ristretto, Intenso, Arabica, Espresso, Lungo, and Verona with intensity ratings ranging from six to 12. These capsules are not compatible with Nespresso Vertuoline machines.
Category: Original | Intensity: 6 to 11 out of 11 | Cup Size: 0.87,1.35, and 2.87 ounces | Origin: Various | Roast: Medium to dark
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Best Light Roast: Nespresso Master Origin Ethiopia
Amazon
What We Love: Lightweight but flavorful pairs well with breakfast and dessert
What We Don’t Love: Only works with OriginalLine machines only provides a 1.4 oz pour
An espresso thats light, drinkable, and multifaceted all at once, Nespresso Ethiopia Master Origin serves up beautiful fruit and flower aromatics, resulting in a coffee that feels like a treat, even on the most hectic of workdays.
This blend is made from dry-processed Arabica beans, and its lighter roast lends Ethiopia Master Origin a top-tier balance of deep aromas and delicate flavor notes.
Series: Original | Intensity: 4 | Serving Size: 1.4 ounces | Roast: Mild
Best Variety: Nespresso Originalline Ispirazione Espresso Variety Pack
Courtesy of Amazon
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Covers wide range of flavors
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Same price-per-capsule as single sleeve
If you havent yet picked a favorite Nespresso capsule, a variety pack lets you sample different espresso varieties without committing to one of them. Its also great for guests, who can choose different coffees to suit their own preferences. This pack comes with a total of 100 capsules, with 10 of each type of coffee. The varieties include Capriccio, Fortissio Lungo, Roma, Vivalto Lungo, Volluto, Cosi, Firenze Arpeggio, Ristretto, Ristretto Decaf, and Livanto. The intensity ratings in this collection range from four to 10, and each capsule brews a 1.35-ounce cup of coffee.
These capsules are not compatible with Nespresso Vertuoline machines.
Category: Original | Intensity: 4 to 9 out of 13 | Cup Size: 0.85, 1.35, and 3.7 ounces | Origin: Various | Roast: Light to dark
Read Also: Organic Decaf Coffee K Cups
Whats The Difference Between Nespresso And Espresso
The difference between Nespresso and espresso is mainly in the preparation before brewing. Pre-ground coffee is encapsulated in an aluminum Nespresso pod in a Nespresso machine. But for an espresso machine, freshly ground coffee is densely packed into a metal filter basket. After this, both machines use pumps to force hot water through the coffee under high pressure to yield similarly small and intensely flavored shots.
Lavazza Decaf Dark Roast Nespresso Pods
If youre looking for the taste of coffee without all the caffeine, consider picking up Lavazzas box of decaf espresso pods, which are well-priced at just $27.99 for 60. Lavazza says the pods are packed with a full-bodied Brazilian Arabica and a sweet Southeast Asian Robusta, and that the coffee undergoes a natural decaffeination method that preserves the beans aroma, meaning youll get maximum coffee vibes with minimum coffee shakes.
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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.