Nespresso Guides, Nespresso Machines, Recommendations
The Best Nespresso Machine For Latte And Cappuccino (In 2024)
Nespresso coffee makers are esteemed for brewing a delectable cup of coffee. They are now the largest capsule coffee manufacturer with a 40% share of the market.
Between their Original and Vertuo ranges, they now offer you the choice between over 20 different models – so which is the best?
While we every single Nespresso machine is capable of making great coffee, I love a latte (actually a flat white – YUM) so wanted to narrow the lens and figure out what machines are best for latte style drinks.
After personally preparing coffee with a few coffeemakers, we realized not are created equal, and the ability to make perfect milk foam plays a large part in it. The ones that stood the test of time are:
| Category | Where To Buy | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall CitiZ With Milk Frother (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Compact Affordable Award winning design 19-bar power pump 25 seconds heat up Auto-off after 9 minutes |
| Best Nespresso on a budget Essenza Mini With Milk Frother (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Brews 5-8oz Centrifusion technology Rotatable water tank 25 seconds heat up |
| Best Nespresso for people in a hurry Gran Lattissima (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Built in milk forther 9 recipes Removable drip tray to accommodate different cup sizes 19-bar pressure pump 25-40 seconds brew time. Removable milk container |
| Best high-end Nespresso machine that “Does It All” Nespresso Creatista Pro (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | 3-second heat-up time 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings Auto-cleans 12 spent capsule capacity |
Carry on reading about the best Nespresso machine for lattes and cappuccinos so you can find one suited for your needs.
Why Listen To Us? Well, because we KNOW coffee! In fact, we make our own coffee, coffee machine cleaners, and reusable capsules which we've sold to over 41 countries. Our team ouf experts include Tristan (an engineer), Claire (a food writer) and Richy (a barista). So, whether you're looking for a recipe or repair guide, we've got you covered 💚
Table of Contents
But first, the Drink Options
Though we’re out here to provide the best models for lattes and cappuccinos, having an all-rounder is always convenient. The coffee makers we’ve included can brew a wide range of beverages. Here are recipes you can prepare from most models:
- Espresso
- Lungo
- Cappucino
- Latte macchiato
- Caffe Latte
- Fat white
- Ristretto
- Hot foam
- Hot milk
What We Looked For (Specific to making lattes and cappuccinos)
1. Frother options and ease of foam
The basis of creating a silky, velvety foam is an efficient milk frother. When choosing a frother select one that aligns with your frothing preferences, so you don’t spend more time and effort to get the desired result.
Though Vertuo lines don’t come with a milk frother, some are bundled with the Aeroccino 3 milk frother. It’s easy to use and can effectively froth non-dairy milks. If you’re on a tight budget, purchasing the package at around $200 can be cost-effective given the coffee makers are priced at around $169.
The Gran Lattissima comes with a removable frothing container of up to 16.9oz, giving you enough wiggle room to create a decent amount of foam. Creatista Pro takes it up a notch by offering fully automated frothing options and customizations, allowing you to adjust the texture and temperature of the milk to your liking.
2. Nespresso capsule range (Original vs Vertuo)
Both the Original and Vertuo ranges’ capsules are single-serve. The original brewers are flexible in that you can prepare third-party capsules, while Vertuo restricts you to only Nespresso Vertuo pods.
The Vertuo capsules can make a range of sizes, for the 1oz espresso shot right up to a 14oz ‘alto’.
Note: Only the espresso-size Vertuo pods can be used for making espresso drinks like latte and cappuccino, so bare in mind that a lot of the Vertuo range of flavors cant be used.
3. Time to brew
Nespresso brewers are convenient because they heat up fast. You can have a cup of java ready within a minute or two. But if you’re really pressed for time, models like Gran Lattissima, Creatista Pro, and Citiz might interest you. With a robust 19-bar power pump, you’ll have a fresh cup ready within 25 seconds.
