After a long lunch, a small strong coffee is hard to turn down, and at home a capsule machine is the quickest way to get one. Whether that is a straight espresso, a café con leche or a tall mug depends on which Nespresso you buy, and the first choice is not the model. It is the line.
Nespresso sells two capsule systems, Vertuo and Original, and their capsules do not cross over. Breville and De’Longhi both build the machines, often under the same model name. This guide is for buyers who have already settled on the brand and want to know which of seven models to get. We also say plainly where Nespresso falls short and what to look at instead.
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Quick verdict: which Nespresso machine to buy
If you drink coffee as often as espresso, buy the Vertuo Pop+: six cup sizes, a small body and automatic capsule ejection. If you mostly want short, strong coffee and the freedom to buy capsules from other companies, buy the CitiZ on the Original line. For lattes at one touch, choose the Vertuo Lattissima. Remember that any Nespresso ties you to capsules, and Vertuo ties you tightest. If that bothers you, a real espresso machine such as the Breville Bambino Plus, in our espresso machine guide, is the competitor to look at.
The table compares five models, one for each kind of buyer. All seven are covered in full after it.
Five Nespresso models side by side
Capsule line and milk system for our five standouts, as each listing gives them.
| Nespresso machine | Best for | Capsule line | Milk system | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by BrevilleBest overall
|
Coffee and espresso in a small space | Vertuo | None | View on Amazon |
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima by De’LonghiBest for milk drinks
|
Daily lattes at one touch | Vertuo | Built-in 16 fl oz tank | View on Amazon |
Nespresso CitiZ by De’LonghiBest for espresso
|
Short coffee, wider capsule choice | Original | None | View on Amazon |
Nespresso Gran Lattissima by De’LonghiBest for a crowd
|
Several milk drinks in a row | Original | Removable milk container | View on Amazon |
Nespresso Vertuo by Breville, 40 oz TankBest for fewer refills
|
Fewer tank refills | Vertuo | None | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as each maker or listing states them; “Not stated” means we could not find the figure from the maker or listing.
Nespresso Vertuo vs Original: the choice that comes first
Vertuo and Original differ in how they brew, what they brew and whose capsules they take. Pick the line and most of the model decision is already made.
| Question | Vertuo | Original |
|---|---|---|
| How it brews | Spins the capsule (Centrifusion) | 19-bar pressure |
| What it makes | Espresso through long coffees | Mainly espresso and lungo |
| Who sells capsules | Nespresso, plus Starbucks by Nespresso for Vertuo | Nespresso and third-party companies |
| Best for | Mug drinkers who also like espresso | Espresso drinkers who want capsule choice |
Which? notes that Vertuo spins capsules at high speed and is aimed at a wider range of drinks, especially longer ones. Top Ten Reviews adds that Vertuo pods are exclusive to Nespresso and harder to buy elsewhere, while Original pods come from the brand and from third parties. That last point is the one to weigh, because you will buy capsules for as long as you own the machine.
Our picks for the best Nespresso machine
The order below runs from the model most people should buy to the ones that suit a narrower need. We list the builder whose version we could confirm in stock as new; that is not a preference for Breville or De’Longhi.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville – Every Vertuo Size in a Small Body
The Pop+ is the plain answer for most people who want a Nespresso for both coffee and espresso. The listing gives six cup sizes: single and double espresso, plus 5, 8, 12 and 18 ounce coffees. That range is the point of the Vertuo line, and the larger sizes are what a mug drinker pays for.
It heats in about 30 seconds according to the listing, ejects the used capsule on its own and has an adjustable drip tray for shorter cups. The water tank sits at the side for easy refills. One detail needs care: this Breville listing says 37 fluid ounces, while the De’Longhi Pop+ listing and the Coffee Corner comparison say about 25. Check the seller’s page if tank size decides it for you.
Coffee Corner, which compares specifications and manuals rather than taste, sums the Pop+ up as the pick for a compact station and the newer capsule formats. There is no milk system in this version.
