nespresso vertuo travel machine

Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee maker review

The simplest coffee maker we’ve ever used.

TechRadar Verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Next creates consistently smooth espressos and americanos, and it genuinely couldn’t be easier to use – we just wish Nespresso would build the milk frother into the machine so you can make lattes at the touch of a button too.

Incredibly easy to use

Good crema on the coffee

Virtually mess-free

Pods are expensive

You have to buy a separate milk frother

Recycling the pods could be easier

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

One-minute review

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is a stylish-looking machine that creates smooth coffee with a brilliant crema every time. Worthy of a place among the best coffee makers , the Vertuo Next is the easiest-to-use coffee machine we’ve ever tried – all you really have to do is place a pod inside, and press a button. 

You can choose between five different cup sizes, and the clean-up takes seconds as this machine is pretty much mess-free. On its own, however, Vertuo Next felt a little limiting to us, because you can only make espressos or Americanos; if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll need to splash out on a separate milk frother. 

Nespresso Vertuo Next pricing and availability Design Performance Should I buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

The Vertuo Next heats up quickly though, and consistently delivers barista-style coffee, but you do have to buy official Vertuo pods and recycling the pods isn’t as easy as simply placing them in your household recycling. For ultimate  coffee-making convenience, however, you’ll struggle to beat the Vertuo Next.

Nespresso Vertuo Next price and availability

• List price $159 / £149 / AU$249

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is widely available, and is part of Nespresso’s Vertuo line, which uses different pods from its Original line. It’s not the most expensive coffee machine on the market, but it isn’t able to froth milk so you’ll need to factor in the cost of a separate milk frother, if that’s important to you. You can typically find the Nespresso machine sales during holidays like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

You can also check out the latest Nespresso discount codes for more ways to save on coffee machines and more from the manufacturer.

• Makes five different-sized drinks 
• Easy one-touch use 

The Nespresso Vertuo Next looks expensive with its sleek and slim design, raised logo on the front of the machine, and curved lines. While it doesn’t have the smallest footprint, due to the water reservoir’s position at the back, it’s a stylish addition to your countertop, and is available in a range of colors to match your decor. 

When our review machine arrived, it was boxed in 100% recyclable packing - a refreshing change from the mass of plastic bags and foam many other appliances are packaged in. The eco theme doesn’t stop there either, as this Nespresso machine is made from 54% recycled plastic, and the brand says that all of its pods can now be recycled too. 

The Vertuo Next measures 5.6  x 16.9 x 12.4 inches / 14.2  x 42.9  x  31.4 cm which makes it nice and slim (although it is, as mentioned, a little long in terms of depth) and easy to store on your kitchen countertops, even if you’re short on space. As long as you have an electric socket, you can keep the Nespresso Vertuo Next pretty much anywhere, as it’s virtually mess-free when you use it, and the water reservoir is removable so you don’t need to keep it close to the sink. 

This coffee maker reads the barcode on each coffee pod you place inside so that it can brew the coffee correctly. This also means that you have to use patented Nespresso capsules in the Vertuo Next – the machine isn’t compatible with generic pods. After you’ve placed a capsule inside the Vertuo Next, the machine uses what Nespresso calls ‘centrifusion force’ to spin it at high speeds so that the coffee it produces is smooth and has a good crema on top. 

Nespresso’s Vertuo machines, including the Vertuo Next and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus , give you more choice in terms of cup sizes than the brand’s Original line, and you’re able to choose from five different cup sizes, ranging from an espresso up to a 41ml drink. The cup stand on this machine is adjustable so that you can use cups and mugs of different heights.

Making a coffee literally couldn’t be easier: all you have to do is choose a capsule, place it inside the machine, and press the one button that sits on top of the machine. The Nespresso machine then reads the capsule and brews your coffee.

Performance

• Easy to use
• Almost mess-free
• Frothing milk requires additional device

Unboxing and setting up the Nespresso Vertuo Next takes a matter of minutes and is very easy. We tested this machine for a few weeks using a variety of capsules to get a good feel for how well this model operates, and the number of different drinks you can make with it. 

First up, if you’re fairly new to Nespresso, it’s worth knowing that the Vertuo Nespresso machines don’t froth milk, so if you want to enjoy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll need to buy a separate milk frother – Nespresso will sell you one for $98 / £50 / AU$99, but cheaper models are readily available. 

For our first test of the Vertuo Next we made an espresso, using a capsule specifically designed for espressos. Lifting the lid on the machine and placing a capsule inside was easy, and once we’d closed the machine by putting the lid back down and clicking it into place, the Nespresso was ready to go. There’s just one button on the Vertuo Next, so starting the brewing process couldn’t be easier. The espresso the machine produced had a thick, golden brown crema on top. We added sugar to the espresso and gave the drink a stir to see how the crema held up, and found that it reformed almost instantly.

This Nespresso machine can make five different drink sizes, so we wanted to test each of them for accuracy and taste. We next used a Melozio coffee pod, which is medium-strength and makes 7.75 fl oz / 320ml of coffee. The brewing process took 100 seconds from when we pressed to button to when the coffee was ready to drink, and the quantity produced was exactly as the pod promised. 

We were pleased to find that there wasn’t any splashing when the machine was working, and it reached 68 decibels on our meter -around the equivalent of ambient office noise. The coffee that the machine produced again had a good crema, and as with the espresso test, the crema on this larger coffee reformed even after we stirred in sugar and added a splash of milk. 

When it comes to taste, we think coffee can be a little like perfume - what’s great for one person might be awful for another. However, we tested the Nespresso Vertuo Next for how smooth the coffee tasted, and whether it tasted burnt at all. Every coffee we made was consistently smooth, and while we did find some of the capsules tasted quite bitter, that will likely come down to personal preference. 

The Vertuo Next has a removable drip tray that’s easy to clean, and the used pods collect in the capsule holder, which slides out of the machine with ease. We did find that pouring out the used capsules into the recycling bag was sometimes a bit messy, as the pods tend to have dregs of coffee left inside them. 

It’s no secret that coffee pods aren’t the most eco-friendly products on the market, but Nespresso stands by its aluminum pod design because it says it’s the best for keeping the coffee fresh. When you buy a Nespresso machine a recycling bag is included, and once it’s full you can either take your used pods to your nearest Nespresso Boutique, take them to a collection point, or ask the delivery driver to collect your bag when they deliver your next order of pods. 

Should I buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

Buy it if….

You want fail-safe coffee

The Vertuo Next performed consistently well in all of our tests, producing smooth coffee with a thick crema every time - and all at the touch of a button. 

You want a choice of cup sizes

There are five different cup sizes to choose from, and the cup holder adjusts so that you can fit the appropriate cup mug under the spout. 

You need something mess-free

Because the Vertuo Next uses pods, it’s both easy and tidy to use – there won’t be coffee grounds or splashes on your countertops, and cleaning takes just seconds. 

Don’t buy it if… 

You like to make lattes

The Vertuo Next is designed to make espressos and Americanos, so if you’re an avid latte drinker, you’ll need to factor in the cost of buying an additional milk frother. 

You don’t want to buy pods

This machine can’t be used with ground coffee, and you’ll also have to buy official Nespresso pods, which can’t be recycled in your household recycling. 

You want a cheap pod machine

Nespresso machines aren’t cheap, and with the added expense of buying pods on top, the Vertuo Next might not be for everyone.

First tested: June 2021

• Check out these great coffee machine deals

Sophie writes about all things appliance-related and is currently the Home Editor at TechRadar's sister site, Top Ten Reviews. When she's not testing coffee machines and appliances, Sophie is thinking of eating delicious food, and asking people what they're having for dinner.

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Nespresso Vertuo Next Review

This nespresso coffee maker is slim, sleek, and easy to use.

Updated July 31, 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

About the Nespresso Vertuo Next

What we like, what we don't like, should you buy the nespresso vertuo next, related content.

Slim, sleek design

Quick brewing

Easy upkeep

Limited app compatibility

Small water tank

Possible longevity issues

The Vertuo Next is the slimmest Nespresso machine yet.

This machine promises a wide range of possibilities—with a small footprint.

With a width of only 5.5 inches, it’s easy to find space for the Vertuo Next on any countertop. And since it comes in a range of modern color options, there's something for every palette.

The removable water tank can house 37 ounces of water, and the built-in used capsule container can hold up to 10 pods at once before it needs to be emptied.