4. Ease of cleaning
We dread the entire clean-up process after brewing, so we selected latte and cappuccino makers that make cleaning up a breeze. Vertuo Plus has a removable water tank, which makes refilling and running a cleaning cycle a breeze. The Gran Lattissima and Creatista Plus have a self-cleaning feature for a leisurely clean-up.
The 4 Best Nespresso Machines For Lattes And Cappuccinos
Righto, well that’s a lot to take in. We want to
1. Best overall – The Nespresso CitiZ with Mik Frother
The Citiz is an elegant, compact mid-range brewer. It can prepare several beverages and has a foldable cup tray for taller cup recipes. It comprises a 19-bar pump for optimum extraction, producing a tasty coffee and dense crema. The fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds, while the automatic energy-saving function switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity, making it energy efficient.
Nespresso CitiZ With Milk Frother
- Best-in-class' Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother
- Lungo and Espresso buttons
- 9 minute Auto-off energy savings
2. Best Nespresso on a budget – The Essenza Mini With Aeroccino 3 Frother
Vertuo Plus not only prepares coffee and espresso, but it also produces creamy lattes and cappuccinos when coupled with the Aeroccino 3. The coffee maker uses Centrifusion technology to brew beverages according to the barcode displayed on each capsule, which helps create a balanced cup of coffee. Its compact design and rotatable water make it easy to fit on a narrow countertop. You can easily brew between 5-8oz of coffee in 25 seconds.
Nespresso Essenza Mini With Aeroccino 3 Frother
- Best Budget Option
- Lungo and Espresso buttons
- 9 minute Auto-off energy savings
- We reccomend getting the Breville Version (rather than delognhi) due to it's better beuild quality and compatibility with more pods like our Green Pods.
3. Best Nespresso for people in a hurry – The Gran Lattissima
The Gran Lattissima allows you to brew a cup of frothy beverage within 40 seconds. You can brew up to 9 beverages at the touch of a button, and it has a removable drip tray so you can use different glass sizes. Gran Lattissima has a 19-bar robust pump for optimum extraction of flavor and aromas during every brewing process for a delicious, smooth cup of java.
Nespresso Gran Lattissima
- Best Automated milk frothing experience
- Access to 9 recipes with 'one-touch' control
- Large water and milk reservoirs
4. Best high-end Nespresso machine that “Does It All” – The Creatisita Pro
The Creatista Pro is a premium coffee maker with excellent coffee-making abilities at the touch of a button. It has customizable options and you can effortlessly create latte art thanks to its automatic steam wand. The machine takes 3 seconds to heat up and comprises 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings, allowing you to froth milk at your desired temperature and texture. Another outstanding feature is the auto-clean milk steamer, so you don’t have to worry about milk residue clogging the milk frother.
Nespresso CitiZ With Milk Frother
- Barista grade steam wand
- So you can actually make cafe quality milk
- Sleek stainless steel construction
The Complete Product Roundup
Here’s a closer look at Nespresso’s cappuccino and latte makers. We’ve shortened the list of machines down to the following:
- CitiZ (Overall winner)
- Gran Lattissima
- Lattissima Pro
- Creatista
- Creatista Plus
- Vertuo Next
- Vertuo Plus
1. The Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Lattissima Pro has a sliding, adjustable drip tray to accommodate different-sized cups. It has 7 programmable buttons so you can prepare different recipes at the touch of a button. The appliance also has an automatic rinse feature and automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity. We also like that it has a hot water spout and the flexibility to prepare plain hot water, allowing you to prepare a nice cup of tea.
What we like
- Auto-cleans
- Range of beverages
- Integrated frother
- Easy to use
What we don’t like
- Expensive
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 13 |
| Water capacity | 5 liters (43.96 oz) |
| Pressure pump | 19 bars |
| Drink options | Ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, warm milk, hot water |
| Weight | 12.6 pounds (5.4 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.6 x 13 x 10.8 in ( cm) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power | 1300 watts |
| Heat up time | 25 seconds |
| Frother | Integrated milk frother |
| Milk jug capacity | 16.9 oz |
2. The Gran Lattissima
The Gran Lattissima is a notch up from the Lattissima Pro. You can brew up to 9 beverages at the touch of a button, and it has a removable drip tray so you can use different cup sizes. Gran Laattissima has a 19-bar robust pump for optimum extraction of flavor and aromas for a delicious, smooth cup of java. Its quick heat-up system ensures your plain cup of java is ready within 25 seconds and 40 seconds for milk beverages. The machine has a removable milk frother that’s dishwasher safe.
