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Crisp, cool mornings holding a hot cup of joe are right around the corner. Are you in the market for a new coffee maker that can deliver delicious espresso drinks with ease? As a coffee enthusiast who loves a good cup of coffee, I’m sharing my Nespresso coffee maker review after owning a Nespresso coffee maker for years – as well as what you need to know before buying, so you can love your purchase a latte.
What is Nespresso?
Nespresso is a Swiss coffee brand. Building on the work previously started by an Italian, they create coffee systems that help you make the perfect Italian espresso.
Their goal is to redefine the way we enjoy our daily brew, making it so everyone can feel like a skilled barista! They do this by combining convenience with quality in multiple product lines of sleek, efficient espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers.
The heart of Nespresso’s success lies in its capsules – small pods filled with high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee grounds. These capsule containers ensure that each cup of coffee is fresh, aromatic, and perfectly brewed, making you feel as if you are sipping Italian coffee – right in your kitchen.
The majority of their production is done in Switzerland. However, the DeLonghi manufactures the Lattissima models (the maker I’m reviewing) in Italy.
Exploring the Different Nespresso Coffee Makers
Options, options. If you’re wondering what the best Nespresso machine is, well, it all depends on your budget and needs. But there are a few Nespresso makers that have risen to the top as fan favorites, each celebrated for their unique features and ability to deliver those strong double espresso shots or that creamy latte macchiato.
For coffee enthusiasts venturing into Nespresso territory, machines like the Nespresso VertuoPlus stand out for their versatility, offering a range of coffee sizes and the option for a frothy milk drink for an agreeable price (as far as European coffee makers go).
Meanwhile, the Nespresso Essenza Mini has captured hearts with its compact design and ease of use, perfect for small spaces or minimalist kitchens.
And, of course, the Nespresso Lattissima One, which is the one I have and diving into today, is loved for its sleek design and ease of use, particularly for milk-based coffee drinks.
Each of these machines has its own charm and appeals to different aspects of the coffee-making ritual, whether you’re after simplicity, speed of brewing, or strong espresso drinks.
And of course, there are Nespresso coffee makers in the 1k+ range, rivaling the machines at coffee shops. (Though spoiler alert: I think the less expensive machines are just as good.)
After doing my own research I settled on the Nespresso Lattissima One Silky White Espresso Machine by De’Longhi. This mid-range option ticked all my boxes: espresso, option for milk, aesthetics, and ease of use.
Setting Up: Nespresso Lattissima
I didn’t want any coffee maker that was too fancy or had too many parts to clean, as I knew it would just become a very expensive kitchen decoration, taking up valuable counter space.
Thankfully, the unboxing and setting up of my Nespresso machine was a breeze! It’s as simple as plugging it in, filling the removable water tank with up to 34 ounces of water, picking from your favorite Nespresso pods, and letting the machine do its magic.
The design is pretty straightforward, intended for coffee drinkers who cherish a quality daily coffee ritual, but also convenience – and speed!
The Coffee Experience: Taste and Texture
One of my favorite things about my Nespresso maker is the strong flavor and creamy taste. (Okay, so that’s two.)
At the push of a button, you get high-quality coffee drinks that make you feel as if you are at a fancy coffee shop or a 5-star hotel in Europe.
It truly feels like an experience. The smell, the sound, the frothiness you get that doesn’t come with drip coffee – ahh.
And you know what’s even better? Consistency. How many times have you ordered the same drink from the same coffee shop, yet it tastes different almost every time? Frustrating, right? I don’t like my money to go to waste (and I’m sure you don’t either), so what I appreciate is knowing that it will taste the same every time.
However, keep in mind that the coffee is strong. I drink my coffee black (no creamer) and even I find it to be pretty robust. This is something to keep in mind for those who are not used to strong coffee.
However, you could always add milk to your coffee using the built-in milk frother or find different Nespresso pods with less intensity.
On that note, I have had Italian coffee in Italy and it is not as strong as what you would have there! (Which is a good thing for some people, depending on your taste.)
Coffee Pods
A Nespresso coffee maker is great, but it won’t work without coffee pods.
Here is where it might get a little tricky – as different machines have different pod sizes, and they’re not all interchangeable.
For example, you need vertuo pods for the vertuo line, pods from the original line work with the lattissima line – everything is a little different.
You can use off-brand pods as long as they are compatible. I haven’t tried them, however, because I love the authenticity of these original Nespresso pods. This variety pack is what I use almost exclusively.
Speaking of variety, it’s a great idea if you want to explore a diverse palette of tastes. From the robust taste of an espresso shot to the subtle, refined notes found in lighter blends, Nespresso pods cater to every preference, mood, and moment.
Ease of Use
Thankfully, there is no big learning curve.
If your water tank has enough water in it, then all you have to do is turn on the machine (by pressing any of the 3 buttons), wait for the buttons to stop blinking (this means it’s ready), put in a pod, and hit your desired setting.
The coffee time and brewing process does not take a long time at all. The hot water starts heating almost immediately (after the blinking stops it’s ready). It heats up in 25 seconds for espresso and 40 seconds for milk beverages. Depending on what you make, your drink can be ready in about 20-50 seconds.
Cleaning
As previously mentioned, I’m not interested in an espresso machine with lots of little pieces I have to clean. (I had one like it once but never used it, so gave it away.)
