The 6 Best Nespresso Machines for Lattes | 2024 Review

Last Updated on 19/11/2023 by Miki

Nespresso is well-known globally and it is based in Switzerland. The brand name is a combination of ‘Nestle’ and ‘Espresso’ as you may have guessed. Have you seen the ads that George Clooney was on? He is perfect for the brand in that he shows the elegance of Nespresso coffee. If you are a latte lover, then a Nespresso machine will do all the hard work for you. What you need to do is simply choose the best Nespresso machines for lattes.

Is it Worth Buying Nespresso Machines for Lattes?

The short answer is “Yes.” Nespresso machines can not only produce good espresso but also it’s simple and easy to use.  You won’t need any other coffee accessories such as a grinder and a milk frother that is necessary for making lattes. All you need is a Nespresso machine and there are many varieties to choose from. In this article, I have specifically selected the best Nespresso machines for lattes. Simply put, all of my top picks come with a milk frother for your latte.

If you prefer more control in brewing your coffee or enjoy experimenting, a Nespresso machine may not be the one for you. On the other hand, if you are after a simple and failproof coffee machine, then it is totally worth buying it.

There is a wide range of Nespresso machines on the market and I know that it won’t be a quick and easy decision to make. That’s why I will help you find the best Nespresso machines for your latte so that you can make a decision and enjoy your coffee without wasting time.

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The 6 Best Nespresso Machines for Lattes​

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino Milk Frother

De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next has a simple yet modern design. It would fit in any kitchen. Also, there are 5 cup sizes available for your convenience: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Coffee (7.7 oz) and Alto (14 oz). You can simply choose one of them with a touch of a button.

What makes the Nespresso Vertuo Next outstanding is the barcodes on the capsules that allow the intelligent extraction technology to deliver a perfect brew every time. In addition, the Nespresso Vertuo Next comes with the Aeroccino 3 milk frother, which allows you to make foamed milk with a single button either warm or cold depending on your preference. This is absolutely necessary for any latte drinkers! Furthermore, it includes a complimentary welcome set of 12 Vertuo capsules. If you want to become a Nespresso Vertuo user, then this could be one of the best Nespresso machines for lattes.

Pros:

• Intelligent extraction technology for consistent & perfect brew
• Choice of 5-cup sizes available
• Includes the Aeroccino 3 milk frother and 12 Vertuo capsules

Cons:

• Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only

 

Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee Machine by Breville

This sophisticated design is one of the most appealing features of Nespresso Creastia Plus. However, it doesn’t only look beautiful, but it is also extremely versatile.

You will have a choice of 8 coffee types, 11 settings of milk temperature and 8 levels of froth texture. Awesome! These are pretty impressive enough, but there are even more.

With its high-resolution display, you will have a guide to all the preparation, settings and maintenance. Moreover, its self-cleaning system makes it possible to automatically purge the steam wand after use each time.

In addition, the 19-bar high-pressure pump enables you to make barista-grade coffee without a doubt. What’s more impressive is the fact that it can heat up to the ideal temperature in just 3 minutes. Incredible! To make it even better, it comes with a stainless milk jug. I love the overall appearance of the beautiful stainless steel. There’s no doubt that the Creastia Plus is visually appealing. I could honestly say that the Nespresso Creastia Plus would be one of the best Nespresso machines for lattes.

Pros:

• Wide range of choices in coffee types, milk temperature & texture
• Extremely quick to heat the machine up
• Self-cleaning steam wand

Cons:

• Possible issues with the steam wand (ensure to contact customer service under warranty)

 

​Nespresso Lattissima One Espresso Machine by De’Longhi 

The Nespresso Lattissima One will be another perfect single-serve espresso machine if you drink milk-based coffee more than black. It includes a milk frother that can make foamed milk with a touch of a button and directly pour the milk into your cup. Crafted in Italy, its simple design will capture coffee lovers’ hearts. I also love its beautiful white.

With its 19 bar high pressure, Lattissima can produce barista-grade coffee each time. There are 4 coffee types that you can choose from. In addition, its smart milk system enables you to avoid milk waste by recognising the amount of milk in the jug.

Lastly, one tip for long-lasting results is to rinse the milk frother every time after use. The sooner you do, the better.

Pros:

• 19 bars of pressure for perfect extraction
• Removable water tank & jug for your convenience
• Smart milk system to avoid milk waste

Cons:

• Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules only
• Cleaning is required after each use.

