Christmas is undoubtedly one of the busiest times for our kitchens. From socializing to cooking a turkey, the heart of the home sees it all – therefore quickly becoming dirty.

So, what can you do ahead of time? While it will still be necessary to wipe down surfaces and sweep away crumbs, your appliances that work overtime throughout the festive period could do with a little love before the chaos of Christmas sets in.

Here, Lydia Hayman, our in-house kitchen editor and appliance expert, shares her cleaning tips on getting your appliances ready for festive use. And, as a trained chef, Lydia assures us you'll thank yourself later.

7 appliances to deep clean before Christmas

1. The oven

The all-important Christmas dinner simply wouldn't work without an oven. After all, you can't exactly fit a turkey into even the best air fryer. But if you're wondering if you should clean your oven before or after Christmas, now is the time, says Lydia.

She explains, 'The oven has worked hard for you all year round, and now it's going to be doing overtime for all that festive cooking. You'll need to tackle any grease buildup which can cause smoke and affect the flavor of your food.'

So, to deep clean your oven, start by cleaning the oven racks, by soaking them in hot soapy water. We recommend using Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart to do so, as the powerful formula cuts through grease and grime without the need for scrubbing. Neglecting to do so is a common Christmas clean up mistake.

Lydia says, 'While they soak, scrub the oven walls with a paste made of baking soda and water, or oven cleaner.' The Great Value Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner available at Walmart will do nicely if you're happier with a commercial cleaner.

'Let it sit for a while to loosen grime, then wipe everything down with a damp cloth to finish,' Lydia continues. 'Don't forget to tackle cleaning the glass oven door for a clear view of your Christmas party recipes, holiday feast or Christmas cookies, to prevent overcooking or burning.'

Importantly, one thing that Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids, warns against is using the self-cleaning oven feature, if you're in a rush or prefer not to get your hands dirty.

He says, 'I can not stress enough that you never use the self-cleaning feature on your oven. The high-temperature settings will cut the life span of your oven in half. Never use it.

'If you have a particularly tough stain, use a degreaser, let it sit for an hour, and scrape off the gunk with an oven scraper,' such as the number one bestselling Razor Blade Scraper Tool available at Amazon, which doesn't scratch surfaces.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

2. The fridge

Much like your oven, your fridge works hard over the holiday season, storing all your delicious treats and tipples for friends and family alike. Therefore, Lydia points out, it's just as important to clean your refrigerator.

She says, 'I find that a clean, organized fridge makes life so much easier when cooking for a crowd. It helps you keep track of ingredients and ensures nothing gets forgotten – like those carrots shoved to the back of the drawer!

'I start by removing everything. Toss anything that has expired (using a sturdy trash bag, such as the Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags available at Amazon), and stack the rest on your counters or island. Wipe down the fridge shelves and any sticky jars or sauce bottles (using a natural cleaning spray such as the Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart) before putting them back.'

It's also important to remember to clean your fridge drain hole, to prevent blockages, odors and get rid of fridge smells.

Lydia adds, 'Once the fridge is spotless, double-check the temperature settings to keep your food fresh for longer – this is super important! The ideal temperature is 37-40°Fahrenheit. Then, restock and enjoy your tidy, organized space, ready for your Christmas groceries.'

You might also like to invest in some of the items pros say every fridge needs to stay organized, such as stackable boxes or airtight containers.

3. The microwave

They're the hero of Christmas leftovers, but when was the last time you cleaned your microwave?

Vanessa Bossart, founder of GreenTerra Cleaning Services, says, 'Over time, microwaves get splattered with sauces, grease and crumbs. A dirty microwave not only looks unappetizing but can also affect the flavor of reheated food.'

To clean it, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, and add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. We recommend cleaning with vinegar or cleaning your microwave with lemon, such as the Great Value Lemon 100% Juice available at Walmart as both are natural alternatives without any harsh chemicals. Then, depending on the condition of your microwave, heat the bowl for three minutes or more to loosen grime with steam.

'Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth sprayed with Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon to remove residue and leave a streak-free finish,' advises Bossart. 'Don't forget the exterior – use the same cleaner to polish handles, buttons, and the door.'

To prevent splatter and to heat up your food in the microwave without losing moisture, use a microwave-safe BPA-free splatter lid, available at Amazon.

4. The range hood

Forgetting to clean your range hood isn't just unsanitary – it's unsightly too, says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning.

She says, 'I forgot to clean this when I had guests over! Since then, I have never skipped it. If you can remove the filter, do so and soak it in hot, soapy water. While that's soaking, use a degreaser (such as the Method Lemongrass Cleaning Products Kitchen Degreaser Spray Bottle available at Target) to scrub the hood and fan, especially those awkward corners.'

Then, rinse everything and dry thoroughly, before reassembling the filter. For the exterior of the hood, simply wipe it with a microfiber cloth, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon, Wilson advises.

Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden has a stainless steel hood and cleans with a homemade essential oils cleaning spray for a streak-free finish. She says, 'Just add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential to about two cups of water, and a tiny dab of dish soap and it'll give you a brilliant cleaning mix that cuts straight through the grease that accumulates on a hood.'

Punteha prefers 100% pure geranium oil from Amazon and keeps her DIY cleaning solutions in durable ambler glass spray bottles, also from Amazon.

5. The coffee machine

If you reach for your best coffee maker everyday (and you might need it more than ever over the exhausting run to the holidays) it's important to clean your coffee maker ahead of time, says Lydia.

She admits, 'Deep cleaning my coffee machine is my least favorite task, but it actually doesn't take very long. And, if you have overnight guests, they'll appreciate a delicious coffee in the morning.

'Mineral buildup can affect both the taste and efficiency of brewing. While I'm at it, I actually like to descale my kettle too, so it's clean for making herbal teas or boiling water for cooking over the holidays.'

To clean a Nespresso machine, clean a Ninja coffee maker, or indeed, any other kind of caffeine appliance, run a brew cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar to descale the machine, advises cleaning expert Bossart. Then, rinse it through thoroughly with two cycles of plain water.

'Wash the carafe and removable parts in warm, soapy water,' she adds, 'and use a descaling solution like Urnex Dezcal Coffee and Espresso Machine Descaler available at Amazon to maintain peak performance.

If you need to clean a drip coffee maker or clean a coffee percolator, our expert-led guides dive into the details for a squeaky clean appliance.

6. The dishwasher

Don't neglect your dishwasher, either, says Lydia. 'A dishwasher that goes wrong can be the most frustrating thing to happen at Christmas, when you’re stacked with washing up,' she warns.

So, to make sure yours is running smoothly in time for the big day, take the time to clean your dishwasher, paying particular attention to cleaning the dishwasher filter.

Alessandro Gazzo, professional cleaner from Emily's Maids of Dallas, says, 'Place a cup with white vinegar (such as the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar available at Walmart) and run a full cycle. Remove the filter from the bottom of your dishwasher, grab a soft brush (or old toothbrush) and wash with soapy water, before rinsing with cold water.'

If your dishwasher is particularly in need of a clean, you might prefer to use a commercial dishwasher cleaner to tackle limescale and odors, says cleaning expert Bossart, and don't skip wiping down seals, edges and the interior of the door to prevent mildew buildup, as this is an oft-forgotten hidden moldy spot in the kitchen.

'Don’t forget to poke out the holes of the spray arms with a toothpick or a tiny paperclip,' adds professional cleaner Wilson.

To keep it fresh over the holidays simple pop a couple of lemon halves in with dishwasher cycles. Our writer tried lemons in her dishwasher and says she'll never load it without them again.

7. The blender

Finally, deep clean your blender before Christmas, says cleaning expert, Bossart.

'These holiday workhorses often see action for soups, sauces, and smoothies, but leftover residue can dull flavors and harbor bacteria,' she warns.

Begin by disassembling your blender, before washing the parts in warm, soapy water. 'For stuck on-residue, fill the blender with warm water, a drop of dish soap (such as the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap available at Target) and a splash of vinegar, then blend on high for 30 seconds, adds Bossart, which is Courtney Cox's blender cleaning hack.

Then, rinse thoroughly and use a small brush to scrub around the blades to ensure they're spotless.

FAQs

How often should I deep clean kitchen appliances?

While we have listed the appliances to clean before Christmas, it is, of course, important to continue the cleaning into the New Year and beyond.

Aim to clean your dishwasher once a month, and your refrigerator and range hood every three months. Every thing else should really be cleaned weekly, or even daily, after use. After all, they are the dirty things professional cleaners always notice in people's kitchens, and you won't want guests noticing them too.

Next, why not try polishing your stainless steel appliances with olive oil? It might sound unusual, but Chiana Dickson, H&G Solved content editor tried it recently, and was shocked by the remarkable results.

As the weather cools and we retreat into our homes, many of us are breaking out our autumn and winter seasonal candles. Naturally, a lighter is a companion to these cozy home essentials – but Martha Stewart has made us rethink how we store these items and how they can be decorative accessories.

The all-around domestic mogul has partnered with BIC (and Snoop Dogg) to release the Hold The Phone case – an iPhone case with a slot for an EZ Reach Lighter, tapping into the ever-popular functional design trend.

'Everybody's trying to make everything more utilitarian,' Stewart tells us from her farm in Bedford, New York, where she says it's already starting to cool down. 'For me, if I'm working in the kitchen and all my stoves have pilot lights, I have to have a lighter to light my stove.'

While lighters may not typically be thought of as stylish accessories, Stewart believes that selecting one that is thoughtfully designed can elevate any space. In fact, she says lighters are a crucial part of one of her fall rituals – lighting candles.

'I have a lighter on pretty much every table because I have such pretty lighters,' she explains. 'I have a lot of brass tables in my sitting room, and I put the gold-colored or brass-colored faux bois on that table. They just blend in, and they're so, so pretty. The silver on a dining room table, and you have silver candlesticks. You also have the woven rattan look, which is also very pretty in a kitchen. That's why I work with Bic; these blend in. You can have something beautiful and utilitarian at the same time. That's my dream: to have things that are utilitarian look as beautiful as the rest of the stuff that you have out on display.'

As far as other table accessories go for fall (and yes, Stewart confirmed that she is already prepping for Thanksgiving and her epic Christmas party, which she hasn't hosted since 2019), she likes to source from her garden.

'Bringing in the pumpkins, the squash, the last of the beautiful dahlias... I'm looking at two great big vases of dahlias right now, bringing in that fall color,' she tells us. 'There's not a lot in the garden, but what's there is special. Also, bringing in branches of changing colored leaves looks really pretty when you bring those into the house. Even a big bowl of chestnuts that had fallen on the ground is a gorgeous centerpiece.'

Apart from party planning, Stewart is also gearing up to release a new cookbook in November (it's her 100th – no big deal). When asked about kitchen staples, she names a couple essentials.

'I am thinking of bamboo or wooden cutting boards because they're now finding out that plastic cutting boards are leaving shards of plastic in food, which is very bad to ingest,' she says. 'Also, with coffee now, if you go out to the coffee shop and order a one-shot cappuccino with whole milk, you can pay up to $7. And think of it: if you drink one a day times 365, that is an awful lot of money in one year. It's very, very smart to maybe invest in a really good foam cappuccino machine.'

Above all, Stewart says that safety is imperative to her home life, and as such, when she does any outdoor grilling, being careful is key.

'I'm very practical,' she says. 'If you're going to go and light a fire outside at your barbecue, think of the wind. If you have a Bic EZ Reach Lighter, the wind doesn't blow it out like a match and it's so much more safer and it's nicer. 'It's always there and it always works.'

Shop Martha Stewart's Seasonal Essentials

Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers, it’s time to welcome back Nespresso's limited-edition flavor: Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Crafted from a smooth Arabica mix of Ethiopian, Central, and South American coffees (with notes of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom) each sip tastes like a warm slice of pumpkin pie. Perfect for crisp autumn mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, and cozy Halloween moments.

Even better? I've spotted the Pumpkin Spice latte pods and the best Nespresso coffee makers in Amazon's Labor Day sales, so you can make savings on cozy, autumn-inspired drinks at home.

How to make a pumpkin spice latte?

We asked an expert Nespresso chef how to use a Nespresso machine, and he gave us a detailed guide. When it comes to using the pods, you don't need to do anything more than select which capsule you want, pop it in the pod slot, and close the lid.

Simply insert a Pumpkin Spice Cake pod into your Nespresso machine, then wait a few seconds for the coffee to brew. Nespresso recommends adding a splash of maple syrup and carrot juice for an extra sweet, seasonal twist.

Steam your milk in a barista-style milk frother, then pour it on top for a perfect pumpkin spice latte. Or, if you prefer a refreshing late summer brew, pour the coffee over ice and top with cream and cinnamon for an iced pumpkin spice latte.

The best Nespresso machines 2024

If you're dreaming of a cozy coffee corner at home, here's our expert-tested selection of the best Nespresso makers on the market.

Where can I buy Pumpkin Spice latte pods?

You can buy Nespresso pods from the official Nespresso website or in-person at the Nespresso boutiques. Online retailers like Amazon also offer a wide selection of Nespresso capsules, with Labor Day discounts and speedy delivery for Prime members.

For nearly thirty years, Nespresso has been crafting the best single-serve coffee makers, allowing you to brew quick, delicious coffee right at home.

The convenience is largely due to their iconic coffee capsules, which come in a variety of flavors, origins, intensities and seasonal blends. But if you’re organizing your coffee nook and come across a stash of Nespresso pods from Christmas last year, you might be wondering: do Nespresso pods expire?

Here’s the latest news from Nespresso on whether their coffee pods can go bad, and how to keep your coffee tasting fresh.

Do Nespresso pods expire?

If you look at the base of your Nespresso packaging, it will be stamped with a 'best before' date. This is not a strict expiration date, but rather an indicator of how long the coffee inside the pod is expected to be at peak flavor and aroma.

If you're anxiously rifling through your Nespresso collection to check the dates, Nespresso have some words of comfort: 'Rest assured that it is completely safe to consume after the best before date. The date simply acts as an indicator of optimal freshness and flavor.'

Nespresso pods are designed with preservation in mind. The coffee is encased in airtight, aluminum capsules, which are engineered to lock out oxygen, light, and moisture (these elements can degrade the quality of coffee over time). While the coffee inside may lose some of its intensity or special flavor as time passes, it remains safe to consume as long as the pod’s seal is intact. For the best taste experience, it’s generally recommended to use Nespresso pods within a year of purchase.

How can you tell if Nespresso pods have gone bad?

We asked Kayla Stavridis, ex-Starbucks barista and Head of Marketing at Barista HQ, what fresh coffee tastes like. She said to look for 'A rich, robust flavor: the bitterness should be pleasant, not overpowering, and it should balance well with the acidity.' If it doesn't taste quite right, your coffee is likely to have gone a little stale.

If there's a funny, metallic taste in your coffee cup, you may also need to check whether your Nespresso machine needs descaling. We've put together some easy tips on how to descale you Nespresso machine, so your homebrew will be delicious again, soon enough.

The best Nespresso machines 2024

If you've been inspired to refresh your entire Nespresso collection, from capsule to coffee maker, here's our expert-tested selection of the best Nespresso makers on the market.

FAQS

How much does George Clooney love his Nespresso? Enough to become an avid brand ambassador and film several commercials for the beloved coffee giant. In fact, the actor has been the 'face of Nespresso' since 2006. Honestly, when the coffee tastes this good, it's no surprise.

Nespresso machines consistently rank among the Homes & Gardens team's picks for the best coffee makers of the year. They are favorites among chefs, baristas, and coffee lovers. Clearly, Clooney agrees. After filming a recent film for the brand, he said: 'With coffee taste and sustainability being at the heart of this commercial, it felt natural for me to be part of this campaign with my Nespresso family,' emphasizing the brand's emphasis on recycling alongside great flavor.

In the video, Clooney is shown making a cup of joe using the Vertuo Pop Solo maker. This machine is one of Nespresso's smallest and most affordable designs. Chosen as the best compact Nespresso of 2024, its compact shape is distilled down to its purest components. Like its larger cousins, the coffee maker can brew drinks in four-cup sizes using a variety of pods from the brand. It's also available in a range of playful colors for a fun twist.

It's not just Clooney who loves the machine. Our Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee maker review rates it as four stars out of five. The coffee expert lauds its compact design, how fast it heats, its great price, and how incredibly easy to use it is.

However, the most rave reviews appear when it comes to flavor: 'The Vertuo capsules knocked them out of the park. The flavor is deeper, the crema thicker [than coffee from an original Nespresso], and the aroma fills my kitchen in a way I have never experienced before. Nespresso says this is achieved by its trademarked Centrifusion Technology, which, judging by the mad whirring sound emitted from the machine, means the pods are spun around very quickly to ensure every drop of flavor is extracted from each capsule,' says Linda Clayton, our reviewer.

According to Clayton, the only drawbacks of the machine are that, because of the compact size, the water tank is smaller than an original Nespresso machine. The smaller water tank also limits the mug size, not allowing users to make a very large coffee in one go. When the worst thing about a product is that you want more, it's a pretty good choice.

If you're a coffee connoisseur with a love for Clooney, this maker is the pefect buy. However, we can still follow in his lead with some more of our favorite Nespresso pieces, including this countertop gem, approved by none other than Joanna Gaines below.

There are hundreds of ways to make coffee, but if George Clooney says this is the best one, who are we to disagree? Paired with its glowing expert reviews, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is one to watch.

We're in the final hours of the Amazon Prime Day Sales and, true to form, they're dropping some of the biggest and best deals yet. Need an example? After scrolling through every single coffee maker deal on Amazon I found this gem: the Keurig K-Express has been nearly halved in price, dropping from $89.99 to $49.99. The deal is only on for the next few hours, but it's exactly why I love Amazon Prime Day. You just don't get discounts like this anymore. 

I've been very open about the fact that not every Keurig coffee maker is worth investing in. The brand prides themselves on cheap convenience, which doesn't always bode well for brewing delicate, specialty coffee flavors. However, there are a select few Keurigs which rival some of the best single-serve coffee makers out there. They can brew a decent cup of coffee, whilst looking chic and saving you some money. This is the perfect example of one of them.

The Keurig K-Express has all the features any seasoned coffee drinker looks for: three different cup sizes (8,10,12 oz), a stronger brew setting (for those mornings when you need a real kick of caffeine), speedy brewing times; compatibility with a range of pods; a travel-cup sized space for your mugs; and a removable reservoir. Need more proof that this is the best Amazon Prime Day deal we've seen? This scores 4.5 stars out of over 25,000 ratings on Amazon. If that's not evidence that this is an incredible coffee maker available at an unbelievable saving, I don't know what is.

What's the deal?

I've got all the details on the pros and cons of the Keurig K-Express further down this article, but time is running out on Amazon Prime Day (and stocks of this are running low too). So, I'll give you the headlines: right now, the Keurig K-Express is reduced by 44%, so it'll cost you just $49.99 (when it's normally $89.99). That's the cheapest I've ever seen this Keurig and I can't imagine that it'll get any cheaper. Ever.

Whilst there are other cheap coffee makers in the Amazon Prime Day sales, none are actually as good as this one. The Keurig K-Express is a single-serve coffee maker that's compatible with a range of different K-Cups, from specialty brews, to toffee coffee, and warming chais. To add to its versatility, the K-Express brews three different sizes of coffees (8, 10, 12 oz), as well as a stronger one too. For a cheap coffee maker, that's very versatile.

Is the K-Express any good?

So, why is the Keurig K-Express worth buying? Well, even at full price, it's one of the cheapest coffee makers on the market. If you're looking to prep some dorm room essentials, or you want a compact coffee maker for an urban apartment, this is an obvious choice. At half price, you're crazy not to grab one. It's an unbelievable bargain.

Whilst the huge discount is appealing to any savvy shopper, it does have an air of 'cheap and cheerful'. That style of brewing doesn't exactly come hand in hand with quality coffee, so I thought I'd do my research. Keurig doesn't have a history of super-premium coffee makers, but they've made big changes to their internal systems over the past few years. Our experts have been impressed with some of their latest models and, judging by customer reviews for the K-Express, this is one of the brand's greatest successes.

A great point of reference for how genuinely good a product is is Amazon (they're useful for more than just Prime Day sales). If you click on the Keurig K-Express, you'll see that this has an impressive 4.5 stars out of a whopping 25,000 purchases. Those rave reviews speak for themselves.

People praise the K-Express on a plethora of features. Almost every review mentions the slim and sleek design as well as the simple, but stylish colorways. From Keuirg's own images, you can see it looks pretty nice. However, clicking through the reviews on Amazon, lots of customers have attached their own photos of their K-Express in-situ. I've reviewed seventy coffee makers in the last year and I've never seen quite this much photography offered up by the general public. What does that tell you about the Keurig? It's a coffee maker worth showing off.

That's not the end of it either. People also boasted that the K-Express makes delicious coffee quickly. Customers loved how versatile it was (the K-Express accepts lots of different pods) and how easy it was to make your way through all the features. Beginners and seasoned-sippers alike praised the well-balanced notes of coffee, which, even though they were brewed quickly, were still delicate and delicious.

"The coffee comes out at the perfect temperature," one reviewer noted "I make a brew for my wife, my kids, and myself every morning and this little guy hasn't let me down. I thought it might be too small for all of us to get a decent cup of coffee first thing, but this speeds through all our orders, saving space too." That sums up the sentiment of almost all the reviews, perfectly.

The cynical amongst you will wonder, if the Keurig K-Espress is so good, why does it have just 4.5 stars and not 5. I hear you – it's nice to strive for perfection. I had a peek at the 1-star and 2-star reviews (which drag the rating down) and most of those are issues with shipping or breakages, something which Amazon is normally incredibly helpful in resolving. In fact, I actually think it's pretty unfair that they do drag this down because the K-Express comes with one year warranty, which protects you against those kinds of disappointments.

If you want to know my only two genuine reservations (and you probably should hear me out on these), here they are. The build quality of Keuirgs aren't top-notch and the water stream on the K-Express is supposedly a little inconsistent. 

Let's start with the water, since that is probably the most important. Whilst the 48 oz, removable reservoir is useful, some users reported inconsistency in the flow of the water and the amount of water that comes out. You might ask for an 8 oz cup of coffee and get an 8.5 oz instead. Similarly, you might opt for a 12 oz cup and only get 11 oz. It didn't seem to affect the flavors - the taste of the coffees were praised in the same reviews that customers complained about the water flow - but if you pick your mug depending on your coffee size, you'll need to leave some wiggle room.

My concern over quality is more generic with all Keurigs. It is raised in some customer reviews too, because the plastic-build isn't quite the shiny, stainless steel of $1,000 espresso machines. However, the K-Express is new to the market, so there's every chance that Keurig have switched up their game and made a more durable model. 

If Keurig haven't, I still wouldn't mind too much. Amazon are discounting the K-Express to $50. The plastic components might not survive big drops and knocks, but they're lightweight, low-maintenance, and colorful. If you're careful with cleaning and maintaining yours, it might outlive other, more expensive coffee makers.

Other good Keurig deals

Whilst the K-Express is a scroll-stopping deal, it's not the only one out there. Here are some other models that you might want to shop too.

There are only a few hours left of the Prime Day sale and I have a horrible feeling this is going to do a Cinderella on us. When the clock strikes midnight, don't expect to see the ridiculously cheap $49.99 price glowing on the screen, it'll be back up to $89.99. College students, second-home owners, office coffee drinkers, get shopping, This is your last chance to bag the coffee maker deal of the season.

Extravagance is a given for the multi-hyphenate socialite and businesswomen of the Kardashian family. However, a life of indulgence and luxury doesn't mean the Kardashians can't recognize the value of the simpler things.

Kim Kardashian took to TikTok to share her morning coffee routine, revealing the coffee machine she uses in the process. Experts were impressed by the quality and affordability of her coffee maker. Her chosen coffee maker is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Automatic, a beloved option from the coffee powerhouse Nespresso.

Nespresso is a favorite manufacturer of Laura Honey, Homes & Gardens resident coffee expert – meaning Kardashian is in good company. ‘Nespresso makes the best single-serve machines on the market. It’s undeniable. Their premium machines deliver reliably full flavors in next to no time,' Honey begins.

Laura also admires this machine for its preciseness in making everything from a cappuccino to a flat white to a coffee smoothie. 'Automatic is one of the core Vertuo models made by Nespresso. These machines read specific barcodes of pods to brew the perfect cup of coffee in a range of specialized ways to suit the type of coffee you’ve chosen to drink,' says Laura.

She continues, 'I’ve tested lots of Nespresso Vertuos, and they’re true to their promise; whether it’s a simple coffee or peppermint latte for the festive season, these machines make delicious single-serve coffee.' She continues, 'The only drawback is that the Vertuo machines have to work with Nespresso’s compatible pods, you couldn’t have your Keurig or re-usable ones.'

Finally, while the retail price of $165 is more than pocket change, it's a good value for a high-quality coffee machine and less than we'd expect a Kardashian to spend on kitchen appliances. Best of all, Nespresso frequently runs promotions on the machine, so it's usually less than this. If it's good enough for Kardashian at this cost, surely it's good enough for us.

If you prefer a machine that makes a pot of coffee rather than a single drink, Laura reviewed dozens to find the best drip coffee makers of the year. However, for those of us who like a more specialty experience, Kardashian's Vertuo machine is a great option.

Everybody wants to have a special spin on their coffee station's aesthetics. Whether you opt for an iconic brand or a stand-out coffee maker, how it looks is just as important as how delicious your coffee tastes. That's why the Nespresso X Pantone collaboration is so exciting, for both coffee enthusiasts and interior stylists alike.

Inspired by the sparkling seas and sun-ripened fruits of the Mediterranean, Pantone has created six, special colorways for Nespresso to use on some of their best single-serve coffee makers, travel mugs, and coffee capsules too.

I've got all the details on what to shop and where to buy it, but, be quick. Some of the pieces have already sold out. This collection will go down in history as some of the best Nespresso machines, but it isn't going to be around forever.

What is the collaboration?

This summer, Nespresso have teamed up with the American color icons, the Pantone Color Institute. They wanted to cultivate the 'essence of a Meditteranean summer,' says Kim Sterling, Head of Strategic Marketing and Partnerships, 'these designs echo the glamorous spirit of the seventies era, encapsulating both nostalgia and contemporary elegance. It's more than just a collaboration; it's a sensory journey.'

Kim says each color has been carefully selected to evoke different aspects of the Meditteranean Riviera. These are the six hues on offer and the thought process behind them:

• Mandarin Orange: this is at the core of the collection and is described by Pantone as 'gregarious and fun-loving, luminous and hot.' It's all about summer fun and adventures.
• Habanero Gold: unsurprisingly, this is all about sunshine and happiness. It's based on evoking that warm, contented feeling that you get when you're in a sunny spot with a cup of coffee in your hand.
• Muskmelon: it's not the Mediterranean without some juicy, sun-kissed fruits. This lively, sweet, natural color reflects the plump, fresh foods that taste extra special on holiday.
• Aquarelle: if you've ever imagined diving into the cool, refreshing Mediterranean sea, you'll have pictured this tone. It's the stuff we all long for.
• Tofu: picture sandy beaches and chalky rocks at the seaside and you'll see tofu. It's a wonderfully warm neutral, perfect for any kitchen.
• Blue Lolite: when the sun sets and the heat of the day softens, the sea goes this deeper shade of blue. Pantone wanted to represent the cool night sky, as seen through reflections on the sea.

What can I shop in the collaboration?

This is a fast-selling, limited edition collection, so there's a select few pieces from the collaboration available at Nespresso. The table coasters and tumbler mugs have already sold out, but, don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from:

More details on the collaboration

Alongside the products, you might be able to spot some other changes with the Nespresso X Pantone collaboration. Nespresso has announced that 'our boutiques worldwide will undergo a vibrant transformation, dressed in the hues of the summer palette curated by the Pantone Color Institute. From the moment customers step in front of the boutiques, they will be immersed in the spirit of the Mediterranean Riviera, surrounded by colors that evoke the warmth and vibrancy of summer.'

If you want to guarantee to come face-to-face with the collaboration, Nespresso will be transforming its Nespresso Plage into a 70s-style beach club at the Cannes Film Festival. It's set to be something seriously special.

If you've been waiting for Memorial Day sales to bag one of the best coffee maker deals of the year, today is your lucky day. In Keurig's early sale, they've discounted one of their most popular models by a whopping 72%. I'd take it to checkout as soon as you can because this won't hang around.

Normally, in the run-up to Memorial Day sales, I see some modest coffee maker deals, set to whet the appetite of enthusiastic coffee shoppers. These are worth picking up if you're in a hurry to get a coffee machine on your countertop, but normally I advise shoppers to hold on for the big event.

However, when I was scrolling through some early Keurig coffee maker deals, I came across a coffee-dropping, heart-stopping deal. The Keurig K-Supreme SMART should be $179.99, but, at Keurig, right now, it's only $49.99. I normally think of Keurig coffee makers as affordable, but this is an overhaul of the term 'affordable'. It's a downright steal.

Luckily for you (and me), one of our experts has hands-on experience with the K-Supreme Smart. She's used it every day since testing it and gave it close to top marks in our tests. Here's everything you need to know about the deal and the Keurig K-Supreme SMART (aside from the fact that it's possibly the best coffee maker deal of the year).

Is the Keurig K-Supreme Smart deal the best coffee maker deal?

Let's talk details first. The K-Supreme Smart is the perfect coffee maker for a range of coffee drinkers and this deal is possibly going to be better than all the Memorial Day discounts that we've been waiting for.

In terms of who it suits, the K-Supreme Smart is perfect for speedy, single-servings of coffee. If you're often in a hurry, it'll be a game-changer.

The beauty of Keurigs is that they are compatible with almost all coffee pods on the market, so you can invest in some reusable ones (such as these reusable capsules from Walmart) as well as specialty, seasonal flavors when you want some fun around the holidays.

The K-Supreme Smart is special because it suits a high-tech coffee drinker but it comes without the premium price tag that lots of these machines demand. Our expert tester, Camryn, says 'the K-Supreme Smart makes a great cup of coffee — or any hot or iced drink you can think of — allowing you to customize brew strength, temperature, drink size, and more. Plus, it's notably more compact than any other Keurig models, making it ideal for small kitchens.'

So, if you're wondering who it suits, the answer is anyone.

Who does the Keurig K-Supreme Smart suit?

I asked our expert, Camryn for some more details on her experience with the K-Supreme Smart, so that you know whether you're spending your money wisely. She said, 'I loved testing the K-Supreme Smart. It really suited my lifestyle, because it could meet the needs of all my family (thanks to its large water tank). My coffees, hot chocolates, and chias were consistently delicious and ready to drink in less than two minutes.'

The machine caters to lots of people with different tastes. It doesn't come with a huge footprint, as you might expect. Instead, it's svelte, slim, and smart. Camryn's only caution was 'If you're not tech savvy, you won't be able to make the most of its abilities.' However, for under $50, it doesn't matter if you don't connect your phone up at all. This is a steal.

Are there other Keurig deals I should know about?

Right now, you're not going to find a better deal or a bigger saving on a Keurig, or in fact any coffee maker worth buying, than on this. However, if you'd like to keep your options open and peruse the other Keurig and single-serve coffee maker deals, here are some other offers that are pretty tempting.

When can I pick up a good coffee maker deal?

If that deal still isn't quite what you're after, rest assured, Memorial Day is coming soon (May 27). We're covering all the best coffee maker deals on offer in the lead-up to and throughout the whole sale event. There will be some big sales across a range of retailers. Stay tuned.

