10 Best Nespresso Machines (October 2026)
The best Best Nespresso machines for coffee and espresso include the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother for mixed drink households, the Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine for small espresso corners, and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino for shared coffee stations.
On this page (10 sections)
- How we chose the best Nespresso machines
- Compare the best Nespresso machines
- Best Nespresso machines for different routines
- Which Nespresso capsule system should you choose?
- Do you need a Nespresso machine with a milk frother?
- How should you choose between Nespresso machine sizes?
- How do you set up a Nespresso machine for better daily use?
- Which Nespresso mistakes are easiest to avoid?
- How much cleaning does a Nespresso setup need?
- Which best Nespresso machine fits your daily drink?
The best Nespresso machine for most people is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother, because it covers coffee, espresso and milk drinks in a compact setup. Choose the Essenza Mini if you mainly drink short coffees, or Lattissima One if you want milk recipes prepared directly in your cup.
Start with the drink you make most mornings. A machine that fits that habit will serve you better than one bought for a drink you rarely order.
Our Nespresso machine guide explains the systems before you choose. You can also compare the best Vertuo Nespresso machines or see which Nespresso machine fits your needs.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mixed drink householdsNespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for small espresso cornersNespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for shared coffee stationsNespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itNespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe with Frother
Best for large mug drinkers - 5
Check itNespresso CitiZ with Milk Frother
Best for Original latte drinkers - 6
Check itNespresso Vertuo Next with Milk Frother
Best for narrow counter gaps - 7
Check itNespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi
Best for fewer water refills - 8
Check itNespresso Vertuo Up with Milk Frother
Best for iced coffee fans - 9
Best for black espresso drinkersCheck it - 10
Check itNespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi
Best for automatic milk drinks
How we chose the best Nespresso machines
We ranked these machines by drink range, capsule system, milk preparation and daily convenience. The Pop+ leads as an all-purpose choice, while the other picks solve more specific needs.
A higher score doesn't make a machine right for every kitchen. An espresso drinker can reasonably choose the Essenza Mini over a broader Vertuo model, and a daily latte drinker may value automatic milk preparation most.
We also considered how each setup works beyond the brew button. Tank access, cup clearance and separate milk equipment affect how easily the machine fits your morning.
Compare the best Nespresso machines
Compare capsule compatibility first, then drink sizes and milk preparation. Original and Vertuo capsules aren't interchangeable, and a frother bundle doesn't mean the machine dispenses a finished latte.
| Product | Best for | Capsule system | Drink range | Milk setup | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother | mixed drink households | Nespresso Vertuo | Espresso through Alto | Separate included frother | 8.9 |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine | small espresso corners | Nespresso Original | Espresso and lungo | Plan milk preparation separately | 8.7 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino | shared coffee stations | Nespresso Vertuo | Espresso, double espresso, gran lungo and coffee | Separate Aeroccino3 | 8.6 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe with Frother | large mug drinkers | Nespresso Vertuo | Single espresso through 18 oz coffee | Separate Aeroccino3 | 8.5 |
| Nespresso CitiZ with Milk Frother | Original latte drinkers | Nespresso Original | Espresso and lungo | Separate Aeroccino3 | 8.4 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next with Milk Frother | narrow counter gaps | Nespresso Vertuo | Single espresso through 18 oz coffee | Separate Aeroccino3 | 8.2 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi | fewer water refills | Nespresso Vertuo | Espresso through 7.7 oz coffee | Separate frother needed | 8.0 |
| Nespresso Vertuo Up with Milk Frother | iced coffee fans | Nespresso Vertuo | Single espresso through 18 oz coffee | Separate Aeroccino | 7.9 |
| Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi | black espresso drinkers | Nespresso Original | Espresso and lungo | Separate frother needed | 7.8 |
| Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi | automatic milk drinks | Nespresso Original | Espresso, lungo and three milk recipes | Milk dispensed directly into cup | 7.0 |
Best Nespresso machines for different routines
Choose the Pop+ for a mixed coffee routine, then look at the alternatives if espresso, large mugs, iced drinks or automatic milk preparation matter more. The products below remain in score order.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother
- Vertuo capsule system
- Five cup sizes
- Milk frother included
- Side-access water tank
A balanced choice for households that alternate between coffee, espresso and milk drinks. Side access to the tank helps with refilling.
