You can't beat the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker
, but most aren't exactly famous for their amazing brews. You're unlikely to get the same quality drink you would from an espresso machine
or your local café — unless, that is, you buy a Nespresso machine. These high-tech pod machines
produce some of the best single-serve coffee, and all you have to do is pop in a capsule and press a button. The brewing process is extremely simple, but shopping for a Nespresso can feel quite the opposite. The company makes 15 models within two lines, Vertuo and Original. So what's the difference between all the Nespresso machines
? And which is the best Nespresso machine? Read on, 'cause I'm here to help you out.
I've spent almost two years testing the brand's most popular models, relying on my knowledge as a longtime editor at home and food magazines (and my experience as a serious coffee lover) to select the best. I brewed cup after cup and shot after shot, looking for smart design, eco-friendliness, quick brewing and, of course, delicious-tasting coffee.
In this story
Best Nespresso machine for 2026
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capacity:40 oz. | Machine size:8.7"W x 12.7"D x 12.8" H | Colors:Gray, Ink Black, Red | Smart:No | With grinder:No | Watts:1,300
Right off the bat, the VertuoPlus made my mornings about a million times better. You push just one button to operate it, and there's a mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle built into the machine. It looks as good as it works too, with a sleek, rounded design that takes up minimal counter space. (FYI: Both De'Longhi and Breville make versions of the VertuoPlus; I tested the De'Longhi, but they share similar specs.)
Nespresso has two different lines: Original and Vertuo. The former can only make espresso (albeit various-sized shots), whereas Vertuo machines can also make larger cups of coffee, up to 18 ounces (enough to fill a carafe). As its name suggests, the VertuoPlus is part of the Vertuo line and gives you the ability to make four cup sizes: a 1.35-ounce espresso shot, a 2.7-ounce double espresso shot, a 5-ounce gran lungo and an 8-ounce coffee. It takes 1 minute, 40 seconds to brew an 8-ounce serving.
But how do I choose what kind of brew I want? you might be wondering, considering that the machine has only one button and no way to program it. Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers use pods printed with a barcode that indicates drink type. Pop in the pod you want, and the machine automatically adjusts to brew your desired drink. All Nespresso drinks are brewed with a layer of crema on top — I found it added richness to each cup, especially in lattes and cappuccinos, but if that's not for you, you may prefer a Keurig coffee maker . Also, Nespresso Vertuo pods cost more than $1 each, so while using one is cheaper than buying a latte every day, it's still an investment.
With most other Nespresso models, you need to manually close the machine over the coffee pod, which can take some muscle. The VertuoPlus opens and closes automatically with the touch of a lever, which comes in handy if you lack hand strength. Another nice touch: You can adjust the placement of the 40-ounce water tank from the back to the side of the machine. I liked this flexibility, but I also found that it made the tank less secure than other models. More than once, I accidentally toppled it, getting water all over my counter.
When it comes to maintenance, you don't have to do much other than refill the water tank and empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 capsules). Nespresso recommends you descale the machine every three months or 300 pods. Our long-term tester found the process tedious, but loves the machine otherwise.
- One-button operation
- Movable water tank
- Makes espresso and coffee
- Small footprint
- Single-use pods only
- Pods can get expensive
Water tank capacity:25.4 oz. | Machine size:8.6”W x 14”D x 10”.4 H | Colors:Liquorice Black, Aqua Mint, Pacific Blue, Dark Gray, Candy Pink and five more | Smart:Yes | With grinder:No | Watts:1,500
If the Nespresso name sounds alluring, but the price is holding you back, the Vertuo Pop+ may be the answer to your coffee dreams. At full price, it’s the least expensive machine in the Vertuo line, but it often goes on sale for less during holiday weekends and events like Amazon Prime Day.
The allure of the Pop+ goes beyond affordability, though. The machine is easy to use with a single brew button that you can press once for hot coffee or twice to prompt “coffee creations” mode, which produces a concentrated brew for iced coffee. To release a pod and place another one inside the machine head (no judgment if you need a second cup of joe!), push the lever from its locked position all the way to its unlocked position (marked by lock icons). This requires some force and may not be ideal if you have dexterity issues.
Home Optimization Editor Elizabeth Berry has owned a Vertuo Pop+ for close to a year. Though she finds the crema it produces too foamy for regular coffee, the opposite is true of the espresso: “It is almost mesmerizing watching the crema form as it pours into your cup,” she says. During testing, the Vertuo Pop+ brewed a single shot of espresso in under a minute.
Berry has run into some issues with the machine after near-daily use. The tongs that hold the pod in place have gotten stuck, as has the machine head itself. In my experience, a jammed pod holder can often be fixed by scrubbing it with a bottle brush and mild soap and water, but Nespresso customer service is also very helpful.