Bloomingdale's sale has been brewing for a while now and I had a feeling we'd get some special coffee deals. What I didn't expect was the immense discounts that they've issued on big brands, such as De'Longhi and Nespresso. Have the best deals of the year already been dropped as early as April?

As a former barista and H&G's coffee expert, I spend my days testing and reviewing coffee makers. I love scrolling through sales trying to find the best coffee maker deals, because it's a chance to pick up top-spec models for a lot less money.

Scrolling through Bloomingdale's sale, I've spotted a lot of familiar faces. I've tested almost everything that's discounted in the sale, so have used my experience to find you the greatest deals on the best coffee makers. I'd recommend you start shopping soon, because these kinds of deals won't hang around.

Best Bloomingdale's coffee maker deals

Whether you're looking for an easy automatic coffee maker, a barista-style espresso machine, or a simple filter coffee maker, Bloomingdale's sale has you covered. 

Our experts have tested every single one of the coffee makers featured below, so we know that they're as good in person as they look on paper. In fact, for most of these, they're even better. Here's my selection of the nine best deals on offer.

FAQs

How long is the Bloomingdale's sale on for?

The sale started today (April 22) and it will run until April 28. Although, with deals this good, I don't think stocks will last. I'll keep updating you on the best deals, because more coffee makers might get discounted.

How do I know which coffee maker to buy?

Knowing which coffee maker and brewing type suits your needs requires quite a lot of research. Thankfully, I've put it all together in a guide to the different types of coffee makers. In a nutshell, automatic, drip, and single-serve machines are speedy and great if you don't really like getting techy with your coffee. If have some barista skills that you want to flex, an espresso machine is a great option.

Are there any other coffee maker sales on?

The Bloomingdale's event is the best place to find a coffee maker deal at the moment. If you want to shop around, we have a page for the best coffee maker deals, where we keep you up to date on the best prices available on our favorite models.

How much should I spend on a coffee maker?

How much you spend on a coffee maker will ultimately depend on which one you choose. A French press could be as cheap as $30 and a super automatic machine will be around $1,500, at least. That's why it's always good to look for the models which were at the top end of your budget in the sales, because they'll be back down to a reasonable price.

Yes, you read it right, Nespresso has launched completely compostable coffee capsules. They're crafted with paper pulp and other completely biodegradable components. It's been three years in the making and, boy, am I pleased they've dropped.

If, like me, you like quick, capsule coffee, Nespresso's launch will be music to your ears. The brand makes objectively the best single-serve coffee machines on the market, but their aluminum pods were always the catch that stopped them from achieving complete coffee perfection.

If you're as thrilled as I am, you've probably got a million questions running through your head. I'm here to give you all the details about what exactly they are when they're launching, where you can find them, and which Nespresso machines they'll work with.

When are Nespresso launching paper capsules?

During Milan Design week (April 16 - 21), Nespresso are launching their sustainable capsules which have been in the works, undergoing rigorous R&D for three years.

The brand will be marking the moment with an iconic 'Paper Worlds' installation, designed by Studio Ossidiana from April 16 to 21 in the Brera Design District, which you can see in the image above. The brand describes it as 'a captivating piece or urban design, crafted by the young Italian designers Alessandra Covini and Giovanni Bellotti from Studio Ossidiana.' They've represented the whole story of how Nespresso developed the compostable capsule, showing you the materials used and different stages of innovation. If you're in the area, you can taste the new coffee too.

What is the paper capsule collection?

The new paper capsules collection is Nespresso's first completely compostable offering. Their main offering is still the aluminum pods. Whilst these are recyclable, you'll need to be willing to make the effort to dispose of them sustainably. The compostable ones can go in the foodwaste.

Nespresso's paper selection is compatible with all Original models, so if you own a Vertuo, you'll need to wait a little longer before you can pop paper pods. Nespresso promises that their newest offering delivers on 'the same unforgettable taste experience just with an additional option for disposal.'

As if that's not exciting enough, Nespresso has launched these pods in five new coffee flavors. They've been developed by the Nespresso Coffee Masters. According to Nespresso, these experts have selected 'some of the best beans from different countries of origin. They've been chosen specifically for each coffee and accompanied by a tailored roasting process to enhance their characteristics.' 

The new range includes Ispirazione Aosta, Ispirazione Emilia, Ispirazione Sicilia, Decaffeinato and Peru Organic. I'm aware that Nespresso's names don't always tell you exactly what you want to know about your coffee, so I've gone into more detail on the flavor profiles you'll have on offer:

• Ispirazione Sicilia: Nespresso describes this as a bold, dark, and intense roast. The complex notes come from Arabica beans, grown in Brazil and Colombia. Expect notes of chocolate and aromatic woods, with a hint of grain.
• Ispirazione Emilia: rich, complex, and caramel-ey, this coffee is crafted from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans grown in Mexico and Italy. Expect some fresh acidity too.
• Ispirazione Aosta: this light roast is fruity and sweet, with notes of cookies and fruit. It's crafted from Colombian and Brazillian Arabica beans, perfect for espresso coffee.
• Peru Organic: this is exactly as the name suggests. It's single-origin, organic, coffee which has come straight from the Peruvian Andes. It's a lightly acidic, fruity medium roast.
• Decaffeinato: for those who want coffee without the caffeine kick, this promises a dark-roasted blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, mainly from Brazil and Colombia. It's intense and aromatic, with cocoa and fruity notes.

If you love coffee with unparallelled eco credentials, there's more. The coffee in all of these pods is sourced from Nespresso's AAA Sustainable Quality program. I actually don't think that the brand shouts enough about this. It's been running for 20 years, with more than 150,000 farmers in 18 countries. They work to create a sustainable supply chain of coffee, saying that they are 'dedicated to improving the yield and quality of crops and the livelihoods of communities of origin.' 

Where can I buy the new capsules?

The compostable capsule collection will be available in 60 selected Nespresso Boutiques from May 2024. We'll update you on the locations when Nespresso officially releases them, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be readily available online shortly after.

More technical information on the capsules

If you like to know the science and details behind your capsules, we've got all of the details for you. Each capsule is made from 82% paper pulp. Nespresso says 'we use a high precision forming process and proprietary technology to make these capsules. They're outfitted with a thin, 1mm biodegradable layer, which acts as a protective barrier against oxidation, preserving the coffee's flavor profile, maintaining the Nespresso high-quality cup experience.'

The brand has certification from OK Compost Industrial & Home from TUV Austria, confirming that they can be disposed of in your food waste and public organic waste bins.

The brand has been trialing paper capsules in France and Switzerland with great success.

Which Nespresso machines should you buy?

If the only thing that was stopping you from going all-in on Nespresso was the aluminum pods, you'll want some recommendations for which Nespresso machine to buy. I've dedicated a whole buying guide to the best Nespresso machines, but here's my top three from the Original line (which is the one that's compatible with the paper pods).

If you love the idea of compostable capsules and you're not fussed about the brand that you have, there are some other options on the market. Here are the best ones:

Instant, best known for their speedy air fryers and smart slow cookers, has released a whole range of coffee-related products. I've used them all and, I think their milk frother is one of the stars of the range.

I’ve been testing the best milk frothers, looking at the market-leading brands from Breville to Nespresso. I've tested Instant's 4-in-1 milk frother, so was keen to see how the 9-in-1 compared.

As a former barista, I have high standards for what I think a milk frother should be capable of. I tested the Instant on dairy and plant-based milks, making cold froth, hot froth, and hot milk. I have to say that the Instant is impressive, especially for the price. Here's everything you need to know.

Specifications

Unboxing

There’s not much of a story to tell with the Instant’s packaging. It’s simple, and the product arrived in perfect condition. Whilst the cardboard box is recyclable, the Instant does come with a fair amount of soft plastic, which is much harder to sustainably dispose of. 

Lifting the Instant onto the countertop, I felt that the plastic body was a little cheaper than what I would have liked. However, this is a $60 appliance, so I wasn't expecting much more. Plus, it's still relatively durable and robust. 

The milk frother stand comes out quite far onto the countertop, so you’ll need to have wide sides to accommodate this without it dominating your space. However, it still looks smart and slick and the sheer size of it means that you get the benefits of a 17 oz capacity milk pitcher. 

Who would it suit?

The Instant is perfect if you’re shopping on a budget, but don’t want many compromises. It covers a range of texture and heat options and works just as well on plant-based milks as it does on straight-up dairy. If you're someone who drinks water-based hot drinks and you want something that can warm them up too, this is a great appliance. 

It’s better suited to larger homes. The 17 oz capacity means that you can texture milk for two cappuccinos (or three small drinks). Whilst this is a big bonus for families, it also makes it hard to texture milk for simple, single servings. 

What is it like to use?

As soon as I plugged this in, the base lit up with three texture settings and three temperature settings. These navigate through cold, warm, and hot temperatures and plain, foam, and extra foam settings.

The touchscreen is easy to use, but it makes chimes for turning on, adjusting features, and when the milk frother is done. This is great for some people who want a prompt or confirmation of the changes that they’ve made. However, if you are texturing milk first thing in the morning, the chimes are likely to alert the rest of the house that you’re awake. I'm a bit of a Scrooge before my morning coffee, so I'm not sure how I would feel about the happy chimes, but there are plenty who wouldn't mind.

Hot settings

I tested both the warm and hot milk settings, as well as the three different levels of froth. I measured the warm milk at 140 degrees, which is about what I would expect for drinkable, simple milk. The hot milk was the perfect temperature too. I measured it at 167 degrees, which is getting close to too hot (I'd aim for 165), but it was still drinkable and delicious.

I tested these for single servings and a full carafe. My 8.5 oz heating time took two and a half minutes, which is a reasonable time, if not a little long. I could texture milk in about 45 seconds to a minute on an espresso machine, so it felt slow to me. The full 17 oz carafe took three and a half minutes to complete its cycles, both for warm and hot milk. Standing in the kitchen for this long feels like an eternity (even when I'm not being dramatic), so it's worth doing some washing up or kitchen chores whilst the Instant is working. The chimes will let you know when it's finished.

The different froth levels were distinct. The stir function did, as promised, warm my milk with no froth. The foam setting turns your milk into about one-third foam and two-thirds hot milk. I was impressed with the glossy, smooth texture that the Instant created. I'm not sure a barista could do any better. This was the same for oat and almond milk. I tested both and could achieve cafe-quality results on each setting. 

The extra foam setting really lives up to its name. At first, it looked like my whole glass was foam. In reality, it was a 1/3 milk and 2/3 foam split. This seems excessive. In my eight years as a barista, I've never needed to texture milk to this extent. However, if you really love a foamy drink, this is perfect. The structure of the extra foam milk was impressive, especially on the oat milk. I left mine on the side and it held its own rather than dissolving into nothing like I thought it would.

Cold foam setting

Cold foam is a feature that gives milk frothers the edge on more standard espresso machine steam wands. You can't texture milk without heating it on an espresso machine, so if a steam wand can do it well, it's a brilliant feature. 

I couldn't see the point in using the stir function on cold (there wasn't any point), but I did test it anyway. I used both dairy and plant-based milks on foam and extra foam settings. These took about two minutes and twenty seconds for single servings and three and a half minutes on a full pitcher. The dairy milk was light, cold, and silky. It's perfect for an iced latte. I couldn't fault it. 

The non-dairy milks boasted some impressive expansion, meeting the same foam levels as the hot milks. However, I noticed more air bubbles and texture in my drink, making it less smooth to drink and a lot quicker to dissolve. It was a decent result, but I've tested better. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The stainless steel jug is dishwasher safe, so you can pop it in the dishwasher once you're finished with it. The base is shiny and so it will be prone to greasy fingerprint marks, but after all my tests it still looked spotless. I gave mine a wipe down and that's all I needed to do.

My word of warning would be that the heating element can get quite hot and takes a while to cool down. Be really careful with storing this, because if you pack it away instantly, you'll be putting a very hot appliance into your cupboards.

How does it rate online?

As a relatively new milk frother, the Instant Pot doesn't have a ton of reviews online. On Amazon, out of just over 200 reviews, the Illy has 4.3 stars. People were impressed with the Instant's quality, simplicity, and capabilities. Everybody said that it textures milk well, even on coconut and skimmed options.

People criticized the noises that the Instant makes. It's relatively quiet when it's working, but the beeps, as I suspected have a divisive effect on reviewers. Some found them helpful, others found them frustrating. People also said that this was slow, which is a fair comment to make. Three and a half minutes to texture milk does seem like a long time, even if the results are good.

How does it compare?

The Instant covers a lot of functions for a low price point, so it's hard to beat. Breville's The Milk Cafe offers more precision between different temperatures. The Instant has more of a vague guide, whereas the Breville will let you choose between 120 and 160 degrees. It also offers 25 oz of capacity, so it's 8 oz bigger than the Instant. In spite of its size, I think the Breville still performs better on smaller quantities. It has the edge on precision. 

The drawback with the Breville is its lack of a cold froth setting, so if you like an iced coffee, you can't make one. Plus, it's nearly three times the price of the Instant, so it's much more of a luxury investment. I would bet that it will last longer, but it's nevertheless a big upfront cost.

If you like the low price point of the Instant, but think that you don't need the capacity, you're in luck. Illy's milk frother is designed for single servings. It doesn't have the same range of settings as the Instant, you can only choose hot, hot froth, or cold froth, but that's really all you need. Plus, it's much smaller than the Instant, so you can easily keep it in a cupboard or tuck it away on the countertop. I'm often only frothing single servings at home and this is my milk frother of choice. 

Should you buy it?

If you're on a budget and you want versatility, the Instant is the perfect option for you. It was close to faultless across dairy and plant-based milks. However, if you're looking for a sleek or luxury option, you'll do better with other models. Equally, if you're just one person, you'll want a smaller model, like the illy.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we put a lot of thought into how we test milk frothers. We make notes on every part of our testing process from unboxing to cleaning-up, so you'll know everything you need to know about what your appliance is like.

We measure the time it takes to texture milks to every setting on offer. We'll also let you know about the temperature, texture, and taste profile of both dairy milks and plant-based options too, since these can be temperamental. Milk shouldn't be heated to more than 160 degrees. If it burns it will taste bitter and have a strange texture. Plus, if a machine burns milk, it can be very tricky to clean. We'll let you know if a machine has any issues with them.

We'll make hot chocolates and coffees to test how versatile an appliance is, so that you know all about your milk frother's capabilities. For more information, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

Illy’s unmistakably retro machine is iconic. It combines speedy capsule coffee with espresso machine mechanics, so you can enjoy making coffee like a barista without having to go through all the training and qualifications.

I’m a former barista, so I was excited to test illy’s machine. I’ve reviewed all the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, from Nespresso to Keurig and none have been quite like this. 

It’s simple, stylish, and certainly the most striking machine on test. Plus, the coffee it makes tastes great. Even if you don't like coffee, with a silhouette that pretty, I’d be willing to invest in this just for the aesthetics.

Specifications

Unboxing

The box for the illy was deceptively large because the machine itself is relatively small. This is brilliant, because it means you don’t need to write off a whole countertop to your coffee station, whilst still making a style statement. The machine comes with its own material bag, which is a nice touch. The rest of the packaging is completely recyclable – great news for your garbage. 

I tested the limited edition pink colorway, which took me back to all the Barbiecore-inspired pink kitchen appliances that I still love wholeheartedly. I was proud to have the illy on my countertop. Whilst testing this, every person who passed me made a comment or expressed interest in the illy. I’m almost always testing coffee makers, so when one is getting some appreciation, you know it’s special. 

Who would it suit?

Capsule coffee suits those who are looking for speedy, easy coffee. This is a little more involved because you insert your pods like you would on an espresso machine (locking them in from the bottom), but it’s just as quick once you’ve got the hang of it. The fact that you can steam milk for such a low price point (other machines with the same functions cost at least double), makes this both a versatile and reasonably priced option. 

I’d also note that the coffees I made with the illy were much more flavorful than most single-serve machines. They had a speciality quality, which is great news if you’re lazy, but like life’s luxuries too.

If you want to drink pared-back black coffee and you really don’t care about the process, this might not be the machine for you. It's also a coffee machine that's made to be admired, so if you don't want it to become a feature of your kitchen, you might want a more modest design. Although, the cream colorway is relatively subtle and still stunning.

What is it like to use?

I followed all the standard rules for setting up: I filled the water reservoir, turned the machine on, and ran a rinse cycle. The machine warmed up in an impressive forty-two seconds. The rinse cycle was done again, very quickly in one minute and thirty-six seconds. 

I’d recommend reading through the instructions if you’ve never used an espresso machine before, because this isn’t as simple as popping a pod in the top of your machine and pressing go. You put the pod in a portafilter-like handle which you then lock in the bottom of the machine. From there, it’s all the same as all single-serve machines, you push buttons and coffee comes out. 

Test 1: espresso

Making an espresso was easy. I pushed a button and in twenty seconds, I had extracted the perfect shot. It was 186 degrees with a nice crema on top. This is rare for single-serve coffee makers because the crema normally reflects the freshness of coffee beans grounds and the thoroughness of a machine's extraction capabilities (neither of which go hand-in-hand with single-serve machines).

The crema didn't deceive. My shot was intense, rich, and delicious. It was 1.25 oz, so on the smaller side of shots, but it stood up to other ones in strength. It's impressive. There was something about the quality of this espresso, alongside the portafilter-style brewing method, which made me feel like I was back working as a barista.

Test 2: Americano

The Americano follows much of the same story as the espresso. Mine took just over one minute to make a 5 oz cup of coffee, which came in at 190 degrees. I tried using a taller mug, which couldn't fit underneath the lower brew head. This was a little frustrating (and will be especially annoying if you use travel mugs), but my lower, wider cups fit underneath perfectly.

Flavor-wise, I couldn't fault this Americano. It was well-balanced, boasted a distinct flavor profile, and was really strong again. I would say that this was good for a specialty Americano, so for a single-serve coffee maker, this is outstanding.

Test 3: latte

Not every single-serve coffee maker can texture milk, especially at this pricepoint. I was excited to give this a go. Illy doesn't provide a milk pitcher, but you can pick up a simple stainless steel milk pitcher relatively inexpensively at Amazon. 

I had one to hand, so I tested out texturing both dairy and plant-based milks. The steam wand is relatively short, but it's intuitive to use and I textured some brilliant latte milk on dairy, almond, and oat options, even if I do say so myself.

As is the case with all manual steam wands, you'll need to learn how to steam milk to get really perfect results, but in time you'll get there. Mine was nicely balanced with the intense espresso shot, giving a sweet, smooth, velvety cup of coffee.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The illy is really easy to use. The portafilter-style brewing is brilliant because you don't end up with stale, soggy capsules collecting in a drawer on your coffee maker. Running a rinse cycle after use is easy, as is running the steam wand through (this will stop any milk from drying and clogging up your steam wand).

I didn't have any issues with coffee splashing up the backboard of the single-serve machine and there weren't any issues with dripping. It's a low-maintenance, beautiful machine.

How does it rate online?

People love the illy X7 and its retro aesthetics. I think the portafilter brewing style threw-off a lot of users, confusing them on how single-serve coffee makers work. Once people had familiarized themselves with this, the illy got a lot of love. People praised the flavors that this can extract and enjoyed the machine's versatility.

There was very little in the way of criticisms on the illy. Some people said that they wished the cup clearance was a bigger, facing the same issues as me. However, that was pretty much it. This does a lot for the money that it costs, looks good, and can brew a delicious cup of coffee.

How does it compare?

I saw lots of reviewers compare the illy to Nespresso’s Latissima and Vertuo Creatista, which are double and triple the price of the illy respectively. 

Whilst Nespresso’s models are more sleek and modern, they come with their drawbacks. The illy is compatible with a range of pods, including reusable capsules such as these from Amazon. Nespresso’s models are exclusively compatible with Nespresso pods. These are delicious and come in 30 different varieties, but they’re limiting and expensive. 

The illy’s barista-style brewing might put some people off. It’s not difficult but is less straightforward than popping a Nespresso pod at the top of your machine. Furthermore, with the illy, you have to learn how to steam milk to get barista-quality beverages at home. Nespresso automates the milk texturing process, delivering consistent velvety results at the touch of a button.

If you want simple, effortless luxury, the Nespresso’s are a good investment (although, I wouldn’t only buy the Creatista if you can find it on sale). If you like the idea of brandishing some barista skills and you want some retro aesthetics, the illy is an excellent investment. 

Should you buy it?

I would buy the illy without hesitation. I loved it for speedy, single-serve coffee and the addition of some barista-ey features only make it more appealing to me. However, I can see that these quirks could put off less confident coffee drinkers, in which case, you can’t go wrong with a Nespresso.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are very particular on how we test coffee makers. We have a team of experts who like to stay on top of all the latest news on single-serve coffee makers. As soon as there’s a new model on the market, our team starts doing their research. Once we’ve confirmed that this is the kind of coffee maker you might like, we take it to our test kitchen to make a start on some in-person tests. 

These tests start with an espresso. This is the bedrock of all coffees, so it’s important that a machine can make a good one. The best espressos extract in 20-30 seconds, at 190 degrees, and they’re normally 1.25-2 oz. We want a thick crema on top too, because this indicates good extraction of coffee flavors. However, some single-serve coffee makers spin coffee inside their machines, giving a false crema, so we always watch out for this too. 

The next test we give these coffee makers is making an Americano. Whilst this is essentially a diluted espresso, if a machine puts boiling water on top of a delicate espresso, it will burn it, making your coffee taste bitter. The ideal temperature for these kinds of coffee is 190 degrees. Americans should be at least 5 oz, but it’s great if a coffee maker has the capability to make them in different sizes to suit different coffee drinkers. 

The final test we give espresso machines (if we can) is how well they can make a latte or a cappuccino. Texturing milk is an art form made harder when it’s applied to plant-based milks. Overheated milk will have a claggy temperature and taste off. It should look like wet paint and have an ultra-velvety mouthfeel, this is often called microfi. It means that your machine has achieved a really tight aeration and bubble structure. 

If there are other features and flavors in a coffee maker’s repertoire, we make sure to test them, so we can let you know whether they’re genuinely good or a bit of a gimmick. 

We also let you know what a machine is like to clean, how to descale it, and what it’s like to store. 

After all that, you should have a good picture of what the single-serve machine is like. Well put our coffee-fuelled heads together and think about how it compares to other models on the market and whether it’s good value or not. That way, if you choose to make an investment, you’ll know that there are only good things coming your way.

Keurig coffee makers are already affordable. When you shop the Keurig sales, you can bag a single-serve machine at a bargain price.

Keurig makes some of the best coffee makers for buyers on a budget, but their offerings err on the side of cheap and cheerful rather than serious specialty coffee: as a trained barista and professional product tester, I can tell the difference. If you want to buy one of the best Keurig coffee makers, I suggest you shop from my shortlist.

I've learned how to shop the Keurig sales to get the best value for money and I want to share my wisdom with you. First, I've dropped a few quick links to point you towards the right retailers. Then, I'll dive into the details of when to buy a Keurig coffee maker and what actually constitutes a good deal.

Where to find the best Keurig deals

• Amazon: regular sales on Keurig coffee makers
• Best Buy: shop the whole range in a wide array of colors
• Keurig: get the deepest discounts from the site itself
• QVC: bundle deals on K-cups and coffee makers
• Target: thousands of customer reviews on bestselling Keurigs
• Walmart: make the most of rollbacks

When is the best time to get a Keurig deal?

Keurig Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, but deals will keep dropping until Cyber Monday on December 1. With that said, Keurig likes to drip-feed their deals through the month of November.

Judging by previous years, I'd expect to see Black Friday savings of up to 50% on Keurig coffee makers, accessories, and K-Cup pods.

Every week in November, you can expect to see a different featured category for deals, ranging from 'new arrivals' to 'specialty shops'. As we get closer to Black Friday, you'll see here-then-gone flash deals: it's worth signing up for email alerts to make sure you don't miss a deal.

Keurig seasonal sales

There always seems to be a sale on at Keurig. Though none are quite so deep as Black Friday, you'll see discounts around Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day of up to 30% off coffee makers and accessories. Memorial Day is a great time to buy a coffee maker to take to college, while purchasing on Labor Day helps you get ahead for gifting season.

Keurig Amazon Prime Day deals

Every year, there are two Amazon Prime Day sales events: one in July and one in October. Although the exact dates won't be available until nearer the time, I'd expect to see deals dropping at the Keurig Amazon storefront. This is a great time to make the most of bundle deals during a site-wide sale.

How can you tell if you have found a good Keurig deal?

Join the Keurig Perks loyalty program

When you join Keurig Perks, you earn points with every purchase. You also get 100 points when you register your coffee maker, 10 points for every $1 spent, and 1 point for every SMART brew.

You can redeem those points for accessories, such as frothers and filters, or coffee pods (up to 24 at a time). Pods, in particular, represent the most expensive ongoing costs of running a coffee maker, so it makes sense to save where you can.

Sign up for Keurig email alerts

You need to join the Keurig newsletter to access the Keurig Perks rewards program. You'll also get exclusive offers and early access to seasonal sales.

Make the most of bundle deals

If you're buying a brand-new Keurig coffee maker, shop around for bundle deals that come with a selection of K-cups or discounted accessories. In my experience, you get the greatest breadth of deals and depth of discount when you shop at Keurig.

Consider lower-tier models

Before you buy, ask yourself whether you're a coffee snob: whether you would make full use of an extensive brew menu and a milk frother, or you'd be happy pressing a button and brewing a hot cup of strong coffee. If you want the bells and whistles, I recommend the K-Cafe Barista Bar or the K-Supreme SMART. To keep it simple, try the K-Mini.

FAQs

How much should you spend on a coffee maker?

The price of a coffee maker is largely dependent on two factors: the brand you're buying from and the type of coffee you're trying to make. I'd expect to spend as little as $50 on a French press and as much as $2,000 on a fully automatic espresso machine.

Keurig predominantly produces single-serve coffee makers, which are cheap to make and easy to use. I've seen a K-Mini coffee maker listed for as little as $59 on Amazon, while a K-Elite sits closer to the $150 mark.

Are Keurigs the best coffee makers?

I've combed through our back catalog of reviews to find the best inexpensive coffee makers. To make espresso or cold brew coffee, I recommend the AeroPress (which is $49.95 at full price). The Bodum Chambord is an elegant, affordable French press, while the Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best single-serve coffee maker for buyers on a budget.

Which other single-serve coffee makers should I shop?

If you're looking for a more versatile machine, then it's time to consider the best Keurig alternatives.

With all the convenience of a Keurig but a sleeker, more premium design, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best single-serve coffee maker on the market. The Cuisinart Grind and Brew features an integrated grinder for fresher-tasting coffee from reusable pods. The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima comes with an integrated milk frother, ideal for latte lovers.

If you know you need a new coffee maker, but you're looking for something a little more versatile, I suggest you shop the Nespresso deals. You can get a great deal when you shop at Amazon, Best Buy, or Williams Sonoma.

Single-serve coffee hasn't historically been associated with quality or eco-conscious credentials. illy has put a stop to that. With their compostable capsules and compact machine – single-serve coffee just got chic.

As a former barista, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a coffee snob. It took days of testing to compile a list of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market because I wanted them to stand up to the best espresso machines too.

illy is famous for its easy, speedy coffees and its latest, simple ESE espresso machine is no exception. It can brew flavorful coffee in a matter of seconds. The slightly retro, boxy design is undeniably eye-catching. I tested mine in tomato red, which screamed Italian-chic. Buy me a Vespa and I'll be living La Dolce Vita in no time.

Specifications

Unboxing

The illy takes simple, small single-serve coffee to a whole new level. I don't know how big I was expecting the box to be, but this comes close to being able to fit in a large letterbox. 

The packaging was more than pared-back and consisted of a cardboard box and some plastic wrap. Even though that means that this isn't completely recyclable (unless you live in an area that recycles soft plastics), it won't take up much space in your garbage. 

Setting up was simple. I plugged the machine in, filled the reservoir, and ran a rinse cycle. Thankfully, I didn't need to consult the instruction manual. This is simple to use and the basic instructions reflect that.

I love how this looked on the countertop. Some might say that the plastic design is a little cheap, but as I was using the machine, I was struck by just how robust the plastic shell is. Plus, steering clear of traditional stainless steel has meant that this is ultra-lightweight and easy to move around.

Who would it suit?

The illy is designed for those who are short on space and who need their coffee quicker than quickly. It's simple: the illy can brew you a single espresso and a Lungo: that's it. If you want a cappuccino or latte, you'll need to invest in a milk frother (luckily, illy makes one of the best milk frothers on the market).

illy's machine is exclusively compatible with their innovative compostable bags. You'll have to regularly invest in these specific illy compostable capsules, which aren't cheap. However, I think it's a worthy sacrifice for eco-conscious coffee consumers. Normally, pods are a lot of work to properly and sustainably dispose of anyway. These illy capsules can go straight into the food waste. 

This is perfect for small homes with one or two coffee drinkers. It's close to silent too, so you can make a sneaky start to your morning without waking the whole home. However, as soon as you need to start making three or more coffees, you'll find yourself wishing for a machine with more capacity. There'll be queues around the countertop.

What is it like to use?

The beauty of simple coffee makers is that they're close to impossible to confuse yourself with. After turning the machine on and filling the reservoir, it was ready to go. Even though this is an 800-watt, low-power, energy-saving model, it pre-heated in an impressive 42 seconds. The machine was waiting for me to start making coffee rather than the other way around.

Once the water reservoir was full, I rinsed my machine by running it through a brewing cycle. That's all I needed to have this ready to go. There are just two buttons on the front: one for espresso and one for Lungo (a bigger espresso). It's really that simple.

Test 1: espresso

The first test we put any coffee maker through is making espressos. These are the base of all cups of coffee, so it's important that your machine can brew one with well-rounded flavors, at a drinkable temperature.

To insert my compostable pod, I needed to lift the top of my Illy up. I tentatively tried to lift it at first, but quickly gave up. It's a two-handed job. I had to hold the base of the machine with one hand and pull upwards (with quite some force) to open the capsule dispenser. I'd put this down to the seal, which needs to withstand 20 bars of pressure, but it could create problems for those with mobility problems.

Once my capsule was in, I closed the lid and pressed the espresso button. I sat my shot glass on the espresso shelf, which is closer to the brew head, minimizing splashes and preventing your espresso from coating your countertop.

The illy releases a small amount of water, which you might think is a feeble attempt at brewing an espresso. It's not. This is how the machine pre-infuses the capsule, giving a smoother flavor. Keep your cup underneath and a couple of seconds later the rest of the shot will get extracted.

After 21 seconds, the illy had brewed 1.25 oz of espresso at 201 degrees Fahrenheit. For a single-serve coffee, it was delicious. My shot was rich, dark, and syrupy. The crema was surprisingly distinct for a single-serve machine too. I really can't fault it.

Test 2: Lungo

The second and final test we put the illy through was brewing a bigger cup of coffee. I put my coffee cup on the lower drip tray, inserted my capsule, and let the machine brew. It was quick, extracting my coffee in just 43 seconds. The icon suggests the second function is a lungo, If you're expecting an Americano-sized coffee, you'll need to reevaluate. This measures at 3 oz, which is somewhere between a double shot and a proper Americano in size. If you want more coffee in your cup, hold down the button to keep the coffee pouring. You'll be switching up the intended ratios, and risking unbalancing the flavors, but we all like to drink our coffees differently.

