Nespresso has a modern approach to technology, design and methods of sale. The brand doesn’t have shops – it has ’boutiques’, where customers are offered experiential engagement in the artistry behind the coffee blends from around the world. You’re required to buy entirely into the brand with some Nespresso machines, so it’s only right that the coffee growth, sourcing, production and brew are the centre of attention.
The negative environmental impact of coffee pod machines and aluminium coffee pods is clear. In 2020, Nespresso launched The Positive Cup strategy that saw it tighten its approach to sustainability and ethics throughout the coffee production chain.
Buying a coffee machine is a commitment, so we encourage you to do your research beforehand. Our guides to the best coffee machines (including espresso machines, coffee pod machines and bean to cup coffee machines) is a great place to start.
It’s no secret that Nespresso machines are on the pricier side of the pod machine market. If you’re looking to save, we’ve written a guide on the best Nespresso offers which has all the best deals on machines and pod bundles available now.
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A guide to Nespresso
Nespresso coffee machine ranges: how to choose
Nespresso offers two machine collections: the Original and the Vertuo. The main differences between them are the pod designs, and their methods of extraction.
Original: Nespresso’s classic pod machine makes just the right quantity of coffee for a single-shot espresso, which can be paired with steamed milk or hot water for a longer drink. These machines pump hot water into the coffee pod, pressurising the grinds until the pod bursts. The result is a single shot of intensely rich espresso, topped with crema.
Our favourite from the Original collection:
A mess-free and stylish all-in-one solution for making black or milky coffees at the touch of a button.
Vertuo: These machines produce a range of coffee sizes and styles, thanks to bar code-reading technology that scans the underside of the loaded domed pod. They also extract espresso using centrifugal force – the machine alters the temperature, amount of water and speed of extraction whilst the pods are spun extremely fast. This creates a silky thick foam on top of every black coffee.
Our favourite from the Vertuo Collection:
A futuristic and sophisticated gadget that’s wi-fi compatible and packed with versatility. It’s capable of delivering eight functions at the touch of a single button.
Nespresso coffee machines vs De’Longhi coffee machines
Nespresso and De’Longhi are two of the biggest names in home coffee. While Nespresso owes its origins to parent company Nestlé, De’Longhi is an Italian company that started its journey in home appliances with radiators, of all things.
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Now, the two brands collaborate to distribute coffee pod machines under the Nespresso Lattissima One range. The result is capsule coffees that, unusually, offer a milk heating system that automatically doses just the right amount of hot milk for cappuccino and latte drinks. De’Longhi’s independent offerings go far beyond coffee pod machines to include both manual and automatic espresso machines, in addition to bean-to-cup coffee machines.
You’ll see collaborations between Nespresso and the likes of Sage, Magimix and Krups for the production and distribution of its other machines.
Best Nespresso machine to buy in 2023
Nespresso Lattissima One by De’Longhi
Star rating: 5/5
Pros:
- Diminutive
- Dual height cup supports for espresso cups and larger mugs
- Milk steamer and frother
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Milk system is not recommended for alternative milks
Is the Lattissima One good value for money?
This is a modern mini coffee machine with a big output. It’s an excellent option for anyone who’s looking for the mess-free convenience of coffee pods and has a taste for milky coffees. Use its single-button control for all coffee selections. If you prefer a milky drink, the removable coffee tank has a single-cup capacity and is easily refillable for multiple drinks.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Star rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Rich, dark espresso with thick crema
- Easy to use
- Attractive design
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Manual is excessively large
- Only uses Nespresso Vertuo pods
- Stiff when lowering the lid
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop good value for money?
This model is one of the more affordable in Nespresso’s range, coming in at just under £100. As the name would suggest, this machine is designed to bring a pop of colour into your kitchen and is available in six colours including mango yellow and aqua mint. The compact footprint also makes it a good option if you’re restricted on space, and once up and running we found it quick and easy to use.
Nespresso Vertuo Creatista by Sage
Star rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Attractive
- Comes with milk steaming wand
- Easy to operate and customise
- Clear instructions
- Large water capacity
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large footprint
- Noisy
- Only uses Nespresso Vertuo pods
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista by Sage good value for money?
There’s no getting around the fact that, at £649, this is an expensive model. For your money you’re getting a collaboration between two of the biggest names when it comes to coffee machines: Nespresso and Sage. The machine has the modern, sleek look we’ve come to expect from Sage with impressive functions and the ability to froth milk. The steaming wand can be programmed for different microfoams for different drinks for versatility.
When considering this machine, we think it’s essentially Nespresso’s answer to a bean-to-cup machine but without the mess and fuss of needing to grind and tamp the coffee yourself.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
Star rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Built-in milk frother
- Easy to clean and unload
Cons:
- Time consuming to set-up
- Stiff lever to insert and release pods
- Only uses Nespresso Vertuo pods
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima good value for money?
The Vertuo Lattissima is the latest release from Nespresso and is similar in design to the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop. At £379, it is a pretty expensive machine but it comes with a steaming wand which gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to drinks. The Vertuo pods mean you can enjoy a huge versatility in drink size, from an espresso to a carafe.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
Star rating: 4/5
Pros:
- Bluetooth and wi-fi compatibility
- Bar code reading technology for making a variety of drink sizes
- 54% recycled plastics
Cons:
- Bit loud
- Tall on the counter top
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Next good value for money?