But that doesn't mean its brewing options are limited. It can brew espresso shots, full coffee cups, and even 18-ounce carafes. And there's no learning curve required; the machine automatically adjusts pressure, temperature, and brewing time according to the capsule inserted.

The machine is also compatible with the Nespresso app, which will send you notifications when it's time to empty the capsule container, descale the machine, and refill the water container.

With a modern look and several color options, you'll feel great about adding this to your countertop.

Regardless of your kitchen (or office) aesthetics, you can find a Vertuo NextPlus machine to complement the design.

It brews quickly

This machine heats up and is ready to go in under 30 seconds.

One of the first things we noticed about this machine—in comparison to some other models—is how quickly it can produce a cup of coffee.

After turning it on, the Vertuo Next only takes 25 seconds to heat up. From there, it can brew an eight-ounce cup of coffee in just 90 seconds.

We also noticed that the coffee emerges from the machine at the perfect temperature. Not too hot and not tepid, it's ready to be sipped right away.

Upkeep is a breeze

The convenience of pod brewing means clean-up is minimal.

Much like other Nespresso machines that prioritize convenience, the Vertuo Next requires practically no elbow grease to keep it up and running.

Regular maintenance includes refilling the 37-ounce water tank as needed, emptying the capsule containers every 10 drinks, and descaling the machine once every couple of weeks (or as needed).

Luckily, once you pair the machine with the Nespresso app, you won't have to remember all of those tasks yourself. The app will notify you when it's time to refill the water tank, empty the used capsules, or run the descaling function.

Coffee is crema-topped and full-bodied

The Vertuo Next produces plenty of foam—but it might be too much for some.

Perhaps most importantly, this machine delivers that distinctly rich and foamy Nespresso coffee that the brand is known for. Every pod we brewed during testing—from small shots to large cups of coffee—came out consistently flavorful and full-bodied.

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With just a 37-ounce capacity, the water tank needed frequent refilling during testing.

Water reservoir is small

If you're using this machine to brew full cups of coffee more often than espresso shots, you'll likely be refilling the water container pretty often.

During testing, we used the machine to brew full-sized cups daily, which meant we had to refill the 37-ounce water tank with almost every other use. Compared to other Nespresso Vertuo machines we've tested—whose water tanks range from 40 to 54 ounces—this one is fairly small and requires frequent refills.

Accompanying app can't control the machine

The app compatibility has some useful features, but don't expect to brew coffee remotely.

Although this machine is compatible with the Nespresso app, don't expect to be able to automatically brew a cup of coffee from the next room.

The app has very limited functionality. It will only inform you when it's time for regular maintenance on the machine, like descaling and capsule container emptying. Beyond that, there are options to purchase Nespresso pods, set up alerts and subscriptions for refills, and access tools like store locators and pod recycling.

Consumers have reported longevity issues

Although we only tested this machine for about a month, reviewers who have owned the Vertuo Next for several months or years have reported common issues that show up over time.

Hundreds of consumers have reported that the machine stopped working after several months, often leaking and requiring extremely frequent descaling. Or, in some cases, the machine shuts down altogether and can no longer be used.

There is a year-long warranty on the product, but if issues show up after the one-year mark, a new machine replacement won't be available.

If you value Nespresso coffee (and counter space) the Vertuo Next could be a great choice.

Yes, if you're short on counter space and value the convenience of Nespresso coffee

There are a few things we really love about the Vertuo Next. First, its sleek and slim design that can be conveniently nestled onto countertops and in cabinets—without monopolizing space—is certainly attractive. And it performs very well at producing a wide range of delicious and convenient coffee drinks, with very little effort or upkeep.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is a compact coffee maker that's capable of quick, mess-free brewing while also remaining a space saver for smaller kitchen areas.

best-right-now

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

Monica Petrucci

Editor, Kitchen & Cooking

Monica is Reviewed's Kitchen & Cooking editor and an avid home cook; she's been testing a wide range of kitchen products at Reviewed for two years. Previously the Digital Editor at Culture Cheese Magazine (and a former barista), she's also had her work published in The Boston Globe, Modern Luxury, Boston Magazine, and more.

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The Best Nespresso Machine

By Ciara Murray Jordan and Sabrina Imbler

Espresso is ubiquitous in coffee shops and likely serves as the foundation of some of your favorite caffeinated drinks. But for those wishing to pull shots at home, the art of espresso can be tricky to master. Enter the Nespresso machine.

Although Nespresso machines can’t replicate the syrupy body or range of complexity achieved at your favorite cafe, they can mimic the intensity of a good espresso shot with very little time and effort. We tested machines compatible with Nespresso pods and recommend the compact Nespresso Essenza Mini because it’s quick, convenient, and foolproof to use. It’ll look pretty cute in your kitchen, too.

Everything we recommend

Nespresso Essenza Mini

The best nespresso machine.

The Essenza Mini brews balanced, consistent espressos that are more mellow than those from other Nespresso machines we tested. It’s an uncomplicated machine with a small footprint and a chic design.

Buying Options

Nespresso VertuoPlus

A more versatile nespresso machine.

In addition to a smooth espresso, the Nespresso VertuoPlus can also make an 8-ounce cup of coffee that’s superior to anything we’ve tried from a Keurig machine.

How we picked

Our top pick, the Essenza Mini, can brew an espresso within a minute of being plugged in and turned on.

Nespresso espressos aren’t quite the real thing—but they should still taste delicious. We looked for balanced, flavorful shots.

Your first espresso should be every bit as good as your second (or third). Our picks churned out identical drinks repeatedly.

Nespresso machines are all about convenience. The machines we recommend require minimal effort to operate.

Though the Nespresso Essenza Mini can brew only espresso, it carries out its sole function with aplomb, producing a well-balanced espresso that we would drink again and again. It’s efficient for its size, brews quickly, is straightforward to use, and requires little cleanup. True to its name, the Essenza Mini is a small machine, about half the size of a toaster, and is easy to fit on a crowded countertop or in a cabinet. It’s available in two sleek styles (either tapered or rectangular ) to suit a range of tastes. The Essenza Mini is part of the Original line and can only make three espresso drinks of varying concentration: highly concentrated ristrettos (0.85 ounces), espressos (1.35 ounces), and diluted lungos (3.7 ounces).

The Nespresso VertuoPlus makes a good espresso, but its appeal really lies in its ability to also brew 8-ounce coffees, so it serves a wider range of coffee preferences. It’s a taller machine than our pick, but its countertop footprint is still small. With an automatic lid and single-button operation, it’s nearly effortless to use. It can brew espressos, double espressos, 5-ounce gran lungos, and 8-ounce coffees.

Though the coffee it makes can’t compare to home-brewing methods like pour-over , French press , or drip , it’s still a big step above Keurig brews. But unlike machines in the Original line, this one is limited to using Nespresso’s proprietary capsules, which are expensive and not sold in grocery stores (Starbucks also makes Vertuo pods, which are available in some grocery stores, but they’re not as good).

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the downsides of nespresso machines, how we picked and tested, our pick: nespresso essenza mini, also great: nespresso vertuoplus, other good nespresso machines, original vs. vertuo nespresso machines, the competition.

For the 2024 update of this guide, associate staff writer Ciara Murray Jordan spent dozens of hours testing Nespresso-compatible machines and dozens more poring over Amazon ratings, Reddit threads , machine specifications, and scores of reviews from other publications.

For this round of testing, Ciara was joined by senior editor Marguerite Preston and supervising editor Marilyn Ong for a tasting panel. Each of them has taken a course at Coffee Project New York on how to objectively taste and evaluate coffee.

Writer Sabrina Imber, who wrote the original version of this guide, is an avid coffee drinker, and also worked on our guide to the best French presses . For guidance on what a real espresso should taste like, they consulted Sprudge associate editor Liz Clayton, who has worked on our guide to coffee grinders .

If you enjoy drinking espressos but not the effort it takes to make them, then a Nespresso machine is your best bet. It’s by far the most convenient way to make espressos at home.

Nespresso machines are fast and foolproof, producing consistent drinks at the push of a button. They have a lower up-front cost than a traditional espresso machine and require minimal maintenance and zero skill, expertise, or additional equipment. If you’re in the habit of getting your fix at a café, they’ll certainly save you money.

Other popular at-home espresso methods like an AeroPress or a moka pot are even less expensive, but they still have a learning curve. And because they can’t brew under very high pressure, they produce something closer to a strong cup of coffee than a true espresso, whereas Nespresso machines achieve a better likeness. But unlike these home-brewing methods, Nespresso machines rely on capsules filled with coffee grounds, which may be objectionable to those who are averse to packaging or want a more bespoke coffee experience.