My cup brewed at 190 degrees, which is on the cooler side, but that meant that this was a very drinkable cup of coffee. The flavors were delicate and well-extracted. I felt that they were flatter when they were diluted in a larger cup of coffee, but I still enjoyed them. Compared to other single-serve machines, this was impressive.

Given that espressos and lungos were all that I could make, I made them again and again to check the consistency of both brewing types. I was impressed. You can make a reliable, repeatable cup of coffee in one of these.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

This small machine promises a minimalistic cleaning routine and easy storage. The capsule container makes a neat bin for compostable coffee. The used pods look like tea bags, so I would recommend disposing of these as soon as they've cooled. The capsule bin has enough capacity for at least ten ESE pods, but if you only drink one coffee a day, you'll probably find mold growing in your bin if it's left uncleaned.

Thanks to the adjustable cup height, your coffee won't splash up the back of the machine or backboard much. As long as you run a rinse cycle when you're finished with the coffee pods and give the whole machine a perfunctory wipe-down, it will stay stunning on your countertop. There's a descaling function integrated into the machine, but you'll have to judge when it's needed because this won't give you reminders or prompts to clean.

This is small enough to move around your kitchen. If you want to pack it into a cupboard after use, you easily could. If, instead, you want to keep it on the countertop, even in small, narrow kitchens, it won't demand much space. It's perfect.

How does it rate online?

One of my favorite reviews for the illy ESE describes it as 'chunky and funky'. I don't think anyone could have summarized this better. Plenty of other reviews echo this sentiment, praising the compact, chic aesthetics, which make this machine appealing for small-space dwellers.

Lots of people commented on the fact that the machine is energy-saving, B-corp certified and that the pods are compostable. It appeals to those who are environmentally conscious, shopping on a budget, and looking for easy ways to make a quick coffee.

I had to search hard for criticisms of the illy. Some people found that they needed to flush the machine three times before they felt that the Illy was brewing truly fresh coffee flavors, but that was the most scathing reviewers reached. Some people felt that, although this was good value, the ongoing cost of the capsules made this a relatively expensive machine. They're $13.99 for 18 pods, which, compared to your local coffee shop is a steal.

How does it compare?

Nespresso normally dominates the single-serve coffee maker market, so it seems only fair to compare illy to their compact model, the Nespresso Pop. This sits at a similar price point, is available in more of a range of colors, and will also require next-to-no space on the countertop. 

Choosing between the two might sound tough, but it's actually really easy. If you want consistently flavored, compostable coffee, choose the Illy. This covers the basic flavors of an espresso excellently. If you're less concerned about waste and more keen to try the range of capsule flavors on offer, take a look at Nespresso. They often have caramel, cold brew, and flavor-enhanced capsules. They'll take more work to recycle, but you can mix up your coffee options much more easily.

The other deal-breaker could be the height of the Pop. It's shorter, so you'll struggle with taller, travel cups underneath it. Whilst the illy is far from tall, there's still enough space under the brew head for a travel cup.

Eco-conscious coffee drinkers might want to consider Cuisinart's Grind & Brew single-serve machine. This only makes small cups of filter coffee, so won't hit the espresso spot like illy and Nespresso. However, it has conical burr grinders and a bean hopper, so you can drink freshly ground filter coffee in a matter of minutes. The machine gives you more flexibility over the size of drinks you make (you can choose a 4, 8, 10, or 12 oz cup). It's more expensive, but worth it if you're looking for more versatility.

Should you buy it?

If you're environmentally conscious and you want a single-serve coffee maker, this is a really exciting machine. The illy itself is reasonably priced, scores top points for aesthetics, and, although the body is plastic, it feels relatively robust.

There are only two reasons that I wouldn't buy this: if you want milky coffee and you don't want to be limited in which capsules you can buy. In my opinion, compostable capsules are worth the hassle.

How we test

We put all of our coffee makers through rigorous rounds of testing, making notes on every aspect of a machine, from form to function, so that we can cover every aspect of a machine before you buy it.

The illy's simple functions made testing extremely straightforward. We tested their espresso setting and measured the extraction time, temperature, quantity, and flavors produced. To make sure that the machine was consistent, we ran a few of these (and, of course, drank each one).

The next test we carried out was on the Lungo setting. Again, we measured how long it took to brew, what temperature it brewed at, and what the flavors of the Lungo were like. 

We explored some of the other features, such as the fact that you can hold down the button to get more water, but this is a very simple machine. Once we were satisfied that our team had tested every function, we cleaned the machine, looked into maintenance, and assessed how it stood on the countertop.

If there are any quirks, from unboxing to aesthetics, we let you know, so that you don't end up making coffee that's any less than perfect. If you want to find out more about the process, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

Learning how to use a Nespresso machine takes a matter of minutes. Whether you're brand-new to Nespresso or dusting off an old model, it won't be long before you're brandishing some barista-worthy skills using your shiny single-serve machine.

Luckily, all of the best Nespresso machines work in the same fundamental way: you put a capsule in, press a button, and then the machine does the rest. It doesn't get any more complicated than that. However, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and mistakes people make that you'll want to know about to make the most of your Nespresso machine.

I've spoken with baristas, Nespresso chefs, and coffee experts, as well as drawing on my own experience testing the best single-serve coffee makers on the market so that I can bring you a comprehensive guide to using your Nespresso.

The first time you use a Nespresso

Once you've unboxed your Nespresso, the first thing you need to do is rinse it. This removes dust and dirt from your machine, ensuring you make a delicious cup of coffee from the get-go.

To rinse your machine, fill your reservoir with filtered water. This normally sits at the back of the machine. If it's not there, it'll be at the side (and you can't miss it). Place a container under your brew head, ready to collect any water the machine spits out in the rinsing process.

Next, hold down the button on top of your machine for seven to ten seconds. You'll hear your machine brewing water before you see it. The entire rinse can take up to ten minutes and will often require a full reservoir of water, but it's worth doing.

Understanding the Nespresso pods

The most confusing part of using a Nespresso is the capsules. Here's the summary: Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers can only be used with Vertuo capsules and the same applies to their Original machines and Original capsules.

Within each capsule line, there is a range of names, colors, and roasts to choose between. The best resource I can offer you is the Nespresso coffee chart. This is a translation chart for all things capsule, explaining the colors and names, whilst explaining what to expect from your cup. 

Nespresso will give you a starter selection with a chart the first time you buy your machine, so you can work out what you like and then sign up for a Nespresso subscription on your favorite pods.

I spoke with an expert from the Nespresso Chef Academy, Galen Zamarra. He told me that 'the Vertuo capsules were originally introduced to North America because Americans drink larger-sized coffees than Europeans. They are not a substitute for drip coffee, because they still make coffee like espressos. If you drink mostly espressos, I prefer the Original capsules. These are more specific in terms of authentic espresso brewing. If you drink latte-style drinks, Vertuo pods will suit you better; they're stronger and you won't need to use multiple pods to get good flavors in your cup'.

Using your Nespresso machine

Before brewing, fill your water tank with fresh, cold water. Once your reservoir is full, press the power button on your machine, so that it warms up. The buttons will blink and, when they stop (normally after about 30 seconds), it's ready to get to work. If the buttons are blinking red and the machine is never warming up, you need to fill the water tank with water. 

Next, lift the lever of your machine, so that you can insert your pod. More modern machines, such as the Vertuo Plus and Creatista require you to push down on a button sat on the top of the machine instead of lifting a lever. These modern models will automatically lift up so that you can put your pod inside. Either way, place the pod into the compartment. It should sit snugly inside.

Then, close the lid, and close your lever (if you have one) to the horizontal position. Nespresso's site offers a top tip: 'When you open or close the lever, move it fully until it stops. Otherwise, the pod may fall down.' 

Before brewing, place a cup under the Nespresso brew head. Kayla Stavridis, former barista, recommends adjusting the drip tray (which doubles up as the cup holder) so that your cup sits as close to the brew head as possible.' The further your coffee falls, the more the crema will break and the less aesthetically pleasing it will look. 

When you're good to go, press whichever coffee button you need. Most Vertuo machines have one button, because the machine uses barcode technology to detect which coffee you're brewing. Original machines have different buttons for ristretto (small cup), espresso (medium, but still small cup), and lungo (big cup), so you'll need to press whichever coordinates with the kind of coffee you want.

Texturing milk in your Nespresso or Aeroccino

Galen Zamarra, the award-winning Nespresso chef, has some suggestions for making cafe-style drinks. If you want an Americano, he says, 'extract a lungo, remove the capsule, and press the large cup button again. If you want a latte or cappuccino, extract two lungos (if they're Original pods, just one if they're Vertuo) and adjust your milk frother to suit your drink.'

If you have a machine with an integrated steam wand, such as the Lattissima or Creatista, your Nespresso will automatically texture milk. Make sure this is in place before you start brewing your coffee. 

If you don't have one of these features but want a milky coffee, you'll need to invest in a milk frother. Nespresso's own one is called the Aeroccinio, which is available at Walmart. Luckily for you, it's one of the best milk frothers on the market (although, I've included some alternatives below if it's not for you).

Brew your shot of espresso before using the Aeroccino. When your Nespresso is busy making coffee, you can turn your hand to the milk. The Aeroccino has simple settings: cold frothed milk, hot milk, slightly frothed milk (latte milk), and really frothed milk (cappuccino). Touch whichever you want and the Aeroccino will do the rest. When it automatically stops, you can pour your milk into the coffee. 

It's very easy. For the best results, use cold whole milk (or cold barista versions of plant-based milks), because this gives your Aeroccino plenty of time to texture your milk before it gets too hot and burns.

Tips, tricks, and common mistakes

There are plenty of simple tips, tricks, and practices that you can follow to ensure that you're making the most delicious coffee in your Nespresso. Kayla Stavridis, recommends warming your coffee cups up before you use them. She says that 'A preheated cup will not only help to keep your coffee warmer for longer, it'll also help to preserve all the aromatic coffee flavors that are most potent on your first brew'. You can do this by running it under warm water and drying it, or keeping your best coffee cups in a warm (and safe) place. 

Once you're comfortable making coffee in your Nespresso, you've got plenty of fun ways to play with flavors. If you look at Nespresso's website, you'll see recipes for affogato, coconut-flavored roasts, and suggestions for syrups which you can add to your coffee if you want to switch up your flavors. Even on a basic level, changing the milk you add to your coffee can surprisingly enhance the different notes of your coffee bean.

Everyone will tell you that filtered water is key to brewing consistently delicious coffees. Galen Zamarra, Nespresso specialist, has some slightly controversial, but effective recommendations. He says, 'Most people assume that using purer water will make them a better coffee. We always found that when you use filtered water, you take out minerals that naturally enhance coffee's flavors.  He recognizes that this, of course, presents a problem. Nespresso machines can build up limescale, which slows them down and can damage your machine. 

Zamarra explains that 'Nespresso's solution is desacling. Most machines will give you a light or app notification when it is time to descale. If you do this regularly, your machine will last a long time and you will enjoy better-tasting coffee and proper extraction times.'

Galen Zamarra also reassured me not to worry about the potentially wasteful capsules. Nespresso offers free recyclable bags and it's free to ship your used pods back to them. He says 'They turn the pods into cool things like Swiss Army Knives and Pens. They're even bringing compostable capsules to the US too.'

FAQs

What can I make in my Nespresso?

Name a coffee and you can make it in your Nespresso machine. These single-serve coffee makers cover the basics and then your extra equipment (milk frothers, chocolate, coffee grinders, and perhaps even your latte art skills) can do the rest. If you want to make variations on espresso coffees (double espresso, ristretto, etc.) your best bet is the Nespresso Original. If you want to make milky coffees (latte, cappuccino, etc.) you'll want a Nespresso Vertuo.

How do you use Nespresso coffee capsules?

You don't need to do anything more than select which capsule you want, pop it in the pod slot, and close the lid. If you're struggling to work out what goes where and need some visual help, you might find this YouTube guide to using your Nespresso helpful.

How do you use Nespresso with milk and pods?

Different Nespressos follow different processes for making coffee with milk and pods. The Lattissima requires you to fill up and attach the milk carafe, whereas the Creatista needs you to fill up a stainless steel jug. If you don't have either of these, you'll need an Aerocinno and you'll be choosing which milk setting you want to use for yourself. Here's a video on how to use the Lattissima One and here's a video on how to use the Creatista. If you need help learning how to froth milk, I've written an extensive buying guide on the process.

Even if you know exactly how to clean a Nespresso machine, it's highly likely that you've been neglecting your regular maintenance routine. If you're not emptying the pod bin after every use, running a rinse cycle, and descaling every three months, chances are, your machine is suffering.

We're all guilty of rushing away from our Nespressos, coffee in one hand, a never-ending to-do list in the other. However, even if you've invested in one of the best Nespresso machines, you won't be able to enjoy the luxury of quick delicious coffee for long if you're not cleaning it properly.

I spoke with Nespresso experts and cleaning specialists to find out exactly how to clean a Nespresso machine. They gave product recommendations, home remedies, and timeframes too, so that you can set a simple schedule that is also easy to stick to.

I've covered short and long-term solutions here. However, if you're at the crisis stage of scale build-up, we've covered how to descale a Nespresso Vertuo machine in extensive detail too.

Your regular cleaning routine (do daily or weekly)

Whilst daily cleaning might sound like a lot of effort, it takes a matter of seconds and will save you in the longer term. Experts recommended three, small, daily tasks to follow after you've brewed your cup of coffee.

The first task to follow is simple: wipe away any splashes. All you need is a damp cloth and you can give your machine a quick once over. If you want a deeper clean, Karina Toner, from Spekless Cleaning recommends using 'a mixture of water and baking soda to clean the coffee maker's exterior.' It's an easy home remedy, but do a patch test. You don't want to strip any of your Nespresso's exterior gloss. 

If you have more time, Jee Chloe, SCA-certified coffee expert, recommends 'devoting some extra attention to the spout, drip tray, and capsule container.' Chloe emphasized 'removing your used capsules from the capsule bin immediately after brewing, because your pods are warm and moist, a breeding ground for mold'. 

Both of those jobs are quick and can be completed daily. The last, regular cleaning you should build into your routine is a weekly job. Take all the removable parts (the drip tray, water reservoir, and coffee stand) and wash them with warm soapy water. If you can see stubborn stains and marks, use a descaling solution. This doesn't need to be elaborate. Nespresso expert, Galen Zamarra, says something simple, such as Lime Away (available at Walmart) works just as well as any professional solution.

Not every Nespresso has a milk frother. However, if yours does, this is a feature that needs some serious care and attention. I wouldn't even take a sip of my drink without cleaning mine. Once the milk has dried it's hard to get off. So, once it has textured your milk, run the wand or nozzle through with warm water and wipe it dry. If, God forbid, you've found the milk has dried into place, Jee Chloe, SCA-certified coffee expert, recommends using a paperclip to unclog your steam wand and then using hot water and a cloth to wipe the dried milk away. You might need some elbow grease though.

Cleaning essentials

You don't need to do a big, expensive shop to keep your Nespresso sparkling. These small essentials are all you need in your cleaning kit.

How to descale your Nespresso with and without descaler

In an ideal world, experts would have you descaling your machine every month, especially if you live in a hard-water area. However, we know that this is a big demand, especially if you can't see the scale build-up or notice any significant slowing on your machine. So, we're happy to settle for every three months (or three hundred pods according to Nespresso's descaling guidelines on their website). Keeping count of your capsules is close to impossible so I set calendar reminders. When they pop up, I don't delay or hesitate, I just clean.

The descaling process itself is easy. If you have Nespresso's descaling solution, you can follow their simple instructions. Don't worry if you don't though. There are plenty of home remedies that will do the job just as well. Rocky Vuong, Founder of Calibre Cleaning, recommends using a 1:1 dilution of white wine vinegar and filtered water solution. Run two cycles with this solution and then run two without the solution to stop any residual taste from ending up in your cup. Some people find they need to run some extra cycles because vinegar can be quite persistently pungent.

Remember, the more often you descale, the better the health of your machine and — most importantly — the better the taste of your coffee.

FAQs

How do I know if my coffee maker needs cleaning?

If you can tell that your Nespresso needs cleaning, you're already overdue a deep clean of your machine. It's recoverable, don't worry, but it's best to stick to a routine than wait for warning signs.

If your Nespresso machine is taking longer to brew, has a weak flow, and is making gurgling sounds, it's probably because you've got some mineral build-up or clogging. Nespresso machines will give you descale alerts, so don't ignore them. You might need a couple of descale rinses if it's become noticeably blocked, but this is something that you can rectify.

If your coffee changes taste, isn't quite at the right temperature or seems to be different from normal, this could be again because of scale build-up. Again, rinse, deep clean, and descale your machine.

Should I use filtered water in my Nespresso?

If you know you're not a committed cleaner, I would recommend switching out tap water for normal water. Some baristas swear that the minerals in unfiltered water enhance coffee flavors, others say that they make it inconsistent and unreliable. For the sake of reducing scale, use filtered water. You'll have to descale much less often.

The infamous cappuccino, drunk exclusively before 11am in Italy is a café favorite. If you’re wondering how you make one at home (as well as why they’re a pre-11am exclusive) you’re in the right place. As a former barista, I'm more than familiar with all the cappuccino components.

These famously delicious drinks are best made in an espresso machine. If you already own one of these, all you need to know is how to make espressos and how to steam milk at home. Once you've perfected these, you'll be able to make so much more than cappuccinos. When guests demand it, you can whip up lattes, flat whites, and Americanos in no time.

Our priority for now though is making cappuccinos. These strong, sweet, frothy drinks are, in my opinion, the best coffee you can learn to make. They’re a proper coffee delight, celebrating aromatic espresso flavors with the soft, silky sweetness of milk.

I’ve spoken with baristas and coffee experts to give you all the essential information you need (as well as some barista-recommended tips and tricks) for making delicious cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home. If you want all the details on when to drink it; why cocoa is essential; and who makes the best cappuccino cups, look no further. Here's everything you need to know. 

How to make a cappuccino with an espresso machine

If you own an espresso machine, you’re in luck. It’s easy to make the perfect cappuccino in one of these. Kayla Stavridis, a former barista, says ‘To start, you'll need to pull a double shot of espresso. It should have a rich caramel color. Then, steam your milk to create a velvety microfoam. To do this, keep the steam wand just below the milk's surface to introduce air and create foam. Stop when your milk is about 150-155°F. You'll be able to tell because the outside of your stainless steel jug will be hot to touch.'

Different baristas have different ratios for making a cappuccino, but the general rule is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk, and 1/3 foam. Kaya recommends 'pouring your milk with a low, steady hand to maintain the milk layers'. When you want to get the characteristic foam into your cappuccino cup, pour quickly and at a steep angle from your milk jug.

You'll often see cappuccinos served with a dusting of cocoa or chocolate on top. It's not just a pretty flourish, there's some science behind it. Cacao and coffee share hundreds of aromatic compounds, according to the Barista Institute's findings. You'll often find coffee beans described with 'chocolate notes' and vice versa. 

I spoke with Ashley Palmer-Watts, founder of Artisan Coffee Co and Michelin-starred chef, who takes the pairing one step further. He recommends 'taking a bite of chocolate (which shares flavor profiles with your coffee beans) and then having a sip of coffee. Alternate between the two and you'll find that they both enhance each other, meaning you can enjoy the nuances of each, even if you aren't a coffee professional'. No need to ask twice: this is our permission to have chocolate every time we have a cup of coffee.

If you don't already have a complete coffee setup, here are some of my personal recommendations for an espresso machine, cappuccino cup, and a coffee grinder (if you don't have one integrated into your espresso machine).

How to make cappuccino with a single-serve machine and milk frother

It’s really easy to make a cappuccino with a Nespresso or a Keurig and one of the best milk frothers. Sometimes you can buy a single-serve coffee maker in a bundle with a milk frother, or, you might already own one. Either way, you're in for a treat. It's easy to make a delicious cappuccino in one of these machines. 

You follow the same process as you would with an espresso machine: pull a shot of coffee, and froth your milk to the high setting (if you have icons, these are often the double layer of foam). Then pour your milk over the espresso at a steep angle, so that you get all the foam in your cup. 

Kelly D'Amico, a former barista, recommends frothing the milk last because it separates almost as soon as you sit it down on the side, making it harder to get the perfect foam-to-liquid ratio. If you need some shopping advice for milk frothers, here are my three, tried-and-tested favorites:

How to make cappuccino without a machine

I've done a deep dive into the details of making espresso and steaming milk when you don't have a machine. Whilst your results might not be identical to your local barista's, you can still achieve some impressive results. Don't just take my word for it, SCA-certified coffee specialist, Jee Chloe, says 'if machines aren't your thing, have no fear. There are plenty of hands-on methods you can follow to get delicious coffee. I recommend using a moka pot; a French press for an 'earthier taste; or even a basic saucepan. Any will do.'

Jee's advice is simple. To make an espresso without a machine, you just need to brew really strong coffee. The reason a moka pot is the most popular alternative to espresso machines is because it can emulate espresso flavors and the thick syrupy texture almost uncannily. If that sounds like something you could use, I have written a buying guide for the best moka pots.

Moka pots aren't for everyone though. The next most popular alternative involves a French press (which can double up as your milk frother too). All you need to do is brew intense French coffee, you can make something that resembles a delicious espresso. It might sound strange, but I wouldn't recommend investing in the best French press here. You need to have a looser seal than the most premium models boast, because, to froth milk you'll have to plunge repeatedly. A tight seal will make this exhausting. Something like the inexpensive Bodum Chambord (available at Amazon) will work well without costing you more than $30. 

Both of these methods require more patience and effort, but one sip of the cappuccino will remind you that this is a labor of love (which is very much worth it).

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

The first question, tip, ritual, and trick we need to answer is why Italians don't drink cappuccinos after 11 am. I asked my Italian barista friend who told me that, whilst it's not a law, it's a national, cultural norm. It's not about the caffeine content, because they'll happily enjoy espressos into the evening. Instead, they consider cappuccino's too milk-heavy and hard to digest past breakfast. Instead, you can enjoy it with a pastry in the morning.

After speaking with lots of baristas, I've seen a pattern of other tips and tricks that they recommend. Without exception, every barista I interviewed emphasized how important it is to experiment with flavors: try different, good-quality beans; alternative milks; and adjust the ratios to find the perfect flavors for your palette. At the end of the day, a coffee is only as delicious as the drinker deems it to be. Don't forget about the chocolate too.

Whilst it's great to know about ways to enhance your cappuccino, what do you do if it's not tasting quite right?

Kayla Stavridis, a former barista, says ‘The most common mistake people make when making cappuccinos is with the milk. Overheating your milk can ruin the delicate flavor balance of a cappuccino. Aim for that sweet spot around 150-155°F for the perfect texture and taste.' It's not over once you've steamed though. She says that the pour is equally important 'it can affect your cappuccino's final taste and presentation. Practice pouring from different heights and angles to find what works for you.'

Kelly D'Amico, a former barista, also says 'my pro-tip is making sure that you properly clean your steam wand after use. Once the milk protein has dried, it's really hard to clean off. You can always use vinegar to clear any build-up too'. It might not be glamorous, but it is important.

FAQs

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte (which you might also see called a cafe latte, is made using an espresso and hot steamed milk. This sounds the same as a cappuccino. However, a latte has less foam and more milk. The latte will have about 1cm of foam on top. A cappuccino is 1/3 foam, so will be stronger when sipped and more frothy on top. If you want to know how to make a latte at home, I've written a detailed guide for you to follow.

How is a traditional cappuccino made?

A traditional cappuccino is made using an espresso machine. This has the technical capabilities to extract delicious coffee oils under high pressures and temperatures. It can also steam milk, producing silky, velvety results.

What are the main ingredients for a cappuccino?

There's a standard ratio for making a cappuccino. It has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It's easy. You can adjust this to suit your personal preferences, but this is the general way that beginners are advised to follow. Plus, it's probably what your barista makes for you at your local.

Nespresso coffee makers are compact yet deceptively capacious, easy to use, and effortlessly elegant. As a former barista, I've sampled the best Nespresso machines in our test kitchen, where I made consistently delicious coffee, quickly and effectively.

To pressure-test Nespresso's stellar reputation, I compared them to each other as well as against the best coffee makers. After throwing every capsule at them, Nespresso coffee makers still came out on top.

Compared to the likes of Keurig, Hamilton Beach, and Ninja, Nespresso coffee makers are on the more expensive side, especially when you factor in the cost of Nespresso pods. I learned how to shop the Nespresso sales to save time and money and I want to share my wisdom with you.

First, I'll drop a few quick links to help you shop the Nespresso sales at your favorite store. Then, I'll share more about the best time to buy a Nespresso machine and what actually constitutes a good deal.

Where to find the best Nespresso deals

• Amazon: shop bestsellers with next-day delivery
• Best Buy: save on our favorite Nespresso machines and bundles
• Nespresso: the latest models and widest colorways
• Target: shop for coffee makers and capsules in every color and flavor
• Walmart: save on the Vertuo Pop and Plus, as well as refurbished models
• Williams Sonoma: shop all Nespresso's range in one place

When is the best time to get a Nespresso deal?

Nespresso seasonal sales

There always seems to be a sale on at Nespresso, but discounts get deeper at the end of each season: approximately, in March, June, September, and December.

If you're shopping for a coffee maker to take to college, I suggest you shop the Labor Day sales: if you're keen to gift a coffee maker in the holiday season, I recommend the Black Friday sales. On average, you'll see 30% off bestselling models, including the Nespresso Vertuo line.

Nespresso Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, but I'd expect coffee maker deals to start dropping at least a week in advance and stay live until Cyber Monday on December 1. The Black Friday weekend is probably the best time to buy a Nespresso machine, as brands compete to offer the lowest prices. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to see at least $100 off Nespresso coffee makers over Black Friday, and an increase in bundle offers and discounted subscription services.

Nespresso Amazon Prime Day deals

Each year, there are two Amazon Prime Day sales events: one in July and one in October, though the exact dates won't be revealed until nearer the time. Judging by previous years, I'd expect to see deep discounts on the Nespresso Amazon store. In the past, I've seen Nespresso Vertuo Next models selling for as little as $100. This is a great time to buy a Nespresso machine and make the most of site-wide discounts.

How can you tell if you've found a good Nespresso deal?

Register as a Nespresso customer

When you create a Nespresso account, you can sign up for their mailing list and gain exclusive access to special offers and new collections.

Refer a friend

Sign up for a Nespresso account to access your referral code. When you share that code with a friend for their first Nespresso purchase, you'll both benefit: you'll get $10 off your next coffee order of 5 or more sleeves, and they'll get $40 off any machine, plus a free capsule dispenser. Your referral code can be redeemed up to 10 times, and you reap the rewards every time.

Make the most of bundle deals

You might be able to pick up free mugs or free sleeves when you purchase a machine or pods at full price on the Nespresso site or score 30% off select machines and sleeves around sales season.

Consider refurbished models

When you shop at Amazon or eBay, you could get a deep discount on gently used Nespresso machines. If you're buying second-hand, I recommend learning how to clean a coffee maker before you use it, making sure to descale the inside of your machine and wipe down the outside.

FAQs

What is a good price for a coffee maker?

How much you should spend on a coffee maker all depends on what sort of machine you're looking for. A basic pour over or French press could cost as little as $30, but you should expect to spend upwards of $1,000 for a fully automatic espresso machine with special features.

The best Nespresso machines are fairly affordable: a Nespresso Vertuo Next only costs $179 on Amazon, and it's often listed for less during sales season. Still, if you're buying on a budget, you might be better off with one of the best inexpensive coffee makers.

How does Nespresso compare to other coffee brands?

Nespresso makes the best single-serve coffee makers on the market: quick and easy to use with a small footprint to conserve counterspace. Price-wise, I'd say Nespresso is comfortably middle-of-the-pack – cheaper than De'Longhi, at any rate − but one of the best Keurig coffee makers might be more suitable for buyers on a budget.

OXO makes some of the best non-toxic coffee makers and the best cold brew coffee makers, while Espro makes the best French press. The best pour over coffee makers come from smaller, specialist stores, including Kalita, Bodum, and Fellow.

If you need a new coffee maker, but you're working with a slightly tighter budget, I suggest you shop for Keurig coffee maker deals. Browse the best deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and QVC or shop from my shortlist.

Knowing how to make a latte at home can make you a lot of friends and make you the host of many coffee mornings. Also known as, caffè lattes, these simple drinks are universally beloved for enhancing fresh espresso flavors with sweet, silky, frothy milk.

There are a range of ways you can prep yours: iced, hot, made in an expert's espresso machine, or with one of the best Nespresso machines on the market. Whichever takes your fancy, it helps to understand the basics, so you can brew the perfect one. 

You might wonder what the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and a flat white even is. I used to get asked this all of the time when I was a barista. The short answer is, that a latte is weaker than a cappuccino, bigger than a flat white, with about one centimeter of foam sitting on top.

You'll need to know a few things before making a latte. Most importantly, you'll want to have mastered how to make an espresso and how to steam milk. Once you've nailed these basic skills, you'll be ready to tackle making lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Next stop: latte art.

How to make a latte with an espresso machine

We've gone deep into the details of how to make an espresso and how to steam milk, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, the experts and I will talk you through what specifically makes a latte a latte and how to achieve that with an espresso machine.

Lattes are milk-forward coffee drinks. You'll have seen them in cans and cartons as well as on the menu at your local coffee shop. Steve Spring, coffee expert, says 'the typical ratio for a latte is about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 heated milk, with a small layer –about 1cm – of milk foam. It's typically favored by those who enjoy the rich flavor of coffee, but prefer it tempered with the smoothness and sweetness of milk'.  

When making your latte, the espresso must be of the highest quality. You'll get the best flavors from a dark roast ground finely. If you can grind your own coffee, that's the best way to drink it. However, the most important part is your espresso machine. Whether it's an automatic or a manual espresso maker, you don't want to skimp. You need these high-quality machines to extract as much of your coffee's essential oils as possible. If you don't already own an espresso machine, I've included some personal recommendations below. 

When you pull a shot with one of these, you want to see a puffy crema with a hazelnut hue. This indicates that you've got all the delicious oils out of your coffee beans. It's equally important that your milk is heated to between 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit and textured to create microfoam so that it's silky (the texture of wet paint). Steve Spring, a coffee expert, says 'the milk should be steaming and frothy, but not scalding. Steaming to this standard requires some practice. Aerating the milk too much can make the foam too thick and dry, more suitable for a cappuccino than a latte'.

Whether you're using a steam wand or handheld tools, the best milks to use are whole milk, or barista-specific non-dairy options (I recommend oat). We've covered how to steam milk in detail across a range of appliances.

How to make a latte with a Nespresso machine or Keurig

It's easy to make a latte with a Nespresso, Keurig, or, in fact, any of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. You'll need to use an espresso pod (or the equivalent espresso setting) to brew 1-2 oz of really intense, strong coffee. Next, you'll need to use whichever milk frothing attachment you have. Some single-serve machines have automatic steam wands, while others sell their milk frother separately (such as Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart). 

Either select the latte setting or the icon that demonstrates a single layer of frothy milk. The double layer is for cappuccinos. Brew your espresso shot, then steam your milk, and pour that on top of your espresso straight away. Jecca Chantilly (also known as Jessica Chan), a former barista, says that 'to ensure you get the foam at the top of your latte, pour the milk into the cup rapidly, then move the pitcher on a circular motion. Once most of the milk has been poured, slowly shake the pitcher to create some latte art and put the reserved foam on top.'

