Which Nespresso Machine Should You Buy? A Guide to Their Best Models

Nespresso's current lineup focuses on the Vertuo system, which brews both espresso and larger coffees from the same machine using capsules. If you want simplicity, speed, and milk-based drinks without grinding beans, Nespresso delivers—but you'll commit to their capsule ecosystem and ongoing costs. The three models available differ mainly in build quality, included accessories, and price, so your choice depends on whether you prioritise budget or features.

Why Nespresso?

Nespresso was founded in 1986 and pioneered single-serve espresso machines using proprietary capsules. They specialise in removing friction from coffee-making: no grinding, no tamping, no mess—just insert a capsule and press a button. The Vertuo system, launched in 2014, distinguishes itself by automatically detecting capsule type and adjusting pressure and temperature accordingly, allowing one machine to brew both 1.35oz ristretto shots and 14oz mugs of coffee. Their strength is consistency and convenience; their trade-off is capsule waste and recurring costs (roughly £0.40–£0.70 per cup).

Top Picks

Nespresso Vertuo Plus by De'Longhi with Aeroccino — £113.74

Best for budget-conscious buyers who want milk frothing included. The Vertuo Plus is the most affordable entry point with a built-in Aeroccino milk frother, saving you £30–£50 on a separate device. Machine height is 335mm, so it fits tighter kitchen spaces. The De'Longhi build feels solid for the price, though its smaller 1.2-litre water tank requires more frequent refilling if you make multiple drinks back-to-back.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Classic — £239.00

Best for purists who prioritise espresso and coffee quality over extras. This is the premium standalone machine without accessories—you're paying for Breville's engineering refinement and sleek design. No frother included, so add £40–£80 if you want one, but if you drink your coffee black or prefer to steam milk separately, this model avoids redundant features. The larger 1.5-litre water tank and marginally faster heat-up time (30 seconds) suit daily heavy use.

Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville with Aeroccino — £147.99

Best for most people. This strikes the best balance: Breville's respected build quality, a 1.5-litre water tank (vs. the De'Longhi's 1.2L), and the Aeroccino milk frother included. You're spending £34 more than the De'Longhi entry model but getting a more durable machine and the same frothing capability. The Breville brand carries stronger long-term reliability reputation than De'Longhi in the coffee machine category.

Quick Comparison

| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Vertuo Plus (De'Longhi) | £113.74 | Budget buyers | Cheapest entry with frother included | | Vertuo Next Classic | £239.00 | Coffee purists | Premium build, no unnecessary extras | | Vertuo Next (Breville) + Aeroccino | £147.99 | Most people | Best value: Breville quality + frother bundle |

What to Look For

• Water tank capacity: The De'Longhi's 1.2-litre tank requires refilling more often than the Breville's 1.5-litre capacity. If you make 3+ cups daily, the larger tank saves interruptions.
• Milk frothing needs: Nespresso's Aeroccino froths milk to 70°C in 60 seconds using steam-free technology (quieter, cleaner than traditional steam wands). If you drink lattes or cappuccinos, including it saves £50–£80 versus buying separately.
• Capsule cost per drink: Nespresso capsules cost £0.40–£0.70 per serving depending on blend. Budget roughly £8–£14 per week if you drink one cup daily. Third-party compatible capsules exist but void the warranty.
• Machine footprint and design: The Vertuo Plus measures 335mm high; the Breville Vertuo Next is 340mm. Both are compact compared to traditional machines, but verify your shelf space before buying.

The Bottom Line

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville with Aeroccino at £147.99 is the pick for most buyers—you get Breville's proven reliability, a proper-sized water tank, and milk frothing included. If you're price-sensitive and floor space is tight, the De'Longhi Vertuo Plus at £113.74 delivers the same core experience for £34 less, sacrificing only tank capacity and brand prestige. Only consider the Vertuo Next Classic at £239 if you exclusively drink espresso or filter coffee and want to upgrade the frother separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nespresso good value for money?

Nespresso offers excellent convenience value—capsule brewing is reliable and mess-free—but poor environmental and long-term financial value. Capsules cost £0.40–£0.70 per cup versus £0.08–£0.15 for ground coffee, adding £100–£200 annually to a daily drinker's budget. Capsule waste is significant unless you use Nespresso's recycling scheme. For value-for-money, a £40–£60 bean-to-cup grinder and cafetière beats Nespresso; for convenience and speed, Nespresso has no competition in the same price range.

What's the difference between Vertuo and Vertuo Next?

Vertuo Plus (2015 model) uses a smaller 1.2L water tank and De'Longhi engineering. Vertuo Next (2018+) upgrades to a 1.5L tank, slightly faster heat-up (30 vs. 40 seconds), and Breville manufacturing. Both machines use identical capsule technology and produce the same coffee quality. The upgrade is durability and convenience, not taste.

Do you need to buy Nespresso's official capsules?

Nespresso's ecosystem works best with their own capsules, which are quality-controlled and optimised for pressure/temperature profiles. Third-party compatible capsules exist (from brands like Gourmesso or Peet's) at lower cost, but Nespresso voids the warranty if you use non-official capsules. Recycling is simpler with official capsules—Nespresso collects used ones free via Royal Mail.

How much does it cost to run a Nespresso machine per year?

Assuming one cup per day (365 cups annually) at £0.50 per capsule, your capsule cost is £182.50 annually, plus roughly £30 for electricity (Vertuo machines use 1.5kW and brew in 3 minutes, consuming ~0.075kWh per cup). Total running cost is approximately £212 per year for daily use. If you drink two cups daily, double that figure.