Despite their similarity to espresso, Nespresso drinks do not have the depth of flavor and the rich body of an espresso brewed the traditional way. We also found that they usually taste more bitter. If you’re accustomed to authentic espresso, then Nespresso may not meet your standards. But lower your expectations a bit, and the espressos made from a Nespresso machine are perfectly palatable.

Machines that use Nespresso pods certainly make espresso much more accessible at home. But they have some major drawbacks that may not suit your budget or lifestyle.

The pods are pricey. The convenience of Nespresso machines comes at a cost—quite literally. It’s true that a Nespresso machine is cheaper than a traditional espresso maker, but the price of the pods can make it a more expensive investment over time.

Our pick, the Nespresso Essenza Mini , costs around $200, whereas our least expensive espresso machine pick, the Gaggia Classic Pro , is about twice as much. But Nespresso pods are far more expensive than coffee beans. The cheapest Original line capsule costs 80¢. Even if you buy specialty coffee at $25 per pound, you’d end up spending about 50¢ for a single 1-ounce shot of espresso with a 9-gram dose. You’d be hard-pressed to find decent pods that rival that price, even from third-party producers. And if you buy less-expensive, commercial coffee, the cost per shot gets even cheaper. As a replacement for going to a café, a Nespresso machine will certainly save you money, but it’s not exactly the most affordable at-home option.

You have less control. You have only two choices with a Nespresso machine: You can choose your pod and the size of your drink (within limits). The brewing process is otherwise entirely out of your hands. If convenience isn’t your priority and you want more control over your espresso shots, we’d recommend getting a beginner espresso machine instead of a Nespresso maker. You’ll be able to dial in your ideal espresso and pull richer, more-complex shots.

There’s the environmental impact. Though the research on how the carbon footprint of a Nespresso capsule compares with that of filtered coffee is not conclusive , it’s safe to say that coffee pods and the plastic machines that use them contribute to landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions in their production and their disposal. Aluminum espresso capsules, such as those made by Nespresso, have a smaller carbon footprint than plastic pods if they’re recycled, but recycling them is difficult.

Even if you remove the foil lid and clean out the grounds, few recycling centers are equipped to process anything that small . If you live in New York City, you can recycle emptied pods , but we haven’t heard of other cities where that’s possible. It’s best to check with your local recycling center before adding capsules to your recycling bin, as small metals run the risk of jamming processing machines.

Nespresso offers a program for customers in the contiguous United States that recycles the aluminum capsules and composts the coffee grounds. You can order up to two large recycling bags at a time from Nespresso, fill them with spent capsules, and either ship them back or drop them at a participating store for free.

But just because something is made of recyclable material does not mean it’s being recycled, and Nespresso has not released any firm data on how many capsules it’s actually recycling. Also, the hassle of storing the bags (which can grow mold if you don’t freeze them or dry the pods before bagging) and shipping them may counteract Nespresso’s overall promise of convenience.

We tested SealPods , a reusable pod alternative, but found them lacking. The pods are expensive, time-consuming, and messy to fill, and they require finely ground espresso, which may not be readily available in supermarkets. Since the required aluminum covers are not reusable and replacements must be shipped, they’re not zero waste, either. Plus, they produced consistently under-extracted espresso, no matter how tightly we packed the grounds.

Scores of Nespresso-compatible machines are available, manufactured either by Nespresso or by third-party producers. Nespresso itself makes 15 models, as well as deluxe versions (with a larger water tank or decorative chrome accents). Nespresso’s machines are divided into two categories, the Original line and the Vertuo line, which we describe in more detail below . But across both lines and the third-party models, we considered a few key features when deciding which models to test and recommend:

Size: Nespresso machines come in a wide range of sizes, from stand-mixer big to petite toaster proportions. We discovered early in our testing that the larger machines, like the Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker , are not necessarily more powerful, nor do they make better coffee. We ultimately favored smaller, lighter machines that take up less space in your kitchen.

Capacity : The used drip tray and capsule container also vary in size and style. We sought drip trays that are wide enough to hold a range of cups and deep enough to catch any spillage. We wanted used capsule containers that could hold enough pods for an entire household of coffee drinkers before needing to be emptied. Our pick, the Essenza Mini, has a used capsule capacity of six pods, which we’d consider the minimum (any smaller, and it becomes a nuisance to empty).

Drink variety: As our counters become more crowded with appliances, versatility becomes more important. Making a good espresso held the most weight in our pick decisions, but we also looked for machines that could make larger drinks, like a 3.75-ounce lungo or an 8-ounce coffee.

Speed: One major draw of Nespresso machines is how quickly they can brew coffee. Most machines have a heat-up time of around 30 seconds. We liked machines that were ready to brew within a minute of being turned on, and we gave extra points to those that could heat up and finish brewing within that minute.

Ease of use: These machines are all about convenience. As such, they shouldn’t take much effort to use. We noted if it was easy to insert a pod and refill the water tank (all the machines we tested have removable tanks you can fill at the sink). We also paid special attention to the lid mechanisms, looking for handles that are comfortable to grasp and offer little resistance when opening or closing the lids.

Espresso and coffee only: In the most recent rounds of testing, we skipped the machines with built-in milk frothers. We tested the Nespresso Lattissima+ in the past and were disappointed by its poor performance. Nespresso machines with built-in milk frothers are unnecessarily expensive, difficult to clean, and don’t make exceptional milk froth. Most people are better off buying a separate milk frother for their drinks.

Our testing methods have evolved since we first published this guide in 2017, but we always taste every type of drink that each machine can make. We concentrate on flavor, ease of use, and consistency.

In our most recent round of testing, we timed how long it took to brew an espresso, from the moment we turned the machine on to the moment the last few drops landed in our cup. We also brewed four espressos back-to-back with each machine, checking the temperature and flavor of each. We looked for well-balanced espressos that were consistent across consecutive brews, so multiple people could reliably use a machine with the same tasty result.

We also had a group of paid testers come in to test our picks. The group included people under 5 feet tall and above 6 feet tall, people with limited hand strength or mobility, and a person who sometimes uses a rollator or a wheelchair. We asked the testers for feedback on each machine’s usability, as well as their opinions of the espresso and coffee they made.

For the bulk of our testing, we used Nespresso’s Volluto pods for machines from the Original line. We chose the Volluto because it’s a light roast, and we felt that the complex flavor profile would better allow us to note how each machine affects the taste of the drink. We used the Voltesso pod for machines from the Vertuo line, which was the most similar to the Volluto pod (the Vertuo line uses different pods with different blends). We also tasted the pods that were included in Nespresso’s sample pack.

To compare the coffees between the Vertuo machines and the Instant Dual Pod (the only machine we tested that can brew K-Cups in addition to Nespresso pods), we used Starbucks Pike Place, which is available as a Vertuo pod and a K-Cup.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini has been our pick since 2018, and for good reason. It’s a basic model limited to making espresso drinks, but it brews our favorite espressos: mellow, toasty, and without the sharp bitterness that we noticed from other Nespresso machines. It’s one of Nespresso’s least expensive machines, yet it doesn’t sacrifice power for price—it can brew multiple espressos in one session with ease and consistency. It’s intuitive to use, heats up and brews quickly, and takes up little counter space.

It’s small and lightweight. The Essenza Mini is the smallest machine in the Original line, with a footprint of 4.3 by 8 inches—no larger than a kettle. When empty, it weighs only 4.85 pounds, a little more than a half-gallon of milk, so it’s easy to move around your kitchen.

It’s the least expensive Original line machine. At around $180, we’re not claiming the Essenza Mini is cheap. But other Nespresso machines might cost hundreds of dollars more for unnecessary features, like subpar milk frothing or chrome accents. And considering the long-term cost of Nespresso pods , it’s a good idea to save as much money as you can up front.

It’s simple to use. With just two buttons, one for an espresso and one for a lungo, the Essenza Mini is uncomplicated. To adjust the size of your drink, you can easily reprogram each setting to produce your preferred volume. Just hold a button until you’ve brewed the amount you like, then release the button to stop. The next time you press that same button, the machine will remember to brew that amount. (Keep in mind that a larger beverage is just more diluted.)

