What Model Is My Nespresso Machine

Why Wed Avoid Machines With Milk Frothers

We tried a couple of Nespresso devices designed for people who want to make their own coffee drinks with frothed milk, but we didnt love any of them. In addition to selling several standalone milk frothers, Nespresso has an entire series of Lattissima machines in the Original line that boast integrated milk frothers. The cheapest in the series as of winter 2020 is the Lattissima One, which came out after we finished testing models. We tested the Lattissima+, a now-retired machine that, at around $400, was the cheapest milk-frothing option at the time of our testing. Even though the Lattissima+ is no longer around, we believe its performance is still indicative of the Lattissima line.

Like our picks, the Lattissima+ was capable of making a ristretto, espresso, and lungo. But it also had a built-in milk frother that could make lattes at the touch of a button. The frother was removable, so you could store it conveniently in the fridge along with any unused milk. You just filled up the milk container and replaced it on the machine, plopped in the capsule, angled the frothing spigot toward your cup, and awaited your cappuccino. But in our tests, the machine produced underwhelming cappuccinos, as the milk we frothed had little volume. The cappuccino wasnt bad but also wasnt exactly a cappuccino.

The Best Nespresso Machine

Two of our picks, the Essenza Plus and the Instant Pod, are out of stock due to supply chain issues. We stand by our picks, and recommend checking back often and buying as soon as theyre available.

After making and tasting over 100 espressos, lungos, latte macchiatos, and cappuccinos, weve determined that all Nespresso machines make identical drinks. We dont love the flavor of Nespresso, but for those who prefer espresso drinks to drip coffee, a Nespresso machine is the fastest and most convenient way to make something like them at homethough if you want to make real at-home espresso, we recommend these beginner setups instead. We like the compact Nespresso Essenza Mini because it makes the same quality coffee as machines that cost hundreds more, without any extra frills.

Our pick

The Essenza Mini makes the same espresso as $400 Nespresso machines but has a smaller footprint and no unnecessary features.

Buying Options

*At the time of publishing, the price was $140.

This larger-capacity machine can also brew Americanos, making it a good option for households that want both espressos and more diluted coffee drinks.

Buying Options

*At the time of publishing, the price was $210.

Also great

Big but inexpensive, the Instant Pod is the only machine that can brew both Nespressos and K-Cups.

Buying Options

*At the time of publishing, the price was $100.

Fixing Your Nespresso Vertuo Isnt Always Feasible Why

While, in theory, you can fix a broken seal or something, its not doable in practice. The Vertuo design contains many patented elements, and the entire design is specific to the Nespresso brand.

This means that finding spare parts wont be feasible, and if you can find them, it will be expensive. Also, you wont find much advice on repairing a Vertuo machine by hand.

If your Nespresso machine Keeps blinking and you want to know the reason behind it. Read our detailed guide on why is my Nespresso blinking orange.

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My Nespresso Coffee Machine Leaks

Dripping in Nespresso coffee machines is a classic Nespresso problem. If your Nespresso coffee machine drips from the top when making a coffee or just after, it is probably due to an excess of coffee residue. Be aware that it is not your fault, because to clean this area we have to disassemble part of the head, which is not usually done during normal maintenance.

In the carousel of images below, we show how a Nespresso Essenza leaked a lot of water from the head and how after disassembling and cleaning it, the coffee machine works as if it was brand new. If, after cleaning, the coffee machine is still the same, Im afraid you will have to do a more thorough cleaning by removing even more parts or replacing the entire head.

In some cases, it has been observed that the problem lies in how the machine punctures the capsules. Sometimes the problem is in the nozzle .

It may have broken or bent a little with use, which causes the water not to flow properly and your Nespresso machine to drip during or after coffee preparation.

Clogged Up Nespresso Machine

Nespresso urges its users to descale their Nespresso machines after every 6 months or after brewing 300 Nespresso capsules. Whichever may come first. Failing to do so creates problems such as gunked-up Nespresso machines that just wont function properly.

First of all, perform a thorough descaling of the Nespresso machine. Remove the pods and capsules, and fill the water tank with water and the descaling solution. Now start descaling your Nespresso machine.

Another thing you can do to ensure perfect unclogging is to manually unclog the openings. For instance, you can use a straightened-out paper clip or a pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the spouts. Moreover, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub the capsule system as well. Once you do this, run water through the machine a couple of times to rinse it.

