Convenient to employ and compact enough to fit on your kitchen counter, Nespresso machines are great if you’re looking for an straightforward way to enjoy coffee in the comfort of your own home. With bean coffee machines notoriously bulky, espresso machines requiring too much mental effort to make first thing in the morning, and drip machines leaving your coffee without a crema, it’s no wonder capsule coffee machines are still such a popular choice among caffeine connoisseurs.
The truth is that while we all want our coffees to look and taste like they’ve been blended by a barista, we want to avoid the finicky measuring and powdered countertops at all costs. Unless you’re a self-confessed coffee snob, chances are the thought of using a straightforward single-serve capsule machine sounds a lot more appealing.
Which Nespresso machines are the best in a nutshell?
Should I buy a Nespresso Original or Nespresso Vertuo machine?
The first thing you need to do when looking for a coffee machine is to decide whether you want a Nespresso Original or Nespresso Vertuo. Both models employ completely different sizes and styles of capsules, so you can’t mix and match between the two series.
Straightforward yet sophisticated, Nespresso Original machines are designed to make elegant espressos and classic cappuccinos. These machines, which have fewer bells and whistles than your average Vertuo, don’t make long drinks — but they can be used with any flavor or brand of capsules, as long as they’re compatible with Nespresso. Plus, Nespresso Original machines and capsules are usually cheaper than their Nespresso Vertuo counterparts.
For café-style mugs and long drinks, the Nespresso Vertuo is the way to go. The Vertuo system was launched in the UK in 2017 and differs from the Original range with much larger, dome-shaped capsules and a clever ‘centrifusion’ extraction method that ensures a perfect brew every time. A truly pioneering, bright barcode system allows the machine to adjust the temperature, size and brewing settings to the specific coffee you’re making – but that means this particular range of Nespresso capsules are the only ones that are compatible with the Vertuo machine.
Basically, if you don’t mind sticking with Nespresso capsules, the Vertuo will be worth the investment – especially if you’re looking for a machine that will support you recreate your favourite coffee shop drinks. However, if you want to stick to straightforward but real espressos, then the Nespresso Original machine may be better suited to your needs.
What additional features are worth paying attention to?
Integrated milk function: While some Nespresso machines are capable of whipping up plenty of foam and frothing, others don’t have a milk function at all. If you prefer frothy coffees to jet fuel, you might want to look for a model with a built-in frother. The two most popular options are a straightforward and easy-to-use integrated jug or a frothing nozzle — which is great if you want to be able to customize the consistency and temperature of the milk and create your own latte art.
Self-cleaning capabilities: While it can be tedious, keeping your coffee machine neat is vital if you want it to stay in good working order. If it has an integrated jug or steam wand, you’ll need to make sure it’s properly cleaned after each employ if you don’t want the whole thing to smell like sour milk – so check whether your machine has any dishwasher-safe parts or if the steam wand is self-cleaning.