It requires little exertion. The Essenza Mini has a lever that opens the machine, revealing the space where you drop a capsule. This lever can be raised and lowered with little resistance. It’s long enough to comfortably grasp with your hand, but it also has a loop that you can hook your finger into. It takes a bit of force to close once a pod is inserted, but not much—most of our paid testers, including people with limited hand strength or mobility, found the machine easy to use.

It can brew an espresso within a minute. The Essenza Mini takes 30 seconds to heat up before it can brew, and it takes another 30 seconds to make a 1.35-ounce shot of espresso. The machine needs less time to heat up when brewing multiple espressos in swift succession, which makes churning out hot drinks for guests a quick process. But if the machine has a chance to cool down between espressos, it will need the 30 seconds to heat up again.

Cleanup is minimal. Only a few parts of the machine need to be routinely cleaned: The drip tray, the used capsule container, and the water tank. None of them are dishwasher safe, but they’re easy to remove and clean in the sink. The tray effectively catches stray drips, and is deep enough to prevent spillage when being carried to the sink. The machine’s smooth plastic exterior can be quickly wiped down with a damp cloth, as can the coffee outlet. Nespresso recommends you descale your machine every three months and has online instructional videos that explain how to do so. You can buy descaling kits online.

It comes in multiple styles. The Essenza Mini has two appealing styles to choose from: a tapered, triangular model and a slimmer, rectangular-ish one . Both are sleek and come in a couple of color choices.

It has a one-year warranty. The Essenza Mini comes with a one-year warranty and lifetime assistance from Nespresso’s technical hotline. Nespresso will replace or repair your machine at no cost to you for the duration of the warranty; after the warranty expires, it charges a flat fee for repairs.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The exterior is plastic. All visible parts of the Essenza Mini are made entirely of plastic, which some people may find off-putting (though we think it’s cute enough to not look junky). Despite that, the brewing technology inside the Essenza Mini is exactly the same as that of every other machine in the Original line. The Essenza Mini does lose heat quickly after brewing, which we suspect is due to its plastic build. If we allowed 10 minutes of rest between shots, it would then need the full 30 seconds to warm up for the next brew. On the other hand, the metal-accented Nespresso Pixie holds heat better, which cuts down on the wait time between espressos.

It has a smaller used-capsule capacity. The Essenza Mini has a small used-capsule container, with a maximum capacity of six pods. This means you can only make six drinks before the container needs to be emptied. Larger households may find themselves emptying that container a couple of times a day. The water tank can hold 20.3 ounces of water, enough for about 10 espressos (or four lungos) before needing a refill, which is a decent capacity.

Large mugs can’t fit on the drip tray. If you want to make your espresso in anything larger than a teacup, you need to remove the drip tray and set your mug directly on the countertop, which means that any drips will land on the counter. This is a mild annoyance, but it’s easy enough to wipe up, and it’s also the case for most of the compact pod machines we tested.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is one of Nespresso’s most accessible machines, with an automatic lid that makes for effortless use. Its allure lies in its ability to make both espresso and full 8-ounce cups of (strangely foamy) coffee. While the VertuoPlus is a good machine for those who want the option of a cup of coffee, it’s confined to using Nespresso’s proprietary Vertuo pods, which are expensive and unavailable in grocery stores.

It’s easy to use. With just one button, the machine has a short learning curve. Vertuo pods are designed with barcodes that tell the machine which drink to make. When you press the button, the machine makes whichever drink the pod is coded for.

Like with all Nespresso machines, you can still press and hold the button to control how long the pour is, which gives you some agency over your drink size (but keep in mind that larger drinks are just more diluted). Though the coded Vertuo pods mean the VertuoPlus doesn’t have a confusing excess of buttons, it also means you’re restricted to using Nespresso’s system of pods.

The lid operates automatically. Though it can be easily confused for a manual lever, the handle on the front of the machine is actually a switch for the automatic lid. With a very gentle tap up, the machine opens, revealing the space where you insert the pod. A gentle tap down closes the machine. This automation means that no force is required to close the machine once a pod is inserted. By contrast, manual lids, like that on the Essenza Mini, require a bit of force to close with a pod, since that action also punctures the pod.

The lid only opens when the machine has heated up, which can be a little annoying if you only want to remove a used pod. But it takes only 30 seconds to heat, so it’s not much of a wait.

It makes decent (though foamy) coffee. To be clear, we didn’t love the Vertuo coffee. Vertuo machines brew by spinning the pods at high speed, and this process produces exorbitant amounts of stiff, bubbly froth along with your coffee. This froth was polarizing: Some people found it luxurious, others found it unappealing. Nespresso has tried to market it as a crema that’s special to the Vertuo line, but to us, it’s strange and unpleasant. Nespresso recommends folding it into your coffee, but despite our best efforts, the stubborn layer of inch-high foam remained. Still, we felt that the Vertuo coffee was a big step up from Keurig coffee.

It makes nice espresso. We found the espresso from the VertuoPlus to be a little milder across the board than that from the Essenza Mini and the Pixie , but it’s still pleasant and flavorful. If you prefer a less intense coffee, then you’ll enjoy the Vertuo drinks. Like the coffee, the espresso also has a layer of froth, which we hesitate to call crema. Compared with the crema on espressos from the Original line, this froth is thick and overly airy, with large, uneven bubbles. But we didn’t find its presence on the espresso to be as off-putting as it is on the coffee.

The drip tray and water tank are adjustable. The VertuoPlus has a thin drip tray that slots into the front of the machine. It has four slots at varying heights, so you can move the drip tray closer to the spout for an espresso or down to accommodate your coffee mug. The water tank at the back of the machine can swivel (though not smoothly) about 70 degrees to the left, so it can be adjusted to fit on narrow countertops.

Cups are unstable on the drip tray. The drip tray vibrates while the machine is brewing, which causes lighter cups to slide around. If you’re brewing your espresso in a small teacup or espresso cup, you might have to hover nearby to make sure your cup doesn’t stray too far from the stream of coffee (or off the tray entirely). And although the machine is designed for coffee, it can’t accommodate wide mugs. Any mug with a base that’s wider than 3.25 inches will hang over the edge of the drip tray, which feels a little precarious.

The pods are expensive. Vertuo machines can only use Vertuo pods , which cost more than the Original pods. Vertuo espresso pods are about 20¢ more apiece than typical Original pods, and the coffee pods are about $1.25 each . It’s cheaper than buying coffee at a café but pricier than other home-brewing methods (which, using $25 per pound specialty coffee and a brew ratio of 18.1:1 , would run you 74¢ for 8 ounces). And since the Vertuo pods are patented by Nespresso, few third-party alternatives are available (we only know of the Starbucks pods, which are a step above Keurig coffee but not as good as Nespresso’s pods).

It has a one-year warranty. The VertuoPlus comes with the same one-year warranty as other Nespresso machines, as well as lifetime assistance from Nespresso’s troubleshooting hotline .

Unlike the Essenza Mini, which has no indicators that it’s time to descale, when the VertuoPlus needs to be descaled (PDF) , the light around the button turns red and green. It’s best to descale your machine once you see this alert, as the machine will soon stop operating until it is. Nespresso has instructional videos that explain how to clean and descale your machine.

An Original machine for larger households: The Nespresso Pixie is a powerful machine, able to brew back-to-back espressos with very consistent temperature. Although its 30-second initial heat-up time is the same as the Nespresso Essenza Mini, it needs noticeably less time to brew subsequent espressos. It could heat up within 15 seconds even an hour after initial use. It has a slightly larger capacity and can brew a few more drinks before the capsule container has to be emptied or the water tank needs to be refilled. Though the espressos it brews aren’t wildly different from those of our pick, they are a bit hotter (by an average of 3.5 degrees), and we did find them to be slightly more bitter, likely due to their higher brew temp. The Pixie’s perks come with a price: It costs about $50 more than our pick at the time of publication.

For K-Cup devotees who also want espresso: The large, heavy Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker is one of the few machines available that brews both Original Nespresso capsules and Keurig K-Cups. This makes it the best option for those who want espresso but remain dedicated to K-Cups. It produced decent, slightly weak espresso and made typical Keurig coffee. It offers a range of drink sizes (though we found the larger sizes to be horribly watery) and a high-altitude setting. But its lid is difficult to open and feels likely to break—every one of our paid testers noted it as a problem. And while the grid of touchscreen buttons on the top of the machine is intuitive, you have to be standing over the machine to see what you’re pressing.

