Pod coffee makers don’t come cheap, and there are plenty to choose from. If you like espresso, you must be wondering “is nespresso worth it?” If you regularly buy beverages like latte or cappuccino at a coffee shop, a Nespresso can help you save hundreds of dollars a year on your coffee expenses. The average American spends nearly more than $1,000 a year on coffee. That’s just over $3 a day.
Of course, you will need to invest upfront in buying the coffee machine and then in the capsules. However, even after all that, a Nespresso is a great option for those who want to spend less making coffee at home. But the benefits don’t end with the savings! There are many other reasons to consider one.
Top 3 reasons to buy a Nespresso machine
Nespresso machines are easy to use compared to espresso machines
Nespresso is very easy to use compared to manual coffee makers and espresso machines. It can take a lot of people a long time to learn how to use a manual machine. But with Nespresso, it’s as simple as inserting a pod and pressing a button.
Nespresso capsules offer a ton of variety of flavor choose from
There are more than 20 premium coffees from around the world available for each line, developed by Nespresso master blenders. Within a variety of caffeine levels and intensity levels, you will be able to find capsules that adapt to your taste. While most pods don’t have added flavors, there are some flavors like vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
Nespresso capsules use high quality coffee and taste Excellent
With Nespresso, you will get high quality coffee with an excellent taste. Most Nespresso coffees are hand-picked at the right time for the best quality. After that, a multi-step process at different stages of production ensures that only the finest and cleanest coffee made.
Two reasons why you might not want to buy a Nespresso machine
Nespresso machines require some cleaning and maintenance
Nespresso machines require cleaning. You should empty the used capsule container and drip tray daily. You will also need to descale your machine every 3 months or after using 300 capsules to remove mineral buildup. You will need to purchase a cleaning solution (less than $10 per use).
Some Nespresso critics warn of environmental impact
While Nespresso machines are designed to minimize water and energy use, some people may also be concerned about the environmental impact of discarded capsules. However, the capsules are made of aluminum so they can be recycled. You will need to take the capsules to a Nespresso store to recycle them or send them free using a special Nespresso recycling program bag.
If environmental impact is a concern for you, then you might be interested to know that Nespresso is looking to move away from aluminum. As of spring 2023, Nespresso is testing paper-based capsules in France and Switzerland. It is yet to be determined if and when they will be released in other countries.
The cost of Nespresso machines
You might be surprised to learn that these coffee machines come in a variety of price points, starting around $150. There are models available for between $150 and $300, plus some premium ones as well. Sales take place all year round.
Before we get into the cost, it’s important to explain the difference between the two Nespresso product lines. The right line for you will depend on the type of coffee you like to drink.
O The original line only manufactures espresso coffee capsules. Espresso is a highly concentrated coffee that is usually served in small doses. Espresso shots are also used to make milk-based single-serve coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, americano and flat whites. As you might have guessed from the name, espresso is really what Nespresso is known for. Other pod coffeemakers like the Keurig can’t.
However, a Nespresso Vertuoline machine can make a wider range of drinks in addition to espresso. While there are a few single and double espresso pods to choose from, Vertuo models can also make an 8-ounce cup of regular American coffee.
Original line espresso machines For Express
All Original line machines boil with a pump pressure system of 19 bar. This makes a barista-quality espresso every time with just the push of a button. The main differences between the models are due to the milk frothing capabilities and the size of the machine. Below are some of my top picks from the Original line.
Creatista Plus
MSRP $649
Nespresso Creatista Plus
The Creatista Plus can make cappuccinos, lattes, latte macchiatos and flat whites, as well as a simple espresso, ristretto or lungo. It has a steam wand and comes with a stainless steel milk jug for frothing milk easily. Milk temperature and foam level settings are customizable so you can create your own latte art! Check out my in-depth Creatista Plus review.
A very wide Pro
MSRP $649
The Latissima Pro has a sleek stainless steel design. Similar to Creatista plus, Latissima Pro makes it really quick and easy to make a milk-based drink with just one touch. You can use it to prepare a ristretto, an espresso, a lungo, a cappuccino, a latte macchiato, hot milk foam or hot water for tea.
It also has a large milk container so you can make a larger drink or multiple drinks more easily.
the wider
MSRP $399
In addition to an espresso or lungo, the Latissima One can make two latte drinks. Just press the button and you can enjoy a cappuccino or latte macchiato. It is compact with a modern look. The single-serve milk carafe is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Mini Essence
MSRP $149
The Essenza Mini is the most compact model available. It can make a 1.35 oz espresso or a 5 oz lungo. Both the water tank and the capsule drawer have less capacity than other models, so the Essenza mini needs more frequent cleaning. See my related post for an in-depth review of the Essenza Mini.
