7 Barista-Quality Nespresso Machines, Ranked

Nespresso machines are single-serve coffee machines that brew coffee using pre-portioned capsules of ground coffee and pressurized hot water. This brewing process creates a strong coffee concentrate similar to espresso. Coffee connoisseurs love them for their convenience, ease of use, and ability to create coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos (with the help of a milk frother). They are a popular choice for people who want a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy café-quality coffee at home. That’s why EdNews has compiled a list of the consensus best Nespresso machines across eight expert websites to make those late nights and early mornings a bit easier. As always, we’d like to see your recommendations in the comments below!

Nespresso Machines That Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee

1. Nespresso VertuoPlus

The VertuoPlus also brews espresso capsules, so you can make espresso, double espresso, or a regular cup of coffee. But how exactly do they work their magic? According to USA Today, the secret lies in the capsule itself. Imagine a tiny coffee treasure chest – punctured precisely in the center and around the edges. When the machine gets to work, hot water whooshes in through the center, maximizing its contact with the grounds for a burst of flavor and aroma.

If you're new to the Nespresso world, Boyd Hampers recommends the VertuoPlus. It's like the Goldilocks of Nespresso machines – not too expensive, not too feature-heavy, but just right. Plus, it won't break the bank, making it a great first sip into the world of Nespresso.

The folks at Insider are all about efficiency, and their top pick reflects that. They love the VertuoPlus for its lightning-fast brewing and consistent results. Plus, features like a one-touch operation, an adjustable cup shelf for all your mug sizes, and a water tank that can be moved around make it a dream to use.

2. Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Nespresso Mini’s tank only holds enough water for about 10 shots. According to USA Today, this tiny but mighty machine brews up the same quality espresso as its bigger, pricier cousins – all without hogging precious counter space. Sure, it might not feel quite as hefty as some of the other Nespresso machines, but its sleek design makes up for it.

For Boyd Hampers, the Essenza Mini is the epitome of what Nespresso machines are all about: small size, big flavor. This machine proves that good things come in small packages, consistently brewing rich, full-bodied espressos topped with a beautiful crema layer.

Don't let its size fool you – the Essenza Mini is a powerhouse in disguise, according to Insider. Clocking in at a mere five pounds, it's the lightest Nespresso machine available. But don't underestimate its brewing capabilities! This little guy heats up in under 30 seconds, and the control buttons light up to let you know exactly when it's ready to go. Plus, it offers two brewing options: a standard espresso shot for a more concentrated flavor, or a lungo for a larger, slightly milder cup.

3. Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Frother

While all Nespresso machines are meant to be displayed, many agree that no other model taps into the needs of interior design nerds quite like the CitiZ. If you crave a Nespresso machine that's as stylish as it is functional, then look no further than the CitiZ. According to Insider, this machine isn't just about brewing delicious coffee – it's about brewing it in style. With its sleek stainless steel design, streamlined water tank, and modern industrial vibe, the CitiZ will have your kitchen looking Instagram-ready in no time.

But don't be fooled by its good looks – the CitiZ is a brewing powerhouse too, says Boyd Hampers. This machine packs a 19-bar pump, which means it can consistently deliver barista-quality coffee or espresso in single-serve portions. No matter what Nespresso capsule you choose, the CitiZ will extract all the flavor and aroma for a truly exceptional coffee experience.

The Food Network says that the CitiZ isn't just about single cups – it's perfect for entertaining too. This stylish machine boasts a larger water tank, allowing you to brew up to nine espressos before needing a refill. Plus, the capsule tray holds up to nine used capsules, so you won't have to worry about emptying it constantly.

4. Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus

The Breville Creatista Plus stands out because of its elegance and functionality. If you're a coffee lover who appreciates both function and form, then the Creatista Plus might be your dream machine. Boyd Hampers describes it as a premium powerhouse wrapped in a sleek stainless steel shell, complete with a matching milk jug for all your latte art creations. But the beauty goes beyond skin deep – this machine boasts a variety of brewing options to satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseur.