Nespresso has two lines of espresso machines—Original and Vertuo. Our top pick, the Essenza Mini , is an Original machine. The VertuoPlus is a Vertuo machine. Here’s a rundown of the two lines, so you can decide which best suits your needs.

The Original line

These machines use the standard-size Nespresso capsules to make 1.35-ounce espressos, 3.75-ounce lungos (long espressos with a higher ratio of coffee to water), and 0.85-ounce ristrettos (short, more-concentrated espressos). They brew espresso by piercing the capsule and pumping hot water under high pressure through it.

The Vertuo line

These machines offer a wider range of drink sizes and can brew espressos, lungos, and ristrettos, as well as 8-ounce cups of coffee. Certain machines can even make 12-ounce and 18-ounce coffees. Unlike the Original line, the Vertuo machines brew by spinning the capsule 7,000 times per minute to create a centrifugal force that extracts the coffee but also produces an unusual froth.

The variety these machines offer does come with a major drawback. The Vertuo machines use their own capsules, which have barcodes printed on them that tell the machine which drink to make. This means that in order to take advantage of the full range of drinks, you have to buy a few types of pods. Vertuo capsules also cost more than the Original capsules and, unlike the Original capsules, are still patented by Nespresso. So unless you have a Nespresso boutique nearby, you have to buy pods online. At the moment, Starbucks is the only third-party vendor licensed to sell Vertuo pods, but we found them much less palatable than the pods made by Nespresso.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

The L’Or Barista Coffee & Espresso System makes both espresso and coffee using Nespresso Original capsules for espresso and L’Or coffee capsules for the coffee. While the coffee was decent, the espresso was weak, watery, and under-extracted.

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is Nespresso’s newest Vertuo machine and the smallest model in the line. It can make an 18-ounce “carafe” of coffee with a special pod, but we thought it was too watery. Besides, one of the great benefits of these machines is that people can make individual drinks in quick succession. We disliked the lid on the Vertuo Pop+, which needs to be manually pushed down and locked shut. It was extremely finicky and required an uncomfortable amount of force.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next brewed espresso, double espresso, and coffee exactly as promised. But it has the same style of lid as the Vertuo Pop+, which is difficult to close. We’re also wary of its long-term performance, as we’ve seen numerous complaints in Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, and reviews on Nespresso’s own site about the Vertuo Next malfunctioning.

The Nespresso CitiZ is a sturdier and larger version of our pick, the Essenza Mini, with metal accents in its design. Though it has a larger water tank and used-capsule container, the machines function identically, and the $100 price difference is unwarranted.

Nespresso has several upscale machines in both the Original and Vertuo lines. The appeal of these machines lies in their extra features, such as a milk frother or digital display, not in better coffee. We’ve tested an older version of the Lattissima machines, the Lattissima+, and found it was hard to clean and made subpar frothed milk. We expect other Lattissima machines to perform similarly.

The Nespresso Creatista machines have a fully automatic steam wand for latte art. But they’re outrageously expensive. Most people would be better off with the Essenza Mini and a standalone milk frother.

We chose not to test the Nespresso Vertuo or Evoluo , as they cost more than the VertuoPlus but offer the same functionality. We’re also wary of manual lids on Vertuo machines after our experience with the Vertuo Pop+ .

This article was edited by Gabriella Gershenson and Marguerite Preston.

Meet your guides

Ciara Murray Jordan

Ciara Murray Jordan is an updates writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter. She previously worked as an artisanal cheesemaker on a small farm in Vermont.

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

The Best Coffee Makers

by Wirecutter Staff

We think the easiest way to make good coffee is with the Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Coffee Brewer . We also have picks for a budget option, an espresso machine, and more.

The Best Espresso Machine for Beginners

by Justin Vassallo

After spending more than 120 hours researching and testing espresso machines, we think the Breville Bambino Plus is the best option for beginners.

The Best Keurig Machine (But We Really Don’t Recommend It)

by Sabrina Imbler

Keurig machines brew expensive coffee that we didn't find particularly strong or tasty. And they often break within warranty, all while taking a toll on the environment.

These Breville Machines Will Bring Out Your Inner Barista

by Marguerite Preston

Some clever features on Breville’s espresso machines make it easy to pull shots and steam milk like a pro.

8 Best Nespresso Machines of 2024

Our top picks from Breville, De'Longhi and Vertuo make delicious espresso and lattes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

But with over a dozen different Nespresso machines currently on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to buy — that's where The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab comes into play. When testing and evaluating Nespresso machines, we considered ease of use, brewing time, consistency, noise level and taste.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Nespresso Machine

Nespresso by de'longhi vertuo plus coffee and espresso maker.

Best Value Nespresso Machine

Instant brands instant pod coffee and espresso maker.

Best Small Nespresso Machine

Nespresso by breville essenza mini.

Best Nespresso Machine for Lattes

Nespresso by breville creatista plus.

Best Nespresso With Milk Frother

Nespresso by breville the creatista pro.

Best Nespresso Machine for Beginners

Nespresso by de'longhi gran lattissima espresso machine.

Best Nespresso Machine for Iced Drinks

Nespresso vertuo pop+.

Best Portable Nespresso Machine

Wacaco nanopresso.

We've spent decades testing kitchen appliances and coffee makers , including drip coffee makers , single-serve coffee machines , French press coffee makers , latte machines , cold brew coffee makers and coffee makers with grinders to help you make the best cup of coffee at home. Our recommendations for the best Nespresso machines reflect models our analysts and editors have tested in the Lab or tried out at home, as well as options that caught our eye because of new and unique features that we look for in all espresso machines and coffee makers.

The VertuoPlus perfectly balances features, price and design, making it the best Nespresso machine for most people. It's also one of the most affordable Nespresso machines out there, making it a good entry for consumers who are interested in trying out this type of appliance.

Despite the budget-friendly price point, this appliance is highly functional. Because it’s part of the VertuoLine, it can make both coffee and espresso, and it uses barcodes on each specially-designed capsule to brew the right strength and volume every time. Choose from five drink types: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto. Then let the machine do the work — there's nothing to think about, thanks to that automatic detection of capsule type. For a little something extra, you can always use the brand’s Aeroccino milk frother — the best milk frother we’ve tested — in tandem with the machine.

In our tests, every cup of coffee came out hot and well-rounded with a luxurious, thick crema. We also liked that there's one top-facing button that controls everything: power, rinsing and brewing. Adding to the convenience, the unit is relatively compact, the position of the water tank can be adjusted to accommodate any counter space and the lid opens and closes with one touch of the lever. If there's any downside, it's that this Nespresso machine is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods — but this isn't unique to this particular model, as the different types of pods aren't interchangeable.

From the makers of the Instant Pot comes this brand-neutral pod espresso machine that is compatible with both original Nespresso pods and Keurig pods , also known as K-cups. Users love the Instant Pod’s one-touch programs for six different brew sizes and its hulking 68-ounce water reservoir, since it minimizes the amount of trips you have to make to the sink. The appliance also offers an energy-saving auto-shutoff that kicks in after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Despite its versatility, it's a simple and affordable machine with a basic black aesthetic. It's also easy to clean — there's no special rinsing process — making it a solid choice for offices where people may want to brew different kinds of coffee but don't have the resources to maintain something fancier. It also has a compact footprint that makes it ideal for apartments, RVs and other small spaces. If there's any downside, it's that some say the machine is sometimes tricky to close and remove pods.

The small-but-mighty Essenza Mini is a Nespresso machine in its purest form: It's a compact and affordable appliance that makes a quality espresso. With each use, the machine consistently spits out a good, full-bodied espresso with a nice crema. The super-compact option (it's just over four inches wide!) forgoes bells and whistles for classic pod espresso. If you're satisfied with a solid espresso or lungo (with the option to remove the drip base for a bigger cup) you won't miss much else. Not to mention, it’s a great option if you don’t have much space or want to keep things simple.

This model is part of the original line of machines, so it achieves 19 bars of pressure when brewing. This means you may find the machine a bit louder than some other models, despite its small footprint. Perhaps the biggest sacrifice, though, is the size of the water container. It's definitely on the smaller side, but our testers didn't mind refilling it for the freshest-tasting cups. On the upside, the machine does have an energy-saving component: It automatically shuts off after nine minutes of inactivity.

With its classic Breville stainless steel design and matching milk jug, the Creatista Plus looks like a high-end machine — and it has the features to match. The integrated steam wand for milk frothing is perfect for making lattes and other drinks.