What we like
- Integrated milk frother
- Can use third party capsules
- Fast heat up
- 9 preset beverage recipes
What we don’t like
- Steep learning curve to achieve desired coffee blend
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 14 |
| Water capacity | 1L (33.8oz) |
| Pressure pump | 19 bars |
| Drink options | Ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, lungo, espresso, flat white |
| Weight | 11.4 lb (5.1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.99 x 14.4 x 10.86 in ( cm) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power | 650 watts |
| Heat up time | 25 seconds (coffee) 15 seconds (milk beverages) |
| Frother | Removable milk container |
| Milk jug capacity | 16.9 oz |
3. The Creatista Pro
The Creatista Pro is a premium coffee maker with excellent coffee-making abilities at the touch of a button. It has customizable options and you can effortlessly create latte art thanks to its automatic steam wand.
The machine takes 3 seconds to heat up and comprises 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings, allowing you to froth milk at your desired temperature and texture. Another outstanding feature is the auto-clean milk steamer, so you don’t have to worry about milk residue clogging the milk frother.
What we like
- Integrated milk frother
- Versatile customization options
- Spout for hot water
- Intuitive user interface
What we don’t like
- Pricey
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 12 |
| Water capacity | 2 liters (68 oz) |
| Pressure pump | 19 bars |
| Drink options | Ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, lungo, espresso |
| Weight | 14.7 pounds (6.6 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.8 x 16.9 x 12.9 in (19.8 x 43 x 32.7 cm) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Heat up time | 3 seconds |
| Frother | Integrated |
4. The Creatista Plus
The Creatista Plus heats up within 3 seconds and has 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings. Included is a stainless steel milk container and it effectively froths non-dairy milks and creates foam that pours beautifully. The spent capsule container holds up to 12 capsules so you don’t have to worry about emptying it after every use.
What we like
- Integrated milk brother
- Auto-shut off
- Auto-cleans
- Effectively froths non-dairy milks
What we don’t like
- Expensive
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 8-12 |
| Water capacity | 1.4 liters (50 oz) |
| Pressure pump | 19 bars |
| Drink options | Ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, lungo, espresso, flat white |
| Weight | 11.4 pounds (5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 8.9 x 18.7 x 15.7 in (22.6 x 47.4 x 39.8 cm) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Heat up time | 3 seconds |
| Frother | Integrated |
5. The Vertuo Plus
Vertuo Plus not only prepares coffee and espresso, but it also produces creamy lattes and cappuccinos when coupled with the Aeroccino 3. The coffee maker uses Centrifusion technology to brew beverages according to the barcode displayed on each capsule, which helps create a balanced cup of coffee. Its compact design and rotatable water make it easy to fit on a narrow countertop. You can easily brew between 5-8oz of coffee in 25 seconds.
What we like
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Versatile cup size options
What we don’t like
- Only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 10 |
| Water capacity | 2 liters (68 oz) |
| Pressure pump | Centrifusion |
| Drink options | Ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato, lungo, espresso |
| Weight | 9.72 pounds (4.4 kg) |
| Dimensions | 16.88 x 5.59 x 12.79 in (42.8 x 14 x 32.4 cm) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power | 1350 watts |
| Heat up time | 20-25 seconds |
6. The Vertuo Next
Nespresso claims the Vertuo Next is made from 54% plastic, which makes it a great option if you’re concerned about the environmental impact. Vertuo Next brews a wide range of beverages–espresso, double espresso, coffee–at the touch of a button. Similar to Vertuo Plus, it automatically adapts and adjusts brewing settings–cup size, pressure, temperature, and brewing time–to each capsule. It heats up within 25 seconds and pairs well with Aeroccino 3 to create creamy, velvety drinks.
