Which Nespresso machine is right for you?
As a proud owner of five Nespresso machines (yes, I said five), I quite often get questions from readers, friends and family on which Nespresso machine they should buy. Well, that’s a good question! Honestly, each coffee machine is unique and can offer something slightly different from another. But if you’re in the market for only one (most people are), then I would focus on what is most important to you. For example, are you looking for a machine that offers you the kind of coffee you want to drink daily? Or are you seeking for one to entertain guests? Perhaps you’re most keen on the design and style of the machine.
Whatever your priority is, you really can’t go wrong with any one of them because Nespresso offers so many varieties of machines and coffees and in my opinion, they make the simplest yet highest quality in-home coffee brewing systems in the market.
Essenza Mini
If you’re living in a condo and have limited space, then I recommend the Essenza Mini. This machine is the smallest machine Nespresso offers and its compact size offers an ultra minimalistic style, perfect for the urbanite looking for an afternoon cup of espresso. The Essenza Mini uses the Nespresso Original capsules and brews two espresso cup sizes. When paired with the Aeroccino milk frother, there are plenty of options for delicious coffee creations!
Best for:
- tiny spaces or limited counter space
- minimalists
- classic espresso lovers
- machine is travel friendly
VertuoPlus
The earlier version of this machine was the start of my Nespresso obsession. And this new and improved VertuoPlus is that much better (I find that it brews hotter and love the new mechanical release)! This machine is perfect for those who enjoy a North American style coffee. That means a giant cup to kick off your morning. Kyle and I use this machine daily and often times, we brew it directly in a traveler, to-go. The Nespresso VertuoPlus machine uses the Vertuo capsules and prepares coffees in five cup sizes that ranges from a classic espresso (1.7 oz) to an Alto – which is a 14 oz coffee. This machine heats up in 25 seconds, is equipped with an auto-shut off function after 9 minutes of no usage and creates the most beautiful crema (that layer of goodness that gently sits on top).
For those of you who are looking for a well rounded coffee home brewing system, I recommend the VertuoPlus for you. I’ve held dinner parties and brewed coffee after coffee for friends and family, and it works magic.
Best for:
- prefers function or fashion
- daily coffee drinkers
- enjoys a big sized coffee
- brings a traveller cup on the go
Lattissima Pro
For the home entertainers out there, the Nespresso Lattissima Pro coffee machine is the best bet. Lattissima Pro is inspired by the quality of professional machines but it is extremely easy to use with 6 brewing options operated by a digital touchscreen pad. This machine has a removable milk frother that allows you to brew fancy lattes and machiattos with just a touch of a button using the Original capsules.
I absolutely love the the auto self cleaning system in which the machine’s screen display will prompt you run the auto clean cycle each time you use the milk dispenser. Another plus about this machine is that it also dispenses hot water and just hot milk (or milk froth).
Best for:
- hostess with the mostess
- latte lovers
- professional grade brewing
- impressive design
But are Nespresso capsules recyclable?
I’d say besides being asked what machine to get, the second question I get asked most about Nespresso is whether the capsules are recyclable. The answer is YES!
Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum, to ensure each capsule delivers the freshest and highest quality cup of coffee and the aluminum is recyclable. Since 1991, Nespresso launched their first capsule recycling system in Switzerland and by 2013, they had reached 75% of global recycling capacity with approximately 14,000 dedicated capsule collection depots around the world. Nespresso uses these recycled aluminum to produce new ones.
I generally store our used Nespresso capsules into the black recycling bags provided for free at Nespresso boutiques nationwide and save a full bag before I make trip to the boutique and dispose them in the designated recycling areas. I find this super easy and also gives me an excuse to stop by the boutique to check out the newest coffee collections!
If you’re currently debating between machines, I hope this gave you some additional insight! With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day just a few months away, this is a great gift for the moms and dads that enjoy a great cup of coffee!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you ever have questions about Nespresso machines, their coffees and recyclability!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Nespresso for sponsoring this post. All comments are my own. Be sure to recycle your used capsules at the nearest Nespresso boutique worldwide.