Pros
- Several serving sizes
- Frother included
- Side-access tank
Cons
- Separate milk preparation and cleanup
- Original capsules do not fit
The Pop+ is the strongest starting point for a household where one person wants coffee and another wants an espresso-based milk drink. Its five cup sizes stretch from espresso to Alto without requiring two brewers.
The side-access tank helps with refilling, and the drip tray has two positions for different cups. Leave room beside the machine for the frother and enough clearance to open the brewing head.
This is a separate-frother setup: brew the coffee, prepare the milk, then combine them yourself. That gives you control over the milk-to-coffee balance, but it also means washing another vessel after a latte.
Buy it for variety within one capsule system. Skip it if you only drink espresso, already prefer Original capsules, or want the machine to pour milk directly into your cup.
For large servings throughout the day, consider how often you'll refill its 25.4 fl oz tank. A compact brewer saves counter space, but water needs still follow the size of your drinks.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine
Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine
- Original capsule system
- Two programmable cup sizes
- Compact design
- Automatic shut-off
A focused choice for espresso drinkers who want a compact machine and simple controls. Skip it if your usual drink is a large brewed coffee.
Pros
- Compact design
- Programmable drink volumes
- Simple espresso routine
Cons
- No larger Vertuo coffee servings
The Essenza Mini is the best Nespresso machine for a simple espresso corner among these picks. It focuses on espresso and lungo instead of offering a long menu of coffee sizes.
Both drink volumes are programmable, so you can settle on a serving that fits your cup. Begin with the standard setting before changing it, since adding more water through a capsule changes both strength and flavor.
Its compact body suits a kitchen where the coffee station must share space with food preparation. The 25-second heat-up also fits a short morning routine without menus or extra drink modes.
Choose it if you enjoy short black coffees or already have a way to prepare milk. If a frother bundle is your priority, compare the CitiZ with milk frother.
Skip it for full mugs of brewed coffee. You can add hot water to espresso for an Americano, but that is a different drink from a larger Vertuo coffee.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino
- Vertuo capsule system
- Barcode-guided brewing
- Aeroccino3 included
- Adjustable cup support
A coffee-and-espresso bundle for people sharing a counter but ordering different drinks. The separate Aeroccino3 makes hot or cold milk froth.
Pros
- Adjustable cup support
- Hot or cold milk froth
- Automatic capsule ejection
Cons
- Machine and frother both need counter space
This Breville bundle suits a shared coffee station where people alternate between short coffees, larger servings and milk drinks. The Aeroccino3 makes hot or cold milk froth, giving it a role beyond morning cappuccinos.
Barcode-guided brewing adjusts the preparation to the compatible Vertuo capsule. Choose the capsule for the drink you want rather than expecting every capsule to produce every serving size.
The adjustable cup support helps position different vessels under the outlet. Use a smaller cup for espresso and move the support as needed for a taller drink instead of accepting unnecessary splashes.
Automatic capsule ejection and storage for up to 17 used capsules make repeated brewing more convenient. Empty the container regularly rather than waiting for it to fill completely.
Choose this bundle for several drink styles and a separate milk station. Skip it if the frother would crowd your preparation area or if your main goal is coffee larger than the standard mug servings described here.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe with Frother
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe with Frother
- Vertuo capsule system
- Six cup sizes
- Aeroccino3 included
- Removable side tank
A compact brewer for people who want larger coffees alongside espresso. Its smaller tank needs more frequent attention when brewing large servings.
Pros
- Broad serving range
- Aeroccino3 included
- Side-access water tank
Cons
- Large servings use much of the tank
The Pop+ Deluxe suits people who want larger coffee servings from a compact brewer. Its six options include single and double espresso plus 5, 8, 12 and 18 oz coffees.
That range is useful if your drink changes with the day: a short coffee before leaving home and a larger mug when you have time to sit. Buy compatible capsules for those sizes rather than trying to stretch an espresso capsule.
The main tradeoff is water capacity. An 18 oz serving uses much of the removable 25 fl oz tank, so this isn't the most convenient choice for several large drinks in succession.
The included Aeroccino3 keeps milk preparation separate, while the adjustable tray helps with cup placement. Choose a vessel with room for the coffee, milk and foam you intend to add.
Buy it for occasional large coffees without a large machine body. Skip it if frequent refilling would bother you more than a larger counter footprint.
Nespresso CitiZ with Milk Frother
Nespresso CitiZ with Milk Frother
- Original capsule system
- Aeroccino3 included
- Espresso and lungo choices
- Programmable brewing
An Original capsule bundle for espresso drinkers who regularly add warm or frothed milk. Coffee brewing and milk preparation remain separate steps.