What we like
- Easy to clean
- Fast brew time
- Value for money
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t have integrated milk frother
- Only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 10 |
| Water capacity | 1 liter (37 oz) |
| Pressure pump | Centrifusion |
| Drink options | Espresso, cappuccino, latte, double espresso, coffee |
| Weight | 14.7 pounds (6.6 kg) |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 16.8 x 12.4 in (13.9 x 42.6 x 31.5 cm) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power | 1350 watts |
| Heat up time | 25 seconds |
7. The CitiZ
The CitiZ is an elegant, compact mid-range brewer. It can prepare several beverages and has a foldable cup tray for taller cup recipes. It comprises a 19-bar pump for optimum extraction, producing a tasty coffee and dense crema. The fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds, while the automatic energy-saving function switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity, making it energy efficient.
What we like
- Compact design
- Foldable cup tray
- Fast heat up
What we don’t like
- No low water alert
Summary table of specifications
| Used capsule container | 9-10 |
| Water capacity | 1 liter (34 oz) |
| Pressure pump | 19 bar |
| Drink options | Lungo, espresso, lattes |
| Weight | 8.9 pounds (4 kg) |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 14.6 x 10.9 in (13.2 x 37 x 27.6 cm) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Power | 1260 watts |
| Heat up time | 25 seconds |
Feature Comparison – A Deep Dive!
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your Nespresso machine can affect its usability, portability, and convenience. Here’s a guide to choosing your appliance.
Consideration
- Countertop Space: How much space do you have available on your kitchen countertop? Nespresso machines come in different sizes, so you need to ensure you have enough space to accommodate the size of the machine you intend to buy.
- Capacity: If you have a large family or entertain frequently, you may need a machine with a larger water tank and capsule container. But, if you only make coffee for yourself, a smaller machine may be more suitable.
- Portability: If you plan to move your appliance around, you may want to consider purchasing a lighter and more compact machine. This will make it easier to transport, store, and clean around.
Best Nespresso for that space savings:
The CitiZ is compact, so it will not take up a lot of space. Also, it’s lightweight, making it easy to move around.
Comparison table comparing all machines
| Model | Weight | Size (WxDxH) |
| Lattissima Pro | 12.6 Ib (5.4 kg) | 7.6 x 13 x 10.8 in (19.3 x 33 x 27.4 cm) |
| Gran Lattissima | 11.9 Ib (5.3 kg) | 7.9 x 14.4 x 10.8 in (20 x 36.5 x 27.4 cm) |
| Creatista Pro | 14.7 Ib (6.6 kg) | 16.9 x 12.9 x 7.7 in (42.9 x 32.7 x 19.5 cm) |
| Creatista Plus | 11.4 Ib (5.1 kg) | 15.4 x 12 x 6.7 in (39.1 x 30.4 x 17 cm) |
| Vertuo Plus | 10.1 lb (4.5 kg) | 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 in (22 x 32.2 x 32.5 cm) |
| Vertuo Next | 8.8 lb (3.9 kg) | 5.5 x 16.8 x 12.4 in (13.9 x 42.6 x 31.4 cm) |
| CitiZ | 8.9 lb (4 kg) | 5.2 x 14.6 x 10.9 in (13.2 x 37 x 27.6 cm) |
Power consumption
When buying your go-to latte and cappuccino maker, it’s best to select one that won’t have a major bearing on your energy usage and electric bill while still enjoying a creamy drink. Here are some factors to keep in mind.
Consideration
- Energy Efficiency: More energy-efficient machines use less energy to produce the same amount of drinks, which can save you money on your energy bill in the long run.
- Automatic vs. Manual switch-off: Nespresso machines tend to power off within 9 minutes, reducing the amount of energy drawn.
