Nespresso Coffee Machines
Nespresso coffee makers are compact and small, unlike drip coffee machines. They have a basic black design and vary in price and sophistication. Some have a milk frother that can be used to create Latte art and can be linked to an app to manage recipes or get notifications on descaling.
The Essenza Mini is a simple machine that is affordable, but does not have the features required to make complex drinks. Other machines can also make larger drinks, such as the gran lungos.
What is an Nespresso machine?
Since 1986, Nespresso sells single-serve machines that use capsules to make espresso and coffee drinks. The company has a large number of loyal customers due to the speed, ease and consistency with which their machines make a hot, espresso-like beverage. These machines are an excellent alternative to making espresso at home using a drip coffee maker or moka pot. Both require time and care after each use.
A Nespresso machine uses a pressure system to extract the flavor of a pod. It then heats up water and it froths the milk to create coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Nespresso provides a range of coffee and blends that can be customized to suit your mood and taste, including decaffeinated and flavored choices. The machines are stylish and compact, as well as easy to use and make the perfect option for those looking to have a quick cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
Original Nespresso machines, which brew espresso-style shots from the company's Original capsules were the only machines available until 2014 which was when the Vertuo line was introduced. The smallest model in this line is the Essenza Mini, which is extremely compact, with a small water tank and a space for used capsules. Its easy operation, with just two buttons--one for an espresso and the other for a lungo -- makes it easy to master.
All Nespresso machines eliminate used capsules after making. This is different from Keurig machines that require users to manually add water each time. They can store anything from four to twelve pods used up, based on the size of their water reservoirs as well as capsule storage. They are then thrown away into a built in receptacle every time you open the machine.
Some of the most popular models also support the mobile app of the brand, which allows you to modify recipes and order capsules from the comfort of your home. This feature was tested on the sleek stainless steel Vertuo Creatista. It also allows you to make hot coffee and iced tea with a separate frother room. The only issue we found with the machine we test was that it didn't support all varieties of milk, requiring you to buy an additional frothing wand should you want to make drinks using whole milk, 2%, or almond milk.
The Original Line Original Line
The Original line of pod machines includes the elegant Citiz Mini and the Essenza Mini. Both machines pierce the capsule and then pump hot water through it, delivering an espresso or a lungo. The Original machines use 19 bar of pressure, which is higher than the 15 to 18 bar pumps that are found in the more expensive Vertuo models.
The original machines create a crema (a thin layer of tiny microbubbles on the top of the espresso) that is thicker and more affluent than the foam in the Vertuo line. The crema is more than just foam but also. As the Spruce says, it could make up up to 25% of an espresso's flavor. The Original line is more expensive and comes with Creatista or Lattissima espresso machine with built-in milk frothers to create lattes and cappuccinos at the press of the button.
The Lattissima Line
This line is ideal for those who need a machine that can make cappuccinos lattes, and other milky coffee drinks. It comes with three different recipes and its 4.2 cup milk container can be taken out and washed in the dishwasher. delonghi nespresso machine is also lightweight and easy to store and move around in small areas. However, some users complain that it's not as easy to use as other Nespresso models.
The jug's drink-specific lines are in it, so you can choose the beverage you'd like to prepare before the machine is heating up. It also has a sensor that will automatically stops the steaming process when the jug has run out, preventing the waste of milk.
The Lattissima One is a good value for its price It's available in four colors including black with gray accents, dark gray porcelain white and silky white. It's easy to clean and has a minimalist design that doesn't take up too much space in smaller spaces. It is also reasonably priced, with a retail cost of $385/PS279
Similar to the OriginalLine models, it comes with an automatic drip tray that captures any loose grounds when you pour your espresso. It's a nice feature to reduce mess, and also helps to avoid spills that can alter the taste of your coffee.
The Pro and Gran Lattissima have larger water tanks than the Lattissima One. This allows them to hold more liquid without needing refill. These two models also have a speedier heating process (as as short as 15 seconds for an espresso and 25 seconds for lungo) and also have an improved hot water function to make tea or iced coffee.
The only issue with the Lattissima is the difficulty in altering the consistency and density of the foam you make with your milk. The machine is only compatible with almond or skim milk. Sorry Vegans and those who are allergic to dairy. Its frothing wand can also be difficult to clean, which is a common complaint from Nespresso owners. The Lattissima Pro or Gran Lattissima has a self-cleaning feature that cleans out the milky interior of the frothing wand after each use.
The Vertuo Line
A Nespresso Vertuo machine makes a small cup of coffee that's perfect for espresso lovers who prefer a quick and intense drink. The machine reads the barcode that is located on the outer rim of each capsule to determine how much coffee it will make. Nespresso's Vertuo pods are extracted using a unique technology.
Vertuo Line has a variety of drinks, including Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo (mini espresso), Americano, and Cappuccino. The machines also work with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother to make frothy cappuccinos and lattes.
Each Vertuo Line coffee machine heats quickly and is ready to brew in less than 30 seconds. They use a smaller water tank than the Original Line machines and require less maintenance. There are a variety of models to pick from, so you can choose the one that is compatible with your home's style and your budget.
Contrary to the Original Line machines, which only brew Nespresso capsules however, the Vertuo Line also brews regular filter-brewed coffee. This is done through an additional spout that is situated at the bottom of machine.
VertuoLine machines come with a revolutionary brewing technique that makes use of centrifusion to extract gently espresso and coffee. This allows for the production of natural crema that protects and enhances the coffee's aroma. The VertuoLine system also has an intelligent recognition system that adjusts extraction parameters to match each Grand Cru blend.
Each VertuoLine machine comes with a manufacturer's warranty and a starter pack of Nespresso capsules. The company also offers a subscription service that delivers fresh new Nespresso capsules each month.
There are a variety of VertuoLine machines to choose from but the Nespresso VertuoPlus is our choice as the top overall machine. It's easy to operate and quick to heat up and comes in a variety of colors. It can make five different sizes of espresso and coffee, including a flat white, ristretto, and lungo. It also makes the latte-macchiato and can be used with the Aeroccino Milk Frother for the creation of cappuccino or lattes.
The VertuoPlus has only one disadvantage, that it takes longer to brew when compared to other machines, especially when making an Americano. Comparing the Bunn Fastbrew with the Nespresso VertuoPlus which can make an 8-ounce Americano within 42 seconds, it took 1 minute and 51 seconds. You can accelerate the process if you select an automatic mode.