Pros
- Included milk frother
- Programmable brewing
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- No larger Vertuo coffee servings
- Milk needs a separate pour
The CitiZ bundle fits people who build their daily latte or cappuccino around Original espresso capsules. It pairs a focused coffee machine with an Aeroccino3 rather than adding larger brewed-coffee options.
That arrangement suits someone who likes choosing how much milk to pour. Brew a short coffee first, add milk gradually, and adjust the next drink based on the balance you prefer.
Programmable brewing lets you set your coffee volume, but don't use a longer extraction as the only way to fill a large latte glass. More milk needs enough coffee strength behind it, not simply more water through the same capsule.
The separate frother can stay unused on days when you want black coffee. On milk-drink days, include rinsing and cleaning it in your routine.
Choose this bundle if Original coffee and milk drinks are both regular habits. Skip it if you want mug-size coffee from a capsule or prefer milk poured automatically into the cup.
Nespresso Vertuo Next with Milk Frother
Nespresso Vertuo Next with Milk Frother
- Vertuo capsule system
- Six cup sizes
- Aeroccino3 included
- 25-second heat-up
A narrow but deep brewer for counters with limited width. The broad drink range suits households that alternate between espresso and larger coffee servings.
Pros
- Narrow machine body
- Hot or cold milk froth
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- Needs substantial counter depth
- Frother requires extra space
The Vertuo Next is worth considering when counter width is tight but depth is available. Its body measures 5.5 in wide and 16.9 in deep, so measure the whole placement area before choosing it.
The narrow shape doesn't include the space needed for its separate Aeroccino3. Also allow access to the water tank and enough room to open the machine without hitting an overhead cabinet.
Its six serving sizes cover single and double espresso through larger coffees. That suits a household using different cup sizes, provided everyone is comfortable buying Vertuo capsules.
The included frother adds hot and cold milk options without tying every drink to a milk program. Keep a dedicated spot for it rather than moving it around a crowded counter each morning.
Buy it for a narrow, deep coffee station. Skip it if your counter is shallow or if you want a larger reservoir to reduce interruptions between drinks.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi
- Vertuo capsule system
- Four cup sizes
- 54 oz water reservoir
- Automatic capsule ejection
A larger-reservoir option for coffee and espresso drinkers who already have a milk routine. Its serving range stops below the larger coffees offered by several other picks.
Pros
- 54 oz reservoir
- Automatic capsule ejection
- Adjustable drip tray
Cons
- No frother in this bundle
- No 12 or 18 oz coffee option
This De'Longhi machine is a practical choice when fewer water refills matter more than a frother bundle. Its 54 oz reservoir suits repeated coffee preparation better than the smaller tanks in this roundup.
The four drink sizes run from espresso to 7.7 oz coffee. That covers short coffees and a standard mug serving, but not the 12 or 18 oz options available on several alternatives.
Automatic capsule ejection sends spent capsules into a container holding up to 17. This helps when making consecutive drinks, though the container and drip tray still need regular emptying and cleaning.
Choose it if you already have a milk frother or mainly drink black coffee. There is little reason to replace a milk setup you like simply to buy another bundled accessory.
Skip it if filling a large travel mug in one brew is your priority. The bigger water reservoir supplies more drinks; it doesn't increase the largest supported serving size.
Nespresso Vertuo Up with Milk Frother
Nespresso Vertuo Up with Milk Frother
- Coffee Creations button
- Six cup sizes
- Aeroccino included
- Multi-position water tank
A focused choice for iced drinks and coffee poured over milk. Its Coffee Creations mode makes a more concentrated brew, while the rotating tank offers placement flexibility.
Pros
- Concentrated brew mode
- Adjustable tank position
- Milk frother included
Cons
- Extra brew mode has less value for plain hot coffee
Vertuo Up is the most focused option here for coffee served over ice or milk. Its Coffee Creations button produces a more concentrated brew for those drinks.
That feature addresses a common iced-coffee problem: melting ice adds water. A concentrated starting point helps preserve coffee strength, though the amount of ice and milk you use still shapes the result.
The 47 oz multi-position tank can rotate to suit your counter layout. Plan its position before filling it, and leave enough access to remove or refill it comfortably.
Nespresso gives a 3-second ready-to-brew time. That's the startup time, so allow additional time for brewing and preparing milk rather than treating it as the total drink time.