- Frequently on sale
- Nice crema on top of espresso
- Available in an array of colors
- Small footprint
- Machine head can be difficult to open
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capacity:20 oz. | Machine size:3.3"W x 12.8"D x 8"H | Colors:Black | Smart:No | With grinder:No | Watts:1,255
It doesn't get simpler than this pod coffee maker, which is part of Nespresso's Original line. You insert a pod in the machine head, then press the lever down (this requires some force, but less so than many of the other brand's machines). It makes two sizes of espresso shots — simply press the button for the one you want.
There's a reason this $180 single-serve coffee machine resides in hotel rooms all over the world — even someone who's mostly asleep could use it. It makes solid single and double shots of espresso despite measuring just 3 inches wide and 8 inches tall. I have yet to see a smaller pod coffee maker, and it's impressively powerful for its size.
The espresso is strong and tasty, but I'll admit I found the Essenza Mini a bit loud and drippy at first. Note: De'Longhi and Breville both make versions of this machine. The specs are mostly the same, though the models look a bit different. Right now, the De'Longhi version of the Essenza Mini comes in black and red and is slightly less expensive than the Breville.
- Very small footprint
- Easy to use
- Produces high-quality coffee
- Lightweight — can be easily stored
- Tends to drip
- Makes espresso only
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capacity:47 oz. | Machine size:8.7"W x 15.4"D x 10"H | Colors:Ink Black, Pearl White | Smart:Yes | With grinder:No | Watts:Unlisted
Nespresso's newest machine is designed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's incredibly easy to use, with just three buttons, and it brews six cup sizes, from single shots of espresso to 18-ounce carafes. Plus, it makes concentrated versions of each for iced drinks that don't taste watered down.
You might think that a machine with so many options would be complicated to operate, but it's just the opposite. In most cases, all you need to do is pop in a Nespresso pod, press down on the lever to close the machine head, then press the brew button. The machine heats up in just 3 seconds, much quicker than the brand's other models. If you want to make a more concentrated brew for iced drinks, you press the "coffee creations" button, then the brew button. The used-pod bin holds up to 18 pods, and yet the machine itself is quite compact. It looks very sleek, with a matte-black finish (also available in white) and brushed stainless steel accents.
This machine also offers Wi-Fi connectivity and an accompanying app that is actually useful. You'll find lots of how-to videos for operating the machine, plus recipes.
The Up's concentrated brew made an excellent iced coffee, but I'll warn you that this machine is loud. Although I like the purring noise it makes — it reminds me of a sports car revving up — it's a bit much to take first thing in the morning. Also, the water tank isn't the most secure. You can move it from the side to the back of the machine, which is a thoughtful touch, but the plastic bottom of my tank cracked right out of the box.
- Extremely easy to use
- Makes six cup sizes
- Concentrated brew option for iced drinks
- Heats up in just 3 seconds
- Loud
- Plastic water tank isn't particularly durable
Factors to consider when choosing a Nespresso machine
Of course you want your machine to brew good coffee, fast. But you should also consider these factors:
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Eco-friendliness:The moment you start shopping for a single-serve coffee maker, you'll find that every brand touts sustainability. The bottom line, though, is that using coffee pods creates waste. Nespresso has made efforts to be more eco-friendly: You can recycle the aluminum capsules by dropping them off at nearly 300 locations or ordering free recycling bags . (If you live in New York City or Jersey City, N.J., you can toss used pods directly in your curbside blue recycling bins.)
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Size and weight:Many Nespressos don't have huge footprints — and they can be tucked away under cabinets when not in use. You should also look at a machine's weight before buying if there's a chance you'll have to drag it to a different spot on your counter regularly. The VertuoPlus clocks in at 10 pounds.
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Water tank capacity:If you'd rather not have to refill the water tank every time you want another cup of coffee, look for a reservoir that can hold at least 40 ounces (roughly enough for four cups). Don't leave water in the tank for extended periods of time; all machines instruct you to use fresh water for the best taste.
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Variety of cup sizes:Do you want to brew a shot of espresso and call it a day? Or are you looking for a pod machine that can make a wide range of drinks, from shots to 8-ounce mugs to 18-ounce carafes? Nespresso Vertuo machines make the widest array of servings; Nespresso Original machines make only traditional espresso servings, usually 0.85 to 5 ounces.
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Variety of drink types:With Vertuo machines, your drink is determined by which Vertuo pod you use. That said, some Nespresso machines are designed with specific drinks in mind. For example, the Vertuo Creatista has an integrated steam wand that froths milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
How we tested Nespresso machines
I made coffee ... and coffee ... and more coffee, until it seemed like I should just call myself a barista. In all seriousness, I evaluated every Nespresso machine from the moment I opened the box to its final brew. I used each one a minimum of five times, with an 8-ounce serving of coffee and a single espresso shot as my control. I timed each machine to see how quick it was, and I used a food thermometer to take the temperature of each freshly brewed cup. If the machine came with additional features (like a built-in milk frother), I used them multiple times as well.