The reason Jessica suggests steaming your milk and then pouring it without pausing is that the milk and foam separate quickly. If you let it sit on the side and then pour, you'll get your foam in one, big lump, rather than integrated into the rest of your coffee. 

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

As you might expect, baristas have lots of tips and tricks for perfecting how you make your lattes. Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista, says that the most important place to start is with good equipment. She believes that 'a quality espresso machine and grinder can make a significant difference to the taste and quality of your latte'. A good grinder will give you fine, consistently ground coffee, helping you to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee beans. Then, a good machine will be able to reach the perfect brewing temperatures and create concise pressure for perfect espressos and milk steaming.

Kayla also said that it's important to practice and experiment with your lattes. She recommends trying out syrups, spices, and alternative milks. She also says to 'practice pouring from a low height first as well as sticking to the 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk'. This will ensure you get the perfect latte flavor balance and texture.

As always, it's important not to heat your milk beyond 155°F, because it will taste burnt and will not complement the flavors of your espresso at all. If you're struggling to find the espresso flavors your local barista normally achieves, it's worth looking at your beans. If you buy cheap coffee beans, you won't be able to enjoy full, gourmet flavors either.

FAQs

Can I make a latte with regular coffee?

You can make a latte with regular coffee but will need to make some adjustments to your brewing style. Whether you drink French press or pour-over, you'll need to brew an incredibly intense version of your normal coffee. Use a 1 to 15 coffee-to-water ratio, or simply adjust your normal measurements, so that your coffee is intense. 

Then, follow our guidance on how to steam milk (using a steam wand or milk frother) and make your latte following the 1:1:1 ratio for espresso, milk, and steamed milk.

What is the ratio of coffee to milk in a latte?

There's no hard and fast rule for what makes the perfect latte, but most baristas follow a general 2:1 coffee to steamed milk rule. The way that latte milk is made should result in the overall ratio of your latte looking 1:1:1 for espresso, hot milk, and foam. When your drink settles, there should be about one finger's width of foamed milk on top of the latte. 

What's the difference between a latte and a caffè latte?

There's not any difference of note. A caffè latte typically has more steamed milk than a latte, but the variance between how different baristas make different drinks means that you'll get a very similar coffee. If there's both a caffè latte and a latte on a menu, expect the caffè latte to be weaker and more milky. However, if you can just see one of the names, it's because the barista treats them as the same drink.

Nespresso and espresso machines sound almost identical, but they're completely different coffee makers. If you're wondering which is best for your kitchen and your caffeine fix, look no further. 

As a former barista, I've spent a lot of time with the best espresso machines on the market. These close-to-commercial machines are hard to beat; they can reach temperatures and pressures like no other coffee maker. They'll guarantee you a greater-than-gourmet cup of coffee. However, they can get expensive and overwhelmingly technical, which is when you might be tempted to look elsewhere. That's where you'll find Nespresso.

The iconic coffee maker brand quite literally has espresso in its name. Their machines are some of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. Even though I would normally class myself as a coffee snob, I have to admit, Nespresso does an excellent job of speedy coffee.

Having tested both the best Nespresso makers and the best espresso machines on the market, I'm well-placed to help you choose which is the best for you. I've compared them for taste, value, usability, style, and more. I've even given you my expert recommendations further down.

What's the difference between Nespresso and espresso?

Even though there's almost no difference in their names, Nespresso and espresso machines have very little in common. Nespresso's site says that "in order to understand the differences between these machines, you first need to understand the difference between espresso and coffee". Of course, they all come from the same bean, but the flavor extraction process is completely different.

The classic, quintessential Italian method for making coffee uses espresso machines. These put freshly and finely ground coffee under high pressures and temperatures. The machine then 'pulls' water through the espresso grounds, making an espresso 'shot'. This has a bold, rich, and creamy flavor and is often thicker than filter or French press coffee. These shots form the base of all coffees: cappuccino, latte, Americano.  

Nespresso do not class themselves as an espresso machine, even though they have pods which make espresso-like drinks. Rather than use high pressures and temperatures, Nespresso compares their machines' brewing processes to drip coffee. Therefore, Nespresso machines are considered to be coffee machines.

Observant coffee drinkers might ask "why do Nespresso coffees have a crema and drip coffees don't?". Nespresso has some clever 'centrifusion' technology which spins the coffee around inside the machine, creating a thick crema-like foam. The difference between this and an authentic crema is that Nespresso's foam isn't indicative of the quality or quantity of coffee oils extracted.

Coffee purists will say that espresso machines make more authentic coffees. You can't make technical adjustments to your Nespresso, so if you want to switch-up the flavors, you'll need to select one of their different colored pods. On espresso machines, you can 'dial in' your machine to suit your flavor preferences. 

Given that there are quite a few differences, I've created a table to help you compare the two.

How do they compare?

Before we dive deep into the details of what makes a Nespresso a Nespresso and an espresso machine a speciality option, here's a quick comparison of the two. Most of the differences are more general than model specific, so don't worry if these aren't the specific coffee makers you were considering.

What do you need to know about Nespresso?

Nespresso coffee machines are some of the most expensive single-serve options on the market. They use pre-packaged capsules and high pressure to extract a coffee which is much stronger than regular drip coffee. 

You can choose between a range of pods. Some make intense shots of 'espresso' which you can treat as such. You can use this as a base for making lattes and cappuccinos (as long as you own a milk frother, especially the brand's own Aeroccino, available at Walmart). Other pods can produce a cold brew coffee, Americano, or any other non-milky you fancy.

You'll often see Vertuo in the name of Nespresso's machines. This is their main product line and really tells you which of their pods you can use in your machine. For example, you can only use 'Vertuo' pods in a Vertuo machine, because it has clever barcode scanning technology which can detect the exact type of coffee you've selected. 

Whilst detection technology means that every Nespresso perfectly extracts the pod's flavors, it can also be a little limiting. Nespresso machines are incompatible with re-usable pods, K-cups, and other options: you have to buy their proprietary pods. I use limiting in a loose sense though, because there's a range of 30 different flavors in the Vertuo line, excluding specialty, limited-edition releases. You can subscribe to Nespresso Plus, which means you regularly receive their pods. Alternatively, you can buy them as and when you need them. Either way, there's plenty of options, just within a relatively restrictive range, if that makes sense.

I've tested a range of the best Nespressos on the market, but these are my three favorites.

What do you need to know about espresso machines?

Espresso machines are the creme-de-la-crem(a) of coffee makers. They're the ones which you'll see in your local coffee shop of café. They work using 8-10 grams of finely ground coffee and will extract the coffee oils by forcing hot water at a high pressure, through the grounds.

Alex Spampinato, barista trainer, says 'there's nothing quite like making coffee in an espresso machine. There are plenty of really good, relatively compact models on the market. Ask any barista which coffee maker they have and it'll probably be the Breville Bambino Plus. It's incredible'. 

There are other brands which make good espresso machines. Breville are a reliable option, but so is De'Longhi and La Pavoni (a more specialist brand, aimed at baristas). We've tested some surprisingly good models made by household names, such as Smeg and KitchenAid too though. They'll surprise you. 

Of course, espresso machines are some of the most expensive coffee makers on the market. They're also some of the biggest too, so you'll want to be sure that you'll use yours regularly and stay on top of maintenance.

Some machines come with an integrated grinder, but, for other models, you'll need to buy one separately. This is an added expense, which you might want to account for.

FAQs

Is Nespresso the same as an espresso?

You can achieve almost identical flavor profiles to an espresso in a Nespresso. They won't be as rich and deep as a fresh espresso would be, but they'll come close. Plus, you can treat an 'espresso' made in a Nespresso like you would a shot. If you have a milk frother, you can pour in steamed milk and create some beautiful latte art. 

Whilst Nespresso coffees can tick a lot of the same boxes as an espresso, they're also different. You can select enhanced toffee and watermelon flavors and make cold brews, Americanos, and drip coffees from your Nespresso. Whilst the flavors might not be as specialist as an espresso machine's, there's a chance that it will be more versatile. 

Does Nespresso coffee or espresso have more caffeine?

According to Nespresso's measurements, their "regular espressos and lungos in the Original and Professional ranges vary from 40 to 130 mg of caffeine per cup, while Vertuo coffees range from 60 to 200 mg per cup. The intensity of a coffee does not refer to the amount of caffeine it contains".

A single shot of fresh espresso contains 63 mg of coffee. If you were to make an Americano or cappuccino with just one shot, it would be on the lower side of caffeine levels in comparison to the Nespresso's coffees. However, most coffee makers will produce a double shot, making it relatively similar to Nespresso caffeine content.

Once you know how to make an espresso at home, you won't be going back to the café. These intense, rich shots of coffee are simple and quick to make in your own kitchen. As long as you have hot water, finely ground coffee beans, and some type of coffee maker, you've got a recipe for delicious success.

Of course, as a qualified barista, I should say that the only true way to make an espresso requires one of the best espresso machines on the market. These have the power to put your coffee grounds under the high pressures and temperatures that make a traditional espresso. 

However, if you don't want to invest in one of these expensive coffee makers, you can make an unofficial espresso-like coffee following more homemade methods. Any of the best single-serve coffee makers can make an espresso – sort of – at the push of a button.  Alternatively, as long as you have one of the best grinders on the market, you can work with your coffee beans to make espresso in some of the best moka pots, French presses, or even an AeroPress. Here's how.

How to make espresso using an espresso machine

There are no awards for guessing which machine is best for making espressos: an espresso machine. These are the most expensive machines you could choose (they range from $200 to $2,000+). However, if you're an espresso enthusiast, they're worth every dollar. Espresso is literally their name: they are made to deliver the optimal pressure and sensitive temperatures for pulling the perfect shot of coffee, every time. 

If you already own one of the best espresso machines and you want to know how to use it, you're in good hands. I trained as a barista eight years ago, so I could pull shots on these machines in my sleep.  

Whether your espresso machine has an integrated grinder or not, you'll need to start making espresso by measuring out nine grams (or eighteen for a double shot) of finely ground coffee. I use coffee scales, such as these from Walmart, to ensure precision. Some machines will dose the grind for you, but if your machine doesn't have a grinder at all there are plenty of coffee grinders on the market. I would recommend the Breville Smart Grinder (available at Walmart) because it is an expert at grinding perfectly powdery coffee grounds, which is critical for a flawless espresso. Kayla Stavridis, former barista, says that 'using high-quality, freshly roasted beans is crucial for getting the best flavor from your espresso. The fresher the coffee, the more aromatic and flavorful your shot will be'.

Once you have your coffee grounds, you'll need to tamp them in your portafilter. Heap them into the portafilter basket (it will look like you have too much) and then use the tamp to apply pressure, evenly and firmly, on the grounds. Side note: if you don't own one, this stainless steel tamper from Walmart does an excellent job.

It all gets a lot easier from here. Dust off the edges of your portafilter and lock it into the espresso machine's brew head, by pulling the handle anticlockwise. You'll feel increasing resistance as you lock it securely into place. Some people struggle with positioning their portafilter, so I recommend crouching down and looking up at your brew head. You'll see that it's a bit like a jigsaw and you need to fit your portafilter into it. Once you've seen it and done this a few times, you'll get a feel for it.

After your portafilter is in place, you just need to press a button on your machine. Most home espresso machines will automatically start working and pulling water through your tamped coffee. 

The best espressos will be pulled in about 25-30 seconds. Alex Spampinato, a barista trainer, says that you can almost tell how good your espresso is going to be just from looking at it. He says that the perfect espresso 'will have a syrup-like texture and deep brown color. Once it's in your espresso cup, you're looking for a thick, hazelnut crema on top'. 

If your espresso machine isn't perfect the first time, it might need some time for both you and the machine to 'dial in'. This is a combination of the grind size, temperature, and pressure that you've used. If your shot is watery, you might want a finer grind or more coffee in your portafilter basket. If it's taking a long time to pull, make sure you're not tamping too hard or that your coffee isn't too finely ground.

Of course, in order to do this, you'll need an espresso machine. These are three of my favorites. I've tested them to make sure that they deliver consistently delicious espressos.

How to make espresso in a portable espresso maker

Portable espresso makers can deliver espresso machine results without the price tag. They're also known as manual espresso makers and you're about to find out why: they're much more hands-on.

There's no set way to use a portable espresso maker, as they all have their own mechanisms, but most of them require you to either pump or pull a lever to emulate the pressure that an espresso machine can. 

Your espresso won't taste quite as rich as an espresso machine's, nor will the crema be as thick. These are also much less versatile than an espresso machine. When you expand your skillset to making cappuccinos and lattes, you'll need to buy a milk frother (I would recommend Nespresso's Aeroccino, which you can buy from Walmart), which is an extra kit and clutter. However, even the cost of a portable espresso machine and a milk frother can be a tenth of the price of automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines.

If you need a barista recommendation, I can't overstate how good the Wacaco Picopresso is. The Flair Neo Flex is also good, but it's more complex and has a larger, less portable frame.

How to make espresso without an espresso machine

You have a few options for making espresso without an espresso machine. If you own a single-serve coffee maker or an automatic coffee machine, this will simply be a matter of selecting the espresso capsule or setting on your machine and it will do the rest. In fact, Kayla Stavridis, a former barista, even recommended using one of the best Nespresso machines as an alternative because she says that it 'can produce espresso-like coffee. While these machines may not offer the same depth as a traditional espresso machine, they can provide a convenient and quick espresso, which you can also use as a base for making different coffees'.

However, single-serve, automatic, and espresso machines are all some of the most expensive on the market. If you're on a budget, you have some options. Moka pots produce the closest flavors to espresso. In fact, lots of people class moka pot coffee as espresso: it's thick, bold and rich. You can also use your French press to make an espresso-type coffee if you want intense, strong, and bold coffee. 

How to make an espresso in a moka pot

Moka pot drinkers will tell you that the coffee they make in these percolators is the closest you'll come to espresso without a machine. They're not wrong: it's rich, dark, and bold. I don't think it quite ticks every box, but it's an excellent stand-in. Plus, even the best moka pots are much cheaper and smaller than espresso machines. 

These coffee makers work by forcing steam through coffee grounds, so you can see why this pressure and 'pushing' of moka pots is similar to the 'pulling' of an espresso shot. You won't be able to make a shot with the same crema and richness as an espresso machine can though. What you'll end up with is a 5 oz cup of intense coffee (a normal espresso shot is only one ounce).

To brew an 'espresso' in a moka pot will require you to make some careful investments. Look for a dark espresso roast coffee and a good coffee grinder (I always recommend the versatile Fellow Ode burr grinder, which is available at Amazon). You'll need to get your coffee to a fine espresso grind or a little larger.

Once you have these, you can get brewing. Fill the base of your moka pot with cold, filtered water. Add your coffee grounds to the funnel of your moka pot. Where you would have tamped in an espresso machine, don't. Just screw the top onto the base so that it is tight, but not overly tight (you'll need to be able to unscrew it). Your quantities will vary depending on the size of your moka pot. In my 6-cup Bialetti moka pot, I used 0.7 ounces of coffee and 9 ounces of filtered water.

Sit your moka pot on the stove at medium heat for about five to seven minutes. Essentially, you want your water to boil up and through the coffee grounds, into the top of the pot. You'll hear it boiling and can check on it by lifting the top off your coffee pot. When the top chamber is full and the bottom is empty, you have your 'espresso'.

If you need a moka pot recommendation, Bialetti makes the best, for both value and performance. Their Bialetti Moka Express is incredibly popular.

How to make an espresso in a French press

Even if you splash out on one of the best French presses, it'll probably still be cheaper than an inexpensive coffee makers. You probably even already have one kitchen. All you need to do is adjust the way that you brew your normal coffees to make an intense shot rather than a longer cup. The results are surprisingly convincing. 

Your French press won't have the same thick crema that a proper espresso machine produces and you're likely to end up with some sediment in your cup too. However, for $30, it's hard to complain.

Where you might opt for an ultra-fine grind in an espresso machine, you'll need much more coarse coffee. I'd still recommend using an espresso roast, just use your grinder on a medium-fine setting. This will ensure you still get the dark, slightly bitter flavors of a classic espresso, but the coarser grinds won't sneak through your French press filter.

Grind about half a cup of coffee beans (1.3 oz) and boil 7 oz of filtered water to 200 degrees. Then, pour your water over the grounds as if you were making normal French press coffee. Four minutes later you can place the lid on your French press, plunge, and pour your 'espresso' into espresso cups.

If you need French press recommendations, I love the Alessi French press. However, if you're on a budget, the Bodum Chambord is an attractive, affordable alternative.

How to make an espresso in an AeroPress

AeroPresses are very similar to portable espresso makers, except for the fact that their mechanisms don't work based off the same pressure generation. Their similarities to normal espresso makers means that it's easy to make espresso-like coffee. All you have to do is follow your normal AeroPress brewing method, just use a finer grind and less coffee. Experts recommend investing in the  Fellow Prismo Attachment for AeroPress ($25 on Amazon, which can act a little like a valve, brewing espresso-type coffee.

FAQs

What is an espresso?

Espresso is only officially made in espresso makers (although you can achieve a similar flavor profile if you own one of the best moka pots). These can meet the SCA's criteria for what makes an espresso which are:

• 0.85–1.2 ounce beverage per shot
• prepared using 7-9 grams of coffee (14-18g for double shots)
• uses clean water which is 195°–205°F
• under pressure
• made in 20-30 seconds

The SCA also says that 'while brewing, the flow of espresso will appear to have the viscosity of warm honey and the resulting beverage will exhibit a thick, dark golden crema'. It's all a very formal way of saying that espressos are thick, rich, and intense shots of coffee which are brewed to be consumed quickly.

What kind of coffee beans do you need for espresso?

You can use any coffee beans you like the taste of in your espresso machine. However, if you need some guidance, the best place to start is on dark roasted coffee. These oily beans are really strong and oftentimes they're called 'espresso roast'. Darker, richer flavors are more forgiving on the high-pressures and temperatures required to make an espresso.

What is a blonde espresso?

Blonde espresso is still espresso, just made with lightly roasted beans. They're mild and more delicate, normally boasting floral and fruity notes. You'll want to be careful with these, because the notes are delicate and require more skill toe extract.

Nespresso is iconic, and their VertuoPlus is a case in point. It’s sleek and stylish, will make delicious coffee at just the touch of a button, and comes with an array of smart features too. 

I’ve made my way through testing a range of the best Nespresso machines on offer. The other day, I was talking with our other coffee experts and one of them mentioned the VertuoPlus as one of the most overlooked, but also one of the best single-serve coffee makers of all time. I too had overlooked the VertuoPlus, because it only offers 3 oz more capacity than the Vertuo Next and it's much bigger. 

After calling in and putting the VertuoPlus though its paces, I found that the VertuoPlus is unfairly overlooked. I've been using the VertuoPlus to get my caffeine fix for over a week now. I haven't stopped using it since testing and I can confirm that it's amongst the elite of Nespresso's offering.

Specifications

Unboxing

Nespresso does an excellent job of the finer details, which includes their packaging. It’s all completely recyclable, nicely printed, and the box opens both from the top and side. This means you can see your machine from a countertop perspective, both for admiration and for lifting it out. This type of box eliminates the scenario in which you end up wrestling with your new coffee maker, desperately trying to free it from its packaging. 

This looks like every Nespresso does on the countertop. It’s sleek, with curved edges (although you can choose between a range of colors), but it's also pretty tall. It sits at more than a foot tall, which should still fit under standard cabinets, but may not if you have low spaces, or if you want to place this on a bookshelf as part of a coffee nook. 

Who would it suit?

Given that the VertuoPlus is an enlarged version of Nespresso's classic design, it's best suited to big, busy homes. It can speed through a whole host of coffees in a matter of minutes. The huge water reservoir doesn’t need refilling often and, when it does, the useful handle makes the whole process extremely easy. For beginners, this is easy to use. All you have to do is press a button (no cliches here, this is quite literally all you have to do) and the NespressoPlus can brew your coffee. 

The VertuoPlus is compatible with all 30 of the Vertuo capsules, so you can opt for everything from espresso to cold brew (another reason why this suits families). Whilst that range is impressive, it means that you’re reliant on Nespresso and their capsule selection. If you like to grind your own coffee or have your eye on some unique K-cups, you’ll want to give this one a miss. 

It’s also, as you might expect, overkill for small homes and couples. It's also on the expensive end of the single-serve market. If you’re on a budget, Nespresso can offer better, smaller options.

What is it like to use?

I’ve tested plenty of Nespressos, so I’m familiar with how they work. They’re incredibly simple, so I don’t think it would take much effort to get a good grasp of the VertuoPlus anyway. Aside from inserting the capsule and pressing a button, the machine will do everything else for you.

I started by putting the machine on rinse. This used nearly 24 fl oz of water and took five minutes, so make sure you do it before your coffee cravings hit. It’s good for getting all the factory dust out of your machine (and coffee), but you’ll need a big container.

Test 1: espresso

The first test I put any single-serve coffee maker through is a simple espresso. Nespresso send a capsule starter pack, and there are more Vertuo pods available at Nespresso. I’ll admit that these can be confusing to outsiders, but once you have Nespresso’s translation for what each capsule can do, it’s fairly easy to navigate.

I started with the capriccio, which is their 'rich and distinctive' espresso capsule. The VertuoPlus warmed up in 15 seconds and, if it’s possible, my espresso was ready even quicker. It took just 13 seconds to brew and came out at 176°F, with a beautiful, hazelnut crema on top. It tasted delicious, with some delicate notes of acidity. The crema even had that ashy flavor. 

I then tested a double espresso capsule (chiaro) to see how different it was. This brewed in 17 seconds and was 2.7 fl oz. The flavors were still spot-on: deep, rich, and earthy. There was again, a lovely thick crema, but I should say that this is a 'false' layer. The Veruto pods work with centrifrugal force, spinning coffee out of the pod. The 'crema' isn't a true crema, but aerated coffee froth. It looks great and my coffee still tasted delicious, but worth noting that the thick crema shouldn’t be taken as any kind of quality indicator.

Test 2: americano

I enjoyed the alto capsule for making my Americano. The VertuoPLus needed just 40 seconds, which is close to record time, before it completed brewing 14 fl oz of yet more delicious coffee. This was hard to drink immediately because it was just so hot. I recorded it at nearly 198°F. Once it had cooled (and I had lost the crema) I enjoyed my coffee. It was delicately earthy, but nicely balanced with some good, intensely rich flavors. It could certainly stand up to a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee, possibly even an espresso machine’s Americano. 

I also tested a slightly smaller Americano, using their Vivida capsules. These were 7.8 fl oz and came out well extracted. I was worried that the flavors would become weak and flat when they were needed for a really big coffee, but they weren’t. The machine maintained a nice, biscuity cup of coffee. Again, I should caveat this by saying that it was good for a single-serve machine. Compared to a fresh bean-to-cup machine, the flavors were definitely flatter and more two dimensional, but that’s an unfair comparison to make. 

Test 3: cappuccino

The Vertuo Plus can’t officially make cappuccinos and lattes unless you buy Nespresso’s Aeroccino (available at Walmart) separately.  You can buy it in a Nespresso bundle, also from Walmart, but only if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos.

Luckily, I still have the Aeroccino 4 from our best milk frother tests, so could use it as if I had bought the VertuoPlus bundle. I brewed an espresso and then frothed some milk. The shot which the Nespresso brewed was balanced really nicely by the hot, latte milk. It made a really smooth latte. Of course, this requires another appliance and some more time, but it’s proof that the Nespresso can stand up to other coffee makers which boast steam wands.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Nespresso makes the cleaning as easy as the coffee making. The water tank has a neat handle and wide mouth, so it’s easy to lift off and reach every corner when cleaning and filling it up. The VertuoPlus also comes with two pod bins that I couldn’t even fill on my tests, again, a testament to how well suited this is to families. I calculated that you could make ten coffees before you would need to empty the pod bins, which is more than enough. 

As for storage, this is a pretty big coffee maker, so I wouldn’t recommend that you try to do anything except leave it on display. It’s sleek and stylish, so makes the perfect focal point for your coffee nook. Just make sure to measure any wall cabinets to make sure it can sit under them.

How does it rate online?

You won’t be surprised to hear that the VertuoNext is popular amongst reviewers and owners. It’s certainly not one of Nespresso’s most talked about models and the team and I couldn’t quite work out why. We could find nothing but good things to shout about. 

Reviewers were unanimous in praising this for its quick, relatively high quality coffee. They all said that it was easy to use and they liked having it on display. People also enjoyed the adjustable drip tray, which means that your espressos won't end up splashed on the sides of your VertuoPlus. It also means that you can fit even tall travel cups underneath too. I saw lots of people commenting on the 40 ounce water tank: how infrequently it needs filling and how easy it is to clean.

There's next-to-no criticism of this online, aside from the fact that it's only compatible with Nespresso's Vertuo pods. It does mean that you're locked-in to buying from the brand. However, they're some of  best the single-serve I've tasted, even if they're a little overpriced.

How does it compare?

If you don’t need the immense capacity of the VertuoPlus, you should definitely consider the Vertuo Next. This sits at the top of our buying guide, because it’s quick, relatively compact, and stylish. If you're looking to save $50 and you want a few more ounces capacity in your water reservoir, you should choose the VertuoPlus. If not, the Next is slicker and smaller.

If you think your family could make use of a milk texturing function, I would recommend taking a look at the Vertuo Lattissima. This is boxier, and not available in the same range of colors as the VertuoPlus. However, it boasts significant capacity and, of course, an integrated milk texturing system. 

Where the Lattissima wins big is on milk texturing. I had to have a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes in the VertuoPlus, but the Lattissima comes with a neat carafe. You can store it in the refrigerator door when it’s not in use and then click it into place and the machine does the rest. You don’t even need to pour the milk into your cup, the spout will do it for you.

Overall, the Vertuo Next is the best option if you don't need capacity. The Plus is better for bigger homes and the Lattissima is better for milky coffees. 

Should you buy it?

I was impressed with the VertuoPlus. They’ve balanced family-capacity with a neat and sleek design that I would be happy to make room for on my countertop. It’s overkill if you’re just one person making one coffee, but a true lifesaver for families. 

How we test

At Homes & Gardens our testing process is rigorous across all coffee makers. We have a standard series of coffees which we ask every automatic and single-serve machine to make: espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. Espresso shows us how well the machine extracts the fundamental flavors of your coffee, an Americano shows us how well it can balance and dilute the espresso: there’s real skill in keeping coffee hot, but not burning it. Cappuccinos can be tricky to test because not every machine has milk frothing functions. If they do though, we look for smooth, silky milk (on both dairy and non-dairy options), which adds sweetness to the normally more punchy and acidic espressos.

When testing Nespressos, we are at the mercy of their capsules, because their machines are exclusively compatible with their proprietary pods. We choose the same ones for each Nespresso test, so that we can compare between models and do our best to extrapolate this across to other single-serve machines.

Outside of the coffee flavors and capsules, we also make notes on how easy a coffee maker is to clean, store, and maintain, because these are the factors which will affect your everyday life and how often you reach for a machine. The more intuitive, the better. If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

If you're dreaming of cozy coffee mornings at home, you'll want to shop for the best coffee maker deals. If you're smart about it, it's possible to snag that dream machine for less.

As Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliance editor, I know my way around the best coffee maker deals. I've tested the best products on the market, worked in a coffee roastery, attended tasting masterclasses, and shadowed a barista to make sure I know the best when I see it. I'm constantly tracking the prices of our favorite machines, so you can get the best coffee maker deals without spending hours researching.

Whether you want the best espresso machine, best drip coffee maker, French press, or Nespresso pod coffee machine, we've got you covered with these editor-approved deals. Here's everything you need to know, including: when to shop the best coffee maker deals, where to look and, specifically, which machines to invest in.

Where to shop the best coffee maker deals

• Amazon Prime: frequent discounts on big name brands with next day delivery
• Walmart: discounts on Keurig, Ninja, or Cuisinart will be here
• Best Buy: coffee maker deals on Breville, De'Longhi, and Nespresso
• QVC: discounts on French presses, pour-overs, bean-to-cup machines
• Target: afforable coffee brands for even less in the sales
• Williams Sonoma: occassional discounts on premium products, like Aeropress
• Wayfair: a secret stack of discounts on brands like De'Longhi and Ninja

How to choose the best coffee maker deal

If you're unsure which coffee maker to choose in the sales, my comprehensive guide to the best coffee makers is a good place to start. This covers all the bases and I will help you find the right brewing method for your taste and budget. I keep the page up-to-date with the latest deals, too. If you already know what type of machine you're looking for, I've covered more specific categories below.

• Best coffee makers
• Best espresso machines
• Best drip coffee makers
• Best pod coffee machines
• Best Nespresso machines
• Best cold brew coffee makers
• Best French press
• Best pour-over coffee makers
• Best moka pots
• Best iced coffee makers
• Best non-toxic coffee makers

Our favorite coffee makers 2025

These are the first machines I would look for in the sales. They are the highest-rated coffee makers at the top of our buying guides. It's a good idea to put these 5-star machines on your wishlist before the sales kick-off, so you can rest assured you'll invest in a high-quality coffee maker deal, rather than a panicked bargain.

When to shop the best coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day might be my favorite time of year to find coffee maker deals. The event is held annually in mid-July (with an additional fall event in October). Prime Day brings deep discounts across Amazon’s extensive selection of coffee makers, espresso machines, and coffee accessories.

Last Prime Day, I found savings of up to 55% off on brands like Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, and De’Longhi. For Prime members, early access to lightning deals and extra savings on select items sweeten the deal even further. I also discovered that those new to Prime can qualify for a free 30-day trial – so everybody can enjoy the discounts and speedy delivery.

Labor Day coffee maker deals

Labor Day isn't just a holiday, it's an excellent time to shop for coffee makers, with sales often extending through the entire holiday weekend and into early September. As one of the last big sales events before the holiday shopping season, Labor Day sees some generous discounts on coffee makers. It’s a great opportunity to pick up drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and single-serve brewers for 20-40% off.

Black Friday coffee maker deals

Black Friday to Cyber Monday is a famously great weekend for coffee lovers and bargain hunters alike. Most major retailers slash prices, and many top coffee brands get in on the action (Nespresso, De'Longhi and Philips all run Black Friday coffee maker deals) – so these are the perfect days to score a machine you’ll love without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re after a classic drip machine, a sleek espresso maker, or a state-of-the-art bean-to-cup model, the Black Friday coffee maker deals offer options at every price point. I always recommend looking at the iced coffee and cold brew coffee makers at this time of the year, as summer appliances are often drastically reduced in the Winter.

If you miss a Black Friday coffee maker deal or want to compare prices, Cyber Monday is a second chance to score major savings across brands and models. In my experience, the Cyber Monday prices aren't as low as they are on Black Friday itself.

Holiday season coffee maker deals

Retailers like Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart run holiday season discounts on everything from entry-level brewers to premium espresso machines, which makes gifting a little easier. In the past, I've seen coffee maker deals on brands like Nespresso, Breville, De’Longhi, and Jura, especially on their older or smaller models.

How we find the best coffee maker deals

It's actually my full-time job. All year round, I research the best coffee makers, exploring the newest models, rigorously testing popular machines, and tracking price trends to identify those with standout features, value, good design, and reliability. I continually update our best coffee maker buying guide throughout the year, documenting price drops and comparing prices so we’re always ready when the biggest discounts hit.

With years of experience, I know which retailers consistently offer the most competitive coffee maker deals. Amazon is unbeatable for its vast selection, while Walmart and Best Buy excel in appliance sales, and Target and Wayfair are my go-tos for bundle offers and good-looking espresso machine discounts. I’m always on the lookout for value-packed bundles that include extras like milk frothers, coffee pods, or extended warranties, so you get the most out of every purchase.