Recommended Read:

• How To Descale Nespresso Vertuo Next

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The Lattissimas 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 DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima models is called the Rapid Cappuccino System. Its 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.

Limescale Buildup Reducing Water Pressure Needed For Piercing Nespresso Capsules

The water used to brew your pods contains minerals that build up inside your machine. If left untreated, these minerals can have a negative impact the machines water flow and pressure. Since water pressure plays an important role in piercing the Nespresso pods, limescale buildup could be the reason why your capsules are not getting punctured. Descaling is the the process that removes minerals.

Nespresso recommends you descale your coffee maker every 3 months or 300 capsules, whichever comes first. If your tap has hard water, meaning it contains higher level of minerals, then you should do this more frequently.

The steps to descale your Nespresso will vary depending on whether you have a Vertuo machine or an Original machine . You will need a descaling solution. If youve had your Nespresso for longer than 3 months and never descaled, you may need to repeat this process a couple times.

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Best Portable: Wacaco Minipresso Ns

• Only compatible with Nespresso capsules

The Wacaco Minipresso NS is a unique brewing device for the coffee drinker on the go. All you need is hot water, Nespresso capsules, and a little bit of elbow grease. It works via a semi-automatic piston that injects small amounts of water into the grounds with each press, until it reaches the correct extraction pressure. While this doesnt have the convenience of pushing a button and letting the machine do all the work, our testing team had no issue operating the pump after several attempts.

As the name suggests, the Minipresso takes up little storage space, whether you keep it in a suitcase, kitchen cabinet, or desk drawer. It’s also significantly cheaper than any Nespresso maker. Our tester found it easy to tote around in a purse or backpack and actually called the process of pulling her own espresso shot “fun.” Most importantly, the coffee was strong, tasty, and consistent each time. Just be prepared to hand wash the item for a minute or two after each use.

For more versatility at home, there are water tanks of different capacities available to make different types of coffee in different sizes. A protective case is also available if you will be traveling and bumping it around a lot.

The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell

Category: Original | MilkFrother: No | Water Tank: N/A | Capsule Container Capacity: N/A | Dimensions: 6.89 x 2.75 x 2.36 inches | Warranty: 1 year

Nespresso Lattisima + Review

The Lattisima + is the perfect machine for those who are committed to adding frothed milk to their espressos. If you are looking for the ultimate easy latte machine, then this is the one for you. With a fully integrated milk container and frothing system, there is no need to purchase a separate Aeroccino.

Pros:

• The onboard milk frothing system eliminates the need for a stand-alone Aeroccino, and consistently produces velvety, smooth froth for any milk-based beverage.
• There are four programmable buttons with automatic flowstop, to ensure that you are getting the perfect serving size out of every capsule.
• Lattisima + has an electronic notification system for descaling, that way the time for proper maintenance is never in question.
• Nespressos one touch system ensures that you will never mess up the perfect latte everything is programmable to eliminate as much labor from the process as possible.

Cons:

• The built-in milk frothing system eliminates the possibility to learn latte art. For those looking to be more involved in the process of latte art and milk-based espresso beverages, this machine does not offer much in the way of creativity.

• Dimensions with lever closed: 6.5 x 12.6 x 10 in
• Dimensions with lever open: 6.5 x 12.6 x 13.5 in

Best Suited For:

*Lattisima Touch:

The Lattisima Touch also adds two more programmable buttons to the base model, for a total of 6 preset options. This, together with the ability to add milk froth at will, allows for a more experimental approach.

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Nespresso Delonghi Coffee Makers: Breakdowns Or Deficiency

What usually goes wrong with Nespresso coffee machines? Well, the causes can be many, but before we start talking about solutions, a small clarification: When we have a problem with our Nespresso machine, we do not necessarily have a breakdown or a fault. Often, these situations can be rectified and do not affect the machines functionality.

We clarify this because talking about breakdowns implies that we must take the machine to a technical service in most cases. However, in many cases, the problems that arise can be corrected by ourselves in a very simple and easy way we are talking about jammed capsules, loose or broken parts, etc.

What Should You Do If You Have A Problem After Your Warranty Expires

If you run into a problem with your machine after your warranty expired, it is still worth giving Nespresso a call. They may offer to help repair or replace your machine, especially if the warranty is just recently expired. Alternatively, they may offer you a discount on a new machine. Nothing is guaranteed, but I have heard some users with expired warranties have had success.