This model is great value for money. Part of Nespresso’s newest collection, the Vertuo Next is a quick starter, heating in 25 seconds and offering a single-button control system. Behind its simplicity lies an innovative bar code reader that automatically makes up to five different coffees once your chosen pod is loaded. It’s also Bluetooth compatible, has an adjustable cup supporter for different sized mugs and guarantees a crema every time. Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Next review.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Star rating: 4/5
Pros:
- Electrical open and close
- Adjustable water tank position
Cons:
- Tall under countertop cupboards
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus good value for money?
Also part of the Vertuo collection, this model uses centrifugal force to spin the domed caps during extraction, thus creating an iconic crema. We liked the simple styling of the Vertuo Plus, which carries statement flair in a more understated design than the Vertuo Next. Its chrome lever automatically lifts and closes the domed pod holder. Plus the water tank position is adjustable, to help fit around your countertop space.
Best Nespresso accessories
Aeroccino4 milk frother
Rated 4/5 stars when tested by olive’s reviews experts, the Nespresso Aeroccino4 was named the most stylish milk frother for its elegant pouring outlet and classic black handle. Hot foam, hot milk and cold foam functions are on offer, taking just 80 seconds to froth. During testing, it was the obvious winner for dairy-free milks including oat milk, producing an ultra-creamy and fluffy foam. Pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
- Read our full review of the Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother in our guide to the best milk frothers
TOUCH Travel Mug
Buy the Touch Travel Mug now, £18
Whether you like your coffee warm or over ice, the Touch Travel Mug’s double insulation means it keeps drinks at a constant temperature. Plus those top clips close to give a leak-proof seal.
LUME Mia capsule dispenser
Buy the LUME Mia now, £27
An elegant pod dispenser makes for a countertop statement. We love the elegance of the rounded steel lid and silicone loop.
Ice Cube Tray Kit
Buy the Ice Cube Tray Kit now, £15
It’s useful to have ice in the freezer in general, and this silicone set of three trays by Nespresso stacks securely for easy storage. The silicone base makes it easy to pop each cube out – no more wrestling with plastic trays.
Vertuo Gran Lungo Set
Buy the Vertuo Gran Lungo Set now, £22
If a longer coffee is your thing, these elegant tempered glass mugs are perfect for lungo drinks. They show-off Nespresso’s thick crema and there’s still plenty of room for milk, if required. The set also includes two Nespresso spoons.
VIEW espresso cups and saucers
Buy VIEW espresso cups and saucers now, £16
We love the stainless steel saucers these ergonomic espresso cups sit on. Each cup has an 80ml capacity, perfect for single or double espressos. Both can also be washed safely in the dishwasher.
Nespresso subscriptions: how do they work?
Depending on the number of coffees your household drinks a day, you can tailor a Nespresso Plus subscription service to deliver just the right number of pods to your door. You will receive a specially selected ‘coffee of the month’ personalised to your taste with each order, plus subscriptions have free delivery and can be paused or stopped at any time. There are a variety of deals on offer, like the chance to claim a machine for £1 with select plans.
Find out more about Nespresso subscriptions
Best Nespresso pods
Choice and variety of beans and roasts are perks of buying into the Nespresso brand. 30 Original coffees, 35 Vertuo coffees and 17 professional coffees are on offer, all compatible with their machines. Each is given an intensity scale to indicate the strength of roast and aroma.
Nespresso Vertuo coffee pods
These domed Vertuo pods are a design unique to Nespresso and come in a variety of sizes. Each features a bar code on the underside that tells the machine which brew settings are required for producing that type of coffee.
- Limited Edition: 80ml-230ml
- Espresso: 40-80ml
- Coffee: 150ml-250ml
- Barista Creations: 80ml-230ml
- Craft Brew: 535ml
Our favourites:
Espresso: Orafio, 40ml, intensity 6, £4.40 x10 capsules
Coffee & Gran Lungo: Stormio Intense, 230ml mug, intensity 8, £5.90 x10 capsules
Master Origin: Peru Organic, 40ml, intensity 6, £5.70 x10 capsules
Barista Creation: Vanilla Custard, 230ml mug, £6.20 x10 capsules
Nespresso Original coffee pods
It’s easier to find eco versions of the Nespresso original capsule design, made by independent roasteries. They’ll have a smaller environmental footprint and are biodegradable and compostable in home food waste. Coffee expert Celeste Wong rounded up her picks of the best eco-friendly coffee pods.
Celeste’s top five favourite Nespresso Original compatible eco pods:
How to recycle Nespresso coffee pods in the UK
There are a few ways to recycle Nespresso pods. The brand offers a Podback coffee pod recycling scheme, which provides free recycling bags with every order. You can leave them at drop-off points around the country, or you can organise a collection from your door or kerbside.
How to clean your Nespresso coffee machine
Over time, coffee oils and the residue from grinds build up in all coffee machines, as does limescale from water. These will not only affect the performance of your machine but also the flavour of your coffee. Descaling packs are a safe way to flush your Nespresso coffee machine of this residue with minimal fuss and mess. Buy the Nespresso Descaling kit pack of 2 for £7
Want to become an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here:
Celeste Wong’s guide to becoming an overnight coffee expert
Celeste Wong’s guide on how to make iced coffee
Celeste Wong’s best moka pots
Celeste Wong’s best coffee grinders
Celeste Wong’s best gooseneck kettles
Celeste Wong’s best decaf coffee
Celeste Wong’s best compostable coffee pods
Celeste Wong’s best coffee beans
Best coffee subscriptions
Best coffee pod machines
Best espresso machines
Or for coffee gifts and accessory guides:
Best coffee gifts
Best coffee mugs
Best coffee subscriptions
Best coffee gadgets and accessories
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