Best Nespresso machines for 2024

Nespresso machines are a popular option for time-poor and caffeine-starved coffee fans. There are more than 20 different models to choose from, with prices ranging from £50 to nearly £500.  

Each machine uses the same basic capsule system (apart from the Nespresso Vertuo), but they all offer something different in terms of features, style and capacity, so you'll need to consider your budget, the type of coffee you like to drink, and what features you can't live without to help narrow down your options. 

Keep scrolling to find out how the range compares. Or, to make life easier, we've rounded up the top Nespresso machines just below.

Not sure if a Nespresso machine is for you? See our guide to the Best coffee machines for 2024 to read more about other machine types.

Best Nespresso machines for 2024

These are some of the best-rated Nespresso machines from our rigorous coffee machine tests, which includes a coffee taste test by our experts.

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Best Nespresso Vertuo machines for 2024

Want to read more reviews like this? See all our coffee machine reviews.

How to buy the best Nespresso machine

Do you want to make a quick choice? Here's how to do it:

• If you just like a swift shot of espresso in the mornings save yourself some cash and look for a model that doesn't have a milk-frothing feature. 
• If you want to make longer coffees choose a model with a 'Lungo' option, or one which lets you control the volume of water per cup. It's worth considering the Nespresso Vertuo range, which is designed for larger cups.
• If you're into frothy, milky coffees choose between models with milk-frothing accessories, depending on whether you want more or less input into the frothing process.

To see all the Nespresso machines we've tested, head straight to our Nespresso reviews.

Best Nespresso machine features to consider

Depending on the way you like to prepare and drink your coffee, there are a few features that are worth looking out for:

• Removable drip tray If you prefer a mugful, you'll need to ensure the machine has an adjustable or removable drip-tray to accommodate larger mugs. Likewise, the adjustable height means you can get your espresso mug nearer the spout so it doesn't splash everywhere.
• Large water tank and capsule bin If you want to make longer coffees, or brew several in a row, it's worth looking for a larger water tank and capsule bin. This cuts down on how many trips you'll need to make to the tap or bin during the day. More compact models may be easier to fit on your worktop, but you'll probably get less space for water and used capsules.
• Milk frother If you like a cappuccino, you'll need to opt for a machine with built-in milk frothing, or buy a bundle with the Nespresso Aeroccino frother. See our coffee machine reviews to filter by machines with milk frothing and check how our experts rated the cappuccinos.
• Personalisation function Some models will allow you to set preset drink lengths, such as the amount of water needed to fill your favourite mug, or to have multiple temperature or milk frothing options. You'll usually pay more for personalisation features but they make it easier to get the perfect coffee for you.

Want frothy milk, but don't have a machine with this feature? - see our Best Milk Frothers

Nespresso machines compared

Here's an overview of some of the coffee machines included in the official Nespresso range. You can click on the model name to see our full test review.

• Pixie – £150. Original pods. The Pixie is the cheapest and most basic model in the Nespresso range
• CitiZ – £190/£239 (with Aeroccino frother), Original pods. The CitiZ is a slim coffee machine with a fold-down grid for different-sized cups.
• Lattissima One – £179, Original pods. This model has an integrated milk frother for hands-free milky brews.
• Expert - £250/£300 (with Aeroccino frother), Original pods. Slim profile designed to sit back against the wall. Has three different temperature settings and makes four coffee types. Connects to Nespresso App.
• Lattissima Touch – £189, Original pods. Built-in automatic milk frother for a one-touch brew.
• Lattissima Pro – £479, Original pods. A high-spec version of the automatic milk frothing Lattissima models, with touchscreen controls.
• VertuoPlus – £70, Vertuo pods. The Vertuo capsule coffee machine lets you pick between four coffee sizes and makes four drinks: espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto, with tailored different-sized pods. The tank on the VertuoPlus, which is bigger than the typical Nespresso machine, holds 1.8 litres of water and it's movable, plus the capsule lever automatically closes.
• Vertuo Next – £145, Vertuo pods. The Next is a more compact version of the VertuoPlus, but it's bigger than some of the original Nespresso machines, so that's worth bearing in mind if you're thinking of trading up. The water tank isn't moveable on this version, and you'll have to close the lid manually.

Prices updated: March 2024. Prices may change.

Nespresso Vertuo or Original?

In 2017, Nespresso launched an entirely new capsule system, Vertuo. This system uses centrifugal force – spinning the capsules at high speed – to extract your brew. It's designed to make a wider range of coffees, particularly longer drinks, for those who aren't pure espresso fans. 

There are three pod sizes to choose from, and a widening range of different machines available, starting from roughly £99 up to around £219. You can't use original Nespresso capsules in these machines; only Vertuo pods will fit. 

Read about the pros and cons of these machines in Nespresso Original vs Nespresso Vertuo - which one should you buy?

Nespresso machines rated

We asked Nespresso owners to tell us how happy they are with their machine and if they had any problems with it. We've taken this data, and test data from our years of lab tests, and analysed the numbers to bring you our verdict on how good Nespresso machines are at making coffee, and how long they're likely to last when you get them home.