To catch the best coffee maker deals, I also use price-comparison tools. Timing is everything, especially for seasonal sales. Deals go live at different times, so I check early and late in the day to catch midnight drops, restocks, and the day’s best savings.

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How we test coffee makers

At Homes & Gardens, we take our coffee maker tests seriously. Before we feature them or recommend you buy them, each machine will have been tested by our experts and compared to models from top brands like Breville, Nespresso, and Technivorm.

Where possible, we test how a coffee machine fares on making espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. This allows us see the range that a coffee maker has, across milky coffee as well as more intense and flavorful shots. However, if a coffee maker claims to be able to make a vast menu of different coffees, we'll test them all and let you know about them in our 'special features' section. We make sure to use the same coffee beans in each test, so that we can compare how well the flavors and aromas of the coffee has been extracted. If a machine can froth milk, we will test non-dairy milks too, as these can be temperamental.

We'll make notes on everything from aesthetics to cleaning and maintenance, so that you can get a holistic idea of what these machines are like to live with before you invest in them. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page to learn how we test coffee makers.

FAQS

When is the best time to get coffee maker deals?

In my opinion, it's the holiday shopping season. Kicking off with Black Friday coffee maker deals and closely followed by Cyber Monday coffee maker deals, this is the best time of year for kitchen appliance deals. But you can usually find a great deal on a coffee machine all year round.

You’ll find some of the biggest discounts on automatic espresso machines, Keurig and Nespresso machines, especially on the high-end models and bundled deals. You'll probably be able to pair your new machine with a discount on the best coffee grinder, as well as the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home.

If you want coffee made quicker than you can say Keurig, you're in the right place. These simple, single-serve machines are famed for their efficiency, versatility, and inexpensive RRP, so should you buy one?

You've probably seen Keurig and the K-Cup pods all over store shelves and in seasonal sales. These days, the brand is absolutely everywhere. Most of this success is owed to Keurig's ability to brew quick, cheap, caffeine fixes better than the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. However, not every model made by the brand is perfect. In fact, we've tested some which we just didn't rate at all, so you need to choose which you buy very carefully.

I've selected six of the best Keurigs on the market. Kudos to Keurig, these are all good models, especially the K-Elite, which sits at the top of this list. It's versatile, speedy, and consistent. Actually, I think it's a serious rival to some of the best Nespresso machines – that is the best praise you can give a cheaper single-serve machine. So for all things Keurig - which model to shop, who they suit, and where to pick up a good Keurig deal - look no further than this list.

The quick list

If you need a quick introduction into equally speedy coffee, here are the headlines for the best Keurigs. We'll go into more detail further down.

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The best Keurig coffee makers 2024

The best Keurig coffee maker overall

It's becoming increasingly common knowledge that the K-Elite is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. It's extremely versatile, boasts enough capacity for a whole family, and can brew delicious coffee really quickly. That's why it's in top spot (and we don't think it will be leaving it any time soon).

Granted the K-Elite isn't exactly beautiful, but it is practical. The clock and timer are really useful to have in your kitchen and all the functions are easy to navigate, so you can make speedy coffee without the need for instructions or online help.

The K-Elite is bulkier than the K-Mini and K-Slim, but that's because it has a huge 75 fl. oz water reservoir on the back. This is good news for large homes: you won't need to constantly refill your Keurig. It's also good news for larger homes because the Keurig offers a range of cup sizes, from four to twelve ounces, across a range of coffee settings. Yes, those settings do include iced coffee. And also, yes, they do include the iconic 'stronger brew' function too. And, finally, yes, you can change the temperature.

The K-Elite, aside from a vast menu of options, can brew coffee in under a minute. That makes it one of the quickest Keurigs on the market too (alongside all the other accolades that we could award this).

People generally loved this. They praise the coffee and versatility, but plenty of people questioned the machine's durability. They say that the plastic cup that holds the pods feels flimsy, as does the drip tray. This doesn't surprise me; for the price, the K-Elite delivers on some pretty ambitious promises, so corners had to be cut somewhere. As it turns out, this was on quality.

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The quietest Keurig coffee maker

This is a true entry-level machine. It's simple, sturdy, and whisper-silent. It almost stole top spot, but it's a little too bulky. Aside from that, it's pretty perfect in the world of Keurig coffee makers.

The K-Select's specialty is strong coffee. It has a special function which allows you to make bolder, deeper coffee in the same amount of time as the standard cup (one minute). Both professional and customer reviewers agree that the results of this stronger brew setting are seriously impressive. Not only does it pack a punch, it carries stronger flavors with it, too. Did I mention about how it's almost silent when it works? It's incredible.

So, this is quick and quiet. To complete my alliterative three, reviews all say that this feels like one of the best quality Keurigs on the market too. The 52-ounce reservoir won't need refilling often, making it perfect for large households who drink a lot of coffee. The only downside to this capacity is that it leaves the K-Select looking clunky on the countertop. It also doesn't have the finishes of some other Keurig models, but, on the flip side, the build-quality is one of the best. Plus, it comes in a range of colors too, so you can match this to the color scheme in your kitchen.

The biggest downside, apart from the bulk, is the brewing process. Whilst the flavors are good and the K-Select is quick, it splashes a fair amount of coffee over the countertop. Reviewers also said that the coffee can come out a little lukewarm for the first couple of cups: it needs to run for a while before you're getting some properly hot coffee.

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The best Keurig coffee maker for small spaces

You could catch me on a technicality here: I know this isn't the smallest coffee maker that Keurig makes, but it has the balance perfect. The K-Slim might be compact, but it can still make a decent enough cup of coffee. As you turn to Keurig's smaller K-Mini, you start to compromise on quality, for both coffee and build.

The K-Slim comes in a range of tasteful colors, whether you are looking for monochrome hues or a bright pop of color, there's a K-Slim shade for you. It takes up next-to-no countertop room, so can slot into any space or cupboard in your kitchen, which is really convenient. I've seen people stack this on wall shelves too: it's light enough, but watch out, because it comes out quite far from the back.

As for the coffee itself, the K-Slim can brew a full cup in under two minutes. Keurig uses their 'multistream technology' which claims to better saturate the K-Cups. Having not tested this myself, I can't vouch for the flavors, but expert reviewers and customers alike seem to be convinced that this technology does the trick. If you want a good cup of single-serve coffee, this will serve it up to you. However, this only brews 8, 10, and 12 ounce coffees, so don't expect an espresso any time soon.

The main criticism I found was that this can be a little inconsistent temperature-wise. For such a simple machine, this is a shame, because there's very little you, as a user, can do to rectify it. Similarly, if it overheats, there's nothing you can do except disassemble your machine and reset the thermostat, which I don't think any of us dream about. It's a great price point, but comes with some compromises.

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The best Keurig coffee maker for speciality coffee

Craft coffee might not sound like a Keurig specialty. It might not even sound like a single-serve specialty, but the K-Cafe Barista Bar goes a long way towards, fresher, more flavorful coffee.

As you might expect, the K-Cafe is more expensive than most other Keurig machines, but, in spite of the price tag, it's also one of their most popular models. Both expert and customer reviews are packed with praise for the full, rich, and flavorful coffee that this Keurig makes. Plus, if you want to mix up the strength and length of your coffee, this can. It even comes with a milk frother, ready to serve up cappuccinos and lattes too.

Reviewers praised not only the flavors, but the speed at which the K-Cafe delivers them. It's almost as quick as the K-Express, brewing a cup of coffee in less than two minutes. However, it still delivers those strong coffees that all the reviews rave about.

Aside from the uncharacteristically high price tag reviewers had very few criticisms. Some people felt that the coffee could be a little hotter, which you can adjust on the machine, and others felt that the design was better suited to right-handed users, because that's where the milk frother sits. Having not yet tested it myself, I would also be interested to see what the milk texturing is like. I haven't seen anyone go deep into details, but I would be surprised if it's good at cold foam, given that De'Longhi has only just perfected it and their machines cost ten times the price of a Keurig.

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The most versatile Keurig coffee maker

There are other Keurigs which can make iced coffee (the K-Elite, the K-Mini Plus, the K-Slim and Iced, the K-Cafe, and the K-Duo all available at Walmart), but none are as versatile as this. The K-Supreme SMART is by far the most versatile coffee maker that Keurig offers, with customizable options for brew strength, temperature, drink size, and more. This means that it will probably make you one of the best cups of single-serve coffee you'll drink and it won't take long to do it either.

You might expect that this is big, given how much it has to offer. However, in our tests, one of the first things that our experts spotted was how 'it's notably more compact than any other Keurig model'. Even if you're short in space in your kitchen, we think you could easily squeeze the K-Supreme SMART in.

We could make some delicious hot drinks in the K-Supreme and these weren't just limited to coffee. I'd put this in the context of cheaper single-serve machines though. We were surprised at how delicious these were, but only because the K-Supreme is $150. Compared to other, more expensive single-serve coffee makers, this is still a little flat.

The only thing our experts questioned was the 'SMART' label on the K-Supreme SMART. This is supposed to be the step up from a K-Supreme, but actually, it can be a little limiting. The app won't work to its full potential unless you're connected to the Wi-Fi and even when you're online, it's not very useful. We made an account and hopped in to check out the 'Café Creation' drinks, but found that they're really just elaborations on the different K-Cups. You can turn on high-altitude brewing, create favorites and schedule brewing, but we thought you'd be just as quick popping a K-cup in and pushing a good old-fashioned button. The rest of the app is really a shopping section. That might appeal to some, but we don't think owners of the original K-Supreme are missing out.

You can read more in our Keurig K-Supreme SMART review

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The best budget Keurig coffee maker

With the K-Mini Plus, our experts kept finding themselves saying things like 'in context', 'for the price', and 'as a small model'. So, you have to take the K-Mini Plus with a budget mindset. It's not the most versatile, nor is it the neatest, nor is it the quickest. What is it? An absolute steal for a small, single-serve coffee maker.

The K-Mini Plus is the smallest machine Keurig makes. You can choose from a range of color options too, so aesthetically, this is a friendly face to have in your coffee nook.

It's slim and perfectly petite, so we're confident that no matter how small your kitchen is (even if it's dorm room size), you'll be able to squeeze it in. Even better, there's a space inside the machine for storing your K-Cups. If you hadn't guessed from the name, the K-Mini is all about space-saving. Even the water reservoir is small: it is a single-serve capacity, so you'll need to keep refilling.

Here is where the 'considering' context setting starts. Our experts tested this for weeks, making coffee, hot apple cider, and chai lattes in the K-Mini and said that it 'makes good drinks (especially considering the price'. You can even opt for a stronger brew, which will do exactly as promised, making a more punchy coffee drink.

However, there are a few compromises. When brewing coffee, this splatters a lot and it takes longer than average to brew. You'll need a microfiber cloth nearby to make sure your coffee station stays sparkling clean.

You can read more in our dedicated K-Mini Plus review

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How to choose the best Keurig coffee maker

Whilst Keurig's coffee makers are all single-serve, there's a lot of variety between models. Choosing the right one for you depends upon a few factors:

Size

Single-serve coffee makers are the kinds of machines that you'll keep on the countertop all the time. The way it looks and the amount of space that it demands is really important for deciding which one you want. As a general rule, Keurig's bigger coffee makers tend to be better, but their small models can be great space-saving options.

Capacity

When I'm talking about capacity, I'm thinking of the water reservoir. Keurig's smallest machines either don't have or only have single-serve reservoirs. Some of their biggest reservoirs can cater for up to ten cups of coffee. The size of your household will dramatically affect how big you want your reservoir to be.

Range

Keurigs offer a range of functions. All make coffee, but some only make black coffee, some can make coffees with milk, some can do iced coffees, and some have stronger settings and temperature controls. The range of cup size options (4oz up to 12oz) varies depending on the Keurig you choose too.

How we test and review Keurig coffee makers

We're currently on a mission to test every Keurig we can. However, it's still an ongoing process, meaning we have hands-on experience with some of the coffee makers in this guide, but we don't have it with all of them.

If a Keurig is on our testing wish list, we will do as much research as we can before giving you our thoughts on it. We look through customer and professional reviews, checking and cross-checking claims, criticisms, and special features to make sure that every aspect of the Keurig is accounted for. By the time we've finished doing our due diligence, we know the coffee maker better than almost the manufacturers themselves.

When we can get our hands on a Keurig, we have a series of standardized tests which we put them through. Our team of experts test each model on a range of functions so that we can tell you what it's like to use.

If a Keurig only offers hot drinks, we use K-cups to make coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot drinks in a range of sizes. We let you know how long they take to brew, how hot they are, and, most importantly, what they taste like. You'll know about every single drop (including those that splash onto the countertop).

Some Keurigs boast iced coffee functions too. In this instance, we'll use special Over-Ice K-cups, which you can buy from Walmart to test the temperature, quantity, and flavors of the iced coffees. The most important factor here is that the coffee doesn't taste too bitter or acidic. A well-extracted iced coffee should be smooth and brighter, with fruitier notes.

We'll also make notes on the appearance, clean up and maintenance that comes with each Keurig, because these factors will influence how likely you are to use yours often. In short, we'll let you know about every single feature before you buy one, so that you don't have any unwelcome surprises if you choose to buy one.

If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

FAQs

Which is better, Keurig or Nespresso?

Both Keurig and Nespresso are single-serve celebrities, but which one is better? Each person will have different priorities when they're choosing which coffee maker to buy. Keurigs are great for two reasons. First, they're a fraction of the price of lots of other single-serve coffee makers, including Nespresso. Second, they're more widely compatible with different pods. Sourcing ones that fit a Nespresso can be tricky (since they have to be Nespresso branded), but plenty of brands make their own K-Cups, so you can experiment with different flavors more easily.

Some people opt for Nespressos instead because the build-quality is objectively better. These machines feel more robust and, even better, they're often made with recycled materials. If you put quality coffee high on your list of priorities, you'll find that Nespresso brews are always more flavorful, nuanced, and generally better brewed. You really get the luxury experience.

If you want to find out more, we have a whole article dedicated to the Keurig vs Nespresso debate.

Which pods can I use in a Keurig?

Keurigs are versatile machines, meaning that they're compatible with plenty of different K-Cup pods. Generally, if you see something labeled as a K-Cup, it'll fit in your coffee maker. However, if you want to be really sure, you can check the brands of K-Cup that Keurigs carry, you can look on their dedicated page.

Where's the best place to buy a Keurig?

Keurig's are widely available, but I'd recommend shopping around. There's almost always a Keurig deal or discount on offer, so you can save some extra money. We even have a dedicated page for Keurig deals, which become especially enticing around big sales periods. Make sure to check it out.

Everyone loves coffee, but traditional coffee makers can be an eyesore. Luckily, lifestyle queen Reese Witherspoon has a solution. 

The Legally Blonde actress shared a cheery TikTok in her kitchen, and we couldn't help but notice the Nespresso Evoluo Graphite Metal Vertuo coffee maker on her countertop.

Reese Witherspoon's chic coffee maker is sleek and stylish. The shimmery graphite exterior gives it a futuristic feel, while the rectangular water container on the side combined with the rounded front gives the maker a sculptural aestheic. 

According to H&G's resident coffee expert Laura Honey, the Evoluo Coffee Maker is well worth the counter space. Laura states: 'Nespresso dominates the single-serve coffee maker market. Their slick and stylish makers are easy to leave on display because they're just so beautiful.' If style matters to you, Reese's coffee maker is a great option.

Reese's Nespresso pod coffee maker isn't all style with no substance. Laura says that Nespresso makers are 'effortless to use, quick to work, and (most importantly) they make delicious coffees. What's not to love?'

She continues on the delicious, barista-worthy coffee, 'Nespresso makers make use of smart technology, and they spin the coffee while it's inside the maker. This gives each drink a lovely, thick, hazelnutty crema: the aesthetic indicator of a well-extracted coffee. If I need a reliably delicious, single-serve coffee, you can almost guarantee that I'll be turning to Nespresso.'

Furthermore, Laura says that Reese's coffee maker provides options for several different types of coffee. She states: 'Whilst I haven't tested the exact model Reese uses, it's part of Nespresso's Vertuo line. That means it's only compatible with their specific Vertuo pods. That might sound a little limiting, but they're always releasing delicious flavors. Aside from the obvious basics, they've made watermelon cold brew, gingerbread blends, and mint-flavored coffee too. If you can dream up a flavor, Nespresso has probably made it.'

If coffee and interior design are your bread and butter, and lets be honest, for most H&G readers, they are, Reese's coffee maker sits at the intersection of both. 

There's a certain magic in the ritual of brewing a morning cup of coffee. That morning mug or mid-afternoon pick-me-up is a time-honored tradition for many, setting the tone for the day ahead. So what if you could further enhance this experience by carving out a dedicated space in your home with a coffee nook designed exclusively for the joy of sitting down with your morning brew?

Inviting its cozy warmth into our homes, the newly-dubbed 'Cafecore' trend is emerging as one of the biggest kitchen trends for 2024. Going beyond your average coffee station, it’s the art of creating a space reminiscent of your favorite cafe.

Comfortable, functional, and a great banquette seating alternative for those short on space, a coffee nook is a small but mighty spot that can be tailored to work with the flow of your kitchen, dining room, or family room.

Whether you fancy a cafe-style dining spot to sit and sip or a compact coffee bar that exudes an air of at-home cafe ambiance, we've consulted the experts to gather all the inspiration you need.

How to create the perfect coffee nook

So why is the coffee nook so popular? According to designer Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors, it stems from a commonplace feeling that mornings are often far too hectic. 'Having a morning ritual in a beautifully packaged space will never get old since it provides a moment of joy before the rush of the day takes over,' says Clara.

If space allows, designating a cozy nook with comfortable seating and a table for your coffee is the ultimate form of self-indulgence. To help you create a spot that echoes the comfort, functionality, and social allure of your favorite coffee spot, we've tapped into the minds of interior designers to get their hot take on creating a coffee nook at home.

1. Select the best spot

When searching for the perfect spot or small corner of your home to turn into a little retreat, beyond mere functionality, there are a few key ideas to consider. 

The first thing to check off your list is finding a space with good natural light like under a window, if possible. In this London pied-à-terre, above, designed by Nigel Hunt a cozy banquette seating area has been cleverly carved from the end of a slim galley kitchen. 

'We added a perfectly padded bench with hidden storage below that has space for 6 to perch, drink, and chat. It's sunlit by day with a warm amber glow by night thanks to the dainty wall lights,' says Nigel, head of design studio Huntreay. 

'The best spot is in a corner of the kitchen and especially good if it’s near a window so you can hang up some floaty curtains to create some intimacy,' agrees deVOL's creative director Helen Parker.

A coffee nook needn't just be reserved for the kitchen, however. You can just as seamlessly curate a space within your dining room, family room, or even living room should you wish to curl up with a good book and a hot drink.

Interior designer Montana Labelle agrees that finding the good light is crucial to a good coffee corner. 'Both cozy and practical, a coffee nook is the ultimate luxury for any home,' says Montana. 'We love the idea of a moody space to sit and sip your morning latte - take the coffee-inspired palette of this space, it's a dream spot to sit on a morning.'

Look for a spot where you can easily integrate small shelving or storage (or build it in yourself), and ensure close proximity to a power source for coffee makers and other gadgets.

2. Create a café-style dining set-up

Once you've landed on the best corner, alcove, or niche to create your coffee nook it's time to bring in some furniture. Choose a bistro table and a couple of comfortable chairs to create a cafe ambiance.

'A small, ideally round, table of any sort is the key to a cozy little bistro nook. Create a banquette with just room enough for 2-4 people to squash around and add some cafe-style chairs,' says Helen Parker.

Designer Kathy Kuo agrees. 'I love the idea of making use of underused corners and crannies in your kitchen by adding a bistro table for a coffee nook – all you really need is a small table and 1-2 bistro chairs or counter stools.'

'It's a lovely way to utilize every last inch of your kitchen space and if you end up needing the space for a big day of cooking, bistro chairs and tables are lightweight enough to quickly move out temporarily,' advises Kathy.

3. Prioritize comfort with banquette seating

The other approach is, of course, to employ bench seating – a feature Simon Temprell, interior design lead at Neptune, has found is gaining in popularity. 

'A custom nook can be more economical on space than a free-standing table and chairs. Bench seating can be installed to create an L-shaped configuration, with storage underneath and a softly raked back that can be softened with cushions and throws,' says Simon. 'You can add a few chairs to complete the setting and anchor the dining table with a pendant light or wall lights,' he adds.

Interior designer, Laura Stephens took a similar approach when designing the above nook to make the most out of a small space at the back of the kitchen. 

'We panelled the walls to add character and created kitchen storage in the bench adding bright cushions for interest,' says Laura. 'The pendant helps to define the space and we made box cushions (in addition to scatter cushions) to ensure the seating was extra comfortable for a morning coffee!'

Consider all the things that feel conducive to a little me-time: big squishy cushions, a throw or blanket, task lighting for reading or scrolling, and maybe even somewhere to put up your feet. 

4. Put your favorite things on display

The goal is to turn your coffee time into a ritual that is just for you; so there a no hard and fast rules other than one: make it a space that feels completely you.

'When styling a coffee nook, incorporating antique accessories such as mugs, crockery, lighting, and art creates an inviting corner full of charm and personality,' advises Suie Atkinson, founder and creative director of Studio Atkinson. 'To soften up the seating area, the use of cotton and linen fabrics creates a textural effect that is both comfortable and visually interesting,' she adds.

'Touch is important,' agrees designer Artem Kropovinsky. 'Coffee corners are made all the­ more cozy with textured pillows, fluffy rugs, and soft, warm wood surface­s. To mimic your favorite coffee­ shop, use soft, ambient lights and consider adding some plants in small pots to bring in a natural, fresh vibe to your coffee time.'

5. Perfect the art of an on-display coffee station

Now you've assigned an area of your home to coffee hour, filled it with bistro-style furniture, and styled it up with your very best mugs, it's time to think about the actual coffee-making itself. 

'Coffee nooks are now one of the most requested features of the bespoke kitchens we design,' observes Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport Kitchens.  'As the popularity of coffee has exploded, so too has the desire to have a dedicated area where everything you need can be kept. It is split 50/50 as to whether the coffee corner is on show or hidden behind pocket/cupboard doors,' he adds.

Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors is a fan of creating a dedicated coffee nook cabinet that sits pride of place near but not in the kitchen.

'I always recommend that we place the coffee nook on the boundaries of the kitchen, but not in the center so that whoever is making coffee can take a slower pace and enjoy the morning ritual,' says Clara. 'However, it's nice to ensure that you're in close proximity to the general kitchen amenities to make that coveted coffee efficiently,' she adds. 

In this blue kitchen, above, Clara opted to frame her coffee machine in wood-trimmed glass-fronted arched doors to create a statement bar. Behind, sits a cozy bench seat perfect for sitting and savoring every sip.

6. Or, consider hiding it away

For those who prefer their kitchen to perform behind closed doors, a beautifully designed (and organized) pantry or larder cupboard will be your best friend for housing all your pods, syrups, and stirrers. There is a lot that needs a home.

'To design the best coffee nook we’d recommend having it hidden out of sight so that it keeps your kitchen clutter-free,' advises Richard Davonport. 'A pull-out shelf is a must with your coffee machine on it so you can easily pull it out and use it without having to lift it out. Make sure you have electrical sockets fitted at the back of the cupboard so that you can plug in your machine.'

Merlin Wright, designer director at Plain English Kitchens, agrees that 'an integrated coffee machine concealed behind doors allows storage room for coffee beans, cups, and spoons.'

'We are finding a separate coffee or tea cupboard – perhaps incorporating a boiling water tap – is becoming popular in kitchen design. Our Dutch Larder cupboard [above] adapts beautifully to this need, and can accommodate an integrated fridge to one side so everything is immediately to hand,' adds Merlin.

7. Invest in good coffee-making paraphernalia

We're aware that your kitchen countertop is valuable real estate, and, as Richard Davonport observes, because of this more and more people are investing in appliances to make good coffee at home – and want a dedicated space so that worktops remain clutter-free. 

'The biggest trend of late is to have a freestanding coffee machine, rather than in-built,' Richards adds. 'It provides more choice, allowing you to have an at-home machine from some of the best coffee companies on the market.'

Plain English Kitchens' Merlin Wright agrees that it's worth investing in a machine that supports your decor, whether it is hidden away or out in plain sight. 'The design of coffee machines themselves means they are often left on a worktop where they are readily accessible, with gleaming stainless-steel levers and knobs they become quite a visual feast,' says Merlin.

Recreating the look, feel, and atmosphere of your favorite coffee shop in your kitchen, however small, is not only a big trend for 2024 – but actually rather achievable. Thanks to the popularity of coffee stations and coffee bars cropping up, and the darling new trend for cafe curtains, it doesn't come as a surprise that we're all now searching for the perfect nook to retreat into with a mug of the good stuff. 

Intentionally positioned in a well-lit corner, with plenty of seating (and some with hidden storage) a bistro table, and a dash of well-curated styling, your coffee nook is sure to start your morning off right.

A morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. A positive routine has the power to improve your mood or set you up for success in your daily tasks. If anyone knows this, it's Ayesha Curry.

The successful actress has a lot on her plate. However, figuring out a morning coffee routine is no concern of hers: she has it down pat. Ayesha blessed us with images of her coffee process in her Instagram story, and it's one of the most luxurious we've ever seen to date. 

Ayesha starts every morning with a lavender fennel latte made in her pristine coffee bar. If your mouth is watering (mine certainly is!), here's how to recreate Ayesha's moment of morning peace.

1. Choose Your Coffee Wisely

Any coffee expert will tell you that your beans matter, but what's most important is tailoring your morning drink to your particular tastes. For instance, it's no surprise that Ayesha Curry swears by the coffee sold by her brand, the Sweet July House Blend. What's interesting is the flavors she's added: fennel and lavender. This highly personalized latte brings an extra special touch to Ayesha's morning.

To find your own, practice trying a new and innovative coffee type every few weeks. Maybe you'll fall in love with Vietnamese coffee or maybe mushroom coffee is more your thing. You can't know until you try them all.

2. Grind your own beans

Grinding your beans, rather than buying coffee grounds, is one of those barista-level touches that helps you to make cafe-quality coffee at home. If the morning routine is meant to elevate your day by integrating luxury into quotidian tasks (and we think it is!), grinding is one of the most important steps. 

Ayesha uses the Major VP Coffee Grinder by Mazzer, which is one excellent option, but many of the best coffee grinders come at a lower price point. Take your time to decide what works best for your particular needs.

3. Froth your milk

Frothing your milk is the single most important step to turn your average latte into a great latte. Laura Honey, former Barista and Homes & Gardens' resident coffee expert, states: Having a milk frother in your home coffee station set-up can elevate your coffee experience from sip-standard to proper, cafe-quality brews.'

She continues, 'Making smooth, velvety latte and cappuccino milk yourself is really tricky, but a good milk frother, like the Nespresso Aeroccino or Breville's Milk Cafe, will be able to texture milk flawlessly in next-to-no time. It's a truly luxurious investment that I wouldn't go without.'

Our list of the best milk frothers is a great jumping-off point for finding your perfect tool.

4. Use your favorite cup

A favorite mug is a sacred thing. Using the best cappuccino cup is yet another way to signal to yourself that your tastes matter first thing in the morning. From Hermès to handmade, it's about what luxury means to you.

No matter your favorite coffee flavor, your favorite coffee tools, or whether or not you're a coffee drinker at all, a morning routine is important. Knowing you can make your favorite warm drink at the drop of a hat just makes getting up all the much easier.

You probably already know Instant Pot for their iconic slow cookers and air fryers. Like lots of publishers, we've been a little skeptical of their forays into other areas of the kitchen, such as the Instant stand mixer, especially in light of last year's bankruptcy ruling.

That means I wasn't expecting much from the Instant Pot Milk Frother. However, I found a low-cost, high-performance appliance that does the job if you're looking for a cheap, capable milk frother. The Instant offers a versatile range of frothing settings, which are enough to rival some of the best milk frothers on the market.

Using dairy and plant-based milks, I put the Instant through its paces. For $40, it's a good, electric milk frother. It isn't without its limitations, but I'd recommend it to those looking for an affordable option.

Specifications

Unboxing

The Instant comes with minimal packaging and extras. The plastic wrap is non-recyclable, which isn't great from an environmental perspective, but I have certainly seen worse.

I tested the Instant in white, but it's also available in black — two colors to suit every kitchen. The matte finish looks stylish and sleek on the countertop, certainly like a product which costs more than $40. It's also nice to hold and the clear lid makes it easy to keep an eye on the milk inside.

Who would it suit?

The Instant wins big points in two categories: capacity and cost. The Instant can froth up to 10 oz of milk, which is perfect for large households. Whilst this does mean that you'll need to devote more space to the Instant on your countertop, it's worth it. I like the minimalist design of it anyway.

For $40, you won't get a better milk frother. It feels a little cheap and lacks some finesse (the whisk easily slips out of position), but as far as budget options go, this is unparalleled. 

if you're looking for luxury and finesse, or single-serve options, you might be better taking a look at some of the other milk frothers we recommend. There's plenty to choose from.

What is it like to use?

Instant's jug-shaped milk frother is well-designed. The handle is nice to hold and the spout is shaped enough to give a decent pour. It's not quite precise enough for latte art, but if you're aiming for that kind of finesse, you probably already have a stainless steel jug anyway.

The controls are operated through two buttons on the front. You can choose between hot milk, cold froth, hot latte milk, and hot cappuccino milk. These are all indicated by a light. Everything about the Instant is so straightforward that you almost won't need instructions.

Test 1: hot milk

This is the elementary test for milk frothers, and the Instant passed with flying colors. I poured 10 oz of milk in, so that I could test the Instant at full-capacity, and it warmed all the milk to 161 degrees Fahrenheit. That's near-perfect; a single degree over the correct temperature. It took just over one and a half minutes, which felt like a long time, but it's not bad, especially for the capacity.

Test 2: hot frothed milk

I tested both the latte and cappuccino milk functions on the Instant and they were impressive. The latte milk had about 3/4 inch of frothed milk on top, which is perfect. It was generally silky and smooth, but had a few air bubbles in. I used the jug like a barista's and tapped it on the side, swirling my milk around. This helped to make the foam a little more dense and tight. If you didn't do this, it wouldn't have the same ultra-velvety mouth feel that you get in a speciality coffee shop, but it would still be nice and fluffy.

The cappuccino milk was better, much thicker and more dense. It poured like melted marshmallow. I had about 1/3 of my glass as froth, which is pretty perfect for a cappuccino. However, when I poured it, the whisk fell out of position and into my glass. It actually became a recurring problem: when the jug is tilted too steeply, the whisk falls out. This is annoying if you forget and accidently plop the whisk into your guest's hot chocolate, but if you remember about the angles, it won't be a problem.

I also spotted that some of my milk burnt on the bottom of the Instant. Granted, I hadn't cleaned the jug out between my latte and cappuccino milk, but there are plenty of milk frothers where this isn't the case. I was surprised to see the burnt milk, since I thought both the latte and cappuccino milks were on the cool side. They measured at 158 degrees. That's enough to cool down a coffee.

Test 3: cold frothed milk

Cold froth is perhaps the Instant's greatest success. It quietly and quickly frothed the perfect cold milk. I can't fault it. There were a couple of bubbles on top, but when I drank some, it tasted smooth, velvety, and still ice cold. I tried cold froth with matcha  and it was absolutely perfect. 