Despite this high level of functionality and execution, the machine is surprisingly easy to use. It comes equipped with an LCD menu that allows you to select from 11 different milk temperatures and eight milk froth textures. All you have to do to make the perfect hot beverage is choose your drink — ristretto, espresso, lungo, latte, cappuccino, flat white or latte macchiato — select a size and pick a milk temperature and texture.

Because the Creatista Plus belongs to the original line, it is louder during the brewing process (thanks to those 19 bars of pressure) than the VertuoLine. It doesn’t work with VertuoLine pods or make regular coffee, either. Overall, it's one of the more expensive Nespresso models available. But our experts say it's a fantastic pick for anyone who loves their lattes and wants consistently delicious espresso from a beautiful machine.

The most luxurious Nespresso on the market, the Creatista Pro is a step up from the Creatista Plus. That's because the machine has even more features, including a dedicated hot water spout for tea and long blacks, a larger water reservoir and more customization options for drinks . And although it's on the larger side to accommodate all of these bells and whistles, it has the beautiful stainless steel design, complete with an easy-to-operate LCD screen, that is distinctly Breville. The Creatista Pro is undoubtedly a luxury machine with a luxury price point, but it’s the most customizable model Nespresso has to offer.

While it doesn’t work with VertuoLine pods or make regular coffee, the water spout does allow for drip-coffee-like drinks like Americanos. Drink options include: ristretto, espresso, lungo, Americano, flat white, cappuccino, café latte and latte macchiato. The Pro, which is ready to brew in just three seconds flat, can also heat milk and make espresso at the same time. And the integrated milk frother yields a smooth, creamy foam that's ideal for advanced users to make impressive latte art. Our testers love that users can also save their custom drink preferences with specific milk volume and texture as presets.

The Gran Lattissima strikes a happy medium between the sleek, easy-to-use design of the VertuoPlus and the more complex features of the Creatista series . You can select from nine presets on the top panel: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, caffè latte, hot milk and hot foam. The labeled buttons and LED screen make it exceptionally easy to pick what you want.

The hardworking appliance also comes equipped with an integrated frother and a built-in, modern milk hopper that can be detached and stored in the fridge. When you're done, it's perfectly safe to pop the milk jug in the dishwasher. Plus, the rinsing system is a breeze. Unfortunately, in testing, we found the milk frother itself was a bit difficult to clean. Our testers noticed the Gran Lattissima was also somewhat inconsistent between drinks. That said, the appliance's simple presets — and lower price point than the Creatista series — make it a worthy choice for your home, especially if you're a beginner looking for cappuccinos and lattes at the simple press of a button.

The latest in the VertuoLine, the Vertuo Pop+ is a stylish coffee and espresso machine that comes in a rainbow of seven colors and offers users the ability to brew both hot and cold beverages in five sizes. Choose from 5, 8, 12-ounce coffees, as well as single and double espressos brewed hot or over ice. It’s functionally very similar to the VertuoPlus, but it has a slimmer design and a slightly smaller water tank. It also features Bluetooth connectivity if you’d like to prepare a cup of coffee from your phone. No matter how you prepare your drink, the one-touch unit is quick to heat up — it's ready to brew in just 30 seconds.

Because it’s part of the VertuoLine, this model uses barcodes on each specially-designed capsule to brew the right strength and volume every time, and it produces a thick crema. Once the machine has delivered the perfect cup, it has an energy-saving auto-shutoff that goes into effect after two minutes of inactivity. The biggest downside? The machine doesn't come with an integrated milk frother — you'll have to add the Aeroccino to your cart, if that's what you're after.

Although it’s not a true Nespresso machine, the Wacaco Nanopresso is the best non-electric alternative to a proper espresso machine we’ve seen . And when you also purchase this pod-adapter attachment , you can use original Nespresso capsules. This portable espresso maker has impressive power too. It can generate up to 18 bars of pressure with hand power alone, brewing a creamy espresso shot anywhere you also have access to hot water — even somewhere remote like a campground.

Relative to its size, it is a pricey gadget — and it’s not the easiest to use without some practice — but it’s the go-to for travelers and adventurers who are serious about their espresso or Nespresso while traveling. You can be sure you're getting a consistent — and affordable — beverage, no matter where you are.

How we test espresso and Nespresso machines

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we test Nespresso machines according to the methodology we use when testing espresso machines. We evaluate their ease of use, time to brew, consistency, taste and noise level. In our most recent test of espresso machines, we rounded up over 20 models, brewing more than 60 cups of espresso. If the machine had a milk frother , we tested it with both skim and oat milks.

While we haven't formally tested every single Nespresso machine in the Lab, we've selected many of our road-tested top picks and vetted user reviews. Here, we prioritized machines that balance useful features with price, are easy to set up and use and brew consistent espresso time after time. Most Nespresso models produce the same quality of espresso, but during taste tests, we assured each machine produced a hot, smooth cup of espresso that had depth and wasn't too bitter or acidic, plus had crema that was smooth without any noticeable big or small air bubbles.

What to look for when buying a Nespresso machine

Before you get brewing, you'll have to decide what type of machine best suits your needs. Some models, like those in the popular VertuoLine, make both coffee and espresso. Some have built-in milk frothers for creating the perfect latte or cappuccino. Others create more crema for a well-rounded espresso. Although almost all Nespresso models are simple to use and less expensive than other espresso machines, it’s important to consider the features that fit your needs before making the investment. Here's what to keep in mind:

✔️ Original vs. VertuoLine : To understand the differences between all the Nespresso models, you must first understand the difference between how the VertuoLine and the original series of machines operate.

• Original machines , including the Creatista Series, the Essenza, the CitiZ and the Lattissima Series, produce espresso by forcing water through the top of a pod using 19 bars of pressure (much like a traditional espresso machine), eventually rupturing the foil at the bottom of the pod and allowing the espresso to flow out. Because the original machines operate more like real espresso machines, they can make espresso only, not coffee, and you should expect a more traditional level of crema. Original machines are also louder than VertuoLine machines because of this process.
• VertuoLine machines , first introduced in 2014 to appeal to the North American market, use a different technology that Nespresso likes to call “centrifusion”: Water flows in through the top of the dome-shaped capsule, mixes with espresso through centrifugal force, and then flows out through 20 punctures on the side of the capsule. As a result of this centrifusion process, the VertuoLine machines produce espresso with a thick layer of crema, and they also make regular coffee.

✔️ Original capsules vs. Vertuo capsules: This is important to consider, because you can’t swap pods between machine types. However, all pod types can be recycled through the Nespresso capsule recycling program . Here's the difference:

• Original pods come in only one size. They are generally easier to find, less expensive and available in more varieties, although this may change. 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. Vertuo pods also come in different sizes, so your 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 (and can make coffee!), a VertuoLine model is your best bet.

✔️ Milk frothers : Some Nespresso models, including the Creatista series and the Gran Lattissima, come with integrated steam wands for frothing milk. These are very convenient for those looking to make macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks with milk. However, these milk frothers can sometimes be difficult to clean and maintain. Nespresso also sells the Aeroccino , a separate milk frother that’s often bundled with their machines. If you want a café experience, you should consider choosing a model with an integrated frother. The Aeroccino doesn’t produce a “true” microfoam, but it performed great in our milk frother testing and prepares milk quickly and easily for your coffee and espresso. ✔️ Size : If you’re looking for a machine as small, powerful and refined as a shot of espresso itself, there are a lot of compact options, including the Essenza Mini and CitiZ, to choose from. These machines forgo extra features and big water reservoirs to stay small and lightweight. But if you want to make many drinks in a row or a larger cup of coffee for yourself, you’ll need to consider the larger, taller models. Make sure the machine you choose will fit under your countertops and suit the kind of vessel you’ll be drinking your coffee from. ✔️ Manufacturer : Don’t be thrown off by the labels “by Breville” or “by De’Longhi” on different Nespresso models: Both companies have the rights to manufacture these machines, and neither necessarily makes a better one. The differences you’ll notice between manufacturers have more to do with design — for example, many of the Breville machines match the company’s usual stainless and brushed-stainless aesthetic.

How to use Nespresso machines

Since Nespresso’s launch in 1986, the Swiss company has developed a range of sleek automatic home coffee and espresso machines that use a patented pod-based system. To operate a Nespresso machine, simply choose your favorite pod from their coffee or espresso offerings, pop it into the machine and press a button for a drink in seconds.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience writing about household products, including kitchen appliances. She also holds a degree in Culinary Arts from The French Culinary Institute (now the Institute of Culinary Education). Brigitt worked under the guidance of experts at The Good Housekeeping Institute to research and write about the best Nespresso machines.