Why we like it
- Six cup sizes, from single espresso to 18 ounces
- About 30 seconds to heat, per the listing
- Used capsules eject automatically
- Tank at the side for easy refills
Key specifications
| Model | BNV125MTB1BUC1 |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Vertuo and Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo |
| Cup sizes | 6: single and double espresso; 5, 8, 12, 18 oz |
| Water tank | Listing says 37 fl oz; other sources say about 25 fl oz |
| Milk system | None |
| Heat-up | About 30 seconds |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | Breville |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that drinks mostly coffee, wants the odd espresso and has a small counter. It covers every Vertuo cup size without paying for a milk system you may not use.
Skip it if you drink only straight espresso, or you want to shop capsules from more than one company. Vertuo capsules are made for Vertuo machines only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- All six Vertuo sizes
- Compact, per the listing
- Automatic capsule ejection
Cons
- Capsule lock-in
- Tank figure conflicts between sources
- No milk system
2. Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima by De’Longhi – One-Touch Lattes on the Vertuo Line
If the people in your house drink lattes and cappuccinos most mornings, a machine with the milk built in saves a step and a separate jug. The Vertuo Lattissima brews the same six sizes as the Pop+ and adds one-touch milk recipes from a detachable 16 fluid ounce milk tank.
The listing says the milk tank is dishwasher safe and the machine heats in 30 seconds, with a descaling alert and an adjustable drip tray. It also lists a two-year manufacturer warranty, the clearest warranty term among these seven listings.
A tank of fresh milk means a little more upkeep than a coffee-only machine, because it has to be cleaned and kept cold. For a house that makes one milk drink a week, that is more machine than you need.
Why we like it
- One-touch cappuccino, latte and hot foam
- Detachable, dishwasher-safe 16 fl oz milk tank
- All six Vertuo cup sizes
- Two-year warranty on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | ENV300W |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Vertuo |
| Cup sizes | 6: single and double espresso; 5, 8, 12, 18 oz |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Milk system | Built-in, 16 fl oz detachable tank |
| Heat-up | 30 seconds |
| Warranty | 2 years, per the listing |
| Built by | De’Longhi |
Why we recommend it
This is the Vertuo model for regular milk-drink households who also want a long coffee some mornings. Everything happens at one touch, so anyone in the house can use it.
Skip it if you take your coffee black. The milk system is most of what sets it apart from the Pop+.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Milk built in
- Dishwasher-safe milk tank
- Long and short drinks
Cons
- Milk parts to clean
- Vertuo capsules only
- No dimensions in the listing
3. Nespresso CitiZ by De’Longhi – Plain Espresso and Lungo
The CitiZ belongs to the Original line, which works differently from Vertuo. Top Ten Reviews describes Original machines as using a 19-bar high-pressure system for espresso with crema, while Vertuo spins the capsule. The listing confirms a 19-bar pump, fast heat-up and buttons for espresso and lungo.
That is really all it does, and that is why it is here. Which? describes it as slim, with a fold-down grid for different-sized cups. There is no 12 ounce coffee and no milk system in this version. If you want a mug of coffee, this is the wrong line.
The Original line is also the way out of the tightest capsule lock-in. Top Ten Reviews notes dozens of Original-size pods from Nespresso and third-party companies, while Vertuo pods are exclusive to Nespresso and harder to buy elsewhere.
Why we like it
- 19-bar pump, per the listing
- Original capsules come from several companies
- Slim, with a fold-down cup grid, per Which?
- Simple two-drink controls
Key specifications
| Model | EN167B |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Original |
| Cup sizes | 2: espresso and lungo |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Milk system | None |
| Heat-up | Listing says fast; no figure given |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | De’Longhi |
Why we recommend it
Buy it for short, strong coffee in a small space and for the freedom to choose capsules from more than one brand. It also works as the base of a café con leche if you froth milk separately.
Skip it if you want full mugs of coffee. A Vertuo model handles that and this one does not.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Third-party capsules available
- Slim body, per Which?
- Very simple to use
Cons
- Espresso and lungo only
- No milk system
- Listing gives few specifications
4. Nespresso Vertuo by Breville, 40 oz Tank – Fewer Refills, Fewer Sizes
This plain Vertuo model is on the page for one reason: its 40 ounce water tank. The listing also gives a container for 13 used capsules, a 25 second heat-up and an automatic shut-off, so it asks less of you between refills.
The trade-off is cup sizes. The listing gives four: 5 and 8 ounce coffee, plus single and double espresso. There is no mention of the 12 or 18 ounce sizes that the Pop+ and Next brew, so a big-mug drinker should look elsewhere.