Test 4: plant-based milks

I used two different non-dairy milks to test the Instant. The first was my normal almond milk: it's plain almond and rice, the kind you would use for everything. The other milk was a barista oat milk, with added protein. You might not always have this to hand, but it's good to keep one nearby for when you're making coffees and hot chocolates.

The plain almond milk was nothing short of disappointing. It was nicely warmed and a very drinkable 157°F, but there was absolutely no froth on top of it. The bubbles you can see in the image quickly disappeared too. If I poured the almond milk  into a cool mug, it would have been tepid and flat. 

I was curious to try using the steam wand on my espresso machine to see whether the problem was the milk and not the Instant. By hand, I could steam the almond milk into a firm, velvety head, so the problem was with the Instant.

Thankfully, the barista oat milk recovered my disappointment. Obviously the additives and proteins in these special milks help to encourage frothing. Even on the latte setting, I had a smooth and silky plant-based milk. It took about two minutes to achieve, which is quite a long time, but it was worth the wait. This was brilliant.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The inside of the Instant is non-stick, so it easily wipes clean. Even though my cappuccino milk burnt to the base, it came off easily in warm, soapy water. The lid and whisk are both dishwasher safe, although I would recommend washing them by hand, so that you don't lose one or the other: the lid keeps things warm and quiet and the whisk keeps things frothy.

The Instant is taller and wider than most other milk frothers, but not so much that it wouldn't clear wall cupboards or shelves. I'd recommend keeping it on the kitchen surface, because it's sleek and subtle. Plus, you won't have to waste time packing and unpacking it when you want to have a hot drink.

How does it rate online?

One of my key motivations for testing the Instant was how much praise it's received online. Other respectable reviewers have put this right at the top of their buying guides, so it has quite the reputation. On Amazon, this has 3.9 out of 5 stars, which is good, but not amazing. However, it's worth noting that the Instant has over 10,000 positive reviews, so you know you're in good company.

People love the Instant for a number of reasons: it's really quiet, easy to use, and easy to clean. Most people praised how well it can whip flavors, syrups, and spices into hot milk and marvelled at the thick foam it produces. Even people who used 2% milk said that this was impressive. When ratings are broken down, the Instant scores highly on flavors and usability, and a little less highly on power.

As it turns out, I wasn't alone in finding that this lacked a little power temperature-wise. Lots of people say this is on the cooler side, so needs running again for a few seconds to achieve a good temperature. Others struggled with the longevity of this product, an inevitability when you put cost before quality.

How does it compare?

The Instant boasts the same settings as Nespresso's Aeroccino 4, but for nearly a third of the price, so I tested the two, head-to-head. The Instant lives-up to its promises and can achieve the same functions reasonably well. However, as you can see in the image above, Instant's milk is a little more aerated, less dense, tight, and silky. Translated to the mouth, it tastes less velvety and smooth to drink. For most people, this won't matter, but when you're aiming for perfection, you'll notice.

The Instant has at least another 2 oz capacity than the Nespresso, so is better suited to larger households. However, this means that it's bigger on the countertop. I like the color options which come with the Instant, so could be tempted to favor it aesthetically. However, in terms of practicalities, it feels cheaper, the whisk can slide out of place, and it doesn't have the same, sleek, touch-screen controls.

Should you buy it?

As far as cheaper models go, the Instant Electric Milk Frother is excellent. It has a good capacity, versatile range of functions, and works well on a range of milks. Just make sure to always rinse thoroughly, not to tilt the jug too steeply, and to always buy the barista versions of plant-based milks, such as the Pacific Foods Barista Series Original Oat Milk on Amazon.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we put valuable advice at the top of our priorities list. That's why any time we recommend a product to you, we do so based on our own experience. 

We have a team of dedicated experts who take every product we review to our test kitchen. There, we have a series of standardized tests which allow us to compare between milk frothers. We look at all the functions a milk frother has to offer and test all of those on dairy and non-dairy milks. Our team makes notes on everything from temperature and taste to speed and noise. We'll also let you know what a product is like to get set-up and cleaned-up, so you know everything you need to before diving into a purchase.

If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our page, which is dedicated to how we test appliances.

Nespresso’s Aeroccino 4 milk frother is one of the most popular models on the market. The ergonomic jug, easy controls, and silky texturing is tough to beat when you're making a coffee in the morning.

Nespresso has made many iterations of the Aeroccino, and the 4 is the latest. The 4 comes with lots of luxurious extras, including a greater range of froth texture settings, dishwasher-safe interior, and a useful handle. But while these features have secured it a spot in our guide to the best milk frothers on the market, they might not be enough for you to pay the premium price tag.

To make sure that Nespresso were still delivering quality without compromise, I took it to our test kitchen. I used the Aeroccino 4 to froth cold milk, hot milk, and plant-based milk, too. As a former barista, I was also keen to see how it compared to using a steam wand. The results were generally good, but if you want absolute perfection, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

Specifications

Unboxing

Nespresso doesn’t go overboard with packaging. The Aeroccino comes wrapped in completely recyclable cardboard and paper, which is great from a waste and environmental perspective. It only takes a rinse of the jug before the Aeroccino is ready to get started. 

I love how this looks on the countertop. Whilst it might not be as small as the Illy Electric Milk Frother, it’s still relatively subtle. This comes in a stainless steel finish, which certainly brings the barista-factor into your kitchen. Even though the shiny finish can be a little high maintenance, it looks like the Aeroccino means business — and it does. 

Who would it suit?

The Aeroccino has capacity for just one serving of frothed milk (4 oz) or two of warmed milk (8oz). It’s perfect for small households who need ultra-speedy, frothed milk. It’s also incredibly quiet — I would almost go as far as to say it’s silent, so if you want hot drinks in the early hours of the morning, this won't wake the whole house up. 

If you use plant-based milks, you’ll need to make sure they are the ‘barista’ or ‘protein’ varieties. That's becuase while the Aeorccino 4 can get some froth on non-dairy milks, it’s not really a foam. Plus, the Aeroccino has a limited range of 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit, which can burn some plant-based milks, too. 

What is it like to use?

As with everything Nespresso, the Aeroccino is easy to use. The touchscreen controls are responsive and straightforward, so there’s very little room for error. It’s a nice jug shape, so easy to pour, swirl around, and use as a barista jug. Those who want to do latte art can’t blame the Aeroccino if things don’t work well, because it sets you up for success. 

Test 1: hot milk

Inside the Aeroccino are guidelines for where maximum and minimum fill levels are depending on what you’re making. Hot milk can reach up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. I poured in my milk – right up to max to see how it handled full capacity – and set it running. Within a minute and a half, I had 8oz of milk, warmed to 159°F. I've always been taught that milk should reach no hotter than 160°F, so this right on the line of perfect. It tasted smooth and sweet in my mouth. If you're pouring it into a coffee cup, make sure it's pre-warmed. A cold mug cools the milk down, so it will begin to feel tepid and less enjoyable.

Test 2: hot frothed milk

There are two settings you can opt for: latte (which is a little foamy) and cappuccino (which is much more foamy). I tested both and they were true to their promises. The latte milk had about one-two fingers worth of tight, silky foam. The cappuccino milk was about a 50:50 ratio of milk and foam, which might be too much for some, but if you pour slowly, you will be able to dodge getting big lumps of foam in your coffee. Both milks tasted smooth, gently sweet, and extremely silky. The temperature was perfect for adding to my morning espresso and it poured really nicely, too. 

Test 3: cold frothed milk

Making cold milk in the Aeroccino was easy. Even though I had already frothed hot milk, I could instantly start frothing cold milk without any heat affecting my results. 

It took a minute and a half to achieve a silky, creamy, cold milk. The ratio was about half-and-half for milk and froth, which might be too much for some people, but I would rather have more froth than less. As with warm milk, pour slowly and you won't get as much froth out of the jug. 

However, I noticed that the froth disappeared quite quickly. I tried pouring the milk in glasses and mugs, and both times the cold froth would bubble down to nothing within five minutes. Opting for higher protein and higher fat milks will help to retain this texture, but if you don’t like those drinks, you’ll need to sip quickly. 

Test 4: plant-based milk

I used two different plant-based milk with the Aeroccino. The first was normal (non-barista) almond milk. If you don't buy barista milks, this is the kind of non-dairy milk you're most likely to have in the fridge. For latte foam, my almond milk was untouched. It looked like the cafe au lait, which is just hot milk. I tried cold foam and the cappuccino settings with a little more success, but the results weren't as dramatic as with dairy milk. I was surprised that the almond milk didn't separate. In fact, the Nespresso heated it to a nice, warm temperature. If anything, I could have done with the milk feeling a little hotter. I can't complain though, because the almond flavors were sweet and delicate and the small amount of foam was tight and silky. 

I was curious to see how this compared to a steam wand (the kind you would find on an espresso machine). I used my home espresso machine to steam the almond milk by hand and achieved much better results. The foam was even thicker, silkier, and it held its structure much more than the almond milk before. This isn’t a fault with the Aeroccino though. It’s a fault with milk frothers in general: they're never quite as good as a barista and a steam wand.

To give the Aeroccino a good chance. I also tried barista oat milk. The results of this were incredible; the milk was silky, velvety, and tasted deliciously sweet. It didn’t burn or curdle. It was consistent and incredibly difficult to fault. If you do drink plant-based milks, buy the barista versions, and you won’t have any troubles with the Aeroccino.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The Aeroccino separates into a few parts: the clear viewing lid, the whisk, and the jug. All of these are dishwasher safe, so cleaning up after the Aeroccino is close to effortless. I would recommend keeping the whisk out of the dishwasher and storing it safely away. If you lose it, you won't get very far with milk frothing. 

This looks great on the countertop and you could easily store it in a cupboard, but I don’t think you need to. It's more subtle than a toaster and is useful to have out, ready to use at the touch of a button. If you have a coffee maker already, you can start to build your very own coffee station.

How does it rate online?

The Aeroccino 4 is a popular milk frother. Just as you'll find it in most kitchens, it's also in most buying guides. One look at the Amazon reviews will tell you all you need to know. It's one of their 'best sellers' and comes with a 4.4 star average rating. People find it easy to use, consistent, and easy to clean when all is finished. The ever-growing trend for cold coffee and cold foams is evident, as most people praised the cold foam function on here.

The inside is lined with a non-stick coating, which is really useful for cleaning up. However, some people scratched theirs and needed to replace the Nespresso. Always use a soft cloth and not a sharp, scratching pad when cleaning, even if you've burnt milk to the base. Another point to note is that some reviewers tried to make hot chocolate from pure chocolate. They said that the Aeroccino doesn't get hot enough to melt the solid chocolate into the milk. You're better using a cocoa powder or syrup.

Final thoughts

Unsurprisingly, the Aeroccino is one of the best milk frothers on the market. Whilst it's on the expensive side, it's still good value, delivering on both versatility and quality.

I tested this directly against Instant's popular electric milk model, which has the same range of settings. Whilst the Instant has a bigger capacity, the milk it frothed was slightly less smooth, with more air bubbles. It's also louder and feels less premium. The Instant will still froth milk well and is a good option if you're shopping on a budget, but if you have an taste for specifics, you'll want to invest in the Aeroccino.

If you have a bigger budget (and need more capacity) Breville's The Milk Cafe is in a different league. It has adjustable temperature settings, so you know you'll be frothing at the perfect temperature for your milk type. It's bigger and more dominant on the countertop, but it's also my favorite milk frother.

Should you buy it?

I love the Aeroccino 4. It looks the part of a good milk frother and performs like a top-quality model too. There's a reason that it's so popular. The main reasons that this is so popular is how speedy and silent it is. It's a good, reliable investment, but remember to buy barista versions of your plant-based milks for the best results.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we always prioritize practicality. That's why we have a team of expert testers who take each product we recommend into our test kitchen to see how well they perform in real life. 

I took the Nespresso and made notes on how well it frothed both dairy and plant-based milks. As a former barista, I was keen to see how well this compared to hand-steamed milk, so also tested this against my home espresso machine. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

There are plenty of milk frothers on the market. If you've considered any, I imagine they'll have been either Nespresso's subtle tube shaped frother or Smeg's chrome style statement. However, if you take notice of TikTok, you'll know the most popular milk frother is the Illy.

Illy is already well-established in the coffee industry, so I expected them to deliver a pretty good milk frother. What I didn't expect was near perfection. It's a simple model  — there are certainly more technical frothers on the market — but if you want warm, silky milk, you don't need to look much further.

As a former barista, I've steamed a lot of milk in my time, so I know what to look for in the best milk frothers. I took this to our test kitchen and used both dairy and almond milk to make hot and cold foam in the Illy. Whilst the Illy isn't without its limitations, it's my favorite milk frother by far.

Specifications

Unboxing

Packaging for the Illy is ultra-compact. I was surprised they'd even managed to fit a milk frother into the box that was no more than a bag of flour. However, when I opened it up, there the milk frother was. Even better, all the packaging around it was recyclable, so once I had it opened, I had no clutter to dispose of. 

On the countertop, it looks neat. The Illy comes in either black or white. I tested the black, which has a slick look, but, in pictures, I like the clean aesthetics of the white. They make the milk frother look a little more stylish and less functional. 

Who would it suit?

Whilst the lly is a beautiful, capable machine, it's also quite small. The 5 oz capacity is perfect for one large or two small servings and no more. If you have a small kitchen, or don't need to serve more than one person, this is a dream come true. 

As someone who always has almond milk in their coffee, I was delighted at how well the Illy frothed non-dairy milks. In fact, it's one of the most successful milk frothers I've tested for nut and oat milks. If you're a plant-based milk drinker, this is the one for you.

When in use, the Illy is close to silent, so if you need frothed milk in the early hours of the morning, you can easily make it without waking the house. I doubt someone in the same room as you would be able to hear it. Combined with the small footprint, you could almost forget that the Illy is even on your countertop.

However, if you're a household of more than two coffee and hot chocolate drinkers, the Illy's capacity will quickly create queues around the kitchen. There are plenty of models with more capacity which will suit your needs perfectly.

What is it like to use?

When an appliances is too simple, I start second guessing myself. That's exactly what I did with the Illy. I plugged it in, rinsed out the jug, and that was it. It was ready to froth some milk. I double checked the instructions and they confirmed that it really is that simple. 

Test 1: frothed milk

The first, most obvious, test for the Illy was frothing dairy milk to be hot and silky. I touched the icon for hot, frothing milk, and in complete silence, my 3 oz was whisked into a beautifully silky texture. 

I checked on the milk periodically by looking through the clear plastic lid and lightly touching the sides of the stainless steel jug. I stopped it myself when I felt the milk looked like it was getting a bit too silky, but it will automatically stop at 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pouring it out, I had about 1/2 warm milk and 1/2 froth in my cup. That's a really frothy coffee. I wouldn't even use that for a cappuccino, but the texture was thick and held its structure really nicely. You can flip the whisk for less frothy results. 

The fact that the Illy jug is just like a barista's makes it easy to work with: I banged mine on the side and swirled it to reduce the foam and then could pour smooth latte milk, rather than thicker cappuccino. It has a lovely, slightly sweet flavor and really silky mouthfeel.

Test 2: cold frothed milk

The cold milk, at first, was a little less successful. My first result was bubbly with next to no texture. This might have been bad luck, because when I tried it again, I got better results. It was still a little less silky than the hot milk, but a considerable effort from the Illy. The mouthfeel was really good once I had given the jug a few knocks: it felt velvety and cool.

My word of warning would be that the Illy needs to be completely cool before frothing cold milk. That's the warming plate underneath too. If you'll be switching between drinks, this will take a long time, unless you remember to prioritize cold drinks before hot ones.

Test 3: hot milk

If you're someone who doesn't fancy froth and would prefer just warm milk, the Illy can do this easily. The setting is the same as the one for hot chocolate and it will take your hot milk up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. I tested the precision of this and it was, remarkably, accurate. My first glass was 159, the other was 160 exactly. This is a great temperature, because the milk tastes sweet without being burnt at this point.

Test 4: non-dairy

Non-dairy milks are notoriously difficult for milk frothers to handle. They don't behave like normal milks, so can split, burn, and look, quite frankly, disgusting. I used almond milk to test the Illy and I was blown away. The first note I made just says 'wow'. It was the best almond milk froth I have ever made. I'm a barista and often opt for almond milk in my hot drinks, so that's a tough award to win, but this easily takes it. 

The milk was thick and velvety. When I poured it, it looked like marshmallows. The almond notes had been warmed and sweetened, but not burnt. I still don't know how the Illy did it, but I checked again, and again, and again. It was faultless every time.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Cleaning and storing the Illy is easy. The jug is dishwasher safe, but I'd wash by hand to make sure that you don't loose the all-important, frothing whisk. The lid will need to be kept clean, especially so you can keep a keen eye on your milk whilst it's frothing. 

Overall, the finish on the Illy is very glossy, which tends to be higher maintenance than matte products. I would make sure to have a clean microfiber towel nearby to give the base and stainless steel mug a wipe and a polish after use. Be careful of the base, because this stays hot after use. I burnt my hand touching it so you should be careful.

How does it rate online?

There are strong opinions around the Illy. These are all, almost exclusively, positive. I read a review where one user, who thought milk frothers were pointless, declared the Illy 'transformative'. People love the three, easy settings and everyone commented on the touch-screen icons, which have a modern, smart feel. Many also commented on the elegant design, so even though I've told you about storage, it seems that most owners sit their milk frother on display.

As you might expect, the non-dairy milk drinkers particularly love this. Online, I've seen plenty of TikToks about the Illy. Whilst I only tested almond milk, the videos of how it handles oat, hazelnut, and cashew nut fall in line with my experience. This is a good milk frother.

As always, there are a few people who didn't like the Illy. Capacity was an issue for many, so, take note: if you need to make more than two cups of coffee at once, look at the other milk frothers on the market. The size is also an issue when it comes to cleaning. I found a couple of people who said their hands are too big to reach inside the jug. I think most people would be fine, but if you identify as someone with particlarly large hands, this is something you might struggle to clean.

How does it compare?

Nespresso is on the obvious comparison to the Illy milk frother. I was pleased at how well it fought against Nespresso's well-established reputation as the compact, stylish milk frother of the moment.

The Nespresso Aeroccino 3 is slightly more expensive, with a little more capacity (4-8 oz) and, I do really like it. However, the Illy's jug shape is really useful for when you want to pour in patterns or play a little with the texture of your milk. There's not much between the two: Nespresso is better for capacity, Illy has better ergonomics. You can't go wrong.

If you'd like even more capacity and luxury, but don't want to compromise on style, let me introduce you to Smeg's milk frother. This was my kitchen crush for years. I've admired the range of colors and retro style from afar. In terms of aesthetics, the Smeg is better. It's beautiful, but harder to keep quiet on your countertops. The dial on the Smeg is more interactive and, I actually find it a little more reassuring. The Smeg also has an 8 oz capacity and can froth milk nearly as well. I don't think it's as good on plant based milks, but that's a marginal fault. The biggest deal breaker is that the Smeg is over double the price of the iIly. You need to be desperate for more capacity and a stand-out milk frother to pay that.

Should you buy it?

If you want a small and stylish milk frother, you can't go wrong with the Illy. It's excellent across a range of temperatures and milk types. You won't taste better warm almond milk than that made in the Illy. However, if a compact milk frother wasn't what you wanted, there are plenty more options.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we want to give practical advice. That's why all our reviews are unsponsored and done by our team of expert product testers. They take every appliance we recommend to our dedicated test kitchen. There, they'll make sure to use every feature on a milk frother, so that they can report back to you in deep detail on what each model is like.

We also make notes on unboxing, cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so that you know everything you need to know before making a purchase. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.

Black Friday might be coming to an end, but Cyber Monday home deals are in full swing, and there are still plenty of celebrity-approved deals worth shopping for. One of them comes from none other than Jessica Alba. 

The actress and entrepreneur has shared her kitchen essentials, all available on Amazon, and among them are her favorite kitchen organizers, and a coffee maker, which has been tested by our in-house experts, too.

When it comes to planning a kitchen, efficient storage is essential to ensure that your space works harmoniously. With the kitchen coming under increasing pressure to perform a variety of crucial roles, such as family dining, relaxing, working and entertaining, adequate kitchen storage ideas and kitchen appliances, including the best coffee makers and toasters, are more important than ever. 

These luxury kitchen essentials, as curated by Jessica Alba, have a focus on high-quality materials and ingenious designs in order to make cooking and cleaning a seamless process. They can also contribute to the design of your space, subtracting clutter from your carefully constructed vision. 

Mastering an effective storage system in our kitchen is something we've all (at least tried) to achieve, and it would seem that even Hollywood's elite aren't immune from this task.

Helpfully, there are so many ways to subtly include kitchen organizers and kitchen appliances in your space. Allow yourself to be charmed by all of the excellent kitchen solutions on offer within these products, and gain a renewed enthusiasm for your culinary pursuits.

It's not just storage on our list of shopping priorities either. The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, available at Amazon, is a best-seller for a good reason. Loved by celebrities, including George Clooney, David Beckham and Simone Ashley, this coffee maker is a firm favorite of our resident barista, Laura Honey. 

'Nespresso remains one of the best pod coffee brands,' says Laura. 'With high-tech performance, you won't have to worry about getting right, we're impressed by this one-button-does-all machine.'

Take the chaos out of choosing the best Amazon kitchen organizers with Jessica Alba's wish list below.

Shop the Jessica Alba kitchen essentials edit

Can we price great coffee? It turns out we can. David Beckham led us to a game-changing coffee machine with a cool $750 price tag, and it makes some of the best beverages we've ever tasted.

The celebrated soccer player collaborated with Nespresso to advertise the coffee powerhouse's Vertuo Creatista model. This sleek, stainless steel machine is one of the brand's most luxurious single-serve coffee machines. While the features like a barista steam wand and three milk temperature and texture levels, it's clear the machine offers a top-tier experience – one that our resident coffee expert, Laura Honey, says is worth it (yes, really).

Honey, recently tested the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, so we got the inside scoop on the machine. She has tested many of the best coffee makers of the year, but above all, she has many thoughts on Beckham's go-to model.

'It's no surprise that Beckham loves this machine; they're both suave, slick, and incredible at what they do. If you like luxury, you’ll love this,' said Honey. 'Nespresso’s Creatista is one of the most exciting models they’ve ever released.

'I took the Creatista to our test kitchen as soon as Nespresso released it. Even though this is one of their more expensive models (of course, it's David Beckham's favorite), it's one of their best,' Honey says. 'If you're happy to splurge, I think it's worth the investment.' Though $750 is a lot to spend on a coffee maker, several features set this one apart. Plus, for a limited time, we're in luck. The machine is currently on sale on Amazon, so if we act quickly, we can enjoy professional quality coffee at a lower price.

'When I got around to making some coffee with it, this was close to faultless. My espressos were professional quality and packed with flavor,' Honey explains.

'The milk texturing technology is some of the best I've tested on a single-serve coffee maker because it has sensors to auto-detect the weight of milk that you're using, and then the machine responds accordingly,' she adds.

Secondarily, the beautiful machine will elevate the look of your coffee station. 'The Creatista looks a little different to their normal designs because they partnered with another coffee giant Breville (or Sage if you're from the UK) to create a machine which is all shine and stainless steel rather than thicker plastic,' Honey says. 'As a result, it looks like the kind of geeky machine a barista would own, but operating it is close to effortless. It's compact but eye-catching. I would be happy just looking at it.'

If you're a coffee connoisseur with a love for David Beckham, Nespresso's Vertuo Creatista just might be perfect for you – especially while it's discounted at Amazon. However, we can still follow in Beckham's footsteps with some more of our favorite Nespresso pieces – all of which are even more affordable (and available below).

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker is the most used model in our test kitchen. Naturally, we have lots of coffee makers on offer, including Nespressos and Keurigs, but the one that all of our team reach for is the Cuisinart. Once you know more about it, you'll understand why.

The Cuisinart isn't quite like any other model out there, which is coincidentally why it's one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. It approaches speedy, pod coffee a little differently. Using the integrated grinder and filter baskets, you get to drink fresh coffee flavors in the time that it takes to make a single-serve coffee.

Whether you're eco-conscious, short on space, or someone who enjoys both filter and single-serve coffee, you'll love the Cuisinart Grind & Brew. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Specifications

Unboxing

There’s very little to say about the unboxing process, which is unusual. Cuisinart’s Grind and Brew was packaged in cardboard with a little bit of flexible plastic around the machine parts. In an ideal world, all the packaging would be recyclable, but this is better than most. 

On the countertop, it looks like a smart machine. There are lots of clean lines, with gently curved edges, suitable for modern homes without being too ‘of the moment’ that it would end up looking dated in a few years. It's low enough to clear any countertop and fit easily into small kitchens. 

Overall, I liked the design. The body is made from plastic, but it doesn’t feel overly cheap thanks to the stainless steel and glass touches across the machine.

Who would it suit?

I have to stop myself short of recommending this to every and any filter coffee or single-serve drinker because the flavors are fantastic. Aesthetically and logistically this would suit a range of homes, including ones which are short on space. 

If anything, I think this is better for smaller households, because it doesn’t fill like a traditional filter carafe. The single-serve capsules will only make one coffee at a time. In big households, you could end up with a coffee maker queue. It also doesn’t have a warming plate or any presets, so if you like to just hop in and out of coffee, coming back for more later, you’ll find the Cuisinart lacking.  However, I’m being picky because it’s my job. If I made this purchase, I would be extremely pleased with myself.

What is it like to use?

The whole setup process was delightful, mainly because I didn’t need to do a thing. I filled the water reservoir and clicked the reservoir neatly into place. The bean hopper can take about 3.5 oz of whole coffee beans, which is enough for about six to eight cups of coffee, matching the water capacity, so you can refresh both at the same time.

Aside from sliding the drip tray into place and plugging the machine in, there was little else to do. On a quick side note, if you’re struggling to find both pods, Cuisinart sometimes places one in the storage on the left-hand side of the machine. Once you know about this it’s incredibly useful, but it’s baffling if you don’t and you think you’re a pod short. If we were to be extremely pedantic, it would be useful to have handles on the water reservoir, but this isn't a deal-breaker.

Test 1: Grinder

To get started, I placed my pod under the grinder and clicked the bean button, which is a straightforward process. The machine automatically stops when the grinding is done. Giving the pod a quick shake, I was impressed. The conical grinder had made some consistent grind sizes and hadn’t heated up the beans too much, all good indicators that my coffee would be delicious. 

There aren’t many adjustable features, so you won’t be able to change the grind size or quantity, which is frustrating if you care about customizable coffee. However, most people will be grateful that Cuisinart has covered the basics already. 

Test 2: Espresso

The first coffee test I was an espresso. I’m using the term espresso loosely, because this is more the size of a small cup of coffee – 4 oz. 

The control panel on the top of the machine shows an espresso icon. For all short people (me included) you may have to stand up straight, because if you have high countertops, seeing everything is a stretch. However, once you have a pod full of coffee grounds, you only have to press a button.

Optimistically, I placed a small espresso cup under the brew head, which is relatively high up. This did result in a fair amount of splashing and my 4 oz cup nearly overflowed. Had I chosen a bigger cup, I have a feeling the splashing could have been significantly reduced.

The flavor of this small coffee was good. Three of our experts tried the - extremely hot – cup of coffee and agreed that it was strong, intense, and the best filter coffee we had ever tasted. It was a little on the acidic side for me, but still delicious.

Test 3: Long coffee

The other settings will brew an 8 oz and 12 oz cup of coffee. These are just like the small cup, still strong, but increasingly less punchy. Even the largest cup was still stronger than the average cup of filter coffee. It’s surprising that the grinds don’t adjust depending on how big your cup of coffee will be, especially given how well-extracted the flavors are, but I’m very pleased with it. You’ll be glad that there was no splashing when pouring the larger sizes. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

I expected the pod style baskets to be fiddly to clean, but they were really easy. The old grinds are very dry, so can be scooped into the food waste. The basket is easy to rinse clean and dry quickly. It's great knowing that these aren't single-use, not only for your wallet, but for the environment too. As I mentioned earlier, there are two easy places to store these pods so that you don’t lose them in a drawer or cupboard. 

Cleaning wise, the machine is low maintenance. When filled with beans and water, it will make about 8 coffees. I would suggest cleaning out the grinder and reservoir once you’ve made eight coffees to prevent any build up. Usefully, the base of the grinder detaches, giving you access to the burrs. Cuisinart provides a useful little brush to ensure you clear out any old grinds too. 

How does it rate online?

It's been a year since the Cuisinart Grind & Brew launched and the reviews have been nothing but glowing. Over the last year, praise has piled in for the flavors that the Cuisinart extracts. They love how quick it is, how strong the flavors are, and how easy it is to use. I found lots of reviews from people who had gifted or been gifted the Cuisinart – it's obviously a 'treat yourself' purchase which is very well received. If you're looking for inspiration, look no further.

I did find a couple of comments about cup consistency, but this variation is only slight, so if you don't fill your coffee to the top, you'll be fine. It is worth noting again that the espresso is larger than 2 oz – a standard size – so you'll need cups that are bigger than average.

How does it compare?

There aren’t many filter coffee makers quite like this, so it’s tricky to make a direct comparison. If it pitched it against our favorite drip machine, the OXO Brew, there are many ways in which the Cuisinart is better. The coffee itself tastes richer and fresher, so if you want a quality cup of filter coffee, the Cuisinart is a winner. It’s also easier to clean and, personally, I prefer the aesthetics. It’s quicker to make a cup of coffee, without many compromises on flavour, another big tick for many coffee drinkers.

As an innovation on other drip machines, this does miss a few classical features. The OXO will brew enough for multiple cups of coffee and will keep your brew warm for hours, a feature which the Cuisinart lacks. It also has more customisable features when it comes to strength; the Cuisinart is a little prescriptive here.

Compared to single-serve coffee makers, this has lots of appealing features. The re-usable pods mean that you can use freshly ground coffee, achieving a much fuller taste. They also save you on waste and the ongoing cost of re-buying pods. Our top pick for single-serve espresso machines is the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which is smaller than the Cuisinart. Nespresso also provides some fun and unusual pod flavors, like cold brew watermelon, available at Amazon. The whacky flavors could be persuasive for some, but specialty coffee is better than any pod coffee.

At $150, the Cuisinart is a similar price, if not a little cheaper than the Nespresso. Neither machine with a milk frother, even though some Nespresso pods are well-suited to lattes and cappuccinos (note that there are some Nespresso models like the Latissima which come with exceptional milk frothing capabilities). Overall, I would still opt for the Cuisinart, even though Nespresso dominates the single-serve market.

Should you buy it?

If you’re a filter coffee drinker, looking for a speciality spin on your coffee, Cuisinart is the best investment you’ll make. The coffee quality is excellent and it’s really easy to use too. It's shaken Nespresso's dominance in the single-serve world, but if you like frothy, milky coffees, you might want another option.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we take our coffee tests seriously. Laura, a trained barista, took this to our test kitchen where she spent the day using all of the functions multiple times. She made notes on every select of the Cuisinart and has also tested lots of the other filter coffee makers that we recommend. If you’d like to know more about the process, we detailed every part of the process on our how we test coffee makers page.

There are lots of different Nespresso machines on the market, making it a little tricky to find your perfect match. The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is an easy one to choose. It makes the best lattes and cappuccinos of all their models, so if you like a milky coffee, you'll love this. 

