7 Best Nespresso Machines of 2026

The Nespresso Lattissima One is a game-changer for lovers of creamy, milk-based espresso drinks who want café-quality results without the barista skills. With its integrated single-serve milk system, this machine delivers rich, velvety cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of a button—no steaming, frothing, or cleanup hassle. The 30-second heat-up time and one-touch operation eliminate morning grind delays, making it ideal for busy households where convenience meets indulgence. It directly tackles the pain point of messy, time-consuming milk preparation, transforming milk-heavy routines into seamless rituals.

In real-world testing, the Lattissima One shines when crafting Espresso Macchiato, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato, thanks to its thermoblock heating system and consistent steam pressure. The detachable milk jug is a standout—easy to refill, clean, and dishwasher-safe—though it does require nightly refrigeration. It handles OriginalLine capsules with precision, extracting espresso at 19 bars of pressure for a balanced, aromatic shot. However, it struggles slightly with larger milk volumes, as the 24-ounce water tank can deplete quickly during back-to-back drinks, and the fixed milk temperature offers less customization than pro models.

Compared to the Creatista Plus, the Lattissima One trades advanced milk texturing controls for simplicity—making it better suited for casual users than coffee connoisseurs. Yet, it outperforms budget Vertuo models when it comes to authentic espresso experience with fresh milk. It’s the perfect middle ground between automation and quality, ideal for those who prioritize daily cappuccinos over complex customization. While the Creatista offers more control, the Lattissima One delivers a smoother, more intuitive milk-drink experience with nearly the same espresso quality.

Bold, vibrant, and refreshingly affordable, the Vertuo Pop+ punches far above its price tag with a precision centrifusion brewing system that extracts rich, crema-topped coffee from larger cup formats. This machine isn’t just stylish—it’s engineered for variety, offering five distinct brew sizes from single espresso to 12-ounce coffee, all with one intuitive button. The 30-second heat-up and side-mounted 25 oz water tank make it a no-fuss addition to small kitchens, dorms, or offices where space and simplicity rule. It solves the all-too-common frustration of limited drink options in budget machines by delivering both espresso and full-size coffee with equal flair.

During daily use, the Vertuo Pop+ impresses with its consistent extraction and signature crema, thanks to its barcode-reading technology that auto-adjusts brew parameters for each capsule. Whether you’re making a double espresso over ice or a smooth 8 oz mug of medium roast, the results are flavorful and well-balanced. The adjustable drip tray accommodates travel mugs, and the quiet operation keeps mornings peaceful. That said, it can’t match the espresso authenticity of OriginalLine machines—shots are slightly diluted—and the smaller water tank means frequent refills for heavy users.

When stacked against the Vertuo Plus, the Pop+ sacrifices tank size and build presence but keeps the same core technology at a noticeably lower cost. It’s a smarter pick than the Essenza Mini if you want more drink variety without paying premium prices. This machine is tailor-made for casual drinkers and younger professionals who value color, convenience, and versatility over barista-grade precision. While the Creatista Plus brews a more intense espresso, the Pop+ offers greater flexibility across coffee types with a fun, youthful edge.

The Creatista Plus is a barista-grade powerhouse that transforms home espresso making into a customizable art form, blending professional steam performance with intuitive digital controls. With 8 milk texture levels and 11 temperature settings, it gives you granular control over microfoam—essential for silky lattes and stiff cappuccino peaks. The 1500W ThermoJet heating system delivers espresso in 3 seconds, maintaining stable pressure at 19 bars, while the full-color digital display guides you through programming cup sizes and milk profiles. It’s engineered for enthusiasts who want café-level precision without the steep learning curve.

In real-world testing, the Creatista Plus excels at reproducibility and speed, pulling consistent shots and steaming milk faster than most sub-$400 machines. The auto-purge steam wand minimizes maintenance, and the 50 oz water tank reduces refill frequency—ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers. It handles OriginalLine capsules flawlessly, extracting bold ristrettos and smooth lungos with rich crema. However, the learning curve for milk settings can be steep for beginners, and the larger footprint demands counter space most compact models avoid.

Compared to the Lattissima One, the Creatista Plus offers far greater customization, especially for milk texture and temperature, making it the clear winner for serious milk-drink lovers. It outshines the Vertuo line in espresso authenticity, though it lacks their larger coffee formats. This machine is built for dedicated home baristas who want pro-level results and don’t mind a higher investment. While it costs more than the Vertuo Plus, the Creatista Plus delivers superior build, performance, and control that justifies its position as the best overall.

The Vertuo Plus strikes an impressive balance between versatility and value, making it the go-to pick for households that want both espresso and full-size coffee without juggling multiple machines. Its centrifusion technology reads capsule barcodes to auto-adjust spin speed and temperature, delivering four precise brew sizes—from 5 oz coffee to double espresso—with a rich crema top that mimics traditional extraction. The 40 oz side-loaded water tank is a standout, reducing refills and enabling back-to-back brewing, while the 25-second heat-up keeps mornings efficient. It solves the common dilemma of choosing between coffee types by offering true multi-format flexibility in one compact unit.