 

Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Machine by Breville 

As the name suggests, Nespresso Essenza Mini is a compact coffee machine. Although it’s relatively light, it doesn’t compromise its quality at all. With all the amazing features like 19-bar pressure and auto shut-off, Essenza can also be portable and it stands out in your kitchen with its simplicity. It won’t take up a lot of space on your kitchen benchtop.

Another advantage of the Nespresso Essenza Mini is its price. It’s under AU$300, which is perfect for any latte lover who is budget-conscious. Moreover, it’s super easy to use and is also perfect for a beginner home barista for this reason. This could be the best Nespresso machine for lattes in regard to the budget.

Pros:

• 19 bars of pressure for perfect extraction
• Easy to use & clean
• Reasonable price

Cons:

• Can be too small to fit a mug under
• Only 2 different coffee sizes to choose from

 

Nespresso Citiz & Milk Coffee Machine by Breville

Nespresso Citiz is compact with its elegant and sophisticated design. This espresso machine will become a great addition to your kitchen. It not only looks appealing but also works efficiently.

Although it may have limited choice in the cup size (Espresso & Lungo only), it can definitely make your coffee at barista level with a 19-bar high-pressure system.

Even if the Citiz is not the fastest to heat up, it takes only 25 seconds and it’s totally acceptable. To make it better, it switches off automatically after 9 minutes for energy saving. Another advantage is the foldable drip tray that can help you adjust your cup height very easily.

Last but not least, it includes 16 (wow, not 12!) complimentary Nespresso Original capsules. How generous! The Citiz can be one of the best Nespresso machines for lattes if you’re after something compact and high-performing.

Pros:

• 19 bars of pressure for perfect extraction
• Auto shut-off function after 9 minutes
• 16 complimentary Nespresso Original capsules

Cons:

• Compatible with Nespresso Original capsules only
• Possible issues with noise

 

Nespresso Creatista Pro Coffee Machine by Breville

The Nespresso Creatista Pro Coffee Machine by Breville is an excellent choice for a convenient, professional-grade espresso experience. Just like the Creatista Plus, the Pro utilises a 19-bar pump to create a perfect shot with cream each time and features a sleek and modern design that is sure to impress.

The integrated steam wand automatically produces luscious foam for indulgent lattes. Additionally, what stands out about the Pro is the fact that the high-resolution touchscreen display provides step-by-step instructions for ease of use and lets you customise and save your favourite coffee recipes. Clean-up is also made easy with automatic purging and descaling indication.

All in all, this machine is the perfect choice for busy coffee lovers who want a quality espresso experience without having to deal with the mess of manual machines.

Pros:

• high-resolution touchscreen display
• 19 bars of pressure for perfect extraction
• Dual boiler & large 2L water tank

Cons:

• Can be pricy

 

How to Choose the Best Nespresso Machines for Lattes

If you are looking for a quality cup of latte, you should invest in a good Nespresso machine. But with so many models available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are important factors to consider:

Capacity & Size

If you only drink one or two cups of a latte a day, you don’t need a large machine. Conversely, if you drink multiple cups a day, you’ll need a model with a larger water tank. You’ll surely want to choose a compact machine if a single-serve is enough for you. In addition, the compact design will be perfect for saving space on the kitchen benchtop. Simple, yet super important to consider.

Budget

Nespresso machines can range in price from around AU$130 to almost $1000. It makes sense to invest in a more expensive Nespresso model if you want to upgrade your current machine. On the other hand, if you have just started your home barista journey, then a less expensive model would work well for you.

Milk Frother

If you want to make a latte at home, you need to have an espresso machine and a milk frother. Undoubtedly, a good milk frother is crucial for delicious cups of a latte and Nespresso machines shouldn’t disappoint you.

There are mainly 2 types of machines: one that comes with an attached milk frother and the other that is bundled with a separate milk frother. I prefer a separate milk frother because it’s easier to use and clean. Having said that, I quite like the appearance of Nespresso machines with a milk frother attached. It boils down to either aesthetic or practical aspects. It’s completely up to you after all regarding how to choose the best Nespresso machines for lattes.​

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Which is Better, Nespresso Original or Vertuo?

The Original Line is focused on making authentic espresso, therefore your choice of capsules will be basic. It uses 19 bar high-pressure pump to ensure the strength of the coffee.

On the other hand, Vertuo is a newer line and it offers a wide range of capsules according to your taste. With its advanced brewing cycle by using barcodes on capsules, you will need to pay more for the capsules.

I usually drink espresso or long black, so my choice would be Original. With that being said, Vertuo would be great for anyone who has multiple coffee drinkers at home or for office use. It’s ultimately up to your preferences.

