The best Nespresso coffee machine for every budget and caffeine need
If you want top quality brews without any faff, pod coffee machines are our go-to– and Nespresso is one of the market leaders. Its machines are ideal for those who want coffee or espresso with the convenience of a capsule. The brand launched in 1986 with its C-100 and C-1100 models and has continued to innovate in the world of at-home coffee makers ever since.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've tested hundreds of coffee machines, from bean-to-cup to espresso and pod models, so we know exactly what it takes to deliver barista-level brews at home. And Nespresso often performs well in our lab.
So, if you're set on a Nespresso, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find our reviews of all the models we've tested, so you can compare them side by side and find the right one for your budget.
These are our top-rated picks for espressos at the touch of a button.
How we test Nespresso machines
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all pod coffee machines the same way, evaluating their ease of use, consistency, efficiency and overall design.
Our experts pour a series of single and double espressos, judging each shot on the thickness and colour of its crema, temperature, and volume of coffee produced. We also measure the noise level and energy consumption of each.
For models with a milk frother, we steam milk and a non-dairy alternative, gauging the heat, texture and stability of the foam.
The Creatista Pro by Sage
Score: 93/100
For a top-of-the-line Nespresso machine, look no further than the Creatista Pro. It offers high levels of personalisation with plenty of control over your final cup. The customisable presets let you tinker with extraction, milk texture and temperature to create your perfect caffeine hit. And you don't have to wait long either with a speedy 11 second preheat time.
Our testers found it a joy to use thanks to the responsive touch-screen display while milky coffee lovers will appreciate that it can multi-task, so you don't need to wait until your coffee has extracted to start heating the milk.
The machine uses the original Nespresso capsules, making it easy to find an intensity and aroma to suit your tastes. Drink options include ristretto, espresso, lungo, flat white, cappuccino, latte and macchiato.
Creatista Plus by Sage
Score: 93/100
This machine may be the Pro's older sibling, but it matched its brewing performance in our tests. Although you can't heat milk at the same time as pouring your coffee and there isn't a separate water dispenser, it is over £200 cheaper. Plus, the integrated steam wand achieved a fine, velvety foam for those who love their latte art.
Its consistent espressos and customisable settings were a hit with our testers, too. They found putting the Nespresso Original capsules into the machine stiff at times, but a little extra push did the trick. It's still one of the more expensive Nespresso models available but it's a fantastic (and stylish) pick if you love a latte and want reliably delicious espressos.
Vertuo Pop by Krups
Score: 92/100
Small, compact, and affordable, Nespresso's Vertuo Pop is an excellent pod machine that delivered consistent espressos in terms of both shot size and temperature on test.
It took just 30 seconds to preheat and quickly delivered customised drinks thanks to clever tech that reads the unique barcode on each pod and adjusts the settings accordingly. The 600ml water tank needed topping up more regularly than some, and the milk frother is sold separately (at £79), which is an extra expense to consider if you love a cappuccino.
But it can brew six different drink volumes, so there's still plenty to choose from for your morning coffee. All in all, it's a small but mighty machine.
De'Longhi Lattissima One Evo
Score: 90/100
Another compact machine, the Lattissima One won brownie points with its automatic milk frother and removable carafe that can go in the fridge between uses. The milk programme only has one preset volume and struggled to deliver microfoam, but the process is simple and convenient if you're after fuss-free lattes.
It performed best when it came to espressos though, making it just as good a pick for classic espresso-lovers. And when it's time to clean, the milk frother accessory is dishwasher-safe and the machine sends alerts when it needs descaling. It offers convenience at every turn.
Vertuo Plus
Score: 81/100
The Vertuo Plus strikes the right balance between price and design, making it a good mid-range option for most homes.
Our testers loved that the water tank position is adjustable, helping to maximise space on your kitchen counter. That's on top of its already-streamlined design.
It was easy to set up and, like the Vertuo Pop above, the machine scans pod barcodes and automatically adjusts the settings to produce the optimal brew. Of course, this also means it lacks customisation options, but there are plenty of Nespresso Vertuo capsules available to help you find a coffee that ticks all your boxes.
There were a few inconsistencies with the volume of espressos but it used minimal power. Testers also loved the side lever that automatically flips the previous pod into the machine's collection bin when you open the capsule compartment.
What to consider when buying a Nespresso machine
Before you get brewing, you'll have to decide what type of machine best suits your needs. Under the Nespresso umbrella, there are two ranges, the Original and the Vertuo, which operate slightly differently. Here's a breakdown of each.
Technology
Original machines, use Original Nespresso pods and produce espresso by forcing water through the top of a pod using 19 bars of pressure (much like a traditional espresso machine).
This eventually ruptures the foil at the bottom of the pod and allows the espresso to flow out. Because of this, you should expect a more traditional level of crema.
Vertuo machines were first introduced to the UK in 2017 and use a different technology that Nespresso likes to call “centrifusion”. Water flows in through the top of the dome-shaped capsule (aka Nespresso's Vertuo pod), mixes with espresso grounds through centrifugal force, and then flows out through 20 punctures on the side of the capsule.
As a result, espressos have a thick layer of crema, and the machines are better suited to making longer coffees like a Gran Lungo or Alto.
Capsules
This is important to consider because pods aren't interchangeable between machine types (although all pod types can be recycled through the Nespresso capsule recycling programme).
Here's the difference.
Original pods only come in one size. Currently, they are generally easier to find, less expensive and available in more varieties and even brands.
If you’re strictly an espresso fan and prefer a traditional level of crema, the Original line will likely suit your needs.
Vertuo pods have custom barcodes that the machines read in order to automatically produce the right drink every time, making them very easy to use. They also come in different sizes, so larger drinks won’t be diluted.
If you’re looking to make a wide variety of coffee drinks and want a machine that’s very easy to use, a Vertuo model is your best bet.
Milk frothers
Some Nespresso models, including the Creatista and Lattissima in our list, come with integrated steam wands for frothing milk. These are convenient for prepping drinks like macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
However, it's important to note that these milk frothers can sometimes be difficult to clean and maintain.
If you love a milky coffee and there isn't an integrated frother with your model, Nespresso sells one separately – the Aeroccino is often bundled with its machines when you shop directly.
Our verdict on Nespresso machines
Our top pick from the Original line is The Creatista Pro by Sage. Its level of customisation makes it one for dedicated espresso drinkers. You're paying for those extras though, like simultaneous milk frothing and coffee extraction. If this isn't a concern, you can save over £200 by opting for the Creatista Plus, which achieved the same score for its consistent espressos and sleek, intuitive design.
If you're set on a Vertuo model, the compact Pop is an excellent choice. You'll have to buy a milk frother separately (or look for a bundle), but given its affordable starting price, we think this add-on is worthwhile.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years, both in our lab and with readers at home, so we know what good looks like. Our homes writer, Megan Geall, has written about hundreds of household products and is committed to finding the best coffee machines to fuel her own caffeine addiction as well as yours.
She spends time researching the latest launches, getting to grips with the newest innovations, and chatting with the market leaders to understand everything about coffee.
Our homes testing team have rigorously reviewed each Nespresso machine in this list, using protocols designed to push them to their limits, analysing performance, ease of use, design and clarity of instructions so you can shop with confidence.
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