So, you might be eyeing that Nespresso machine and wondering if it is worth buying. I get it, I always seem to look at Nespresso machines every time I come across it when I go to the mall.
They are sleek, have a good design, easy to use, and can make a good cup of coffee. But, they can also be very expensive. So, are Nespresso machines worth it?
In this article, I will be talking about the pros and cons of Nespresso machines to help you decide if buying one is worth every money you’ll spend.
In this article:
- Pros of Nespresso Machines
- Cons of Nespresso Machines
- Should You Buy a Nespresso Machine?
- Why Would You Not Buy a Nespresso Machine?
Pros of Nespresso Machines
Nespresso is one of the popular brands when it comes to single-serve coffee makers and here are the reasons why.
Ease of Use
Like many single-serve coffee makers, Nespresso machines are very easy to use. There is no need for you to grind and measure coffee beans to get that perfect cup.
Nespresso uses coffee capsules and pods to make your mornings, or any time you want coffee, easier. Just put the coffee pods in the machine, press a couple of buttons, and just wait for it to brew your coffee.
Nespresso machines, both the OriginalLine and VertuoLine, are easy to clean since you can use cleaning capsules and pods. These cleaning capsules can remove any coffee oils and residue that gets stuck in the brewing chamber of your machine.
To remove any limescale buildup and mineral deposits in the back area of the machine, you can use a descaling solution. Descaling a Nespresso using a descaling solution is also an easy process so you won’t have to fumble around trying to clean your machine.
Related: How Often to Descale a Nespresso Machine
Variety
Nespresso used to only have the OriginalLine which only brews espresso-like coffee in 3 extraction sizes – Ristretto (25 ml), Espresso (40 ml), and Lungo (110 ml).
Now, with the VertuoLine, you have the option to choose from 7 different capsule sizes from over 30 blends. The VertuoLine also allows you to create more coffee drinks at home.
Whether you are an espresso lover or like creating different flavored coffee recipes, you can find a Nespresso machine for you.
Quality Coffee
Nespresso is known for producing better-tasting coffee compared to other brands of single-serve coffee makers. While it is not a proper espresso machine and won’t give you the same quality as the ones offered at third-wave coffee shops, you can still get good coffee out of it.
In addition to that, Nespresso uses coffee pods so you’ll most likely get the same flavors each time. Since you won’t be doing any grinding and measuring, the taste will always remain consistent.
As long as you keep track of the coffee pods’ expiration date, you won’t drink stale coffee.
Cons of Nespresso Machines
While Nespresso is a very popular brand when it comes to coffee makers, Nespresso machines also have their fair share of downsides. If you are thinking of buying a Nespresso machine, consider these factors first before you swipe your card.
Expensive
There’s no denying that Nespresso machines are very expensive. And, it’s not just the machines but the coffee pods as well.
Nespresso machines can cost over $100 and some even over $500. Of course, the more expensive it is, the more features you get.
Nespresso coffee pods, on the other hand, can cost about $8 or more for a sleeve of 10 pods or capsules. The ongoing cost of buying coffee pods can definitely stack up when it comes to your coffee bills.
You can also take in the factor of buying additional syrups, sauces, and milk if you like creating your own coffee recipes.
Nespresso Ecosystem Lock-In
While we are on the topic of coffee pods, Nespresso is not compatible with a lot of coffee pods out there. In fact, if you have a model from the OriginalLine, you can’t use OrginalLine coffee pods from the VertuoLine and vice versa.
There are Nespresso-compatible brands that you can find but they can be a hit or miss. With these pods, you can only use them with the OriginalLine and not the VertuoLine.
So, why can’t you use 3rd party pods with the VertuoLine?
This is because Nespresso has a patent for the VertuoLine pods, so you won’t find many pods that are compatible with the VertuoLine.
The patent for the VertuoLine pods is said to last until 2030, so until then, you are stuck with Vertuo pods. While the VertuoLine has over 30 blends when it comes to their pods, you might want to try other flavors that you can find in the Vertuo pods.
If you don’t want to be locked in the Nespresso ecosystem, get one of the OriginalLine. The downside is, you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to brew sizes.
Environmental Impact
Nespresso capsules are actually made from aluminum which can be better than plastic. Aluminum also won't degrade in quality once it’s recycled.
Nespresso also has a recycling program where you can take the used Nespresso pods back to any Nespresso boutique. If this is the case, you’d think that this is more of a plus point for Nespresso.
Yes, that can be true. With the recycling program, your used coffee pod can be recycled for different uses and can even be made into new pods again. But, a lot of coffee pods still end up in landfills and it can take years to fully degrade.
Should You Buy a Nespresso Machine?
If you are one for convenience and better-tasting coffee, a Nespresso machine will definitely be worth the buy. If you are a busy person, a Nespresso machine can make it easier for you to have your fresh cup of coffee every day.
Nespresso also offers a variety of coffee blends and while you can’t use 3rd-party pods in the VertuoLine, you will still probably find a favorite blend from their Vertuo pods.
Why Would You Not Buy a Nespresso Machine?
If you enjoy the process of making coffee, from grinding the beans to experimenting with different brewing methods, then the Nespresso is not for you. You might feel too restricted since Nespresso machines rely on coffee pods to brew coffee.
If you are on a budget, a Nespresso may also not be for you just yet. As I mentioned earlier, Nespresso machines and capsules are expensive. You’ll also have to buy Nespresso pods every time you run out.
If you are thinking of getting the VertuoLine, you’ll be restricted to only the Vertuo pods as you can’t use 3rd-party pods.
Aluminum coffee pods can be a better alternative to plastic ones, but they can still end up in landfills. If you are environmentally conscious, you might feel bad about using single-serve coffee pods.
Final Thoughts
So, is a Nespresso worth it?
The decision will largely depend on you. Do you like the convenience that a Nespresso machine offers? Then yes, a Nespresso is worth it. Do you want a properly made espresso? Then you are better off with an espresso machine.
It will depend on a lot of factors and of course, your personal preferences. Consider everything I have talked about in this article so you can make a sound decision if a Nespresso is worth buying for yourself!
Related: The Nespresso Subscription Explained