Choose Vertuo Up if iced coffee is a daily habit. Skip it if you mainly drink plain hot coffee and would rarely use the concentrated mode; another Vertuo pick may match your needs more closely.
Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi
Nespresso CitiZ by De'Longhi
- Original capsule system
- Programmable espresso and lungo
- Folding cup shelf
- Removable tank
A straightforward Original machine for people who mainly drink espresso or lungo. The folding shelf helps accommodate different cup heights.
Pros
- Programmable drink volumes
- Folding cup shelf
- Used capsule container
Cons
- No included frother
- No larger Vertuo coffee servings
This standalone CitiZ suits people who want Original espresso without another milk appliance. It makes espresso and lungo through programmable buttons, keeping the daily choices short.
The folding cup shelf helps accommodate different vessel heights. A taller mug can fit your finished drink, but cup clearance doesn't turn this into a large-coffee brewer.
Its used capsule container holds up to 10 spent capsules. Empty it alongside the drip tray as part of a regular routine, especially if more than one person uses the machine.
Choose it if you mainly drink black espresso, make Americanos with added hot water, or already own a frother you like. You avoid adding an accessory that would otherwise sit unused.
Skip it if milk drinks are your main reason for buying Nespresso and you have no milk preparation plan. Compare the CitiZ bundle above before deciding whether to build the setup in separate purchases.
Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi
Nespresso Lattissima One by De'Longhi
- Original capsule system
- Three milk recipes
- Single-serve milk jug
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe jug
A milk-focused machine that prepares espresso macchiato, cappuccino and latte macchiato directly in your cup. Choose it if simpler drink preparation matters more than having a separate frother.
Pros
- Direct-to-cup milk preparation
- Detachable milk jug lid
- Descaling alert
Cons
- Milk system needs cleaning after use
- Single-serve jug needs refilling between preparations
Lattissima One is the clearest choice here for people who want milk dispensed directly into the cup. It prepares espresso macchiato, cappuccino and latte macchiato through its single-serve milk system.
That removes the separate frothing-and-pouring step. It suits a person making one milk drink at a time more naturally than a household preparing several large milk drinks in quick succession.
The jug's detachable lid helps with refilling between preparations, and the jug is top-rack dishwasher safe. Follow the manual for cleaning the remaining milk components rather than assuming the whole system can go into the dishwasher.
Buy it if simpler drink preparation is worth the milk-system care. Skip it if you mostly drink black coffee or would prefer a separate frother you can leave aside.
For a broader look at separate-frother models, see our Nespresso machine with milk frother guide.
Which Nespresso capsule system should you choose?
Choose Original for an espresso-led routine and Vertuo for espresso plus larger coffee servings. Make that decision before comparing finishes, tank sizes or bundled accessories.
Original models here focus on espresso and lungo. A lungo sends more water through the capsule; it isn't the same as adding fresh hot water to a finished espresso.
Vertuo offers a wider serving range, but the available sizes vary by model. A capsule must suit both the system and the size capabilities of the machine you choose.
If you're replacing a machine, check which capsules you already buy. Keeping the same system can make sense when you like those coffees and don't need a new drink format.
Our guide to Nespresso Original vs Vertuo explains the tradeoffs in more detail. If espresso is the priority, see our best Nespresso machines for espresso.
Do you need a Nespresso machine with a milk frother?
Choose a separate frother for control over pouring, or a direct-to-cup milk system for fewer preparation steps. If you mainly drink black coffee, milk equipment can be unnecessary.
A separate frother lets you adjust the finished drink as you pour. You also have two vessels to manage: the coffee cup and the milk container.
Lattissima One handles the milk step through its attached jug. That simplifies preparation, but milk still needs prompt cleaning, and the jug needs attention between drinks.
Milk choice affects foam as well as flavor. Start with cold milk, follow the appliance's fill marks, and remember that some plant-based drinks foam differently from dairy milk.
Compare the Nespresso machines with milk frothers if milk preparation is the deciding factor. Budget counter space and cleanup time for the whole setup.
How should you choose between Nespresso machine sizes?
Match drink size to your routine and machine size to your counter. A compact body, a large reservoir and a large supported coffee serving are three different features.
Measure the surface from the wall to the counter edge, then check the width available beside other appliances. Allow access to the tank, capsule container and drip tray without moving the brewer every day.
Leave room above the machine to open it. Cabinet clearance can matter more than the height of the closed machine.