The highlight, according to USA Today, is the integrated steam wand. This nifty feature lets you froth milk to perfection, creating café-quality lattes, cappuccinos, and a whole range of other delicious milk-based drinks. But worry not if you're new to the Nespresso world – USA Today also mentions that this machine is incredibly user-friendly. The smart display screen walks you through the setup process, and the intuitive touch buttons make it a breeze to operate. Plus, its compact size ensures it won't overwhelm your countertop.

The Spruce Eats echoes the user-friendly sentiment, calling the Creatista Plus a perfect bridge between the world of manual espresso machines and convenient, single-serve brewing. With this machine, you get the best of both worlds: the ability to create a variety of coffee drinks – from ristretto to latte macchiato – with just a few clicks on the digital menu. Simply choose your drink, adjust the serving size, and select your desired milk temperature and texture – it's that easy!

5. Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista

If you’re looking to compete with top coffee shops, the Creatista is like having a barista right in your kitchen. Imagine this: your kitchen transformed into a barista haven, complete with frothy latte art creations and the rich aroma of coffee brewing. That's the magic of the Vertuo Creatista, according to CNN. This handsome machine boasts a sleek stainless steel design that'll make a statement on your countertop, while the integrated milk wand empowers you to unleash your inner latte artist.

But the Vertuo Creatista is more than just a pretty face, says Forbes. This fully-automated machine boasts a user-friendly touchscreen where you can swipe through drink options, adjust your coffee strength, and even control milk frothing temperature and texture. In just three seconds, the water heats to the perfect brewing temperature, ensuring a consistently delicious cup every time.

Sure, the Vertuo Creatista might cost a pretty penny, as Insider acknowledges. But for true coffee aficionados who frequent fancy coffee shops, this machine can quickly pay for itself. After all, why settle for store-bought lattes when you can craft barista-quality drinks from the comfort of your own home, exactly the way you like them? The Vertuo Creatista offers precision, versatility, and café-worthy coffee at your fingertips – an investment that's sure to pay off in countless mornings of pure coffee bliss.

6. Nespresso Vertuo Next

This is the slimmest to come from Nespresso's line of coffee machines. Forget bulky machines that hog counter space! The Nespresso Vertuo Next is like a colorful little chameleon. According to USA Today, it comes in a variety of shades to match any kitchen décor, and its compact size means it won't crowd your countertops.

But don't let its small stature fool you – this machine is a brewing powerhouse. USA Today also highlights how intuitive and easy to use the Vertuo Next is, making it perfect for Nespresso newbies. Plus, it offers a variety of drink options beyond just espresso, including regular coffee and even 18-ounce carafes – perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a carafe to share.

7. Gran Lattissima

The Gran Lattissima's design is intuitive, featuring clearly labeled buttons and an LED screen that simplifies selection. Boyd Hampers describes it as the perfect bridge between the user-friendly VertuoPlus and the feature-rich Creatista series. This machine offers nine drink presets, making it a breeze to whip up anything from a strong espresso to a frothy latte or cappuccino – all at the touch of a button.

But the Gran Lattissima isn't just about variety – it's about speed too, according to The Spruce Eats. They were impressed by how quickly this machine brews, especially considering the wide range of drinks it can create. In their tests, it only took 20 seconds for an espresso shot and 50 seconds for a cappuccino – perfect for mornings when you're short on time. The Spruce Eats also likes that the Gran Lattissima heats up super fast, making it a great choice for those who value efficiency.

Now, here's a heads-up from Pop Science: like most Nespresso machines, the Gran Lattissima does make some noise while brewing. This includes the typical Nespresso brewing sounds, but also the gurgling and frothing of the milk. So, if you share your kitchen with early risers who like to sleep in, this might be something to consider. However, for those who prioritize convenience and variety, the Gran Lattissima's speedy brewing and wide range of drink options might just outweigh the noise factor.

Sources:

• Boyd Hampers
• USA Today
•  Insider
• The Spruce Eats
•  Food Network
• Forbes
• CNN
• Pop Science

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.