Amazon sells this simply as Vertuo, under model BNV220. Reviews of other Vertuo models do not necessarily apply to it, so we are going on the listing alone.
Why we like it
- 40 ounce water tank
- Holds 13 used capsules
- 25 second heat-up, per the listing
- Automatic shut-off
Key specifications
| Model | BNV220BLK1BUC1 |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Vertuo |
| Cup sizes | 4: single and double espresso; 5, 8 oz |
| Water tank | 40 oz |
| Milk system | None |
| Heat-up | 25 seconds |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | Breville |
Why we recommend it
It suits an office nook or a busy house where several people drink one standard cup each, and nobody wants to refill the tank every other day.
Skip it if you want a 12 or 18 ounce cup. This listing stops at 8 ounces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large tank
- Large used-capsule container
- Fast heat-up, per the listing
Cons
- Only four cup sizes
- No milk system
- Rests on listing details only
5. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe by Breville with Aeroccino3 – Separate Frother for Hot or Cold Foam
This is a Pop+ Deluxe sold with an Aeroccino3 frother. The machine keeps the same six cup sizes, the 30 second heat-up and the adjustable drip tray, and the listing adds a descaling alert. It gives the tank as 25 fluid ounces.
The frother is the interesting part. The listing says it makes hot or cold foam at one touch. Because it is a separate jug, you can use it for foam on an iced coffee, and you can put it away when you do not need it.
It costs you a step compared with the Vertuo Lattissima, since you pour the foam yourself. In return, there are no milk parts built into the machine.
Why we like it
- Includes the Aeroccino3 for hot or cold foam
- Six Vertuo cup sizes
- Descaling alert
- Frother is separate from the machine
Key specifications
| Model | BNV155TTN1BUC1 |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Vertuo and Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo |
| Cup sizes | 6: single and double espresso; 5, 8, 12, 18 oz |
| Water tank | 25 fl oz |
| Milk system | Separate Aeroccino3 frother |
| Heat-up | 30 seconds |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | Breville |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want occasional foam without a milk tank on the machine. It is also useful if you like cold foam on iced coffee.
Skip it if you already own a frother. The plain Pop+ covers the coffee side alone.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hot or cold foam
- No built-in milk parts
- Compact, per the listing
Cons
- 25 ounce tank means more refills
- Two pieces on the counter
- Foam is an extra step
6. Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville – Very Slim, With Reported Doubts
The Next is about width. The listing gives 5.5 inches and says it is made partly from recycled materials. It brews the same six sizes as the Pop+, and Coffee Corner lists a 37 ounce rear tank.
We rank it lower because of what an independent writer reports. Craft Coffee Spot’s Marko Lazarevic measured it at 69 to 70 decibels, against 60 to 61 for the Vertuo Plus, called its manual lid clunky, and wrote that its durability is questionable based on numerous reviews, including reports of water leaks. That is his summary of owner reports, not a failure rate.
None of this means your machine will leak. But if another Vertuo fits your space, we would look there first.
Why we like it
- Only 5.5 inches wide, per the listing
- Six Vertuo cup sizes
- 37 ounce rear tank, per Coffee Corner
Key specifications
| Model | BNV520NAV1BUC1 |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Vertuo and Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo |
| Cup sizes | 6: single and double espresso; 5, 8, 12, 18 oz |
| Water tank | 37 fl oz, per Coffee Corner |
| Milk system | None |
| Heat-up | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | Breville |
Why we recommend it
It makes sense only where every inch of counter width counts, such as a narrow shelf or a small apartment kitchen.
Skip it if the Pop+ fits your counter. It has the same cup sizes, and we would try it first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Narrow body
- All six cup sizes
- Partly recycled materials, per the listing
Cons
- Loud, by one reviewer’s measurement
- Reports of leaks
- Manual lid
7. Nespresso Gran Lattissima by De’Longhi – Nine Drinks From One Panel
The Gran Lattissima has the longest drink menu on this page. The listing gives nine one-touch selections, including foamed milk, flat milk and plain coffee recipes, from a 19-bar pump and a glass touch panel.
It has a removable milk container that can go in the fridge between uses, which helps when you make several milk drinks in a row. The drip tray slides for different cups and glasses.