Best Nespresso for that feature
Generally, all of Nespresso’s machines are energy efficient. They have an auto-off feature, so you don’t have to worry about your electric bill skyrocketing. If you’re looking for one that doesn’t draw a lot of power, the CitiZ and Gran Lattissima and great options.
Comparison table comparing all machines
| Model | Power Rating (Watts) |
| Lattissima Pro | 1300 |
| Gran Lattissima | 1260 |
| Creatista Pro | 1500 |
| Creatista Plus | 1500 |
| Vertuo Plus | 1350 |
| Vertuo Next | 1350 |
| Citiz | 1260 |
Price
Here’s what to consider when purchasing a Nespresso machine to ensure you’re making an informed decision based on your budget and drinking habits.
Consideration
- Machine Cost: The cost of the Nespresso machine itself can vary depending on the model you choose. Some machines may have additional features such as a milk frother, which can increase the price.
- Capsule Cost: Nespresso Vertuo lines are only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules–which don’t come cheap–while Original lines allow you to use third-party pods. Also, think about the number of pods you’ll use when factoring in the cost of the capsules.
- Maintenance Costs: Like most coffee makers, Nespresso machines require regular cleaning and descaling to maintain their performance. While vinegar’s the cheapest cleaning agent, Nespresso advises against using it as it can damage the internal components of your machine, and descaling agents don’t come cheap. Keep that in mind during your purchase.
Best Nespresso for that feature
The best option is the CitiZ. It’s a mid-range brewer, but it’s reliable. The CitiZ is compatible with original capsules, so you can use third-party pods.
Comparison table comparing all machines
| Model | Price |
| Lattissima Pro | $649 |
| Gran Lattissima | $649 |
| Creatista Pro | $849 |
| Creatista Plus | $649 |
| Vertuo Plus | $169 |
| Vertuo Next | $179 |
| Citiz | $279 |
Summary
After thorough researching and testing, we’ve determined the best Nespresso for a latte and cappuccino is the Creatista Pro. While the other models compared–the CitiZ, Vertuo Plus, Gran Lattissima–offer excellent features and capabilities, the Creatista Pro was the most impressive. It allows for a high level of customization, with the ability to adjust the milk temperature and texture to your liking. Its advanced steam wand produces a silky-smooth microfoam, allowing you to create latte art with ease. Also, its intuitive interface makes it a pleasure to use. While it may be more expensive, its quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment.
| Category | Where To Buy | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall CitiZ With Milk Frother (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Compact Affordable Award winning design 19-bar power pump 25 seconds heat up Auto-off after 9 minutes |
| Best Nespresso on a budget Essenza Mini With Milk Frother (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Brews 5-8oz Centrifusion technology Rotatable water tank 25 seconds heat up |
| Best Nespresso for people in a hurry Gran Lattissima (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | Built in milk forther 9 recipes Removable drip tray to accommodate different cup sizes 19-bar pressure pump 25-40 seconds brew time. Removable milk container |
| Best high-end Nespresso machine that “Does It All” Nespresso Creatista Pro (Jump to product summary) | Buy On Amazon For $199 | 3-second heat-up time 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings Auto-cleans 12 spent capsule capacity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which Nespresso machine makes lattes and cappuccinos?
The following Nespresso machine makes lattes and cappuccinos:
Lattissima Pro
Gran Lattissima
Creatista Pro and Plus
When paired with a good milk frother like the Aerocinno 3, Vertuo Plus, Vertuo Next and CitiZ can prepare lattes and cappuccinos.
Q. Is a Nespresso worth it for lattes?
Nespresso is worth it for lattes. It’s easy to use and produces consistent and quality beverages. And most models create a creamy and easy-to-pour foam.
Q. Which Nespresso machines have a milk frother?
The following Nespresso machines have a milk frother:
Lattissima Pro
Gran Lattissima
Creatista Pro and Plus
Q. How long do Nespresso machines last?
With proper care and maintenance, a Nespresso machine can last up to 10 years.