This one is really easy to clean. The removable parts make the cleanup process straightforward and hassle-free. Whether it’s the drip tray, the milk container, or the water reservoir, each component can be easily detached and rinsed under running water or placed in the dishwasher, if applicable.
For those moments when coffee residue sticks around, a simple wipe with a damp cloth does the trick.
Descaling (cleaning out mineral build-up) is also recommended about 2x a year to ensure your coffee tastes great and your machine runs smoothly. Nespresso has a guide on how to do this task.
Does Nespresso Lattissima Make Regular Coffee?
Yes – with this machine, you have espresso, lungo (an espresso made with more water that tastes more like regular coffee), macchiato, latte, and cappuccino options.
Pros of the Nespresso Lattissima
- It’s easy and fun to use
- Authentic, European taste
- It lasts; we’ve used it almost daily for 2 years
- The coffee is creamy and bold
- Has a nice frothy taste to it, whether you use milk or not
- It’s easy to clean
- More affordable than fancier coffee makers
Cons of the Nespresso Lattissima
- You can’t make only frothed milk at a time (it has to be a whole coffee drink), so you need a separate milk frother if you want additional frothed milk
- Occasionally it freezes up and blinks without anything happening. (This has happened about 3-4 times over the past 2 years and it’s fixed by unplugging it.)
- The cost of single-serve capsules long term adds up. (However, this is the case with all pod machines like this.)
- Perhaps this is just good cleanliness, but the milk has to be cleaned out before making any more coffee. For example, if you are making a drink for your friend with milk and one for yourself without milk, you can’t make both drinks and then clean the machine. You have to clean out the milk before the machine will work again. It won’t make any more coffee until you clean the milk out if you use that setting. (There is a self-clean option.)
FAQ
Is Nespresso coffee good?
Absolutely! The quality and consistency of Nespresso coffee are very good, even better than what I’ve had at coffee shops.
What are the best coffee pods for Nespresso?
Though the “best coffee” depends on you’re tastes and what you’re looking for, I think the best coffee pods are the ones that are made by Nespresso.
Nespresso has a certain taste and aroma that is hard to beat! Plus, with Nespresso’s wide array of options, there’s something for every coffee lover, whether you prefer the bold, intense flavors of the Ristretto pod to the smooth, delicate notes of the Vanilio.
And for those afternoons when you crave something unique, the limited edition seasonal varieties offer a chance to explore sophisticated tastes and aromas.
How to reset a Nespresso machine?
Running into a blinking red light is merely a hiccup. Resetting your machine is as easy and doesn’t take away from the future of your daily coffee experience.
To reset typically involves turning the machine off and on again, or pressing a specific combination of buttons detailed in your user manual. Personally, I unplug the machine and that works for me.
How to use milk frother Nespresso?
If your machine has a built-in milk frother, begin by pouring your desired amount of milk into the frother – no measuring required, as the milk container has symbols indicating how much milk to put for what size drink you want.
With the touch of a button, the frother gets to work, quickly turning the milk into a creaminess that automatically goes into your drink.
Can you use any milk with your Nespresso?
Yes. I’ve used oat milk, almond milk, and cow’s milk. The difference in taste comes from the milk you use, not the machine, as naturally, cow’s milk is going to be the creamiest.
How to clean your Nespresso machine?
First, make sure your machine is turned off and cooled down. Then, remove the water tank, drip tray, and milk container. These parts can be washed with mild detergent and warm water or simply popped into the dishwasher.
Next, it’s time to tackle the machine itself. A soft, damp cloth works wonders for wiping down the exterior and coffee spills that may pool under the drip tray.
If it’s that time (usually 2x/year), don’t forget about descaling. This is for keeping your machine in its best state.
What are the common problems with the Nespresso machine?
Nespresso machines are mostly smooth sailing, but like any gadget, they can have their moments.
Aside from the occasional blinking red light that signals a need for resetting, there are a few other quirks that might pop up. Sometimes, users find that their machine doesn’t heat up properly, leaving them with a less-than-steaming cup of joe. This can often be resolved by ensuring the machine is thoroughly cleaned and descaled, as buildup can affect performance.
Another hiccup might be irregularities in coffee flow, where the coffee comes out too slowly or too quickly. This usually hints at a need to check the Nespresso pods being used – are they compatible, or is there a blockage in the machine?
Lastly, the milk frother can sometimes be a bit temperamental, not achieving the desired frothiness. A good cleaning routine for the frother can usually fix this issue.
While these common problems can momentarily dampen your coffee spirit, they’re usually all manageable with a bit of troubleshooting and maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Nespresso Coffee Maker Review
My Nespresso coffee maker review concludes as this: Overall, I love it and have no regrets! Though it’s not cheap, it’s less expensive than the fancy coffee machines that are 1k+, and I feel like it’s a good value for what it is.
The coffee quality is very, very good. I don’t get coffee from a coffee shop anymore (unless socially), as I like what I can create at home.
Yes, there are a few hiccups (like the blinking lights, and the ability to just forth milk would be nice), but to me, the few cons outweigh the pros.
So, if you’re after good coffee, a strong shot of espresso, or you’re a coffee lover who just wants to elevate your morning feeling like you’re in Europe, give a Nespresso coffee maker a try!
Coffee in the morning pairs perfectly with a European breakfast. Escape to the French Countryside with This French Country Breakfast Recipe!