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What Is The Best Nespresso Machine For You

As weve established, there are quite a few relevant points of interest in choosing a Nespresso machine.

Im going to take you through the entire product line and highlight some of the primary advantages and disadvantages that each of the machines have.

With some of them , it feels almost impossible to understand how they differ at first glance. They look really similar and their feature lists are almost mirror images. I promise they arent the same and Ill help you understand why.

With the exception of the Evoluo and Virtuoline machines at the end of the list, all machines are from the OriginalLine branch of Nespresso machines.

What Size Cups Fit Under Nespresso

Pixie, which is the most basic Nespresso model, accommodates two cup sizes 40ml for espresso and 110 ml for lungo. The more advanced models can accommodate more than two sizes some Vertuo models can take up to 500ml. With the exception of the Vertuo capsules designed for larger quantities, the amount of water in your cup with the brew will give you either weaker or stronger coffee, so make sure you choose a mug size that can hold the amount of coffee you prefer.

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What May Voids A Nespresso Warranty

It is important that you know how to take good care of your new Nespresso machine. You can see my related content on how to keep your Nespresso coffee maker clean for optimal performance. You should also be mindful of certain things that may void the warranty. These include using third-party pods not made by Nespresso or Starbucks, using refillable pods, and descaling with vinegar.

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Failure To Effectively Heat Up

First figure out the difference between the heating issues. Are all your coffees coming out cold or are they just not as hot as they used to be? In the case of the latter, the solution is our good old descaling.

Accumulation of sediment and coffee residue can cause heating problems. So, descaling a couple of times can clear up the machine and give it ample time to heat up. However, if the issue is the former where the coffee just doesnt heat up then the problem is likely with the thermoblock or the thermostat.

You will probably have to get these parts replaced or looked up by an expert.

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The Environmental Case Against Nespresso

We found minimal research on how the carbon footprint of a Nespresso capsule compared with that of, say, filtered coffee. Nestlé, which owns Nespresso, hired a consulting firm to analyze the lifecycle of a capsule the resulting 2009 report found that drip filter coffee, per cup, resulted in a greater excess of boiled water and wasted coffee than both capsule and instant coffee. But we dont necessarily trust that study. An independent report in 2011 determined that the two most eco-friendly coffee brewing systems were filter coffee, if you drink the whole pot, and instant coffee, if you boil only the necessary amount of water. The researchers found that capsule coffee and the materials and processes required to make and dispose of its packaging caused more environmental damage, and they noted that the kind of coffee involved was the most important factor. The study also determined that aluminum capsules had a smaller footprint than plastic ones but only if recycled.

If youre really worried about the environmental impact, dont buy a Nespresso so you avoid creating the waste in the first place.

Outside of the Nespresso program, theres no guarantee you can recycle capsules on your own. Even if you manage to separate the lid and scrub out all the grounds, your local recycling center probably isnt equipped to process anything that small. So if you try to recycle a capsule on your own, it may slip through the filtering screen or jam the processing machines.

Best Nespresso Machine Reviews

The Nespresso range includes large work-horse coffee machines ideal for the workplace, and others compact and ergonomic ideal for placing outside of the kitchen. Some machines are suited more to those who adore their milk-based coffee, others designed to speedily deliver a delicious espresso or lungo drink.

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Dirty Or Clogged Nespresso Pod Holder Brewing Chamber

Do you run cleaning cycles on your Nespresso machine regularly? If not, coffee grinds may be building up inside your brewing chamber. When this happens, they get stuck on the internal parts that are used to help puncture the pods. If the grinds are dulling the sharpness of these parts, this could be the reason why your Nespresso machine is not piercing the coffee capsules.

The first thing you should do is run water through the machine. If you have a Vertuo, youll have to follow the steps to initiate a cleaning rinse. If you have an Original machine, just open the lever to eject a pod from the chamber. Then close it without putting a pod in, and press lungo button. Water will dispense into your cup and it will probably look really dirty. Do this a few times until the water starts to look clear.

If the water still looks dirty after three tries, grab a spare toothbrush and dampen it with warm water. If you have a Vertuo machine, open the brew head. Use the toothbrush to carefully and gently scrub the spinning piece on the underside of the lid that pierces the pod foil lid. If you have an Original machine, insert the toothbrush into the pod chamber with the bristles facing you. Gently scrub with the toothbrush. When you pull it out, the toothbrush will probably look very brown. Try running a cleaning cycle a couple more times. The water should be getting clearer.