I’m planning a big review of Nespresso Machines and would like your input.

This review will be a good bit different than the previous ones I’ve done. In the past I’ve just written about the things I’ve bought after I’ve bought them. You can see that in my Airmega or Away bag review.

Machine Recommendations

Do you have a favorite Nespresso machine? Is there one you’re considering?

If so, let me know. I’ve budgeted $800 to spend on Nespresso Machines. There are a couple dozen models out there and I’m planning to buy 3 or 4 of them to compare. When I’m finished I’ll keep my favorite and sell the rest.

Right now here are the ones I’m considering:

Essenza Mini

This is the newer version of the best Nespresso Machine according to The Wirecutter. It only makes espresso. From my research most of the original machines are similar. The main differences are look, size, water reservoir and dispenser size.

Citiz

The original Nespresso Machine. It’s larger than the Essenza Mini, but still pretty compact. I tried hard to find the Citiz in Chrome. I’m not usually for chrome, but it is the most unique color. However, I’m not paying double for it when the white one is functionally identical.

Evoluo

The largest and best reviewed of the Nespresso Vertuo models. When my girlfriend and I started talking about getting a machine, this is the one she sent me. A friend of hers has it and she loved it.

VertuoPlus Deluxe

The VertuoPlus is the newest Vertuo model. It has a unique aesthetic that I’m not sure I like. The water reservoir moves around which may make it easier to refill.

Criteria

How will we decide what Nespresso machine is the best? There are a handful of categories I’m thinking about:

Design

I’m a designer, so this is going to be a heavily weighted category. How are the aesthetics? What about materials? How good do the button presses and latch opens feel? Does it make a satisfying click sound?

Complexity

I hate gadgets that make my life more complex. How much do I need to know in order to make an excellent espresso or coffee? Any tricks or oddities? Are there additional purchases I’ll need to make? Do I have to connect it to the internet—please no.

Speed

How long will it take to make an espresso? Certainly it will be faster than grinding, packing, and pulling a real shot. But how do they compare?

Second Cup Speed

Is there a noticeable difference when making back to back cups of coffee?

Taste

Taste is perhaps the most heavily weighted item in this category. I’m a bit of a coffee snob and usually drink it black. I’m skeptical that the final product will be as good as the real thing, but I’ll take 80% for 20% the effort.

Temperature

A common complaint I’ve seen about the Vertuo line of machines is that the temperature of the coffee isn’t hot enough. I believe this was an issue for the first generation of these machines, but have since been fixed.

Second Cup Temperature

The coffee maker needs to heat water. Could the complaints about temperature in the Vertuo Line be from multiple cups of coffee?

Value

Is it worth paying a bit more for the higher-end machines or do the basic models provide good value for their price?

Questions

Some general questions I think the review needs to be answered.