Five Nespresso machines worth buying across the Vertuo and Original ranges, how the two pod systems differ, and what to look for before you buy.
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| Product | Price tier | Pod system | Milk frothing | Water tank | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso VertuoPlus | mid-range | Vertuo | None built in | 40 oz | 5.6 in |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ | budget | Vertuo | None built in | 25.4 oz | 8.6 in |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | budget | Original | None built in | 20.3 oz | 3.3 in |
| Nespresso Lattissima One | mid-range | Original | Built-in milk jug | 33.8 oz | 6.1 in |
| Nespresso Creatista Plus | premium | Original | Auto steam wand | 50.7 oz | 6.7 in |
Price tiers compare products within this guide. Specs come from manufacturer pages, or from reputable retailers where a maker publishes none.
Best overall
A sturdy Vertuo machine with a big water tank that makes everything from an espresso to a large mug of coffee. The best fit for most households.
Best budget
The cheapest way into the Vertuo range, in a small body that fits almost anywhere. Makes the same drinks as pricier Vertuo machines.
Best for espresso
A tiny Original machine that makes short, strong espresso and opens the door to cheaper compatible pods.
Best for one-touch milk drinks
Pour milk in the jug and press one button for a latte or cappuccino. The easiest Nespresso for people who mostly drink milk drinks.
Best premium
A real automatic steam wand with temperature and texture settings makes café-style milk drinks, even latte art, from Original pods.
We compared what the most consistent coffee reviewers recommend, the machines’ specs and long-term owner feedback, then picked one machine for each type of buyer across both Nespresso ranges. We left out machines that only shine in one review or that owners report failing early.
This is the first choice to make, because the two systems use different pods that do not fit each other’s machines. Original machines push water through a small pod at high pressure. They make espresso, ristretto and lungo, and many other brands sell compatible pods, which keeps costs down.
Vertuo machines spin a dome-shaped pod and read a barcode on its rim to set the brew. They make everything from a single espresso to a large mug of coffee with a thick foam on top. Only Nespresso makes Vertuo pods, so you have fewer choices and pay more per cup.
Pick Original if you drink espresso and milk drinks. Pick Vertuo if you want regular mugs of coffee too.
Most Nespresso machines brew coffee only. Some are sold in bundles with the Aeroccino frother, which heats and froths milk in a separate jug. The Lattissima models froth milk inside the machine. The Creatista has a real steam wand. For a separate frother, see our picks for the best milk frothers.
Small machines like the Essenza Mini and Vertuo Pop+ have small tanks that need refilling often. If several people use the machine, a larger tank saves trips to the sink.
Original machines are built for small cups. Vertuo machines make larger sizes, up to a big mug on most models. Check the clearance under the spout if you use a tall travel mug.
Nespresso machines need very little cleaning. Empty the used pod bin, rinse the drip tray and descale every few months. Our guide on how to descale an espresso machine explains why it matters.
Original pods make a short, strong shot close to espresso. It is not as rich as espresso from a good machine and grinder. Vertuo espresso is lighter, with more foam on top. For the real thing, see our picks for the best espresso machines.
In Original machines, yes. Many brands make compatible pods. Vertuo machines read a barcode on each pod, so in practice only Nespresso pods work.
Yes, by a wide margin. It costs more per cup than brewing whole beans at home, though. If you drink several cups a day, a bean-to-cup machine costs less over time.
Nespresso designs the machines and licenses them to partners such as Breville and De’Longhi. The same model from each maker brews the same way. Pick on price, color and warranty.
Torn between two of our picks? These comparisons go deeper.
Coffee Tested editors
Coffee gear research
We read the reviewers who test coffee gear for a living, compare the specs that change your daily routine and dig through years of owner feedback before recommending anything.
No brand pays for a spot in our guides, and commissions never decide our picks.
