Today, we talk about Nespresso, one of the most popular capsule coffee systems. Let’s say one thing: the worldwide success of Nespresso is not only due to its overwhelming advertising campaign featuring George Clooney, but also, and above all, the excellent quality of the coffee. In our opinion, Nespresso is among the best coffee systems for domestic use. And with a wide selection of mixtures!
If the doubt is then about which coffee system to buy, we immediately dispel every perplexity: Nespresso is a good choice, offering the most incredible variety of excellent coffees. Its limits are little expensive capsules and no tea, barley, herbal teas, and other drinks.
In this article, we will focus on selecting the best Nespresso machine, which is not an easy task since, at first glance, they appear very similar, yet there are marked price differences.
Nespresso: How are the machines made?
The design that we wanted to achieve with this type of product is modern and appealing, but above all, compact. Now, kitchens are becoming increasingly smaller, and space is always at a premium, so a coffee machine that easily fits on a kitchen counter is a must.
We also appreciate that their appearance features soft, rounded shapes that harmonize perfectly with the rest of the appliances. It has been proven that softer forms make an object more desirable and friendly, as is the case with the coffee machine, the ally of the first morning.
There are differences in design and color, but, as we mentioned, the Nespresso machines all share a similar appearance. In the front, there is a coffee dispenser; in the lower part, a semi-circle projection in plastic or metal is provided, where you can place the cup. This “drop-save tray” is easily removable for cleaning.
In the upper rear part or the front one, there are two buttons to supply the desired amount of coffee. The drive is electronic, and the quantity of water dispensed is automatically controlled: the button with the smaller cup is for a small amount of coffee, while the button with the larger cup is for a larger amount.
Strangely, there are no switches to operate the speaker; it is necessary to press the two buttons on the cups simultaneously (this is not immediately clear). After nine minutes of inactivity, the machine will automatically switch off. Alternatively, you can press the buttons again to turn it off manually.
In the rear part, there is the plug to be inserted into the socket and the water tank containing, on average, about 0.8 liters, and it is removable to be able to clean it carefully since with the stagnation of water can form germs and bacteria.
The fulcrum of the machine is, in any case, the lever that is lifted to insert the capsule and then lowered to dispense the coffee. As highlighted in all claims, leveraging is particularly rewarding and characteristic of the Nespresso system. The used capsules are expelled into a binder with a variable capacity, ranging from 10 to 20, depending on the model. Emptying the container and the drip tray is always a fast and clean operation.
The machines are produced by De’Longhi and Krups, with many models from both houses featuring minimal aesthetic differences, which is quite curious. We have no preference for one brand over the other in terms of quality or reliability; they are truly equivalent.
Operation: let’s have a coffee!
Nespresso machines work, as it were, with Nespresso coffee capsules. There is no compatibility with other systems; however, many types of capsules are compatible with the Nespresso system on the market. Their quality fluctuates, but this is a topic we explore in other articles dedicated to capsules.
To start making coffee, press the two power buttons and wait for the heating process, which usually occurs very quickly (about 25 seconds). You can already insert the capsule, allowing it to fall into its seat. However, we advise you to let the water flow first, then let the machine run a little empty, with the lever lowered. With this operation, you can purge the stagnant water, heat and clean the ducts, and potentially use the heated water to warm your cup (afterwards, dry it thoroughly to avoid a watered-down or residue effect).
After inserting the capsule and closing the lever, press one of the two buttons: long or narrow. The machine automatically dispenses the specified quantity of water or coffee. In our opinion, this function is not the best, as the amount is easily adjustable only in the top models of the range, and even in these, there is a certain variability in height between one coffee and the next.
This lack of precision is all the more visible, the smaller the coffee is. On the contrary, with the default settings, it is impossible to have a small coffee, as the amount of water supplied is excessive. From here, it is not a system strictly thought for Italian coffee, but for international use. Not bad: we ignore the function and press the dispensing button again to stop it at the desired height, regardless of the model.
Comparison between Nespresso machines
We reveal one thing: practically, all Nespresso machines are similar to each other in terms of technical characteristics and internal components, and consequently, the resulting coffee is not significantly different from one machine to another.
Model Inissia
Inissia is one of the basic models available on the market. Indeed, the most basic seen the attack price of some colors, among the lowest. Its dimensions are compact and available in many different colors, measuring 12.6 x 4.7 x 9 inches.
The salient feature of the machine is not just its small size; even its weight is the lowest among all, at only 5 pounds. It is well-manageable, even in a small home, and becomes easily transportable, for example, to take on vacation. In our opinion, it is so light and easy to handle that it is not excluded to remove it and store it every time, after its use.
We discuss the internal pump: like all other Nespresso models, the pressure is 19 bar, ensuring the quality of the coffee is guaranteed. Inissia has two buttons located on the upper back to choose the desired amount of coffee. To do so, press the button with the corresponding icon (cup high or low, with all limits already listed).
The grill at the bottom, which accommodates the cup, is removable to allow the consumer to remove it if larger and capacious cups are used. The water tank behind is a little reduced, but with 0.7 liters, it’s still good. A common feature for most Nespresso machines is the automatic shut-off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
Note that it is produced by both De’Longhi and Krups, with minimal aesthetic differences in the shape of the spout.