 

How to Descale Nespresso Machines

Citiz

Make sure there is no capsule inserted and empty the used capsule container and drip tray.

Add 1 sachet of descaling liquid into the water reservoir and fill it with 0.5L water.

1. Place an empty container large enough to hold all the water for descaling under the coffee outlet.
2. To start ‘descaling’ mode, press both buttons of Espresso and Lungo for 3 seconds and check if both LEDs are blinking.
3. Press the Lungo button and let the machine empty the water reservoir.
4. Refill the water reservoir with the used descaling liquid in the container and repeat steps 3 & 5.
5. Rinse the water reservoir, then fill it with fresh water.
6. Repeat steps 3 & 5, and rise the machine. Repeat this procedure twice.
7. To exit ‘descaling’ mode, press both buttons of Espresso and Lungo for 3 seconds.

Creatista Plus & Pro

Turn the dial to select ‘maintenance’.

1. Select ‘descale’.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete.

Lattissima One

Make sure there is no capsule inserted and empty the used capsule container and drip tray.

Add 1 sachet of descaling liquid into the water reservoir and fill it with 0.5L water.

1. Move the descaling pipe from the back of the machine and plug it into the steam connector, which will make the machine in ‘descaling’ mode. Check if the descaling alert blinks orange.
2. Place an empty container large enough to hold all the water for descaling under the coffee outlet and pipe nozzle.
3. Press the Espresso button. The descaling liquid will alternately flow through the coffee outlet, descaling pipe and drip tray. The button will shine when completed.
4. Empty and rinse the used capsule container, drip tray receiver, and container.
5. Refill the water reservoir with fresh water up to the maximum.
6. Press the Espresso button again to run the rinsing cycle. Once completed, the machine will switch off.
7. Remove and place back the descaling pipe. Empty the used capsule container and drip tray. Clean the machine with a damp cloth.

Essenza Mini

Make sure there is no capsule inserted and empty the used capsule container, drip tray and base.

1. Add 1 sachet of descaling liquid into the water reservoir and fill it with water up to 0.6L line.
2. Place an empty container large enough to hold all the water for descaling under the coffee outlet.
3. To start ‘descaling’ mode, press both buttons of Espresso and Lungo for 5 seconds and check if both LEDs are blinking.
4. Press the Lungo button and let the machine empty the water reservoir.
5. Refill the water reservoir with the used descaling liquid in the container and repeat steps 3 & 5.
6. Rinse the water reservoir, then fill it with fresh water.
7. Repeat steps 3 & 5, and rise the machine. Repeat this procedure twice.
8. To exit ‘descaling’ mode, press both buttons of Espresso and Lungo for 5 seconds and empty the drip tray.

Vertuo

Make sure there is no capsule inserted and empty the used capsule container and cup support.

Keep the lever in an ‘unlocked’ position by moving it towards the front of the machine.

1. Add 1 sachet of descaling liquid into the water reservoir and fill it with 0.5L water.
2. To start ‘descaling’ mode, hold the button down for a minimum of 7 seconds until it starts blinking. Follow the next step within 45 seconds before the machine goes back to ‘brewing’ mode.
3. Lock the machine by turning the lever left, then unlock it by turning right. Hold the button again for a minimum of 7 seconds in the ‘unlocked’ position.
4. Place an empty container large enough to hold all the water for descaling under the coffee outlet.
5. To start ‘descaling’ mode, lock the machine and press the button. Once completed, the machine will stop automatically.
6.  Empty and rinse the water reservoir and cup support completely.
7. Refill the water reservoir with fresh water and place it back on the machine.
8. Press the button down to rinse the machine.
9. To exit the ‘descaling’ mode, hold the button down for a minimum of 7 seconds. The button will become stable instead of blinking quickly.

 

Final Thoughts

No matter which Nespresso machine you choose, it is unlikely to disappoint you. Nespresso machines are the ultimate all-in-one coffee machines. You won’t need a lot of coffee accessories like traditional espresso machines to get started.

Furthermore, the taste you get can be just like the one a professional barista delivers. This is because of the use of high-technology machines and high-quality coffee capsules.

Some may argue that buying capsules can be costly and not eco-friendly. It could be true if compared with buying coffee beans. However, it will be much cheaper than buying coffee from cafes and most models include complimentary capsules for a starter. Moreover, Nespresso has established a recycling program.

I hope this article has helped you learn the best Nespresso machines for lattes. If you would like to learn a bit more about Nespresso capsules, I’m sure this article will certainly help you 🙂 If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a message in the comment box below.