Which Nespresso Machine Should You Buy? A 5-Question Guide

Buying in the UK

Buy the UK model: UK machines run on 230 V with a three-pin plug, while US-spec machines are built for 120 V and should not be used with a plug adaptor. In the UK the same Nespresso machines are sold under the Krups, De'Longhi and Magimix names; the coffee system is identical, so compare colour, bundle and price. Our links open Amazon.co.uk, and John Lewis, Argos and Currys also stock Nespresso machines. Warranty is handled in the country of purchase, so a UK listing is the safer buy.

Step 1: choose the system, Original or Vertuo

The two systems use different capsules, so this choice comes first. Our Original vs Vertuo guide goes deeper.

Step 2: the drink you make most

If your usual drink is a small espresso, an Original machine is the natural fit. If it is a large black coffee, Vertuo is. If you make lattes and cappuccinos, the next step matters more than the system.

Step 3: milk, built in or separate

A built-in milk system froths and heats milk at the touch of a button and suits you if you make milk drinks every day. A separate frother, the Aeroccino, costs less and lets you pick a plainer machine. A steam wand gives you manual control and takes practice and cleaning. See manual vs automatic milk frothing for the trade-offs.

Step 4: space and tank

Measure the free height and depth on your counter. Slim machines save space but may have a smaller tank, which means more refills. If several people drink coffee at home, a larger tank is worth more than a compact shape. Our compact machine guide lists the slimmest options.

Step 5: budget and running cost

The machine is a one-time cost, and capsules are the cost that lasts. Original-compatible capsules can lower the price per cup. Work out your own monthly number with our budget guide before you choose a more expensive machine.

Match your answers to a machine

Models and bundles change, so confirm the current model, colour and included accessories on the product page before you buy.

Compare the finalists

Once you have two or three models, put them side by side: Essenza Mini vs Pixie, CitiZ vs CitiZ Platinum, Vertuo Pop+ vs Vertuo Next, Gran Lattissima vs Lattissima One, Creatista Plus vs Creatista Pro and the Vertuo Up review.

Mistakes to avoid

Buying a machine before you decide the system, picking a machine for a feature you will not use, and ignoring the tank size and the cleaning routine are the most common regrets. Our first-machine mistakes guide goes through them.

Let the finder do the matching

If you would rather answer questions than read tables, the machine finder ranks Nespresso machines from your drinks, space and milk routine and explains each match.

Three examples

A small apartment, one espresso every morning. An Original machine such as the Essenza Mini or Pixie fits a narrow counter and heats quickly. A frother is optional and can wait.

A family that drinks large mugs. Vertuo suits larger cups. A Vertuo Next has a larger tank and a larger used-capsule bin than the compact Pop models, which means fewer chores.

Someone who makes a latte every day. A machine with a built-in milk system, such as the Lattissima One, turns the whole drink into one button press. If you enjoy the craft of steaming milk, a Creatista is the better match.

Features that matter, and ones that do not

Tank size and whether it is removable matter every day. A built-in milk system matters if you drink milk drinks daily and does not if you drink black coffee. Heat-up time is short on most machines and rarely decides the purchase. Colour and finish matter for looks and vary by bundle.

Before you buy: bundles, warranty and local listings

Check what comes in the box: some bundles add a welcome set of capsules or a frother. Buy a listing for your own country, because machines are built for local voltage and the warranty is handled where you buy. Our UK and Canada notes on each machine page cover the local models. If the machine is a gift, see our gift guide.

Questions people ask

What is the best Nespresso machine for beginners?

A simple Original machine such as the Essenza Mini or Pixie, or a Vertuo Pop for mug-size coffee. Both are easy to use and compact.

Is Vertuo better than Original?

Neither is better for everyone. Vertuo suits larger cups, and Original suits espresso and a wider capsule choice.

Which Nespresso machine is best for lattes?

A machine with a built-in milk system, such as the Lattissima One or the Vertuo Lattissima, makes lattes with the least effort. A Creatista gives you manual control instead.