Nespresso Lattissima One: Specifications
Cup capacity: espresso, lungo, milk drink
Size: 6.06 x 12.75 x 10.07 inches
Libra: 9.3 lbs/4.2 kg
Pod type: Original line
Automatic capsule detection: NO
Centrifuge brewing: NO
Removable water tank: Yes
Milk frother: Yes
Strength settings: NO
Iced coffee: NO
When it comes to Nespresso, many budget machines require you to buy a separate milk frother to create delicious balmy, frothed milk for your coffee. However, the Nespresso Lattissima One can do it all without the need for a separate milk frother.
Nespresso Lattissima One Review: Price and Availability
The Nespresso Lattissima One is the entry-level model in the Lattissima range. As such, it’s also the cheapest at $385/£279. However, compared to all Nespresso machines, it’s more mid-range in price, thanks to the addition of an automatic milk frother – something you won’t find on cheaper models.
More luxurious Lattissima models can heat larger quantities of milk and offer additional beverage options, with prices starting at $650/£479 for the top-of-the-range Lattissima Pro.
The Nespresso Lattissima One is available directly from Nespresso or through Amazon, as well as many other kitchenware retailers, both online and in-store. It uses Nespresso Original capsules, and they start at $0.80 per espresso, or 39p if you live in the UK. The capsules are readily available online – you can order them directly from Nespresso, as well as from many other retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart in the US.
Nespresso Lattissima One Review: Design
A solid chrome lever on the top of the machine lifts to reveal the capsule slot. Any used capsules inside will drop into the used capsule container when the lever is lifted. Pressing it back down engages a fresh capsule ready to dispense coffee.
It serves espresso and lungo coffee, and its volume is adjustable so you can get the perfect amount. The standard espresso is 40ml, but can be adjusted to 20-70ml. The standard lungo, on the other hand, is 110ml and can be adjusted to 70-150ml.
Unlike some other Nespresso machines, the used capsule container has a solid front – so no used capsules are evident from the outside of the machine, giving it a immaculate look. Similarly, the removable, clear 34 fl oz/1 liter water tank is molded to mirror the shape of the front of the machine, adding to its streamlined appearance.
The height of the coffee spout allows for cups up to 5.5 inches/14.5 cm in diameter. But there is a second, higher support for smaller cups if you need it. This solution makes room for cups up to 3.4 inches/8.5 cm in diameter. The best part is that when using larger cups, the second cup support simply slides under the milk jug, so it is hidden away. Plus, when you are not using the milk jug, the slot in the machine has a tiny door that can be moved to maintain a neat appearance.
Nespresso Lattissima One Review: Performance
This machine delivers espresso and lungo on par with most other Nespresso machines I’ve reviewed. The initial heat-up stage takes 28 seconds before it’s ready to utilize. Espresso pours in a little under 20 seconds, while lungo can take up to 40 seconds. The average temperature for espresso is 155°F, while lungo is a bit warmer at 160°F.
For the milk coffee, I used 3.4 fl oz/100 ml of milk, and it took me only 35 seconds to pour it into the cup. A full milk coffee takes 55 seconds to pour, so from the moment you turn on the machine, you can have a cappuccino in 1 ½ minutes. The milk is poured at 143°F, but once the coffee is in the cup, the temperature of the drink increases to an average of 156°F, which is a comfortable drinking temperature.
In addition, the milk foam is quite bubbly, which is good for cappuccino but less suitable for other barista-style drinks where a more silky microfoam is desired. The taste of the coffee depends on the capsule chosen, although I find that all Nespresso coffees lack the opulent fruitiness that a manual coffee machine can skillfully extract. Similarly, it does not produce a very bulky and solid crema, but there is a decent and consistent crema that will satisfy most people.
It’s loudest when it starts pouring, with espresso reaching a maximum noise level on my meter of around 71 dB. However, the noise level quickly drops off, and thanks to the quick brewing time, it’s short-lived. The same can be said for the milk frother, which is significantly louder at the start of the process, reaching 84 dB. But again, it doesn’t take long to dispense, so the noise isn’t annoying.
Energy consumption is fairly typical for a Nespresso machine. Dispensing espresso uses 0.004 kWh, and if you include the energy used during the initial 28-second heat-up, the reading is 0.011 kWh. To save energy, the machine goes into sleep mode after just 2 minutes.
Nespresso Lattissima One Review: Ease of Utilize and Cleaning
It may take a few tries to figure out what amount of milk is right for the size of the cup. But once you get the hang of it, you can fill it to the right line every time. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the amount of foam it produces, which is frustrating if you want balmy milk with less foam.
If there’s no coffee capsule inserted, you can’t select the milk drink option, so you can’t dispense balmy milk yourself. And if you’re making a milk drink, you need to remember to angle the milk spout towards the cup, otherwise you’ll be cleaning balmy milk off the shallow drip tray and potentially countertops.
Surprisingly, given its size, the Lattissima One has a fairly tiny used capsule container that holds only about eight used capsules, so it needs to be emptied frequently. A tiny recess on the side lets you pull the container out from under the coffee spout.
After dispensing milk, the immaculate indicator lightweight flashes to remind you to remove the milk container and immaculate it. If you do it right away, a quick but thorough rinse with balmy, soapy water is enough. It is a bit complex to disassemble and immaculate, which adds to your morning routine, but the same can be said for most automatic milk frothers.
Removing the water tank from the back of the machine first requires tipping it back, and since there’s no handle to grab onto, it’s not the easiest task. There’s a tiny lip in the plastic that you can grab with your fingers, but a handle would be a welcome improvement. Putting it back into the machine is much easier.
The water tank has a clear maximum fill line, but no minimum line. If you let the water run droughty and try to pour coffee, the machine will stop immediately upon detecting this, and the espresso and lungo buttons will flash to warn you that it needs to be refilled.
The main drip grid is removable for cleaning, but the drip tray underneath it is not. Therefore, this part should be wiped in place. For this reason, you should avoid filling it completely, otherwise you will have to wipe the water off with a sponge or cloth, which is not ideal. However, it is unlikely to fill the smaller drip tray.
Luckily, all removable parts, except the water tank, are dishwasher unthreatening, making thorough cleaning incredibly uncomplicated.
The lightweight on the top lets you know when it’s time to descale your machine. Since it’s automated, you simply add the descaling solution, then descale, empty and rinse. The instructions will guide you through the process, but it’s not complex.
Nespresso Lattissima One Review: The Verdict
When it comes to milky coffees at the touch of a button, the Nespresso Lattissima One offers a no-frills solution. However, for those who like a lot of milk or prefer a larger drink, the tiny milk container may leave you wanting more. In that case, you’ll need to look at some of the more high-priced Lattissima models, and the same can be said if you want to adjust the amount of foam as well.
Nespresso capsules don’t offer the same flavor or opulent crema you’d get from a manual coffee machine. But it’s decent quality coffee for a capsule machine. Ultimately, if you’re looking for consistent, hassle-free convenience, this model will tick all the boxes. Plus, you’ll avoid having to utilize a separate milk frother, which will keep your countertops immaculate and tidy. A great buy for those who love milky coffee on a tiny scale.
If you are willing to spend a little more to get the highest performing product, we recommend Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus. Although it’s pricey ($649), the steam wand creates the perfect milk consistency every time.