We have no independent review of it that we could read, so this rests on the listing details. It also brews no long Vertuo-style cups.
Why we like it
- Nine one-touch drinks
- Removable milk container for the fridge
- 19-bar pump
- Sliding drip tray for tall glasses
Key specifications
| Model | EN640B |
|---|---|
| Capsule line | Original |
| Cup sizes | 9 one-touch recipes |
| Water tank | Not stated |
| Milk system | Built-in, removable container |
| Heat-up | Listing says fast; no figure given |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Built by | De’Longhi |
Why we recommend it
It fits a house or a small office that makes many espresso and milk drinks and wants the choice of Original capsules from several companies.
Skip it if you want 12 ounce coffee, or you would use only two or three of the nine buttons. The CitiZ with a separate frother would do.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest drink menu here
- Fridge-friendly milk container
- Original capsule choice
Cons
- No long-coffee sizes
- Rests on listing details only
- More to clean than a coffee-only model
How to choose among Nespresso models
Start with what you drink
Count your cups for a week. If most are mugs of coffee, go Vertuo. If most are short and strong, go Original. This one answer rules out half the models here.
Weigh the capsule lock-in honestly
Every Nespresso machine needs capsules, so the running cost lasts as long as the machine does. Vertuo capsules are made for Vertuo only. Original capsules are easier to shop around for. If you would rather buy any bean from any roaster, skip the capsule system altogether and look at our guide to the best espresso machine.
Decide how you want milk
A built-in system such as the Vertuo Lattissima or the Gran Lattissima is the easiest to use and has the most to clean. A separate frother takes one more step but keeps milk out of the machine. See our milk frother guide if you would rather buy one on its own.
Measure the space
Check width, tank position and clearance for the lid. The Next is 5.5 inches wide, the Pop+ has its tank at the side, and the 40 ounce Vertuo holds the most water of the listings that state a figure.
Know where the brand falls short
You cannot adjust the grind, dose or shot, and you are limited to what comes in a capsule. Capsules are aluminum, and although Nespresso’s listings describe a free recycling program, you have to use it. One reviewer reports leak complaints about the Vertuo Next, as noted above. For other pod systems, including Keurig, see our single-serve coffee maker guide.
How we picked these seven Nespresso models
We used Amazon listings for models, cup sizes, tanks and warranties, and checked stock on each listing. For the Vertuo and Original differences we read Top Ten Reviews and the free part of Which?. For Vertuo models we read Craft Coffee Spot, which measured noise, and Coffee Corner, which compares specifications and manuals and says it does not cover taste or reliability. We also searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database under Nespresso and found none listed under that name. We have not brewed on these machines ourselves, and this is not a taste ranking. Several larger reviews were paywalled or would not open for us, so we do not cite them.
Nespresso machine questions, answered
What is the difference between Nespresso Vertuo and Original?
Vertuo spins its capsules and brews a range from espresso to long coffee. Original uses 19-bar pressure and mainly makes espresso and lungo. The capsules are not interchangeable.
Can I use non-Nespresso capsules?
On the Original line, yes: Top Ten Reviews notes third-party pods are widely available. On Vertuo, the listings say capsules are exclusively compatible with Vertuo machines and name Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo capsules as an option, and Top Ten Reviews calls Vertuo pods exclusive to Nespresso.
Is a Breville Nespresso different from a De’Longhi Nespresso?
Both build machines for Nespresso, and listings show the same model names under each. We compare the model first. Check the listing you are buying for warranty and tank figures, since they vary.
Does Nespresso make real espresso?
Original machines use a 19-bar pump, per the listings, and Top Ten Reviews says they make espresso with crema. Vertuo espresso comes from a spinning capsule instead. If you want to control the shot yourself, you need a portafilter machine.
Our final pick among Nespresso machines
Related guide: Keurig vs nespresso.
Related guide: Espresso machine vs nespresso.
For most homes, buy the Vertuo Pop+. Choose the CitiZ for short coffee and capsule choice, the Vertuo Lattissima for daily lattes, and the Gran Lattissima for milk drinks on the Original line. For something sweet alongside that cup, try our guide to the best Mexican hot chocolate. And if you would rather have someone else do the cooking, see the menu or call to order.