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks. She conducted the latest side-by-side test of espresso machines and uses at least one daily. Her favorites are easy to use and clean and — most importantly — deliver a rich and balanced cup of espresso.

Cassidy Olsen is a freelance writer who has tested and written about kitchen appliances for years. She worked with the Good Housekeeping Institute to translate lab reports into easily digestible content that's more than just numbers and spreadsheets.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal .

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8 Best Portable Espresso Makers (Made for Travel)

• Author: Julia Bobak
• Last Updated: February 7, 2024

Fact Checked

• Why Trust Homegrounds?

Julia Bobak

Julia is a west coast canada-based professional coffee specialist who has spent nearly a decade immersed in the world of coffee research and professional brewing. she loves trail running, rock climbing, coffee, food, and her tiny dog — and writing about all of them. she starts every morning with a fresh americano from her home espresso machine, or she doesn’t start it at all..

Whether you’re traveling for work or going off the beaten track, the problem for coffee lovers on the road is where to get a good caffeine fix. There are plenty of portable coffee makers on the market, but finding one that makes a true espresso is a slightly harder task. 

We’ve done the research and found 8 portable espresso makers that will brew you a great shot no matter where you are. Here’s our guide to finding the best travel espresso maker for your needs.

The Flair Signature Espresso Maker

Yes; it’s a little larger than the others on this list, but hands down it makes the best quality on-the-go espresso at this size. If you can manage the extra space; the Flair will ensure you start every morning off with 10/10 espresso. What a life!

The 8 Best Portable Espresso Makers for 2024

Now all you need is a bag of espresso beans like these , a few tips on how to extract espresso  – and you’re good to go!

Let’s take a look at the eight best portable hand espresso makers:

1.  Flair Signature Espresso Maker  

• Works with: Ground coffee
• Heat Source: Requires external heat source

The Flair Signature Espresso Maker looks less like a kitchen gadget and more like something you’d see on a plinth in an art museum (particularly in chrome!). While this is the heaviest espresso maker by far in this list, the Flair actually packs into a relatively compact travel case that makes it great for bringing out to the lake house, visiting the in-laws, or even car camping trips.

The Flair is a true manual coffee machine and offers you complete control over your shot: grind, tamp , water temperature, pressure, and timing.

With lever machines, the barista is in control. If a certain coffee needs a longer pre-infusion or extracts more flavor with a distinct pressure profile, it is easy to do this. They allow creativity and experimentation.

Like many of the offerings on this list the Flair does not require any electricity to operate but will require you to have some means of heating your water. The Flair has an optional pressure gauge for those who are scientifically minded, but it is entirely possible to pull great shots without it.

Watch Scott review it in detail here and you’ll see why we love it so much:

You can also read our Flair espresso review .

2.  Wacaco Nanopresso  

• Works with: Ground coffee and Nespresso pods

The Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker offers a degree of customization not seen in any of the other espresso makers here. The optional Barista Kit  comes with multiple sizes of filter basket and water tanks.

Watch Steven’s video on Nanopresso here:

With these additional accessories, the Nanopresso is capable of brewing single shots of espresso, double espresso, long shots of espresso, and any permutation in between. Compared to the Wacaco Minipresso and the Handpresso , the Nanopresso requires less physical effort to use, meaning that even if you’ve got limited hand strength or dexterity you can still make delicious espresso on the go ( 2 ).

3.  Conqueco Portable Espresso Maker

• Works with: Nespresso capsules
• Heat source: Self heating

The Conqueco is one of the heaviest machines on our list, but the hefty package does contain one very important feature – it’s self heating. Investing in an ultra-light coffee maker might save weight in your pack, but you still need a way to heat your water. If you’re on a daytrip and not planning to set up camp, a self-heating coffee maker is going to be much more suitable. It’s also great for road trips.

This coffee maker will also do the extraction for you – no need to pump. The machine will brew directly into the attached cup in 8-10 minutes when using cold water, or around 5 seconds if you happen to have hot water handy. You’ll get 3-4 cups out of a charge when using cold water, or more with hot water.

The manufacturer claims a top pressure of 15 bars, which is more than enough for espresso. But with no option for ground coffee, you will be limited by the quality that you get from Nespresso capsules.

The heater and pump are powered by a built-in lithium battery, which can be recharged with either a wall charger or a car charger (both of which are included). It’s worth noting that you can use the Conqueco while plugged into the car charger to save battery, but not when plugged into the wall.

Find more battery operated coffee makers here.

4.  Wacaco Minipresso  

• Works with: Ground coffee or Nespresso pods

The Wacaco Minipresso, while not quite as impressive as its younger brother the Nanopresso, is still a rugged machine that delivers delicious espresso. If you’re on a budget but absolutely demand proper espresso, this machine will meet your needs.

The pumping action is a bit stiffer than its competitors, but the underlying mechanism is durable and easy to clean. The one major downside is you’ll have to select whether you want to brew from coffee grounds or from Nespresso pods before you buy – there are separate models for each brewing method.

Read our full Minipresso review .

5. KFLOW Portable Espresso Maker

• Works with: Ground coffee, Nespresso capsules, Dolce Gusto capsules (separate machines)

Ground coffee and original Nespresso capsules are the most common brewing options for portable espresso machines, but the K-FLOW stands out as working with Dolce Gusto capsules too. These are all separate models, but you can purchase adapters from the company that would allow you to have multiple options with the same machine.

Even if you don’t need that kind of flexibility, the KFLOW is a great travel companion, with a clever, compact design. The BPA-free plastic coffee maker folds down to a tiny 6.3 inches long. Once unpacked it reveals two travel cups, and a stand that gives you a sturdy base for pumping. 

The ground coffee model will fit up to 12g of coffee in the filter basket, so this isn’t your best option if you like double shots. All models have a water tank of 110 ml, which is the size of a Nespresso lungo.

6. Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Maker

• Works with: Ground coffee 

Wacaco has emerged as the go-to brand for portable espresso makers, with each model aimed at a different traveler. The latest, the Picopresso, is the most “pro-oriented”.

This mainly comes down to the larger 52 mm filter basket (compared to 39 mm on the Nanopresso), which will hold the 18 g needed for a good double espresso. It’s also non-pressurized, which will help deliver that rich crema.

On paper, it’s more compact than the other Wacaco machines at just 4.17 inches long, but it is the only one not to include an integrated cup. The Picopresso comes with a range of extra tools including a funnel to help load the filter basket, a tamper and a distribution tool. It makes for a more professional brewing experience, but there’s more for you to potentially misplace in transit. 

Being a machine for the connoisseur, it’s assumed that you’ll be grinding your own beans for the Picopresso. To get the best results from the machine you’ll need an ultra-fine grind, far finer than what you’ll get from pre-packaged ground coffee.

Here’s a more detailed Wacaco Picopresso review . You can also watch Steven from Home Grounds use and review the Picopresso in this video:

7.  Wacaco Pipamoka

• Heat Source: Requires external heat source.

Wacaco’s latest travel espresso maker (released in 2019), Pipamoka, is another irresistible delight from their production. This all-in-one coffee maker is entirely hand-operated; it brews up to 236 ml of coffee that you drink instantly after twisting the ring for vacuum-pressured coffee extraction. 

Pipamoka is also a thermal cup that keeps your coffee hot for hours. Thus, it’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, long walks, or traveling. Additionally, its reusable stainless steel microfilter makes it environment friendly, which is always a big plus.

As with other Wacaco products, Pipamoka comes with additional equipment: a carrying bag, funnel, scoop, brush, warranty card, and instruction book. 

Just make sure always to have a source of hot water when using it, and you’re ready to go.

8.  Staresso SP-200  

• Works with: Ground coffee and Nespresso pods (Note: In order to use Nespresso pods the user must poke holes in the pods manually.)

If you are looking to drink your espresso by its lonesome, then other espresso makers on this list will probably be a better choice. However, if your morning pick-me-up involves foamed milk, then the Staresso Portable Espresso Machine is your only portable option that brews espresso and foams milk. An added perk to the Staresso is that if you are traveling light you won’t need to bring a cup as one is built into the machine.

When you’re done, cleanup is a breeze and involves a simple rinsing with warm water. Cleanup is slightly more involved if you find yourself making milk-based beverages, but the company recommends using an alcohol and water solution to ensure a complete rinse.

