I’m a certified barista, but these are the 3 Nespresso machines I recommend if you don’t have time for beans
How do you like your coffee in the morning? If the answer is “quick,” then a Nespresso machine might be right for you. They’re more compact than manual espresso machines, and rather than grinding beans, tamping them, and worrying about extraction times, you simply insert a capsule and press a button.
When choosing a Nespresso machine, be aware that there are two different types: those that use Nespresso Original capsules and those that use Nespresso Vertuo pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Pop
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If you have a small kitchen, a small budget, or both, this is the best Nespresso machine for you. It uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules and is one of the cheapest models on the market, often discounted to under $100 / £60 / AU$100 during sales events like Black Friday (which is coming up quickly).
It’s not an elaborate machine. If you want textured milk with your drink, you’ll need a separate frother like the Nespresso Aeroccino. The water reservoir is quite small and there is only one spout, so you can only pour one drink at a time. However, it is solidly made and is a breeze to use and keep clean.
Another of the best features of the Vertuo Pop is that it is available in many colors. I have the sunshine yellow version in my kitchen, but there are many more options to choose from. A few months ago, the company released it in a shade called Candy Pink, and more recently it added versions in Sweet Pistachio and Pastel Yellow to coincide with the release of its limited-edition Coconut Vanilla and Pistachio Vanilla cold brew capsules.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Pop review
2. De’Longhi Lattissima One
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If you like to start your day with a latte or cappuccino, check out the Lattissima One. It’s one of the few Nespresso machines with its own milk cooker, allowing you to prepare authentically milky drinks at the touch of a button. Sure, it won’t do latte art for you, but it covers all the other essentials.
The milk container is removable and has a lid, so you can store it in the refrigerator between uses and avoid waste. This and the Lattissima One’s water tank are also dishwasher safe, for easy cleaning.
Like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, it’s designed for single servings (larger Nespresso machines are available), but there’s no easier way to create a milk-based coffee drink when you’re in a hurry to get to work. In our testing, we found that it worked well with cow’s milk and plant-based alternatives, creating a rich, silky microfoam each time.
Read our full De’Longhi Lattissima One review
3. Ninja Prestige DualBrew System
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The Ninja Prestige DualBrew system (and the nearly identical Ninja Espresso and Coffee Maker Barista system, sold in the United States) not only brews great-tasting espresso in seconds, it also includes a full-size drip coffee maker.
It’s an ingenious design, giving you the two most convenient ways to brew your morning brew in one machine. Fill the brew basket with ground coffee before bed, set the timer and wake up to a hot pitcher filled with delicious pours, or drop in a Nespresso Original pod and enjoy rich espresso effortlessly.
It’s the little features that really make the DualBrew system special. For example, the warming plate under the pouring pitcher has adjustable time and temperature settings, so you can keep your coffee nice and warm without the risk of it simmering. Remove the pitcher and you’ll find a flip-up drip tray that lets you dispense coffee directly into a mug or travel mug.
You can also adjust the height of the espresso drip tray to accommodate different sized cups, and on the side of the machine is a flip-up milk frother so you can turn your Nespresso drinks into lattes or cappuccinos. It doesn’t heat the milk like a steam wand would, but Ninja’s designers added a “recipe” label telling you how long to microwave and then whisk the milk for different drinks.
It’s not small, but it has everything you need for your coffee station, and it’s a lot of fun to use, even when you’re half asleep and have watery eyes in the morning.
Read our full Ninja Prestige DualBrew System Review
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