11 Strategies To Completely Defy Your Nespresso Machine
Nespresso Coffee Machines
Contrary to drip coffee makers Nespresso models are small and compact. They sport a basic black look and range in terms of price and complexity. Some include a milk frother that can be used to create Latte art, and they can be connected with an app to manage recipes or receive notifications about descaling.
The most basic machines, such as our favorite the Essenza Mini, are simple and affordable, but they leave out features that can make more complex drinks. Other machines can also make larger drinks, such as Gran lungos.
What is a Nespresso machine?
Since 1986, Nespresso has marketed single-serve machines that use capsules to make espresso and coffee drinks. The company has a large number of loyal customers thanks to the ease, speed, and consistency with which their machines brew up an espresso-like hot beverage. These machines can be an ideal alternative to brewing at home espresso using a moka pot or drip coffee maker each of which requires some time and careful cleaning after each use.
A Nespresso machine uses the pressure system to extract the flavor of the pod. It then heats up water and froths the milk to create coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Nespresso offers a wide selection of tea and coffee machines nespresso blends to suit different moods and tastes as well as decaffeinated and flavored choices. Their machines are sleek, compact, and easy-to-use and make Nespresso a fantastic option for those who want to grab a quick cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
Original Nespresso machines that brew espresso-style shots from the company's Original capsules, were the only machines available until 2014 which was when the Vertuo line was launched. The smaller model in this line is the Essenza Mini, which is super compact with a tiny water tank and a space for used capsules. Its simple operation, with just two buttons--one for espresso and the other for a lungo--makes it easy to master.
All Nespresso machines automatically dispose of used capsules after the brewing. This is unlike Keurig machines that require you to manually add the water each time. These machines can store anything from four to twelve pods used up, based on the size of their water reservoirs and capsule storage. They are then disposed of in an internal receptacle time you open the machine.
Some of the most popular models are compatible with the mobile app of the company, which lets users to create custom recipes and to reorder capsules from home. We tested this feature on the sleek, stainless steel Vertuo Creatista, which also lets you make hot chocolate and iced drinks using a dedicated frothing chamber. The only issue with the machine we test is that it doesn't support all milk types. You'll need purchase a separate frothing tool if you wish to make drinks using whole, 2% or almond milk.
The Original Line Original Line
The Original line of pod-only machines include the elegant Citiz and the Essenza Mini. Both models are pierced by the capsule, then pump hot water under high pressure, and then deliver an espresso or lungo. The original machines employ 19 bars of pressure which is much higher than the 15-18 bar pumps found in the more expensive Vertuo models.
The original machines create crema (a thin layer of tiny microbubbles on top of the espresso) that is thicker and richer than the foam of the Vertuo line. The crema isn't just froth. As the Spruce states, it can make up as much as 25% of an espresso's flavor. The Original line comes with more expensive Creatista or Lattissima espresso machines that have built-in milk frothers to make cappuccinos and lattes at the push of one button.
The Lattissima Line
This line is ideal for those looking for an appliance that can make cappuccinos lattes, and other milky coffee drinks. It comes with three recipes that can be customized and its 4.2 1 ounce milk container is easily removed and washed in the dishwasher. It's also light and easy to store and move in small areas. However, some users complain that it's not as easy to use as other nespresso white machine models.
The jug of this machine has lines that show the kind of beverage you'd like to drink. You can choose your beverage while the machine is heating up. It also has a sensor that will automatically stops steaming when the jug runs out, preventing milk waste.
The Lattissima One offers a great value for money. It's available in four different colors including porcelain white, dark gray, and silky-white. The machine is easy-to-clean and has a minimalistic aesthetic that doesn't take up too much space in smaller spaces. It's also fairly affordable with a retail price of $385/PS279.
Similar to the OriginalLine models, it comes with an automatic drip tray that collects any loose grounds while you pour your espresso. It's a great feature to minimize mess, and also helps to prevent spills which could affect the taste of your beverage.
The Pro and Gran Lattissima have larger water tanks than the Lattissima One. This allows them to hold more liquid without needing to refill. Both models come with a quicker heat-up time (15 seconds for an Espresso and nespresso original coffee Machine 25 seconds for a Lungo) and hot water functions that can be used to make iced coffee or tea.
The only real downside to the Lattissima is the difficulty of adjusting the consistency and thickness of your milk foam. The machine is only compatible with almond or skim milk. Sorry Vegans and those who are allergic to dairy. The frothing wand is also difficult to clean. This is a common complaint from Nespresso users. Fortunately the Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima have a self-cleaning cycle that cleans the milky innards after each use of the frother.
The Vertuo Line
A Nespresso Vertuo machine makes a small cup of coffee that is ideal for those who enjoy espresso but prefer a short and intense drink. The machine scans the barcode that is located on the outer rim of each capsule to determine how much coffee it will make. Nespresso's Vertuo pods are extracted using a unique technology.
The Vertuo Line offers a wide range of different drinks, including Ristretto (mini espresso), Espresso, Lungo, Americano and Cappuccino. The machines can also be used with the Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother to make frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
Each Vertuo Line coffee machine heats quickly and is ready to brew in less than 30 seconds. They have smaller water tanks than the Original Line machines and require less maintenance. There are many models available that you can choose one that is compatible with your home's design and budget.
Unlike the Original Line machines, which only make Nespresso capsules however, the Vertuo Line also brews regular filter-brewed coffee. They do this via a separate spout at the bottom of the machine.
VertuoLine machines have a brand new system of brewing that gently extracts coffee and espresso by using the unique centrifusion technology. This allows for the creation of natural crema that protects and enhances the coffee's aroma. The VertuoLine System also comes with an intelligent recognition feature that adapts the extraction parameters according to each Grand Cru blend.
Each VertuoLine machine is covered by a manufacturer's warranty and includes an initial pack of 10 free Nespresso capsules. The company also offers an optional subscription service that delivers fresh new nespresso original coffee Machine capsules every month.
While there are many different VertuoLine machines to pick from but the Nespresso VertuoPlus is our choice for best overall machine. It's easy to operate, quick to heat up and comes in a variety of colors. It can make five different sizes of espresso and coffee, including a flat white, ristretto, and lungo. It also makes a latte macchiato, and can be combined together with the Aeroccino milk mixer to make a cappuccino or the latte.
The VertuoPlus has only one disadvantage, that it takes longer to brew compared to other machines, specifically when making an Americano. Comparing the Bunn Fastbrew with the Nespresso VertuoPlus which can brew an 8-ounce Americano in 42 seconds, the VertuoPlus took 1 minute, 51 seconds. It is possible to speed up the process by selecting an automatic mode.