A defect of the Inissia lies in the fact that the opening and closing operation of the capsule holder involves the forward or backward movement of the dispensing spout. This can cause some dripping on the edge of the coffee cup. The other aspect where it does not excuse itself is the aesthetic: not that it is ugly, on the contrary, we like it a lot, but its plastics betray a very cheap appeal.
Our taste test reassures us of the quality: Inissia coffee is excellent, and like most other models. Its advantages include reduced dimensions and featherweight, as well as a lower price (although only in specific colors, such as black). We would like to advise you that, without a doubt, those seeking the smallest and/or most affordable option will find this the right choice. Look at the price differences between the various colors.
Model Essenza
The capsule must be inserted in the upper back, where you will find the long lever very pleasant to use. Unlike the Inissia, the spout remains fixed when you operate it, which is preferable. This type of model does not come with a removable, gray, or adjustable cap for larger cups.
The water tank, with a capacity of 20.3 oz, is one of the largest compared to all other specifications, even if it is only a deciliter. The most significant difference from all other Nespresso machines is the absence of a 25-second heating feature: you must wait a few minutes for the espresso to reach the desired temperature.
Additionally, in this case, it is produced by the two brands De’Longhi and Krups, but this time we have a preference: we aim for Krups, which has an aesthetic that we believe is more successful.
In our opinion, this is the most representative model of the brand. If you’re undecided, choose this classic and widely recognized model with confidence. Let’s say it’s a bit like the reference model. Here is the recommended link for online purchase:
Model Pixie
The characteristics of this speck of De Longhi are similar to those of the Inissia model, apart from the compact dimensions, and the particularity of the convenient detection indicator of the empty water tank.
But let’s go in order: the dimensions of the Pixie model are as follows: 12.8 x 4.4 x 9.3 inches. Also, in this case, there are two buttons in the upper rear part to turn the speaker on and off. It is automatic. You can adjust the amount of coffee desired by pressing one of the two buttons before dispensing the coffee, even up to 25 seconds after the first ignition.
Unlike the other two specimens analyzed until now. The Pixie model has aluminum finishes that are well-suited to a modern kitchen. The water tank is 0.7 liters, slightly less capacious than the previous ones, but it could be a good opportunity to clean it more frequently. The grid below is adjustable for larger and capacious cups and can hold up to 10 Nespresso capsules.
Given the higher cost compared to the two previous models, choose it only if you fell in love with its aesthetics. Here she is:
Model U
One of the most recent models among all the Nespresso machines is the U model, which has dimensions similar to the previous ones: 15 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches.
The pump used is the same as the others, with a pressure of 19 bar for high and decisive pressure. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain a good hot coffee even after 25 seconds from switching on. The water tank holds 0.8 liters and is easily removable, allowing for thorough cleaning. Unlike other machines, the U has one more button than the canonical ones to adjust the desired amount of coffee. So, in addition to espresso and long coffee, you can also get a small coffee, thereby obviating the problem we mentioned earlier.
In addition, the speck U is equipped with automatic expulsion of the capsule once the coffee has been emitted. The cup holder is adjustable, and unlike the others, it is made of metal to obtain a more attractive design and better cleaning than plastic, which is more porous and subject to wear.
Aesthetic differences and minimum price between the two versions, Krups and De Longhi, then choose the one you find at the best price.
In your choice, consider that the benefit of the third key for the “restricted” option is not so decisive, since in all the machines, you can stop the coffee whenever you want. Once again, choose based on aesthetics.
Model Prodigio
A speck for technology lovers: it is one of the first coffee makers with a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. Thanks to the dedicated Nespresso app, you can interact with the speaker on both Android and iOS systems.
But what are the functions that smartphones can manage? The machine’s settings include the programming of the water quantity for the various buttons, the descaling light, the coffee start, and a few other options. Completely useless, but unmissable for tech addicts.
For the rest, the dimensions are standard: dimension 14.70 x 14.7 x 10.1 inches, but can be adapted to many spaces thanks to the possibility of moving the tank to the side. Even if the model appears to be hyper-technological, it lacks an automatic switch-off feature, so you must proceed manually, and it also lacks fast heating capabilities. A notable feature is that, like the U model, it is equipped with automatic capsule expulsion once used.
Given the cost, we strongly discourage this model, except for the ultra-technological individual who wants to impress friends with “the phone that makes coffee “. For this model, any purchase must be made online. Here she is:
Model Citiz & Milk
We haven’t discussed the Citiz line yet. It is a narrow model, aesthetically similar to the U model, but with standard functions. Being narrow, it is convenient to integrate an Aeroccino up to the dimensions: 4.7 x 9 x 12.6 inches.
The coffee dispenser remains unchanged: an internal high-pressure pump delivers excellent hot coffee even after 25 seconds from ignition, which is activated by simultaneously pressing the two buttons located on the high rear part. In addition, on the side, an Aeroccino machine is integrated, which mounts the milk, which can be cold or hot, depending on your preference, to be added manually to the coffee.
The grid for placing the cup is removable for larger cups and is made of metal for improved cleaning and durability. The water tank is 1 liter, one of the largest in the Nespresso coffee and milk category. Recommended? No, because, as we said, we do not find the integration of machines and Aeroccino. Evaluate it during special offers, given that, as mentioned, the only Aeroccino is expensive.
As usual, if you have doubts about your choice of a Nespresso machine, do not hesitate to ask for personalized advice from our expert, who is well-versed in coffee machines.
