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The best Nespresso machines for 2021

If you’re looking for that perfect morning beverage but are not willing to fork over the cash to your local coffee establishment, it sounds like your home could do with a Nespresso machine. Long praised as the king of connoisseur beverages, a Nespresso machine is capable of whipping up that grade-A caffeinated drink you’ve been seeking in seconds flat. With models available for the home, office, dorm, and more, there’s a Nespresso maker to fit every niche.

Check out our picks for the best Nespresso machines — and our guide to the best coffee maker deals — to find a machine with the right look and features for you.

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Nespresso Essenza Mini

Product still of the Nespresso Essenza Mini.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is one of the smaller machines in the line-up, making it the perfect choice for anyone who is tight on kitchen counter space for gadgets. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly Nespresso coffee makers, meaning your morning cup of joe won’t force you to break the bank. But don’t think this small machine doesn’t pack a punch. Drinks come out great, and you can purchase the machine in different styles and colors to fit your kitchen décor. You can also choose to purchase the machine with or without an Aeroccino milk frother.

With two different cup size options and a 20.3-ounce removable water tank, the Essenza Mini provides just what you need at a reasonable price. It’s relatively easy to clean too.

Nespresso Citiz

Product still of the Nespresso Citiz.

While all Nespresso makers are pleasant to look at, the Citiz espresso maker really places an emphasis on design. Billed as “urban smart,” the design of this espresso maker was inspired by New York City architecture in the 1940s.

The Citiz is part of Nespresso’s original line of espresso makers, and can pour both Espresso and Lungo size cups. The Citiz heats up in just 25 seconds and will automatically shut off after nine minutes of inactivity. Nespresso also makes a Citiz+Milk machine, which includes an attached frother. However, this machine is simply a Citiz with an Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother attached to its side. If the price is right, you might get more versatility and save some counter space by simply buying these devices separately.

Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Creatista on a kitchen counter.

Nespresso makers are known for making great espresso from the comfort of your kitchen. But sometimes you might want more than a single shot of caffeine in the morning. With the touch of a button, Nespresso’s Creatista machine can make coffee or espresso. Even more impressive are its elaborate creations, which range from latte macchiatos to flat whites to cappuccinos. You can also adjust some settings to achieve the coffee volume and milk temperature you prefer. Conveniently, the machine has a built-in milk frother with eight texture levels. With a little practice, you might even be able to rival your barista’s cappuccino art.

This machine includes tons of helpful features, with an automatic self-cleaning function, a stainless milk jug, 19 bars of pressure, and a two-year warranty. It can also heat up in less than three seconds, so you can get your caffeine fix that much faster. The Nespresso Creatista will automatically power off after nine minutes, both for safety and energy efficiency.

Nespresso Lattissima Pro

A cappuccino being blended by the Nespresso Lattissima Pro.

The Nespresso Lattissima Pro is your Nespresso go-to for those looking to whip up perfect-looking cappuccinos. It’s all thanks to the De’Longhi Automatic Cappuccino System that delivers an excellent espresso-powered beverage with a well-balanced layering of milk froth. With the simple touch of a button, you can make yourself a cappuccino, latte macchiato, espresso, lungo, warm milk froth, or hot water. 

If you’re not looking to overpower your drink with too much froth, there’s a handy milk froth regulator knob to determine exactly how much froth finds its way into your drink. Better yet, you can turn the knob to its “clean” setting to flush the milk system.

The Lattissima Pro comes with an enticing starter pack of Nespresso capsules, ensuring you’ll be able to find the flavors that best suit you and yours.

Wacaco Minipresso

A person pouring an espresso from the Wacaco Minipresso.

What do you do if you’re in the wilderness, hankering for your daily espresso, and there’s not a Starbucks for miles? The answer is to buy yourself a Wacaco Minipresso. Weighing only 0.78 pounds, the Minipresso uses Nespresso capsules and hot water to blend espressos on the go. Once you load the capsule and water, simply pump the piston to pressurize and extract your beverage.

Best of all, there’s no need for electricity or special cartridges to power the Wacaco Minipresso. While you’ll still require a kettle or other accessory to get your hot water ready for pouring, the Minipresso delivers caffeinated goodness in the most remote of locations, with a rugged plastic body that can take a beating any time of year.

Erika Rawes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Erika became a professional writer in 2010, and her work is published all over the web on sites ranging from USA Today to…
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