Our team has tested the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, so we've seen the whole spectrum of what's on offer. The Latissima is the one that we chose to invest in for our test kitchen coffee station because it's like having a live-in barista. It comes complete with De'Longhi's advanced milk frothing system, a range of Vertuo pod compatibilities, and a sleek design. 

It's easily one of the best Nespresso machines and it's great if you like elaborate coffees. It's not for everyone, especially if you only drink espressos, but we love it and use it every day. That says a lot about it.

Specifications

Unboxing

Firstly, I'd like to give credit even to the Vertuo Lattissima's packaging. Everything is completely recyclable, including the durable handle. It's great to see more places where you can recycle pods too; they even have local drop-offs which you can find online.

The front side of the box also opens out, so there’s no need to prise your coffee machine out of a box on the floor – something I've done too many times. Opening the front out makes it easy to extract the Vertuo Lattissima from the box.

There’s plenty of information online and in paper instructions about setting up the machine, but you don't really need them; it arrives almost ready to go. All I had to do was fill the water reservoir, which was straightforward. I wish it had a handle because these make a world of difference to a machine's usability, but it's actually not too difficult to hold on to both sides. With a full reservoir and all the stickers removed, this was ready to go.

Who would it suit?

If you like the convenience of single-serve machines but want a more luxurious coffee experience, this is a good investment. It’s compact, well-designed, and built with premium materials.

Where you’ll reap the rewards of the Lattissima is with milky coffees, such as cappuccinos and lattes. The frothing technology is the same as De’Longhi’s and it shows. The milk was expertly textured, on both plant-based milks and dairy.

If you live in a large household, the machine has enough capacity for around eight coffees, so wouldn’t struggle with the morning coffee rush either. It could make even the largest coffee in under a minute, meaning you won't have to hang around if you're in a hurry.

What is it like to use?

Pod machines are some of the most simple coffee makers on the market and this was no exception. It's worth noting that this is only compatible with Vertuo pods, hence the name. I would also emphasize that this is a single-serve machine. If you are looking for specialty flavors, single-serve machines will struggle to deliver ones to rival the best coffee makers on the market. However, if you're happy with simple, speedy coffee, you'll love this.

Test 1: Espresso

After the machine was set up and ready to go, I started with the basics. One of my favorite features on the Vertuo Lattissima is the adjustable drinks stand. It doesn't sound like much, but it makes for much tidier brewing and helps to preserve the crema of your coffee. For my espresso, I adjusted the stand to the top setting. It's really easy to do, without detracting from the machine's aesthetics.

I pulled a 1.3 oz espresso shot, using the Altissio pod, which is about average size and strength. This had a really nice, thick crema. Nespresso machines spin the coffee to create a thicker foam, which looks like a crema but isn't a true representation of the coffee's quality. Once this had settled, the real crema was still thick. The shot's temperature was about the hottest I would tolerate, especially for an espresso. However, this didn't affect the bold, cocoa notes that the Nespresso extracted.

Test 2: Americano

The next test I put any coffee maker through is making an Americano, also known as a simple black coffee. I followed the same process as the espresso, just with the drinks stood back to a normal height. It didn't make noise any louder than 80 dBA, which is great if you need a quiet single-serve coffee maker in the morning. 

Overall, my Americano was well-extracted, with a thick crema. Again, I thought it was on the hot side, but the flavors in the pod still came through. For the Americano, I used one of the caramel pods, which has a distinct flavor. I think this was artificially enhanced, but it was still really enjoyable. If I had to compare the Americano length and strength to any coffee, I would say it's more like filter coffee: it's light, delicate, and delicious.

Test 3: Cappuccino

As a single-serve machine that claims unparalleled milk frothing capacity, I was keen to test both lattes and cappuccinos. There are some quirks to Nespresso’s milk frothing system. Firstly, you have to press the milk setting that you want to start making coffee. If you press the normal coffee button, you won't get any milk in your coffee and there is no way to change it, because you can't froth milk without having a full pod inserted. Whilst this doesn’t sound like a huge issue, it can actually feel quite limiting. For example, if your cappuccino could do with a bit more milk, it can’t have it. If you’ve made an espresso and decided you want some sweetness or richness, you can’t have it. The machine will also decide whether to put milk or coffee in first, as it changes every time. So there are some drawbacks to milk frothing.

As long as you are present when making your coffee, you can ensure you always get enough milk. The Vertuo Lattissima won't stop making textured milk, you need to press a button before it stops and even then there's a couple of seconds delay, so don't leave it to the last minute.

I'm picking faults with the milk-frothing technology, but really, for a single-serve coffee maker, this is incredibly impressive. The dairy milk, on the foamiest setting, created the perfect foam-to-coffee ratio, with nearly a third of my cup as smooth, velvety foam. Similarly, when I used almond milk and oat, the foam was tightly textured and smooth to drink, even on non-barista versions of almond milk. Some machines overfroth and overheat plant-based milk in particular, but this did an excellent job.

The latte milk was only slightly less frothy than the cappuccino, so it errs on the generous side of foam, but it’s impressive. The milk also helped bring the coffee to a drinkable temperature, so I was very pleased with the results. This is definitely designed for milky coffees, so if that's the kind you normally drink, you'll love this.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The pod bin held eight pods and I think it could have squeezed in another two. This is the biggest capacity I’ve ever seen on a Nespresso machine, which is useful if you drink multiple coffees or live in a home with lots of coffee drinkers. The milk steamer has cleaning modes that prevent any stale milk from getting sour in the tubes, which is a classic De'Longhi touch. It's easy to use, with straightforward labels for cleaning and rinsing the milk carafe. They've also designed it to be slim enough to sit in the refrigerator door, so you can fill it with milk without any going off, another classic De'Longhi design.

In terms of storage, this is slim and not too tall. It would easily fit on any kitchen countertop. There are a few steel features that show fingerprints, but these are easy to wipe clean. However, I would advise people with more compact kitchens to take a look at other models since this certainly isn’t the smallest one that I’ve seen. The Vertuo Next, available on Amazon and Essenza, also available on Amazon are both smaller.

How does it rate online?

I was pleased to see that this is a popular single-serve option amongst customers and reviewers alike. Even though this only launched in September, it's been popular. Multiple professional reviewers said that these pods were the closest they'd come to making fresh coffee with pods. Unsurprisingly, lots of people found the milk frothing to be the star of this machine. It's well-deserved praise.

If you don't have milk in your coffee, there are better coffee makers on the market. This was the most common gripe brought against the Vertuo Lattissima. However, it’s important to judge this Nespresso as a single-serve machine. Pitching it against bean-to-cup models is unfair because it will never achieve the flavors of freshly ground coffee.

How does it compare?

The most obvious comparison is between the Vertuo Lattissima and its predecessor the Lattissima, available on Amazon. Honestly, there's very little difference between the two models. Aside from the new model's exclusive compatibility with Vertuo pods. The milk carafe is slimmer too.

If you like the idea of a Nespresso that can froth milk, it’s also worth considering the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista. This is about twice the price, but it really looks it. On the countertop, the Creatista is a wider, shinier, coffee statement. It can also take eight pods in the pod bin, and the Creatista has a Breville-style milk frothing system. 

If looks don’t matter, I preferred the milk from the Vertuo Lattissima's system, because the Creatista really overshot ideal temperatures. It was also more maintenance to keep clean because the whole body is stainless steel. 

Should you buy it?

As a barista, it's very hard to please me with coffee pods, but this is the most impressive array of coffees that I've tested. Nespresso’s Vertuo Lattissima is an updated version of the iconic brand's single-serve range, and the step us has seen some positive improvements. 

As a single-serve machine with milk-frothing capabilities, this is near-flawless. It’s smart, slick, and an expert at texturing milks. It has a solid and reliable feel, which is ultra-premium. Nespresso has replaced lots of plastic with stainless steel and solid materials too.

Overall, I preferred the pod flavors of the simple drinks, rather than artificially enhanced pods, but these are fun for festivities and seasonal brews. The best coffees, by far were those that had milk in them, so this is best suited for milky coffee drinkers. All in all, however, this is my favorite Nespresso machine so far. 

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we really care about coffee that's why we take every machine we recommend to our test kitchen. Laura, a trained barista, put this through its paces, making notes on every part of the Nespresso experience. From unboxing to cleaning up, if there's anything you need to know, we'll tell you about it. Most importantly, we make notes on the coffee flavors. If you want to find out more, there's more information in our how we test coffee makers page.

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is not as tall and elaborate as some of the brand's more expert coffee makers, but the compact, colorful design, which consistently serves delicious coffee every time, means that this coffee maker gets a lot of admiration. So, should you buy one?

Knowing the best Nespresso coffee maker for you might seem like an overwhelming task to explore, however, in reality, these coffee makers have all been designed for different homes. The bright and bold Vertuo Pop is intended for those with smaller homes with compact countertops, so if you're looking for a sleek, space-saving machine, then you're in for a treat.

Our experts put this to the test across a range of cup sizes and pod flavors to find out whether it's one of the best single-serve coffee makers out there. Here are the results of our extensive tests.

Specifications

Who would it suit?

Overall, this is a sleek-looking machine, minimalist in design and nicely proportioned. I was sent the Liquorice Black version to test, but I wouldn’t have minded any of the more vibrant color options available, the Pacific Blue is especially lovely.

Measuring a slender 5.3 inches wide, you won’t need to sacrifice a lot of space on your countertops to accommodate this small-scale machine. Although it’s only 9.8 inches high, the shortest of Nespresso’s three Vertuo models, it’s worth noting that you’ll need a 14-inch clearance to pop new pods inside. The water reservoir is also right at the back, so you may need to pull it forward to fill it if you have a shelf or wall cabinet above.

Oh, and the pod bin is at the side, so you’ll need to be able to access that, too. Luckily, it’s a very lightweight machine and no effort at all to pull forward, as long as you have the space on your counters to do so. You could also store it in a cupboard quite easily if you don’t drink coffee on a daily basis, but like to be able to produce decent coffee when friends come over.

Unboxing and setting up

There’s really nothing to the setup process, besides plugging the machine in. The power cable is not very long but is surprisingly stiff and unyielding, so you’ll need to position this coffee machine near a socket.

You can download the Nespresso app and pair the Vertuo Pop with your phone or device but there’s really no obligation to do this – you will still be able to enjoy the exact same tasty coffee without linking to an app. Downloading the app doesn’t allow you to control the machine from your phone, it’s more about maintenance tutorials and ordering pods, but you can do that just as easily online. You can also check current water levels using the app, although I generally found using my eyes to check the water was perfectly sufficient. The app was a tad glitchy, freezing every so often and I soon turned notifications off.

I was delighted to discover the Vertuo Pop comes with a taster menu box of 12 Vertuo pods, which meant I could try out lots of different flavors before committing to buying a box of 10 capsules.

What's it like to use?

User ease is incredibly intuitive and couldn’t be simpler. I didn’t need to look at any instructions, even my 81-year-old mother-in-law who doesn’t have a mobile phone or computer sussed it without any guidance. She was babysitting, her desperation for caffeine was probably a good incentive.

For those interested in instructions, to make a coffee just unlock the lid by pushing the small lever in the top to the right, put a pod in the pod-shaped hole, and lock it again by closing the lid and pushing the lever back to the left. Press the one and only button, making sure you have a mug in position, and the coffee will arrive in about the same time it takes to get milk out of the fridge.

The water tank is at the back, which made it slightly awkward to reach as we have a shelf above, but at least it was out of sight. It pops off easily if you want to take it to the tap, or you can fill it in situ using a jug. Be warned that the water tank is not very big, which means you’ll have to refill it multiple times if you are entertaining. The benefit of a smaller tank is you’re much less likely to end up with stagnant water if you don’t often drink coffee.

Once the pod bin is full of empty capsules, it is easy to empty by simply pulling the bin out from one side. It has a solid tray on the bottom, so you won’t trail water on the way to the waste bin.

For environmentally friendly disposal, Nespresso offers a free recycling service for old capsules, just order a recycling bag when you buy new capsules direct from Nespresso and request a collection. Rather disappointingly the collection service is operated separately to delivery, which feels kind of counterintuitive from a carbon footprint stance. There is an option to drop empty capsules off at your nearest Nespresso Boutique (and pick up another bag while you’re there).

What are the coffee flavors like?

When it comes to the actual coffee experience, I have to say I was very, very impressed. I have happily owned a Nespresso machine for several years, but it is one of the first generation machines, which takes the small ‘original’ capsules. The coffee is tasty enough and, as the only coffee drinker in the house, it suits me not to have to buy large bags of coffee beans or grounds that potentially go stale before I get through them. I’ve also had a French press in the past but the mess. It’s just too much bother for one person.

Anyway, the point is, while I wasn’t unhappy with my Original machine or its pods, the Vertuo capsules knocked them out of the park. The flavor is deeper, the crema thicker and the aroma fills my kitchen in a way I have never experienced before. Nespresso says this is achieved by its trademarked Centrifusion Technology, which judging by the mad whirring sound emitted from the machine, means the pods are spun around very quickly to ensure every drop of flavor is extracted from each capsule.

It is massively superior to any coffee I have achieved from my Nespresso Original capsule machine and I happily slurped my way through all the Vertuo capsules supplied. The special edition Infiniment Gourmand Saveur Noisette by Hermé was a clear favorite but I even enjoyed the more obscure choices like Vanilla Custard Pie and Toccano, which is described as Berry & Winey. If you need serious waking up, the double espresso capsules definitely do the job, but beware, you’ll only need one in 24 hours.

Rather cleverly, the Vertuo Pop doesn’t have any buttons to adjust the size of drink required, instead it uses Automatic Blend Recognition, which essentially uses barcode scanning to find out the right amount of water according to the type of pod you put in. Make sure you don’t put an espresso cup underneath if you have used a Gran Lungo pod.

Speaking of cups, the Vertuo Pop delivers up to 8 oz of coffee, but I was a bit disappointed by the fact you have to remove the drip tray to get normal-sized mugs under the spout. It lifts off easily enough but then you are left with coffee drips on your countertops once you’ve taken the drink away unless you are a ninja and can get the drip tray back on before it drips. I tried and failed. You could buy an especially short-wide mug (no doubt Nespresso sells just the thing), but otherwise, the drip tray is really only suitable for espresso-size cups.

The machine will power off automatically after two minutes of inactivity, to save electricity, which is a useful feature given the current fuel crisis.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

As the coffee grounds are so neatly contained in the capsules, most pod machines don’t require much cleaning at all and the Vertuo Pop is no exception. If you are using it regularly, you will only need to empty the pod receptacle bin, give that a rinse, and rinse the drip tray every so often – use hot water and mild, odorless detergent.

If you are not a regular coffee drinker and the machine has been left unused for a while, it’s wise to flush water through the pipes before you use it again. Just fill the tank with fresh water, open and close the lock (no pod), and press the button three times within two seconds.

Descaling is a slightly more complex but still easy process, requiring a Nespresso descaling agent in the water tank, and more pressing of the button and locking and unlocking in sequence. The 12-step process is covered in the instruction booklet and on the App or you can watch a video on the Nespresso site.

How does it compare?

Nespresso makes some of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, but they make a lot of different models. We have a dedicated guide to the best Nespresso machines, which places the Vertuo Pop as the best compact model on the market. It also has a good range of bright color options, making it a brilliant style option.

If you're not space-conscious and you're after the best of the best, you'll want to take a look at the Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee maker, which shares many of the features of the Vertuo Pop. You can use the same coffee capsules in it, and use the same app, and it's just as easy to use. The main advantage of the Vertuo Next is it can accommodate one extra cup size, a carafe, which is perfect for those who don’t leave home without a travel mug filled to the brim. And, blissfully, it is taller than the Vertuo Pop, so you can sit standard-size mugs on the drip tray. This height advantage will cost you but you may be able to bag a bargain if you keep an eye on sales.

Should you buy it?

Retailing at around $130, the Vertuo Pop is the most affordable option in Nespresso’s Vertuo range and there’s no doubt it delivers coffee that’s far superior to many I have bought at so-called ‘boutique baristas’. For that reason, we think it’s definitely worth the money. However, bear in mind that the coffee capsules are not cheap. Prices range from 98¢ to $1.65 per capsule, but you can save money by signing up to Nespresso’s subscription service.

If you're thinking about investing in a single-serve coffee maker, you'll be caught in the Keurig vs Nespresso debate. Both brands have been serving coffee drinkers delicious brews for years, but which will suit you best?

Our experts have been busy testing the best Nespresso machines as well as some of the most popular Keurig coffee makers in order to determine which is the best single-serve coffee maker on the market right now.

When it comes down to it, Nespresso makes the better machines. They're cleaner, faster, and simpler to use. As a barista, I think they make better coffee too. However, they're more expensive and don't have quite the same versatility as Keurigs. I'll go into the differences between the two brands, so you can decide which is better, Nespresso or Keurig coffee makers.

Which should I buy?

If you want a one-line answer, Nespresso is better for speed and taste, Keurig for cheapness and variety. You'll get better flavors from a drip coffee maker or automatic brewer, but you might not be able to enjoy the same convenience that Nespresso and Keurig offers.

Keurig K-Mini vs Nespresso Vertuo Next

To keep this comparison fair, I've decided to match the coffee makers like-for-like. Two of the most affordable options are the Keurig K-Mini and the Nespresso Vertuo Next.

On paper, the Nespresso is obviously better. First of all, it's faster, making you a coffee in around thirty seconds rather than a few minutes. This is a fantastic feature – I've mentioned it before in other articles on the site but I relied on a Nespresso Vertuo Next during long, busy hours covering last Black Friday sales. Being able to grab a pretty decent Americano in 30 seconds in between articles massively improved my day if I was starting early or working late.

The Nespresso also has a larger water reservoir, which means fewer trips to refill before you use it. The K-Mini can only hold 12oz, which is only about a mug's worth of coffee at a time. From experience, you can get three or four cups out of the Nespresso Vertuo Next before you have to refill. It's also cleaner, with much less splashback than the Keurig, which our tester Camryn found makes a mess all over a countertop.

The Nespresso also simply makes better coffee than the Keurig. It tastes stronger and less bitter and unlike the Keurig, espresso shots have a crema (the little layer of cream on top of the coffee you get on an espresso). By comparison, the Keurig is weak and bitter. It's not bad by single-serve standards, but there are better options out there.

However, over a year of using the Nespresso I noticed that it slowly drips after you make your coffee. If you take your coffee cup away as soon as the machine stops whirring, it will drip a couple of drops of coffee onto the tray. This isn't a huge problem, but it builds up over time. The Nespresso also only uses a single button. This is really easy to use 90% of the time, but it's pretty frustrating to troubleshoot any issue. It also means you can't really customize your coffee. The Keurig has the choice of regular or strong coffee, but the Nespresso will pull the same coffee every time.

Keurig K-Supreme SMART vs Nespresso Vertuo Creatista

Jumping up in price a little, we can compare the Keurig K-Supreme SMART and the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista. It's not quite a fair fight, because the Nespresso is hundreds of dollars more expensive, but they have similar functionalities.

Again, the Nespresso is better. Everything I mentioned above still stands. It's faster, easier to clean, and the coffee is just better. The Keurig is smart, sure, but our tester Camryn found that the app connectivity isn't actually that helpful, and you're much better off controlling it manually. The Nespresso is also capable of making more types of coffee, with the ability to steam milk and make iced coffee, whereas the Keurig can only make iced coffee or black coffee.

However, if you don't want to make cappuccinos or lattes at home, I'd go for the Keurig. It's hundreds of dollars cheaper and there's a much bigger range of iced coffee options than the Nespresso, which only has three options to the Keurig's dozens. Both coffee makers have around the same capacity, so can cater to the same number of people, yet the Keurig takes up less room on a countertop.

Which makes better coffee?

It depends on how you define it. My call is Nespresso machines make better coffee, because they make actual espresso. Keurigs tends to be a little weak and bitter whereas Nespresso is relatively flavorful, rich, and aromatic. Nespresso's Vertuo pods come in a wide range of different roasts and flavors. My recommendation is the Stormio, a serviceable Americano that will work for most people. They also do seasonal pods, which are a bit of a gimmick but can be genuinely delicious. I pretty much replaced my water intake with their Gingerbread coffee last Christmas.

However, this comes with a huge caveat: there are a bewildering number of K-Cups. There are more than 40 brands with official K-cups, including Starbucks, McCafé, Dunkin', Cinnabon, and more. Each of these brands has a few different K-cups, so there's a lot on offer, and that's before you get onto all of the less-than-official K-cups. There are literally thousands of different pods for a Keurig machine, so while in our experience Keurig coffee is pretty middling, there could be the perfect coffee lurking out there somewhere.

Which is cheapest?

Keurig is the clear winner here. The K-Mini Plus costs around $100, which is incredibly good value. I've seen a K-Express Essentials, at Walmart, available for under $60, too. The cheapest Nespresso, by comparison, is the Nespresso Pop, available at Walmart, which usually retails for around $120, twice as much as the cheapest Keurig. Nespresso prices rise to nearly $850 for an original Nespresso Creatista Pro, which is hundreds more than the K-Café SMART, available at Target, which retails for around $250.

This is also true when it comes to the cost of the coffee. Comparing two similar types of coffee, 30 Nespresso Stormio pods will cost you $37.50. You can get 72 Green Mountian Dark Magic pods for $37.12. Keurig wins hands down.

Which is worst for the environment?

There is no avoiding it: these products produce a lot of plastic waste. You should be very skeptical about any claims that they're recyclable. In the case of Keurig, while the K-cups are technically recyclable, it's only the plastic pod. What's more, though this plastic is largely recyclable, it depends on local recycling policies, so your local refuse collection might not take your pods. It gets even more complicated when you consider that you have to separate the foil, grounds, and filter from the plastic part and throw them away (though you can compost the grounds and filter). Let's be honest – very few of us can be bothered to do this. Even if you are, there will be times you're late to sort your trash and you simply won't have time to pick through all the spent K-Cups and prep them for recycling. There are other ways of making coffee that don't need so much effort to be green

Nespresso is more environmentally friendly, but that isn't saying much. Their Vertuo capsules are made with aluminum, which is more easily recycled than plastic, but it takes a little effort. You have to remember to bag up all your old capsules outside of your main trash and recycling and either drop them off at a collection point, drop them off at a Nespresso Boutique, or hand them to your mail carrier when they drop off your Vertuo pods. If not, the pods will take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Sure, it's not a huge effort, but it's more than other methods of making coffee.

What should I get instead?

I think both Nespresso and Keurig are good options for inexpensive, fast, compact coffee makers. However, for better-tasting coffee, I'd recommend a French press, like the Espro P7, available at Crate & Barrel, or a moka pot. I recently bought a Bialetti moka pot, available at Amazon and not only is it cheaper, but there's an unbelievable difference in quality between that and the Nespresso. It's almost like the coffee is a different type of drink altogether. Don't get me wrong, the Nespresso is still pretty good – I've had far, far worse coffee in my life – but it's simply not as nice, with a noticeable hit of acidity. The Keurig tastes much worse than this, too.

The problem, of course, is that the Moka pot takes a few minutes, and needs monitoring so it doesn't boil over onto your stovetop. Similar is true with a French press. It doesn't need monitoring, but you need to wait five minutes before your coffee. It feels like an age compared to the 30 seconds of a Nespresso. The Nespressos and Keurigs are also just simpler to use. If you can't be bothered to measure out ground coffee and calibrate your water temperature, pressing a single button on one of these coffee makers is much easier.

They're also much cheaper than other types of coffee maker. A good bean-to-cup coffee maker starts at around $600, and an espresso maker starts at $300. That's not too bad for the espresso maker, but you'll have to learn how to properly pull an espresso shot and steam milk, which can be pretty frustrating and again takes time.

Keurig and Nespresso FAQs

Should I buy a single-serve coffee maker?

Coffee snobs will tell you that coffee from a Keurig or a Nespresso will never neither taste as good as a French press or stovetop coffee pot, and they're right. These other methods simply taste better. They also create a lot less waste, and if you're particularly keen to reduce plastic waste I would buy a different type of coffee maker altogether. However, not all of us have the time, space, or budget to spend on a full-sized espresso machine or bean-to-cup coffee maker. If you want a cheap, fast, simple coffee maker, these are the way to go.

Can you use Keurig pods in a Nespresso?

No. Neither company's pods are compatible with the other's. Nespresso also introduced a new pod shape, the Vertuo, which is phasing out the older Original pod shapes.

Does Keurig or Nespresso have more caffeine?

It depends on the pods you use. Some pods have more caffeine than others, and both companies offer decaf and half-caf options.

Final thoughts

Both companies make pretty good single-serve coffee makers, but it's definitely worth exploring other methods of making coffee. If you're new to coffee, there are lots of coffee makers for beginners that are worth checking out to make the whole process a little easier.

Keurig's coffee makers are famously inexpensive, which means you have to be picky over which ones you choose. The most convenient, versatile model in their offering is the Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker. It's one of their more elaborate models and it's worth the upgrade too.

After testing the Keurig K-Supreme SMART, our experts knew it was deserving of a spot in our buying guide for the best Keurig coffee makers. The high-end model provides five strength settings, six temperature options, and four drink sizes. It can even brew iced drinks, using special settings to maximize taste.

Our expert put the smart functions, hot chocolate pods, and all the coffee functions to the test to find out whether this is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. We're on the fence for that one, but if you want a Keurig, look no further than here.  

Product specifications

Who would it suit?

After using the K-Supreme Smart for several weeks, I think it’s best suited for busy households. Its large water tank and quick brewing abilities are perfect when you’re in a rush, as it will almost always have your drink ready in less than 2 minutes. It also gives you a lot of customization options, which helps cater to people with different preferences. 

However, this machine might not be the best choice for anyone who’s not tech-savvy. In my experience, it doesn’t work properly unless it’s hooked up to Wi-Fi, so you need to know your way around a smartphone to make the most of its abilities. 

What's it like to use?

The K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker arrived packaged in molded cardboard and wrapped in a styrofoam-type bag for protection. There was minimal plastic in the packaging, and most of the materials were able to be recycled, which I appreciated. 

One of the cool things I noticed right away about the machine is that you can set up its water tank in two different orientations. It can be placed beside the main brewer, forming an L-shaped unit, or behind it for a straight, narrow orientation. You can alternate between them by changing the direction of the water tube on the bottom of the machine, which I found was quite easy to do. 

The only other thing I had to do to set up the machine was install the filter into the water tank. The little fabric cartridges needed to be rinsed before being inserted into the machine, but it was a quick and easy process. Once that was done, I filled up the large 66-ounce water tank and was ready to start brewing. 

Making hot drinks

I used the K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker a few times before I synced it up to the Keurig app, and I had quite a bit of trouble with it. When I inserted a K-cup, the digital screen just kept showing me “Please Wait,” and I had to open and shut the lid a few times before it registered that there was a pod in the machine. Thankfully, these problems went away after I set up the unit’s smart features, but it’s worth noting that the coffee maker may not work properly without a Wi-Fi connection.  

Once the machine was connected to my home’s Wi-Fi via the Keurig app, it worked much more smoothly. All I had to do was pop a K-cup into the top, and the BrewID feature would automatically identify the drink and select its recommended settings. (You can always change them if desired.) From there, it was just a matter of selecting the drink size—6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—and pressing the large K button to start brewing. This Keurig brews very quickly, and my drinks always come out very hot. 

Throughout the course of testing, I used the K-Supreme to make a few different types of coffee, as well as hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai lattes. They all tasted great, and I loved that the water reservoir holds enough to make several drinks before needing a refill.

Making iced coffee

In addition to all sorts of hot drinks, the K-Supreme Smart also has a special setting for brewing iced drinks. I tested it out using the Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice Brew-Over-Ice K-Cups, and the machine automatically selected the brew-over-ice setting once it registered the pod. It instructs you not to brew into a glass cup, so I used a metal travel tumbler filled with ice instead. I selected the 12-ounce drink setting and let the machine do its thing. 

It took longer than expected for the Keurig to brew my iced coffee, but it was worth the wait. When it was finished brewing, the coffee was room temperature with just a few pieces of ice remaining, so I topped it off with a little more ice before adding cream and sugar. I was really impressed with the beverage’s rich, spicy taste, and it didn’t seem watered down at all.

Using the smart features

One of the main features of this Keurig is that it connects to the brand’s app. Once I had created an account in the app, it walked me through the process of pairing the machine with my phone. It only took a few minutes, and I didn’t have any issues getting the unit synced up to my Wi-Fi network. 

In truth, I didn’t find the app to be very useful. It has a section for “Café Creation” drinks, but most of them are extremely simple—they just highlight different K-cups that you can buy. There’s also a whole shopping section where you can order Keurig products. 

The app offers a few brewer features, allowing you to turn on high-altitude brewing, create favorite brew settings, or schedule a brew in advance. This might be handy if you want to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee, but in all honesty, it’s just as fast to pop in a K-cup and hit brew. 

Cleaning and storage

The beauty of pod-style coffee makers is that there’s very little cleaning and maintenance required, and the K-Supreme Smart is no exception. On a daily basis, all I ever needed to do was throw away my used K-cups, and I ended up refilling the water tank about twice a week. 

To keep your Keurig working well, the brand does recommend changing the filter and descaling the machine every three months. Replacement filter cartridges are fairly inexpensive, and you can descale the machine using the brand’s descaling solution or with just plain white vinegar. Either way, the upkeep is significantly easier than with most drip coffee machines.  

How does it rate online?

The K-Supreme Smart currently has a 4.3-star rating from around 300 reviewers on the Keurig website. Among positive reviews, many people like that the machine is notably smaller than other Keurig models and offers a wide range of customization options. The Brew ID feature is another aspect that many users enjoy. 

However, one of the most common complaints is that the machine sometimes struggles to connect to Wi-Fi, which can impact its operation. Lots of people questioned the 'SMART' label in and of itself. They didn't think that the machine was particularly technologically advanced, nor did they find these features useful. So, if you're into your technological coffee makers, it might be worth giving this one a miss.

Several people also note that the machine needs to be descaled quite frequently, with the indicator going on several times per month. 

How does it compare to other Keurigs?

For the sake of comparison, I tested the K-Supreme Smart alongside the K-Mini Plus, which is one of the brand’s smallest and most affordable machines. Where the K-Supreme Smart offers all the bells and whistles — including brew customization, K-cup recognition, and smart connectivity — the K-Mini Plus is extremely basic. It only has two brew settings, normal and strong, and its water reservoir only holds enough for one drink at a time. This inexpensive model is likely useful for dorm rooms or occasional coffee drinkers, but the K-Supreme Smart is definitely a better fit for households that make multiple drinks per day.   

If you've got some extra room in your coffee maker budget, it's worth looking outside of the Keurig brand. Nespresso makes some more premium coffee makers out there for only a little more money. For example, for $5, you can invest in the Nespresso Vertuo Next. This is the best single-serve coffee maker of all time. It makes coffee that rivals fresh, espresso machine brews, it's slick, smart, and durable too. If I had to choose between the two, I'd get the Nespresso every time.

Should you buy it?

If you’re in the market for a new single-serve coffee machine, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is a worthwhile splurge. This high-tech model gives you more control over your drinks, allowing you to adjust everything from the water temperature to the drink size. It can even make tasty iced drinks. 

However, this Keurig is best for fairly tech-savvy people, as you will need to connect it to Wi-Fi to use it to its full capacity. Without an internet connection, the unit struggles to work properly, and even with one, the app isn't particularly helpful.