CityZ
MSRP $279-$329
Like the Essenza Mini, the CitiZ can make an espresso or a lungo. Warms up in 25 seconds. You can buy it with or without the milk frother. If you want to make cappuccinos or lattes, opt for the package with milk frother. Otherwise, stick with basic CitiZ.
Machines from the Vertuo Line for Coffee and Espresso
All Vertuo machines brew a variety of cup sizes: 1.35oz espresso, 2.7oz double espresso, 5oz gran lungo and 8oz espresso. If you buy the Vertuo Next or the new Vertuo Creatista, you can also choose between two unique coffee pod sizes that only work with those models. There are new 12oz Alto coffee pods and 18oz pour-over style carafe pods.
Unlike the Original line, Vertuoline uses barcodes on the capsules to customize the process of making the perfect cup of coffee. Instead of using a high pressure brewing system, the Vertuoline uses a new centrifuge technology. The only model with integrated milk foam is the new Vertuo Creatista. None of the other Vertuoline models have milk froth, but you can purchase an accessory.
vertuo plus
MSRP $199
The Vertuo Plus has a water tank that moves so you can optimize your kitchen counter space. It has motorized opening and closing and automatically ejects the tablet used in the capsule drawer. This is the Vertuo machine I own and use every day. It has been very reliable and easy to use.
virtue
MSRP $219
This is the original Vertuo model, released in 2014. It takes up a little less space than the Vertuo Plus, but the water tank doesn’t move. Read my full review of how Vertuo and Vertuo Plus compare.
VertuoNext
MSRP $209
The Vertuo Next is the most compact model available in the US. In addition to the four sizes that all Vertuo models can brew, the Next also has the capacity to brew 18oz of spilled coffee and extra large 12oz coffee pods. The Vertuo Next also has Bluetooth. It is made from 54% recycled plastic. Although this is Vertuo’s newest model, it has a reputation for not being the most reliable. You’ll probably be better off considering the Vertuo, the Vertuo Plus, or even the Evoluo if you can find it.
By Vertuo Creat
MSRP $749
The Vertuo Creatista is the newest Vertuoline model to be sold in the United States. The significantly higher price is driven by the built-in milk frothing capability and the pre-programmed milk beverage options. With just the press of a button, you can make a milky cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato or flat white. Previously, this feature was only available on Creatista or Lattissima models from the Original range. As this is a new machine, not much is known about its reliability yet, so it remains to be seen whether it will have the same issues as the Vertuo Next. However, it comes with a two-year warranty.
The cost of Nespresso capsules
Just as there are two types of machines, there are two types of pods. Vertuo coffee capsules can only be used with the Vertuo line and Original capsules can only be used with the Original line. That’s because they have different shapes. There are a wide range of coffee capsule flavors that you can try for both lines. Unfortunately, Nespresso has raised prices for capsules a few times in the last year.
Original line pods are sold in packs of 10 capsules. Most original pods are now $0.80. Master Origins pods, which feature unique blends of coffee beans from different countries, now start at $0.85. Barista Creations flavored pods and lungo pods are now $0.85.
Vertuo line pods are more expensive than original Nespresso pods and vary according to size. They are also only sold in sleeves of 10. After some recent price increases, the starting cost per capsule as of March 2023 is now:
- Coffee capsules $1.25 each
- Single Espresso Capsules $0.98 each
- Double Espresso Capsules $1.15 each
- Gran Lungo capsules $1.15 each
- Alto pods (Next or Creatista only): $1.50
- Jar capsules (Next or Creatista only): $1.60
Depending on the specific variety you want, some pods can be a few cents more expensive. For example, Boost coffee capsules with more caffeine cost $1.40 per capsule instead of $1.25
Conclusion: Is Nespresso worth it?
Compare your coffee expenses with the average daily cost of using a Nespresso machine for a year. Assuming you make one cup of coffee a day, the average daily cost, including the machine, pods, and any add-ons like milk and sugar, will generally be between $1.75 and $2.25 over the course of a year. Remember, your machine will last more than a year, so your actual cost per day will be less.
Nespresso coffee machines are of high quality and are guaranteed. With proper care, it should last for years, which will further increase your savings. That’s why we think Nespresso machines are worth buying. If you agree, then it’s time to look at how Nespresso models compare to find the one that suits you best.