Nespresso Coffee Machines - Which One is Right For You?

Nespresso Coffee Machines - Which One is Right For You?

The Nespresso brand of single-serve coffee machines is one of the most successful of all time, and for good reason.14.coffee machine nespresso The machines offer the convenience of a pod-based espresso machine with the quality and flavor of freshly brewed, ground beans. And they're incredibly easy to use: simply insert a capsule, push a button and your drink is ready in under 14 minutes. There's a wide selection of Nespresso models, from the early prototypes that looked like Rube Goldberg machines to the sleekly designed, modern-looking units currently on the market. But, as you might imagine from the company's branding, not all are created equal.

Unlike a drip coffee maker, which uses a filter to extract flavor from the grounds, Nespresso machines use an espresso-style extraction process, which results in small, densely packed droplets that hold more flavor than traditional grounds and require less water to make a cup of coffee.14.coffee machine nespresso This is also why most people who use a Nespresso machine find their brews richer and more flavorful than those made in a standard drip coffee maker.

There are two types of Nespresso machines: the Original line and the Vertuoline.14.coffee machine nespresso The latter was introduced in 2014 and offers a slightly bigger, more sophisticated design than the Original line. A Vertuoline machine can brew larger cups of coffee, as well as espresso-style shots and milk-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.

If you're not interested in spending a lot on a new Nespresso machine, we recommend the Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus.14.coffee machine nespresso These are the smallest and slimmest models Nespresso makes, and they're the least expensive. But they don't come with the same drink variety as pricier machines and don't have a built-in milk steamer.

For a more sophisticated model, we suggest the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista.14.coffee machine nespresso It has a built-in milk frother and seven pre-programmed beverage buttons, making it ideal for households that enjoy the look of a real espresso machine but prefer the ease of use of a Nespresso pod-based system. And, like the previous machine, it comes in a stylish stainless steel finish and requires little daily maintenance other than descaling twice a year.

Nespresso machines also come with an Aeroccino milk frother, which makes hot and cold frothed milk at the touch of a button. The appliance is cordless and can be tucked away in a cabinet when not in use, and it can also be used with other brands of pod-based coffee machines.

To keep your Nespresso machine in tip-top shape, it will need to be descaled about twice a year (though the frequency depends on how often you use the machine and the hardness of your home's water). It is also recommended that you use the brand's descaling solution to get the best results. Other than descaling, most Nespresso machines don't need any other regular upkeep. The exception is the Rapid Cappuccino System, which requires more frequent cleaning because it forces steam and hot water through the machine to clean its milk spout.