Best Nespresso machine 2023: Vertuo and Original machines tested and reviewed

With the Vertuo, Nespresso introduced a new type of capsule, designed to give you a longer, mug-full of coffee. Now, we’re onto the second generation machine: the Nespresso Vertuo Next. This model is slightly smaller than the original, and it has a more premium design, looking nicer. There are three versions available: Vertuo Next (£149), which has a plastic finish and comes in lots of colours; Vertuo Next Premium (£179), which has a patterned design; and Vertuo Next Deluxe (£199), which has a metal finish.

All three operate in the same way, so it’s a matter of personal taste and budget as to which one is best for you. While the first Vertuo machine had a motorised lid, the Vertuo Next has a manual one. There’s less to go wrong, but just make sure that you lock it in place correctly, or you won’t get coffee.

Then, it’s business as normal: insert a capsule, press the button and the centrifugal brewing system jumps into action, spinning the pods at high speed to give you maximum extraction, a full-bodied mug of coffee and a thick crema on top. This machine produces a brilliant cup of coffee.

The range of capsules is excellent, with plenty of flavours and sizes on offer, pretty much matching the original range. The only downside is that Vertuo capsules are more expensive than original Nespresso pods.

This machine has no milk option, although you could buy a Barista (see further down), or a Nespresso Aeroccino4 if you wanted to add this option. For those that like that coffee long and strong, the Vertuo Next is the ultimate choice.

Full review: Nespresso Vertuo Next review

Reviewer: David Ludlow

Nespresso machines are easy to use, but the Nespresso Atelier is even easier. Taking original pods, this machine not only dispenses the full range of original coffees, but it can froth milk and make a wide range of milky drinks, too.

To froth milk, there’s a heater and a whisk that attaches to the front of the machine. Put milk into a mug, tap one of the recipe buttons and your milk is perfectly mixed before coffee is added at the end. This process works better with the Nespresso recipe glasses, but you can use your own if you prefer. Be prepared to experiment with milk and coffee volumes to get the best results, though.

If you want regular black coffee, then there are buttons for that, with the Atelier able to make ristretto (small espresso), espresso and lungo coffees.

The advantage of using a whisk for milk is that everything is easy to clean up at the end; the same can’t be said for bean-to-cup machines that uses a carafe of milk and needs to be flushed through.

This is one of the more expensive Nespresso machines but if you want automated brilliance, it’s the one to buy.

Review: Nespresso Atelier review

Reviewer: David Ludlow

Nespresso can be accused of taking the art out of coffee making, but the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno reinjects this ability. With its automatic milk frother and jug, you can free-pour your own steamed milk, giving you control over the final beverage.

For standard coffee, the Sage Nespresso Creatista Uno is excellent. It takes all regular Nespresso capsules and can dispense ristretto, espresso and lungo shots, with dedicated buttons for each. Coffee was excellent, with the machine delivering the full flavour of the capsules that we tested with.

For milk, you can choose the level of froth and temperature, but after that, you’re left to pour the milk yourself. The quality of the steamed milk is excellent, so the only thing to hold you back is the quality of your pouring.

For those that want a premium Nespresso experience with the ability to create their own drinks, this is the best machine to buy.

Reviewer: David Ludlow

The Nespresso Barista is something of an oddity on this list, as it doesn’t actually make coffee. Rather, this clever machine is designed to work with espresso made elsewhere (from a regular Nespresso machine, Vertuo coffee maker, or even traditional espresso machine), and can then create several different drinks out of it automatically.

The Barista has a built-in whisk and heater, and a selection of recipes that are easy to follow. The Iced Nitro is a favourite, with the Barista blending a shot of espresso, some water and ice into an amazing, frothy ice drink. Fancy a cappuccino instead? No problem, as the Barista can froth your milk automatically for you.

Up to 13 recipes can be added to the machine directly, giving you one-touch access to your favourites; the app connects your phone by Bluetooth letting you swap other recipes into the memory slots, with 21 options available. The main downsides are that the Barista doesn’t give you a lot of control over the total volume made, and that pouring the final drink can be fiddly as the whisk has a tendency to drop out.

If you like a wide range of coffee drinks beyond the standards, but don’t have the time or patience to make them, the Barista is all you need.

Review: Nespresso Barista review

Reviewer: David Ludlow

Small in size, the Nespresso CitiZ is a basic Nespresso machine that uses original capsules. Just flip open the lid, drop a pod in and then hit one of the buttons (espresso or lungo) to get a cup of coffee delivered at just the right temperature (around 60.1C). For those that mostly like their coffee black and want a compact machine, this is a perfect choice.

Although it doesn’t have any other coffee making features, the CitiZ is well designed. It has a standard drip dray, but there’s also a fold-down stand for taking espresso cups, getting them closer to the coffee machine’s spout.

In terms of maintenance, all you need to do is top up with water, empty the used pods (and clean out the container) and descale from time-to-time.

There are fancier Nespresso machines, but if you want the basics and don’t want to pay through the nose for the privilege, then this is a brilliant choice.

Review: Nespresso Citiz review

Reviewer: David Ludlow