In the table below you can find out:

• How well Nespresso machines from different brands do in our coffee machine tests.
• How prone to faults Nespresso machines are, based on feedback from owners.
• If Nespresso owners consider them value for money.
• How satisfied Nespresso owners are with their coffee machine and how likely they are to recommend Nespresso to a friend.
• Our overall verdict on Nespresso brands including Nespresso DeLonghi, Krups and Magimix machines.

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We compare popular coffee pod coffee machine brands in Best pod coffee machines for 2024. 

How much do I need to pay to get a good Nespresso machine? 

There are options to suit every taste and budget in the Nespresso range. More expensive Nespresso machines tend to come with extra features such as a larger capacity, more drink size options, memory programming of your favourite coffee, and milk frothing. Some are also finished in premium materials such as die-cast aluminium for a luxury look.

Here's an overview of the range by price point:

Entry-level Nespresso machines (£100 or less)

These models stick to the basics, offering one or two drink size options (usually espresso or lungo) and no milk frothing. They're likely to be quite compact with a relatively small capsule bin and water tank. If you just want a quick espresso, they should be more than enough.

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop (£58) – the entry-level model. Small, compact and affordable.

Mid-priced Nespresso machines (£100-£200)

If you pay a bit more, you'll get an automatic milk frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and more, and more in the way of capacity and choice. Extras may include more drink options, the ability to store your preferences, or even Bluetooth capability so you can control the machine from your phone or tablet. 

• Nespresso Lattissima One (£179) – built-in milk automatic frother for one-touch milky coffees.
• Nespresso Pixie with Aeroccino frother (£150) – bundling milk frother with a model pushes the price up but means you can make lattes.

Premium Nespresso machines (£200 and above)

Top-end Nespresso models make a real style statement in your kitchen and offer more control over your coffee.

• Nespresso Creatista Plus (£330)

Are cheap Nespresso machines any good?

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent Nespresso machine, but some extract flavour from the capsules better than others. We've found some good value models that make it into our Best Buy list, but others were less impressive. 

What you might miss if you opt for a cheaper model are the fancy extras – such as milk-frothing accessories and personalisation or smart control. However, one bonus of the cheaper models is they are usually very compact, and will easily squeeze onto the most crowded of kitchen worktops.

Go to our Nespresso machine reviews to filter the latest models by price and find the one for you.

How much do Nespresso capsules cost?

As with all capsule coffee machines, it's worth considering the ongoing cost of buying Nespresso pods, which are more expensive per cup than using ground coffee and differ if you opt for a Vertuo or Original machine.

But what does your coffee habit actually cost you? Based on drinking two espressos per day over five years, plus the upfront cost of the cheapest relevant Best Buy coffee machines, this is how much your coffee habit costs.

• Ground-coffee machine £647
• Bean-to-cup machine £867
• Coffee capsules £1,153
• Coffee shop espresso £6,935

Ground coffee machines are the cheapest at £647, followed by the bean-to-cup machines at £867. Coffee capsules are next at £1,153 and the most expensive is buying a takeaway coffee.

There is a healthy market in third-party compatible pods for Nespresso Original pod machines, and they often work out cheaper than Nespresso's own pods. Compatible pods don't work with all machines, but most of the basic range should be fine.

Is a Nespresso subscription worth it?

Nespresso introduced its subscription service back in 2017, probably as a fightback against the increased popularity of compatible capsules. The idea is that you sign up to monthly capsule payments, and in return you get up to £150 off a specific Nespresso machine. Currently there are two plans available: one for those with a machine already, and one for those without.

There are six annual coffee subscription plans to choose from, and they start at £25 a month and rise to £50 a month, depending on how many coffees you think you'll get through a day.

How to use a Nespresso machine

Nespresso machines are designed to be simple to use: 

1. Prime them by running some water through it without a capsule in place.
2. Pop your capsule in.
3. Get your cup in place. 
4. Press go. 

But each machine works slightly differently, and some can be fiddly and take getting used to, so acquaint yourself with the instructions before you get started. 

Nespresso provides online downloadable versions of its user manuals for each model. It's worth reading through the manual so you can make the best use of features that might not appear immediately obvious, such as changing the length of the coffee to your preferred drink size, and to ensure you understand how to maintain your machine – this can pay off in the long run.

Our Nespresso machine reviews let you know how easy each machine is to use and how clear the instructions are. So if you’re still in the deciding phase, you can use our reviews to compare machines on this basis.

How to descale a Nespresso machine

Nespresso recommends that you descale your machine approximately every three months, and that you use the official Nespresso descaling kit.

In general, it is a simple process and involves the following steps:

1. Empty the capsule container and drip tray.
2. Fill the water container with descaling solution and water.
3. Run the machine, using a container to catch the water coming through.

The exact process might be slightly different. For example, if you have a filter on your machine, check the machine instructions or consult Nespresso’s machine assistance page to select your exact model and get step-by-step instructions.

It's well worth doing this regularly. Our research into common coffee machine problems reveals limescale issues are one of the more common failings you're likely to face.

For more advice, see our guide on how to clean your coffee machine.