I also had less-technical considerations. I looked for a sleek design, minimal maintenance and high-end finishes. After all, most of us keep our coffee machine on the counter in broad daylight — I wanted our top pick to look as good as it functioned.
Taste is subjective, so I kept my notes on flavor to a minimum and instead focused on how hot the coffee was, its mouthfeel, the level of crema and whether there was any grittiness or sediment left in the bottom of the mug.
Other Nespresso machines we tested
Nespresso Vertuo Next :If Nespresso never made the VertuoPlus, this machine would jump to the top of my list. Though it's narrower than the VertuoPlus, it makes five cup sizes to the VertuoPlus's four and offers Wi-Fi connectivity to an app so you can personalize your experience and keep track of your pod stash. Alas, this machine is noisier than the other models I tried, and you have to physically lock the machine after inserting a pod (it's not automatic like with the VertuoPlus). It takes some muscle, and I could see it becoming difficult for someone who doesn't have a ton of hand strength.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima :I love a good latte and so I loved this machine, which operates — and looks — almost exactly like the Vertuo Next but with one major upgrade: a built-in milk frother that lets you make a latte or cappuccino with the push of a single button. I've been using it for over a year and it's reliably great. My one complaint is that it retails for around $350, almost twice the price of the Vertuo Next (even if you buy the Next with a standalone frother ).
Nespresso machine FAQs
Which Nespresso machine is best for everyday coffee?
If you're looking for a regular cup of joe, you should pick a machine from Nespresso's Vertuo line. These coffee makers can brew shots as well as 8-ounce cups of coffee (and larger sizes in some cases).
What's the difference between Nespresso machines?
All Nespresso machines can make espresso, but beyond that, the machines do have their differences. They vary in size, design, color and the types/sizes of drinks they can make. Original machines use different coffee pods than Vertuo machines, and they also extract the coffee differently. Original line machines use a high-pressure 19-bar extraction system. It works similar to an espresso machine, though it's worth noting that nine bars is the standard for ideal extraction. In fact, many coffee pros say that Nespresso machines don't actually produce espresso at all but rather espresso-style coffee. This is especially true of Vertuo machines, which brew coffee more like a drip coffee maker. Using a technology patented by Nespresso called centrifusion, they spin the grounds 7,000 times a minute and infuse them with water.
How do you clean a Nespresso machine?
Generally, you should rinse the water tank regularly and hand-wash removable components. As with any coffee maker, you'll need to deep clean or descale it every three or so months (or whenever your machine's descale light turns on). Nespresso sells a descaling solution that occasionally goes on sale.
How do you use a Nespresso machine?
The best part about a Nespresso machine is that you don't need to be a tech wizard to use it. Most of the machines have only a few buttons at most, and they're pretty self-explanatory. If you need pointers, I recommend ignoring the paper instruction manual and instead checking Nespresso's website , which has how-to videos and manuals that, for some reason, are often different from what's in the box and more user-friendly. I referred to the videos a lot in testing and found them very helpful.
Where do you buy Nespresso pods?
You can buy them directly from Nespresso or at various retailers including Amazon , Target , Macy's and Walmart (though you can't get them in most grocery stores). Some brands sell pods that are compatible with Original line machines, but if you have a Vertuo machine, you can use only the proprietary Nespresso capsules for that line. That said, Starbucks now makes official Vertuo pods.
How much caffeine is in a Nespresso pod?
According to Nespresso, four to five cups of Original Nespresso coffee and two to five cups of Vertuo coffee add up to 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is the amount a healthy adult can safely consume in a day.
Is Keurig or Nespresso better?
It's a matter of personal taste. Both companies make a range of machines with various bells and whistles. Keurig machines typically are more affordable (they start at a retail price of $90 to Nespresso's $130), whereas Nespresso machines are better known for coffee quality. Here's a more detailed comparison of Nespresso vs. Keurig machines .
Best Nespresso machine specs comparison chart
| Nespresso VertuoPlus |
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ |
Nespresso Essenza Mini |
Nespresso Vertuo Up |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water tank capacity |
40 oz. |
25.4 oz. |
20 oz. |
47 oz. |
| Machine size |
8.7"W x 12.7"D x 12.8"H |
8.6"W x 14"D x 10.4" H |
3.3"W x 12.8"D x 8"H |
8.7"W x 15.4"D x 10"H |
| Colors |
Gray, red, black |
Liquorice Black, Aqua Mint, Pacific Blue, Dark Gray, Candy Pink and five more |
Black |
Ink Black, Pearl White |
| Smart |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| With grinder |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Watts |
1,300 |
1,500 |
1,255 |
Unlisted |
Update, Feb. 13, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best Nespresso machine remains unchanged, but we added new picks for best budget Nespresso machine and most versatile Nespresso machine.
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We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