In daily use, the Vertuo Plus proves remarkably consistent, especially with medium and dark roasts, producing smooth, full-bodied cups with minimal noise. The adjustable drip tray fits taller mugs, and the automatic shut-off enhances energy efficiency. It handles iced coffee beautifully, brewing hot espresso directly over ice for a chilled, aromatic drink without dilution. However, the espresso lacks the intensity of OriginalLine machines, and the plastic build feels less premium than stainless steel models like the Creatista. Also, capsule compatibility is limited to VertuoLine only, narrowing long-term options.

Against the Vertuo Pop+, the Plus offers a larger tank and more stable base, justifying the modest price bump for frequent users. It’s a smarter long-term investment than the Essenza Mini if you drink more than just espresso. Ideal for families or hybrid drinkers who switch between coffee and espresso, it delivers more functionality per dollar than nearly any other Vertuo model. While the Creatista Plus brews better espresso, the Vertuo Plus offers greater drink variety and convenience for mixed-use homes.

Sleek, compact, and brutally efficient, the Essenza Mini is the ultimate space-saving espresso solution for tiny kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms where every inch counts. Despite its ultra-slim 4.6-inch footprint, it delivers authentic 19-bar pressure extraction, producing rich, aromatic ristrettos and espressos that rival larger machines. The 25-second heat-up and one-button operation make it perfect for quick shots, and the minimalist design blends into any decor with quiet confidence. It directly addresses the pain point of cluttered countertops without sacrificing core espresso quality.

In real-world use, the Essenza Mini performs reliably for straight espresso or Americano lovers, extracting balanced shots with a decent crema layer. Its removable 24 oz water tank is easy to refill, and the auto-off feature saves energy during idle times. However, it’s limited to two fixed cup sizes, offering no customization or programmability. It also lacks any milk system, so crafting lattes means using a separate frother—adding steps and cleanup. While it’s quiet and fast, the small capsule container fills up quickly for frequent users.

Compared to the Vertuo Pop+, the Essenza Mini trades variety for espresso purity and size efficiency. It’s a sharper choice than the Lattissima One if you want maximum performance in minimum space. This machine is ideal for minimalists, urban dwellers, or espresso purists who don’t need milk drinks. While the Creatista Plus offers more features, the Essenza Mini delivers better value for dedicated espresso drinkers who prioritize compactness and speed over bells and whistles.

The Vertuo Pop+ by De’Longhi brings the same vibrant, compact energy as its Breville counterpart but with a sleeker, more sophisticated aesthetic that elevates any kitchen countertop. It leverages centrifusion brewing to unlock five cup sizes, from single espresso to 12 oz coffee, all crowned with Nespresso’s signature whipped crema—a rare feat in budget machines. The 30-second heat-up and side-mounted 25 oz tank make refills effortless, while the one-touch operation ensures even beginners can brew confidently. It’s engineered for users who want style, simplicity, and variety without complexity or clutter.

Testing reveals consistent, flavorful results across all capsule types, with excellent extraction for medium roasts and surprisingly rich iced coffee when brewed hot over ice. The adjustable drip tray fits most travel mugs, and the quiet motor keeps noise levels low—perfect for shared spaces. However, like all Vertuo models, the espresso is less concentrated than OriginalLine versions, and the small water tank demands frequent refills during heavy use. Also, no milk frother means lattes require extra gear.

Compared to the Vertuo Plus, the Pop+ sacrifices tank capacity and stability for ultra-compact design and modern flair. It’s a better fit than the Essenza Mini for casual drinkers who want full coffee options. This model is ideal for style-conscious users in small spaces who value design and drink diversity over pro features. While the Creatista Plus offers superior espresso, the Pop+ delivers more fun and flexibility in a tighter footprint.

The Vertuo Next Deluxe with Aeroccino is the complete morning solution for milk-based coffee lovers who want one-touch convenience and real café-style texture—all without buying separate appliances. The Vertuo Next delivers four brew sizes with crema-rich precision, while the included Aeroccino3 milk frother whips up hot or cold foam in 60 seconds, making it the only Vertuo bundle that truly supports lattes and cappuccinos out of the box. With 25-second heat-up, auto-off, and a side tank, it maintains the Vertuo ease-of-use while finally answering the long-standing complaint: Where’s the milk?

In practice, the Aeroccino3 is a game-changer, producing silky microfoam that rivals $200 steam wands, and its 1.1L capacity serves multiple drinks. The Vertuo Next reads capsule barcodes to optimize extraction, ensuring consistent flavor across roasts and sizes. It’s excellent for iced lattes, creamy cappuccinos, or morning coffee, though the espresso remains softer than OriginalLine standards. The plastic build feels lightweight, and the 25 oz tank still requires frequent refills—minor trade-offs for the bundled value.

Against the Lattissima One, the Vertuo Next + Aeroccino offers more brew variety and better foam control, though it lacks full automation. Compared to buying a Vertuo Plus and Aeroccino separately, this bundle saves space and cost. It’s the best pick for users who want both coffee sizes and real milk drinks without complexity. While the Creatista Plus offers more integration, this combo delivers the most complete budget-friendly milk experience with unmatched versatility.