How We Test

Before we recommend a coffee maker, we take it to our test kitchen or try it in our homes. It varies by machine, but we make as much coffee as we possibly can in every machine. We try espresso, Americanos, and cappucinos, and where relevant teas. We also try these coffees and hot drinks with milk alternatives for vegans and lactose-intolerant readers. 

We also unbox, clean, and store every machine so we can understand what it is to actually live with these machines.  We base our feedback on a range of criteria: the coffee needs to taste good, the machine should be ergonomic and easy to use, and we love innovation. All the detail is on our dedicated how we test coffee machines' page.

If you're looking for a small, inexpensive coffee maker, the K-Mini Plus is one of the best models on the market. It can brew a range of different drinks, it's compatible with different pods, and it's easy to use. So, should you buy one?

We've been testing the best Keurig coffee makers available, trying to find ones that can rival Nespresso's famous machines. The K-Mini Plus is one of two (we also love the K-Supreme SMART) that makes the cut as one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market.

I used the K-Mini Plus to make a range of coffees, as well as drinks like hot apple cider and chai lattes. After weeks of testing, here's my verdict on how good it is and who it suits.

Who would it suit?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is ideal for anyone who has limited space, whether in a small apartment, dorm room, or even an office. The main selling point of this model is that it’s much more compact than other Keurigs, and it even comes with a K-cup storage container that docks underneath its spout, taking up no extra room.

The K-Mini Plus is also best for people who only prepare one cup of coffee (or other hot drinks) at a time. It has a single-serving reservoir that needs to be filled up before each use, and having to go back and forth to the sink could get frustrating if you’re making multiple servings.

Should you buy it?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a top choice for certain situations. The most obvious use-case is if you’re looking for something very compact and easy to use. It's great for dorm rooms, apartment kitchens, and for a mini coffee nook in a home office. It’s currently the slimmest Keurig available at just 4.5 inches wide, and it will fit comfortably in small apartments and even dorm rooms. This coffee maker comes in a variety of bright colors, and its one-button operation is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to quickly brew up a single cup of coffee or another hot drink.

That said, this coffee maker definitely has a few quirks to know about before you buy. It’s awkwardly slow when brewing—it can take more than two minutes to churn out a single cup—and tends to splatter quite a bit. Additionally, its water reservoir only holds enough water for a single cup, so you’ll need to refill it every time you want a drink.

Product specifications

What's it like to use?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is extremely straightforward to operate. To make a drink, you start by filling up the single-serve water reservoir, which is on the back of the machine. It’s easy to remove and carry to the sink, and the whole lid flips up, making it easy to fill with water, as well. There are markers on the side of the tank for 8, 10, and 12 ounces, and you have to fill it with the right amount of water for your cup. Unlike other Keurigs, which have buttons for cup size, this machine simply uses all the water in its reservoir when you make a drink.

Once you’ve replaced the water tank, you simply insert your desired K-cup into the machine and close the lid. If you want a stronger drink, you can press the button that says Strong—otherwise, you just press the big K button to start brewing.

I was a bit surprised at how slow this machine is to brew a drink. It takes a minute or so before the machine makes any type of noise or indication that it’s working, and several times, I came back to double-check that I had actually pressed start. It doesn’t help that there aren’t any lights or other indicators to let you know it’s brewing—you simply have to wait until you hear the water gurgling through the system.

After a minute or two, the K-Mini Plus starts dispensing your drink into the cup below. It can accommodate all different mug sizes and shapes, and you can even remove the water catch area to put a taller travel mug underneath. The brewing process works just like any other Keurig, but I did notice that this unit tends to splatter more. I usually needed to wipe down the counter after using it, otherwise there would be little coffee droplets all over the place.

Taste test

In terms of the drinks themselves, I was surprisingly impressed with the quality. I typically think of Keurig-brewed coffee as weaker and less flavorful than drip brew, but the Green Mountain K-cups I used were actually very good. It was the perfect drink for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and I also used the machine to make a chai latte and hot chocolate with great results.

Cleaning and storage

One of the best parts of using a Keurig instead of a drip coffee maker is that there’s virtually no clean-up required. Apart from the splattering, when you’re finished brewing a drink, you just have throw away the used K-cup. It’s as easy as that.

The brand recommends descaling your Keurig every three to six months, and you will have to remember to do this on your own, as the K-Mini doesn’t have a descaling indicator light. The good news is that the process is simple: you just add a descaling solution to the reservoir and brew as normal. Once it’s done, you rinse the machine out twice, and you’re good to go for another several months.

For more compact storage, this model comes with a handy container that can hold up to nine K-cups, and it slots in underneath the machine’s spout. It’s a convenient way to keep K-cups nearby without taking up any additional space for storage.

How does it rate online?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus has a 4-star rating from more than 2,500 reviewers on the Keurig website. Among positive reviews, people frequently comment on the machine’s compact size and straightforward operation, though like me, some reviewers note that it brews much more slowly than expected.

On Amazon, the machine earns 4.5 stars from close to 7,000 reviewers, many of whom love its slim design. However, there are quite a few buyers who say the machine stops working within a year of purchase, which might put you off. There's also, unsurprisingly, a number of people who felt that this was cheap. That's really because it is. The body is made from plastic, not metal, and it doesn't come with any frills or extra-special features.

How does it compare to other Keurigs?

I tested the Keurig K-Mini Plus alongside the K-Supreme SMART, and the two models are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Where the K-Mini Plus is small and extremely simple to use, the K-Supreme SMART is one of the brand’s more high-tech options. It has a digital control panel that lets you control settings like cup size, water temperature, brew strength, and more, and it can even sync up to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. This more advanced unit is definitely worth the extra money if you want to be able to customize your drinks or brew more frequent cups of coffee.

If you have a little more money to spend, another $50 can get you a very long way. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop, whilst double the price of the K-Mini Plus, is compact, colorful, and much more durably built. It looks and feels like a premium coffee maker and the flavors that it extracts are close to specialty coffee. If you've not got a sensitive palette, you won't miss out on much with the Keurig, but if you want to treat yourself, go for the Nespresso.

How We Test

Before we recommend a coffee maker, we take it to our test kitchen or try it in our homes. It varies by machine, but we make as much coffee as we possibly can in every machine. We try espresso, Americanos, and cappucinos, and where relevant teas. We also try these coffees and hot drinks with milk alternatives for vegans and lactose-intolerant readers.

We also unbox, clean, and store every machine so we can understand what it is to actually live with these machines. We base our feedback on a range of criteria: the coffee needs to taste good, the machine should be ergonomic and easy to use, and we love innovation. All the detail is on our dedicated how we test coffee machines' page.

Love it or loathe it – and honestly, who could loathe it – Starbucks' iconic pumpkin spice latte will be back for the 20th year in a row. 

This blend of cozy fall spices in an indulgent latte has become part of the scents of fall, wafting out of cafés as the air picks up a chill. 

Reportedly, pumpkin spice will be return to Starbucks chains on the 24th of November. I spoke to our in-house coffee expert to get all the detail, and how to make your own in a coffee maker if you can't wait that long. 

When is Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte returning?

Word on the street is that pumpkin spice will return on the 24th of November. If not then, then the following week. Fall doesn't officially start until you can grab one of these, so we'll be checking in with our contacts at Starbucks and poking our head round our local on our commute into work. 

Why is pumpkin spice so popular?

Pumpkin spice is popular because it tastes good. Our resident coffee expert Laura Honey says that 'the flavors in your pumpkin spice coffee taste like Thanksgiving'. The base is just a simple latte, but the extra mix of nutmeg, ginger, cloves and cinnamon that go into pumpkin spice are wonderfully homely. The smell of it in a café or even your own home is perfect for getting you into the spirit of the season and the long run up to the holidays. 

Why is pumpkin spice controversial?

Pumpkin spice is controversial because it's popular. Starbucks reportedly sell 20 million of these a year, and anything that popular will end up denigrated as 'a basic'. Personally, I find a pumpkin spice latte a lot nicer than the complicate reams of orders some people give in the Starbucks queue, but it's so popular that people inevitably equate it as a boring, obvious choice. It's all pretty harmless in the end - there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a delicious drink, even if you get teased for it. 

More serious, however, are the health implications. On a blustery fall day, sometimes only pumpkin spice hits the spot, but the sugar content in these drinks is incredibly high. A venti pumpkin spice latte has an eye-watering 50 grams of sugar. That's 1/3 of a cup, or a whopping four tablespoons of sugar. Consuming too much sugar is linked to a wide range of health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, so these are best enjoyed in moderation. 

Can you make pumpkin spice latte at home?

Yes, you can absolutely make one at home. Starbucks lists all the ingredients on the website, but it isn't hard to figure out the basic structure. A pumpkin spice latte is just an everyday latte – a shot of espresso, steamed milk, milk foam – and a mix of  nutmeg, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. 'Pumpkin' is a bit of a misnomer, as there's no pumpkin or pumpkin flavoring in there. The drink is  named for the spices that go into any good pumpkin pie, not for the squash. 

I have my own recipe, but I think I'll leave it to the expert. Laura makes her own mix of pumpkin spice. She mixes 'three tablespoons of cinnamon, two teaspoons of ginger, two teaspoons of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cardamom'. This mix is enough to last you right up to Thanksgiving, and it won't go off. 

When it comes to brewing the drink itself, the first step is to prepare your mug. Before you add any coffee, Laura says to 'mix two teaspoons of your spice mix into a paste using a splash of milk. I normally add vanilla paste and some milk here, but you could add sugar'. Once you've done this, she says, 'brew an espresso shot into a small glass'. 

Here's where that expertise really comes in. I'd never think to do this, but it's genius. Laura says to 'scoop the crema off your shot', because though it's a mark of a good shot, it will lend too much bitterness to the coffee, which will undermine the sweetness of the spice. 

When your shot is ready, add the espresso to the spice mix and make latte milk - Laura told me 'it should be about ⅓ foam and ⅔ warm milk'. For the finish, she suggests to 'spray some whipped cream on top and sprinkle over some cinnamon. It makes everything feel more festive'.

Pumpkin spice FAQs

Final thoughts

Another option for a good pumpkin spice latte is an single serve coffee maker. For example, I'm a big fan of the ease of the Nespresso Vertuo, and though the coffee is sometimes a little too bitter, I thought last year's limited edition gingerbread coffee, still available at Amazon, is about as close as you can get to pumpkin spice at home at the touch of a button.  

The best cold brew coffee makers are simple but effective. They make a smoother, sweeter cup of coffee through a slower, more gentle extraction process, which means that cold brew is popular with people who don't even like coffee. 

If you want to get started on brewing some, you have a few options. If you already have a French press, you can use it to make cold brew at home at home. However, if you want to achieve new levels of smooth, cold brew heaven, you'll want to invest in a specialty cold brew coffee maker. These can work quicker, produce smoother results, and will have neat features integrated to help preserve your cold brew concentrate.

As a former barista and cold brew obsessive, I was keen to take a look at the best cold brew coffee makers. I worked my way through the KitchenAid, OXO, Bodum cold brewers as well as newer, smaller brands. Every cold brew coffee maker in this guide is good enough to earn my barista's seal of approval. Now, it's up to you and your coffee needs to pick the best one.

The quick list

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Best cold brew coffee maker overall

The reason this is number one is obvious. It made the best cold brew I've ever had, including brews from other professional baristas.

Some of the simplest cold brew coffee makers are pitchers or brewing containers. They're convenient, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. OXO's sleek model, the Good Grips, is both smart and straightforward. It infuses your coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours and then filters your cold brew into an elegant glass carafe.

This pitcher is one of the more expensive models on the market, but it's packed with well-considered features. The premium glass carafe has measuring marks on the side, so that you can use it to fill your brewing container all the way up to the 14-serving maximum mark. Once you've filtered out your cold brew concentrate, the airtight glass carafe doubles-up as a jug, which you can keep in the refrigerator.

You can also choose to use single-use paper filters, the integrated re-usable metal filter, or both.

You can read more in my OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker review.

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Best budget cold brew coffee maker

With over sixty years of experience, it's no wonder the Toddy Cold Brew System is one of the best cold brew coffee makers on the market. The pitcher system is easy to use and each lid, filter, and container slots neatly into place. Even though some of the plastic parts feel cheap, the way each piece works together proves that this is an expertly refined process.

You can choose between three different filtration methods: paper, felt filters, or both. Each made a wonderfully smooth cold brew, but I would recommend using both for the best results. It requires an 18-24 hour brew time, which means you'll have to display this somewhat ugly container on your countertop for a while. However, it's worth the eyesore, because this cold brew almost rivaled the OXO's in taste.

At around $30, you will have covered the costs of your barista-made cold brew by the time you've made six servings. That's less than one batch brew in the Toddy. Money-wise, it's a no-brainer. It certainly doesn't feel or look as premium as the OXO Good Grips, but if you want good cold brew for cheap, that's exactly what the Toddy System offers.

You can read more in my Toddy Cold Brew Coffee Maker review.

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Best cold brew coffee maker for small spaces

If you love cold brew, but you're the only one in your household who would drink it, you probably won't want a big pitcher or loud machine. That's why OXO designed the Brew Compact. it's not identical to their Good Grips, but it's pretty similar.

Perfect for small kitchens, this compact cold brew maker can still pack a caffeine punch. I made enough cold brew concentrate to last seven days. The Brew Compact still needs 12-24 hours before you can drink your coffee, but it's worth the wait. Smooth and sweet, it's a petite coffee drinker's dream come true.

Crafting small-batch cold brew with perfection and charm, this feels premium in every aspect. At $30, it's expensive for its size. However, when it comes to small kitchens, you sometimes need to invest a little more to save on space.

You can find out more in my fill OXO Brew Compact review.

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Fastest cold brew coffee maker

If there is one thing that will put people off cold brew coffee it's the brew time. 24 hours is a long time to wait for a cup of coffee, even if it is mind-blowingly tasty. Shine's Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker ends all that, because the electric vacuum can make a cold brew in just 10 minutes.

Aside from being ultra-speedy, this is compact and easy to use. The glass carafe is a little thinner than other models, but it's easy to store in the refrigerator, keeping your coffee cool until you need it again. 

The cold brew flavors are on the acidic side for the average cold brew, but it's a worthy compromise for the speed. The reusable filter means that you won't have any ongoing costs, so once you've bought this, you'll only need a good grinder and some coffee beans. 

The biggest downside to this cold brew coffee maker is the noise. It's only for 10-20 minutes, but when the vacuum is extracting cold brew it makes a very loud noise, It's up to you if you can put up with the noise. 

You can read more in my Shine Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Maker review.

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Most versatile cold brew coffee maker

Historically, KitchenAid has impressed us with their coffee makers, even if their name doesn't spring to mind when you think of coffee. The results speak for themselves. This is an extremely popular model, which will make a smooth and cool cup of coffee and it looks good while doing it too.

With a useful handle on top, this stylish machine is one of the most portable options on the market. Lift the handle and you can place it on your refrigerator shelf. Using the tap, you can pour directly from the refrigerator into your cup. You could take it on a picnic, or place it almost anywhere in the house, since this machine is smaller than it looks.

The ultra-fine stainless steel filter makes a naturally sweet and bold brew. You won't need to buy any single-use paper, but I would recommend investing in a re-usable filter. It'll stop you from finding any sediment at the bottom of your brew, ensuring every cup is as smooth and sweet as the next. 

However, the spout is the unsung hero of this cold brew coffee maker. Your coffee won't drip or overflow, and instead pour smoothly.

You can find out more in my KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker review.

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Best cold brew coffee maker for beginners

This works exactly like a French press, so it's one of the simplest methods to follow. It comes with a plunger lid, for filtering the coffee, and a silicone lid that will preserve the tastes and aromas of your coffee whilst it is in the refrigerator.

You still have to wait for 12-24 hours for it to make your cold brew, but it's worth it. The filter works remarkably well, so you'll get a smooth cup of coffee without any ongoing costs or excessive waste. This straightforward process is easy to clean up after, too, as unlike some of these coffee makers, everything can go in the dishwasher.

This has a smart locking system, so if you knock the French press it won't spill. If you want some bright colors, this comes in a range that will make it pop.

I haven't tested this cold brew coffee maker yet, so have researched other customer and professional reviews, so that you know everything that you need to. Once I've done my own review, I will update you here.

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The ones that just missed the list

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How we test cold brew coffee makers

As a former barista, I take my coffee testing pretty seriously. Unlike with the best coffee makers, I can't make espresso, Americanos, and cappuccinos with these, but I still do several tests. 

I trial lots of different styles of roast beans and weights of grounds. I use multiple different filters to see how these affect the taste. I try the resulting coffee from each machine hot, cold, black, with dairy milk and with milk alternatives. 

That's on top of all our usual tests for ease of use, seeing how straightforward it is to use each coffee maker and how easy it is to clean once I'm done.

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FAQs

Is a cold brew coffee maker worth it?

Honestly, it depends. If you already own a French press, I would start using that to make cold brew first. You could even use a simple bottle to make cold brew, so you don't have to spend a lot of money to make basic cold brew.

However, if you want to start getting technical with your cold brews, you should invest in a cold brew coffee maker. You can control filtration and flavors with a lot more precision. The flavor differences are more acute the deeper and geekier you get with coffee, but to people like me, they make big differences.

Are tap cold brew coffee makers better?

It depends on how you use them. If you make a big batch and you want an easy cold brew, tap cold brew makers are brilliant. These are often attached to pitchers, so they tend to be relatively inexpensive too. 

However, single-serve coffee makers are really great if you're happy to wait for a machine each time. In short, the type of cold brew coffee maker that you choose will depend on your needs.

Is cold brew stronger than normal coffee?

When you use a pitcher or French press you make cold brew concentrate. This is extremely strong and you need to dilute it - trust me. I've tried it un-diluted and it was disgusting. Cold brew, once diluted, is no stronger or weaker than normal coffee.

What type of coffee is best for cold brew?

In general, cold brew suits medium to dark roast coffee beans. These tend to be richer and more intense. These flavors come alive when they are extracted under cold brew conditions, especially when you grind your coffee beans as coarsely as possible.

There are lots of brilliant cold brew coffee makers on the market. You can go all-in and use an OXO or Toddy system. These will make super smooth, incredible cold brew. However, if you're new to this type of coffee, you probably won't taste much difference from a basic French press. I would always recommend starting with what you have at home. Whether that's a French press or a Kilner jar, you'll establish how you like to drink your cold brew. This means that when you come to spend $50-150 on a cold brew coffee maker, you'll know that it's money well-spent. 

I've tested over seventy coffee makers in the last year and the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is still one of my favorites. It's shiny, stylish, and ultra-premium. And you don't even need to take my word for it, take David Beckham's.

There are plenty of moody shots of Mr. Beckham with his super stylish coffee maker. Aesthetically, it's easily the best single-serve coffee maker you can buy. It looks luxurious and boasts an impressive range of functions too.

I wanted to see whether this was as good as it looks (spoiler alert: it is), so I took it to our test kitchen to make everything from espresso to cold brew. The price tag is eye-watering, especially compared to other models, but if you like Nespresso's coffee makers and you want a high-spec machine, this is your bag.

Specificatons

Unboxing

Single-serve coffee machines have a reputation for being light and compact. This is the exception. In imitation of more substantial espresso machines, this takes up much more space on your countertop. However, in true Sage style, it looks the part. It would be at home on a barista's countertop with flashy systems and polished stainless steel.

When I first opened the box, there was lots of plastic around the machine. Once I had battled through the layers of plastic and peeled off the various stickers, my Creatista looked impressive and sparkly. If looks were everything, this would be a five-star machine.

The drip tray is magnetic, so easily slotted onto the base of the machine. Everything else was already assembled, so once I had filled the water reservoir, which annoyingly doesn't have a handle, the Creatista was ready to go. 

Nespresso recommends rinsing the machine before use. However, you need to sacrifice a pod to rinse the machine, because it won't run without one. This feels a little wasteful, but it's worth it. You don't want any factory dirt or debris ending up in your cup of joe.

Who would it suit?

Confession time, I'm not normally a big fan of Nespresso machines, because the pods aren't reusable. You can't even buy re-usable pods from Walmart, because your machine won't work with them. Not only is it bad for the environment, it's expensive too. However, I've bestowed a begrudging amount of praise on this machine since using it. It's fast, makes a good cup of coffee, and is incredibly easy to use. I've even recommended it to some friends. 

It doesn't use fresh coffee, which isn't ideal, but the pods could give a surprisingly good flavor. If you're a busy person, who would normally grab a coffee from the machine at work, this is perfect for you. It might be expensive, but for working professionals, it's worth it. You won't have pre-infusion or precision brews, but you'll have a really good coffee in two minutes. If every commute started with a cup of coffee from the Creatista, I imagine the subway would be a better place.

What is it like to use?

Given how technical this looks, it's easy to use. The whole process is quiet, which is brilliant if you're the first one to leave the house in the morning. I didn't measure more than 64 dBA of noise, so it's only as loud as a normal conversation. Nespresso sent me a range of pods, from cold brew to their standard range. You'll have to buy these separately, but they're widely available and you can choose from a range of flavored coffee pods from places like Walmart. I drank a concerning number of these coffees and was very impressed and very caffeinated by the end of my tests.

Espresso

Every good coffee starts with espresso, so I put my dedicated pod into the machine and closed the top. It took 40 seconds to dispense my espresso, which is longer than other machines, but I would put that down to 'warming up'. None of my coffee splashed up the back of the machine or out of my mug and it was 180 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to gulp down in one or enjoy in sips. 

Nespresso coffees all have really good creams, which I would normally see as indicative of good coffee. However, the Nespresso machine can't extract a crema, so instead it spins the coffee to make a 'crema' top. It's an artificial crema, so don't be deceived by looks. 

I wouldn't say that the coffee had a lot of depth, not like fresh coffee, but as coffee from a pod, it was good. My espresso was rich and a little sweet, just lacking artisanal notes.

Americano

Making an Americano is almost identical to an espresso. I just chose a different pod and the machine took exactly one minute to dispense me a good Americano. Again, it was the perfect temperature to drink and similarly delicious, if not a little flat. I don't think this machine will make you the best coffee of your life, but it will make a cup of joe that's good enough to get your out of bed in the morning.

Cappuccino

Ideally, you should always make your milk first and then brew your coffee, so to make a cappuccino, I started with the steam wand. The machine comes with a useful, stainless steel mug, which you can sit underneath the steam wand. The seat for your stainless steel mug is actually a scale that measures the weight of your milk. It uses the weight to calculate how long the machine should take to froth your milk. There are settings on top, which you can use to select how frothy and hot you want your milk to be. 

The frothiest setting was about a 50/50 split of froth and milk; the middle setting was 30/70, and the lowest was 15/85 froth and milk. I'd recommend the middle for a cappuccino and the lowest for a latte. If you just want hot milk, you might have to warm it elsewhere.

I started with one cup of milk in my jug and the machine heated it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far too hot for milk. It should be 158 degrees maximum. I could see it getting too hot and, when I touched the side of my jug, it was boiling. Drinking that would burn your mouth. If you add more milk to the jug, even if it's only one more cup, the machine is much more gentle. With two cups of milk the machine still heated the milk to 155 degrees, which isn't ideal. However, by the time I was frothing three cups, it was fine.

The steamer can get a little froth-happy, but once you've mastered the controls, you can make some really glossy milk. By the end of the tests, I'd adjusted my milk frothing, so that it was perfect every time. Surprisingly, the steam wand worked better with oat milk. It never overheated, even though the foam was a little more aerated and less tight. 

Once I added this milk to my coffee shot, it was well-balanced. The sweetness of the milk was a delicate contrast to the more acidic coffee that I had brewed. However, if you add milk that is too hot, you won't enjoy the same luxury.

At the end of the frothing, the best part of the steamer is that it self-cleans. You'll still need to wipe the nozzle, but it sprays water out of the end, so you'll never get sour milk clogging your wand.

Cold Brew

If you're a cold brew connoisseur, welcome to the fan club. I love a cold brew coffee, but I don't love a 24-hour brew time. Nespresso has dedicated cold brew pods, which range from watermelon cold brew to classic cold brew. I tried both pods and was delighted with the results. The cold brews were smooth, sweet, and had almost no acidity to them.

The watermelon was not for me, but with some mint, ice, and sparkling water, I wouldn't blame you if it was your drink of choice this summer. The original cold brew pods were really good. In three minutes, I had a glass full of classic cold brew without any of the cumbersome prep. If there was a reason for me to buy this machine, it would be this. 

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

When you've finished with a pod, the machine automatically drops it into a pod bin. This has a capacity of eight pods, so you'll need to empty it quite often. The drip tray has a red marker, indicating when it's full. Again, after eight coffees, I needed to empty the drip tray. It's no surprise that the drip tray fills quickly because this is a relatively compact machine, which is always cleaning itself.

Whilst I love stainless steel, if you live in a hard water area, or tend to have grubby little hands in the kitchen, this professional marvel will look unkempt very easily. Always keep a microfiber cloth collection (like these microfiber cloths from Walmart) nearby, ready to polish this machine back to perfection.

The Creatista can run maintenance cycles and will alert you when you need to intervene. You won't need to do much, aside from polishing and the odd rinse cycle, to keep this running smoothly.

How does it rate online?

When I first tested this, there weren't many reviews out. Those that I could find were glowing, but I was intrigued to see how the feedback would look in the longer term. As it turns out, people only grew to love this even more.

Customers praise this for its appearance and intuitive functions. Even though it's expensive, lots of people say that they would buy it again. I found lots of customers who would never go back to cheaper models. It also feels like a high-quality coffee maker, so lots of people excitedly wrote about this being the last coffee maker they'll ever need to buy.

The people who weren't giving five-star reviews were those who preferred instant coffee to a $750 machine. It's bigger than other single-serve pod machines and a number of other reviewers noticed that it's high-maintenance to keep looking clean. These are all the criticisms I would expect for a bigger, more expensive machine, so there's nothing to worry about.

How does it compare?

Nespresso makes the best single-serve pod machines on the market, so if you don't want to spend $750, I would recommend looking at some of their cheaper models. The Vertuo Plus, which you can buy from QVC is a team favorite; a number of our expert testers have this model in their homes. At $180, it is a lot cheaper than the Creatista and is also much smaller. It doesn't have a milk frother, but you can buy the Aerroccino from Walmart and still save $500 compared to the Creatista. 

If you want an integrated milk frother the Latissima One is a better option. It's $400, so cheaper than the Creatista, but it's also bigger. It's compatible with the original pods rather than the Vertuo ones, so easier to fill. The design of each is very different, The Latissima has a simpler, minimalist look than the technical Creatista. Different décor will suit different models.

Should you buy it?

Ben and Jerry, Simon and Garfunkel, Homes & Gardens: there are a lot of iconic duos around. Nespresso and Breville are the newest and I think they're becoming one of my favorites too. It's easy to use, it looks the part, and it can make a good cup of coffee. The milk frothing takes some adjustment, but once you've got it, you'll be making perfect coffees in a matter of minutes. 

So, if you want a single-serve machine and you don't mind spending at the top end of the scale, you won't regret investing in the Creatista. However, if you aren't in the market for an $800 coffee maker, there are plenty of other options in our best coffee maker guide.

How We Test

Before we recommend a coffee maker to you, it has to pass a series of rigorous tests. Our team of coffee experts is always looking for the best coffee makers on the market. When we find one that's worth talking about, we call it in and take it to our test kitchen. Once there, our experts will make notes on everything. From unboxing and cleaning to making espressos and Americanos. If a machine boasts special features, we'll test those too. You can find more details about how we test coffee makers on our dedicated page.

Knowing how to make iced coffee from hot coffee is an art. If you're pouring hot coffee directly over ice, you're doing it wrong. Your coffee will be bitter and overly diluted, so you won't be able to enjoy the earthy, sweet balance of coffee aromas.

As a barista, my summers were consumed by iced coffee. I was trained to make Japanese iced coffee; American iced coffee; and I also learned how to make cold brew coffee. All of these methods cool at different rates, which is why they have different flavor profiles. The slower the process, the sweeter and more balanced your coffee will taste.

I reached out to the barista community to get some extra tips and tricks for making iced coffee from hot coffee. Without fail, they all recommended using a coffee maker. They also had plenty to say on the cold brew vs iced coffee debate. So, here's everything you need to know to spice up your iced latte into something a little sweeter.

What is iced coffee?

Not to be confused with cold brew, iced coffee is coffee which has been brewed hot and then cooled down, normally with ice. Brewing at a higher temperature and pressure gives a much fiercer extraction of the essential oils in coffee beans, so the flavor profile can be quite bitter. As your coffee cools, it will oxidise and become more bitter. Americanos in particular can have a real tang. That's why iced coffees often have milk added to them; the sweetness re-balances the flavors.

Contrary to popular misunderstandings, iced coffee is not the same as cold brew. I have a guide to making cold brew coffee, which explains the process in detail. Rather than use high pressure and temperatures, cold brew takes at least 12 hours. Over that time, the coffee grounds remain at room or refrigerator temperature, so their flavors are extracted slowly and delicately. This gives a much sweeter, mellow flavor, but the results need to be diluted with water or milk.

How to make iced coffee

There are a few ways to make iced coffee, mostly mixing up the order of ice and coffee. I spoke with baristas to find the perfect process for every method. If you're in a hurry, there's no problem with pouring your hot coffee over ice. However, if you are willing to dedicate a little more time to your coffee, you'll reap the rewards. Slowly cooled coffee can be much more balanced and aromatic, plus you can prep ahead, so you always have iced coffee ready.

Slow cool

The slow cool method is self explanatory and is also a great way to stop extra hot coffee from going to waste. Simply brew your coffee, using whichever method you prefer. Then, let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator to speed the process up a little. It'll take a while, so it's good to have your coffee cooled a few hours before you want it.

If you have some hot coffee spare, you could make coffee ice cubes. Pour them into an ice cube tray like this at Walmart. You can put these into your hot coffee, or just fill a jar with coffee ice cubes and wait for them to melt. Using ice cubes or the slow cool method requires more planning and preparation, but it pays off. Kayla Stavridis from Barista HQ told me that 'from my experience letting the coffee cool naturally to room temperature before refrigerating has always resulted in a less bitter taste'. This is because cooling, already bitter coffee quickly, oxidizes your cup of joe, outbalancing the subtle, sweeter notes.

Flash Brew

The flash brew method, also known as Japanese cold brew, is the quickest and easiest way to make iced coffee. You'll have probably tried it by accident. If you like black coffee, this is likely to be your method of choice, since it keeps the bitter, acidic, and sweet notes of normal coffee. I spoke with Maryna Gray, coffee expert and Director of Coffee at Bean Box to find her perfect ratio for iced coffee. She recommends using 1.8 oz of coffee, brewed with 18.4 oz of water. Once you have brewed it, using your preferred method, you can pour it over 10.4 oz of ice in a glass carafe. The coffee will melt the ice cubes, so transfer them into a new iced coffee cup, filled with ice, and it'll be ready to drink. If you want to adjust the quantities, Maryana's perfect ratio is one part coffee to ten parts water and six parts ice.

Oli Base, professional barista, told me that his preferred method used a drip coffee maker. He said 'The best way to make an iced coffee quickly is to brew a drip coffee directly onto coffee ice cubes. if you have a drip coffee machine, then fill your carafe half way up with coffee ice cubes and then brew half a carafe of coffee as you normally would.' If you don't have coffee ice cubes, just make sure that your coffee is twice as strong, so that the normal ice cubes don't dilute it too much.

Quick espresso method