Some people have noticed that the pumping action of the Staresso is more difficult than other pump-style machines like the Wacaco Nanopresso and Minipresso, so if you have limited hand strength or dexterity you may want to consider foregoing this particular model. The difficulty in pumping seems to increase over time, leading some to doubt its long-term reliability, but the 2-year manufacturer’s warranty offers some peace of mind.

How To Choose the Right Portable Espresso gadget

Don’t just purchase based on size or style. There are a few things you should understand about the portable espresso market ( 1 ).

How important is portability (and weight) for you?

When it comes to deciding on bringing a coffee brewer on your trip, weight may be the deciding factor if you’re highly mobile (i.e. a ‘digital nomad’). Nobody in their right mind would bring a traditional home espresso maker  with them, but the portable options do vary greatly in weight too.

Watch Steven from Home Grounds review four great portable espresso makers of various weights in this video:

While all of the espresso makers below are ‘portable’ (in that they come with carrying cases, are durable, and compact), they vary considerably in weight. Some are light enough to reasonably bring along on a multi-day hike, while others are better suited to less weight dependent ventures like canoe camping or an airline’s checked luggage.

Ultra Light (<340 grams)

If you intend on backpacking or hiking and waking up to a shot of espresso in a new location daily; then ultra light is the ideal option (unless you are a glutton for both espresso and punishment). Most backpackers tolerate instant coffee as an adequate substitute for the real thing, but we’re here to drink espresso so let’s just assume that isn’t going to cut it.

The lightest portable espresso makers are in the 220-340 gram (8-12 ounce) range and if you pack well can easily be accommodated on a multi-day trek. Have more than one person coming along? Perfect, have them carry some of your gear and treat them to a shot of espresso each morning for their trouble.

This thing will come with you anywhere. But read our reviews below – it has one major drawback.

Light (340-500 grams)

If you intend on taking your espresso maker everywhere except on multi-day hikes, then this weight will be perfect. At this weight, your espresso maker is light enough to toss in an overnight bag, a checked bag, or even a purse without encumbering you.

Portable (>500 grams)

Above half a kilogram portability becomes a function of ease of use, packability, and durability more than weight. These units are best used when based out of a car, a camper, or brought to a vacation house. If you’re the type that will not sacrifice on quality, and travel a little more slowly, this is your weight class.

Does it take ground coffee, pods, or both?

The machines shown below variously brew coffee using ground coffee beans, ESE pods, and Nespresso pods. In my experience, ESE and Nespresso pods are the best choices for camping as they allow the easiest cleanup.

“Leave No Trace” – If you pack it in, pack it out. Coffee grounds might be biodegradable, but don’t leave them at your campsite!

The ability to use ground coffee is a considerable boon as pods are nearly impossible to find outside of major metropolitan areas. Getting to your campsite and realizing you forgot your pods can spell disaster if your espresso maker can’t handle ground coffee. All of the models featured below are able to brew with ground coffee.

Some of the espresso makers listed here can also brew tea – but since brewing tea typically only requires hot water and a tea bag, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Is it covered by warranty?

Espresso makers have a tough jobs. Nearly boiling water, hundreds of PSI, and lots of tiny sealing surfaces all working together. Sometimes they just give up. Wouldn’t you? A warranty brings peace of mind – letting you know that the company that made the gadget you plunked down the better part of a hundred bucks for has faith in its quality control and is willing to repair or replace any failed units.

All of the espresso makers in the following list come with at least a one year warranty, and the incredibly built Flair Signature comes with a 5-year warranty. Typically, warranties do not cover o-rings, glass parts, or other wear surfaces, but if these parts fail they can usually be replaced without much effort or cost.

Don’t forget; You’ll need a Heat Source

One thing that makes most of these espresso makers portable is that they are entirely manual coffee machines. This means that you provide all of the impetus to turn water into espresso. In most cases, this includes heating the water. Some of these espresso makers are indifferent to how you heat the water: microwave, stovetop, grill, whatever. Others, like the aluminum Bialetti Moka Express, can’t be used with a microwave or with induction stovetops.

If finding some way to heat the water is a problem there are a few options that will take care of that step for you – but they will require access to an electrical socket.

These espresso makers work best when they have been preheated. Just like your home espresso maker, a cold machine will result in tepid and unpleasant espresso!

Why not watch our video from below, to see what coffee making on the road looks like? We cover various brewing methods, guaranteed to please everyone.

The Verdict

The best portable espresso maker for you is mainly going to depend on exactly how portable you need it to be, but if you have the space, we recommend considering the Flair Signature Espresso . The espresso shots that you get out of this will stand up to any full sized espresso machine, so you won’t have to sacrifice quality while you’re away from home.

Are Nespresso capsules recyclable?

Nespresso capsules are recyclable, but only by returning them to Nespresso. This can be done via capsule collection points, Espresso stores or a post. In some countries such as Germany, Sweden, Finland, the capsules can be placed in household recycling bins.

Is there a portable espresso maker with built-in grinder?

There isn’t a portable espresso maker with built-in grinder, but you might find this feature on portable pour over or French press coffee makers. For a portable espresso maker, you can use a travel grinder, or grind your beans before you leave home.

What is the best coffee thermos?

The best coffee thermos is durable with excellent heat retention. We like the Stanley Classic Volume Bottle, which can keep liquids hot for up to 24 hours. A thermos is a great option to use with a portable espresso maker if you don’t have a way to heat water when hiking.

• Hand powered portable espresso machine – Outdoors coffee maker. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wacaco.com/pages/nanopresso
• Portable Espresso Machines Market Forecast, Trend Analysis, & Competition Tracking – Global Review 2019 to 2029. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.factmr.com/report/3876/portable-espresso-machines-market
• Espresso Coffee. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/definitions.htm

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Every article we publish undergoes a stringent fact-checking procedure. To complement our own first hand experience, we draw from reputable sources within the industry, including coffee communities such as the coffee and espresso SubReddits, and a number of specialty coffee forums and private groups.

Our editors cross-reference every claim, statistic, and piece of data with multiple sources to verify its accuracy. We also compare our own experience to community reviews to see if there is anything we may have overlooked. Any discrepancies found are flagged and corrected before the article is published.

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Hey, we get it. The internet is brimming with big-shot publishers claiming to be the 'know-it-all' of everything, including coffee. But let's spill the beans here - most of the websites you find on Google are run by big media companies; not by coffee experts.

That's where we, at Home Grounds, come in. We're not just some faceless corporation; we're a tight-knit crew of coffee junkies, who live and breathe the art of coffee brewing on a daily basis. We're here to cut through the noise and give you the no-BS lowdown on coffee gear and home brewing, with real reviews from people that have actually used the items they write about.

Our team? We're a bunch of self-confessed coffee nerds, each with our own journey through the specialty coffee industry. From pulling espresso shots in hipster filled cafés, to roasting beans to perfection or tinkering with espresso machines - we've been there, done that.

And we don't just talk the talk. We put our money where our mouth is, sourcing and testing all the gear you see reviewed on our site. Each recommendation we make comes from extensive personal use.

As the industry is so fast-moving, we aim to keep our content fresh, updating our articles at least twice a year. So, when you see a machine or a coffee recommendation in our top picks, you know it's not just hot air.

We hope you'll join us on our mission to Brew Better Coffee.

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This Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus Coffee Machine Costs Just $100 Right Now

It's time to ditch that old coffee machine for something a little more capable, and now you can do it for just $100.

Buying a new coffee maker just got cheaper, thanks to a deal that takes the popular Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus machine and slashes its usual $130 asking price by a cool $30. That's $30 that you can use to buy more coffee, but note that this deal is available only to Target Circle members. Thankfully, signing up is free, so there's no reason you won't be able to pick up this coffee machine and espresso maker for just $100 . But do it soon. This deal might not stick around for long.

This coffee machine is available in several colors to match your kitchen decor, but no matter which one you pick you'll get the same features. Those features include the ability to brew coffee for five different cup sizes, as well as support for making iced coffees -- and all from a machine that's so compact it'll fit almost anywhere. The removable 25-fluid-ounce water tank is easy to access and refill, too.

You'll be able to enjoy an array of more than 40 permanent specialty Vertuo coffee options, and you'll get a complimentary pack of capsules to try out.

Don't worry if this deal is gone by the time you see it. We've still got your back. Our list of the best coffee maker deals is ready to save you cash, and we constantly update it to make sure you're always seeing the best prices.

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