Check your actual cups too. A travel mug needs outlet clearance, while a latte glass needs space for both coffee and milk without overflowing.
For shared kitchens, count the drinks made before anyone is likely to refill the tank. Several small espressos and several large coffees put very different demands on the same reservoir.
How do you set up a Nespresso machine for better daily use?
Begin with the manual's first-use rinse and a clean water tank before inserting a capsule. The rinse procedure varies by machine, so don't borrow a button sequence from another model.
Place the brewer on a stable surface with clear access to its removable parts. Set a large enough container under the outlet for the rinse cycle.
Use fresh drinking water and refill as needed rather than repeatedly topping up old water. Follow the manual's water guidance, especially if your tap water has a strong taste or high mineral content.
Learn the standard drink settings before programming new volumes. A warmed cup can help a small espresso stay warm, while adding milk will naturally change the finished drink's temperature.
Keep the starter capsule packaging long enough to note which coffees you like. Compare similar serving sizes first so you can separate capsule preference from drink strength.
Our guide to using a Nespresso machine walks through the daily routine.
Which Nespresso mistakes are easiest to avoid?
Avoid wrong-system capsules, oversized extractions and ignored milk cleanup. These mistakes can spoil the routine even when the machine suits your needs.
Don't force a capsule into the chamber. Check compatibility and orientation, and stop if the lever won't close normally.
Don't run repeated brews through one used capsule to fill a mug. For a longer drink, use a suitable larger-serving capsule or add hot water to a finished espresso.
For lattes, adjust the coffee-to-milk balance before changing the extraction volume. A larger glass doesn't require filling every inch if that leaves the drink tasting mostly of milk.
For iced coffee, leave room for ice and milk before brewing. A concentrated coffee base is a better starting point than diluting an already mild drink.
How much cleaning does a Nespresso setup need?
Plan for regular rinsing, removable-part cleaning and periodic descaling. Milk equipment adds another cleaning task whenever you use it.
Empty used capsules and standing liquid regularly. Wash removable parts as the manual directs, and let them dry before reassembling.
Clean milk-contact parts promptly so residue doesn't dry onto them. Dishwasher-safe parts still need the correct rack position and cleaning method.
Descaling removes mineral buildup inside the water path; wiping the outside and washing the tray don't replace it. Follow the machine's alert and manual, using the recommended process and solution.
Our Nespresso cleaning guide explains how routine cleaning differs from descaling.
Which best Nespresso machine fits your daily drink?
The best Nespresso machine for you matches the drink you make most often. Use that rule to choose between these setups:
- Coffee, espresso and occasional milk drinks: choose the Vertuo Pop+ bundle.
- Mostly espresso or lungo in limited space: choose Essenza Mini.
- Larger mugs from a compact brewer: choose Pop+ Deluxe, allowing for frequent refills.
- Repeated standard coffee servings: choose the De'Longhi Vertuo option with the larger reservoir.
- Daily iced coffee: choose Vertuo Up for its concentrated brew mode.
- Milk recipes poured directly into the cup: choose Lattissima One and commit to milk-system care.
Before ordering, confirm capsule compatibility, your usual cup size and the space available for the complete setup. Use our Nespresso machine guide if you still need to settle the system choice.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mixed drink households
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for small espresso corners
Nespresso Essenza Mini Original Machine
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for shared coffee stations
Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Breville with Aeroccino
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Nespresso machine for most people?
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother is the best fit for most households wanting coffee, espresso and occasional milk drinks. Its serving range covers different routines without a separate frother purchase.
Choose the Essenza Mini instead if you mainly drink espresso or lungo and prefer the Original capsule system.
What is the difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo?
Original machines here brew espresso and lungo, while Vertuo models also offer larger coffee servings. Their capsules are different shapes and are not interchangeable, so choose the system before buying pods.
Compare the Original and Vertuo systems if you are deciding between short coffees and mug-size drinks.
Which Nespresso machine is best for lattes?
The Lattissima One suits people who want milk dispensed directly into the cup for preset recipes. A machine bundled with a separate frother suits people who prefer to pour and adjust the milk themselves.
Compare our Nespresso machines with milk frothers to choose the preparation style you prefer.
Can a Nespresso machine make regular coffee?
Vertuo machines can brew larger coffee servings, making them the closer fit for someone who wants a full mug. Original machines here make espresso and lungo; adding hot water creates an Americano rather than a larger capsule brew.
Our guide to regular coffee from Nespresso explains those choices.
