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Why did I decide to get a Nespresso machine? I was definitely spending way too much money at Starbucks on drinks that are obviously not the best health choice. When you’re registering for a wedding, it’s a good time to ask for something like a Nespresso machine. I knew that we were going to register for a machine, but I had no idea where to start in terms of models.
Choosing a Nespresso Machine
There are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about getting a Nespresso machine:
- Do you want to make espresso AND coffee, or just espresso?
- The one that makes espresso AND coffee is the VertuoLine
- Espresso only is OriginalLine
- Do you want it to make fancy drinks or just simple espresso shots?
- You’ll need to purchase a machine with an aeroccino or built in milk spout
- What’s your budget?
- How much maintenance are you willing to do on the machine?
- Do you need reminders to clean it or are you one who sets the cleaning dates on your calendar?
- That I already have a working Keurig machine, which will go into storage unless we have company that prefers coffee over espresso
- I wanted something that would tell me how and when to maintain it
- Would have a good variety of capsules that were easily available and weren’t overly expensive
- Could make my “fancy” drinks — I prefer drinks with froth and/or milk to single or doppio espresso shots
- I basically had an “unlimited” budget for the right machine, as the break even and payoff points would not take long, due to my heavy Starbucks habit
My Nespresso Machine
The machine that fit the bill for my needs is the Nespresso Lattissima Pro. As a newbie, I opened the box and found it easy to set up. It had great instructions for first use and preparation, but I ran into an issue as I started to rinse the machine — the machine sounded like it was working but water wasn’t coming out.
Praise Google for having all of the answers and getting me back on track quickly! It appeared that there was a block in the air in the tubes of the machine, so all I had to do was lift the pod door and keep it open as I tried the steps again. Voila! Typically, the machines only take a few minutes to set up right from the box.
Favorite Nespresso Pods, Accessories and Recipes
In the time that I’ve had my machine, I’ve gotten some great accessories and capsules that have really made my transition fun and simple.
Accessories
Nespresso Capsule Holder
If you’re going to have the little capsules for your machine, you need to have a way to keep them organized! This tempered glass Nespresso capsule holder was a birthday gift from my friend, Jen, but it’s under $25 and ships quickly from Amazon. This one holds the OriginalLine pods, but if you have VertuoLine pods, here’s a similar option for you.
Espresso Shot Mug
If you aren’t into the fancy drinks, you’ll want a mug to sip and savor your espresso shots from. I like this double walled set, which is right at the $25 mark, for this purpose. They hold 5 oz each, have great reviews, and are currently in my cart.
Yeti Coffee Mug
For those who like lattes, macchiatos, and mochas, this mug is going to be your new favorite. I mentioned my love for my Yeti coffee mug a few times before (in this post, for sure) for its quality, ability to keep beverages hot (or cold) for a long time, and how nicely it washes up. It comes in eight colors and is under $25. It holds 14 oz, but seems even bigger!
Capsules
Selecting the right Nespresso capsules is very subjective to your taste preference. Luckily, the capsules come in a variety of intensities and flavors/notes. Here is a visual of all of the always-available options for the OriginalLine. Note that this is not completely up-to-date and I couldn’t find a new one. Brasil doesn’t exist anymore (under Signature Origin) and Hawaii Kona is a new addition (intensity 5).
We registered for and received a great variety pack of 50 capsules that are more on the strong/medium intensity categories. It’s an excellent value if you’re in a pinch and did not plan ahead with enough time to order from the Nespresso website or hop into a Nespresso boutique near you.
This pack includes: Ristretto, Roma, Livanto, Arpeggio, and Capriccio (10 of each). I normally drink the Ristretto or Arpeggio capsules, because as a Starbucks addict, I was conditioned to like the more intense flavor. If I do drink a capsule that’s a lesser strength, it’s typically balanced out with one that is more intense. I usually make two or three capsules per drink. Keep in mind that an iced Venti drink at Starbucks has three shots.
I got a combo pack of the variation capsules and Jen got me some for my birthday, too. They’re delicious; as they’re not too sweet, easy to sip, and equally as great in a mocha, latte, or macchiato. When we went to the Nespresso store, we tried the variations in this pack: Vanilio, Carmelito, and Ciocattino, and they were delicious but not very intense. I’ve found that I like maybe one of them in a drink with a shot or two of normal espresso on the stronger intensity side of things.
Nespresso also comes out with limited edition capsules, which I have really enjoyed trying. A person I spoke with at the Nespresso boutique said that it generally takes them three years to craft a limited edition batch, so if a limited edition variety catches your eye, get it immediately! One thing to note is that the Original and Vertuo do not always have the same limited edition flavors. I have been sad a couple of times this year because Vertuo had flavors that sounded delicious but weren’t offered in Original.
Recipes
I’m pretty boring when it comes to making drinks – creature of habit, I guess! I do have a highlight on my Instagram with some of the things that I’ve made if you are a more visual person. This Nespresso resource will give you some great recipes also – would recommend visiting it if you are looking for some more elaborate stuff. I’ll continue to add my favorite concoctions as I make them in this section.
Americanos
- I make an Americano almost every day because it’s easy and helps me keep my calories down
- I have always loved white chocolate mocha sauce from Starbucks, but they don’t sell it, so I settled for a bottle of Ghiradelli sauce from Amazon and always have one on hand at home – I put about a teaspoon of this in the bottom of my cup or mug before beginning
- I let the machine warm up and insert a capsule – I then press the espresso shot button and let it do its thing. Repeat this 1-2 more times, depending on how much espresso you’re looking for
- Give it all a stir to incorporate the sauce
- Move your cup under the water spout (if you normally use the milk canister on the same machine that I have, you will insert the water spout into the same area) and press the hot water button (bottom middle button – closest to you in the middle) to generate it
- Stir again and add half and half or milk if you like
- For an iced version of the Americano, you can do the same thing, but…
- Instead of hot water, add cold water from your refrigerator, etc. and then top with ice
Mochas
- To make an iced mocha or white mocha, follow the steps from the Americano, but when you get to the water steps, stop and follow this instead:
- Add 3/4 to 1 cup of milk of your choice to your cup or mug
- Top with 7-10 ice cubes to cool it down
- Top with whipped cream if you desire
- To make a hot mocha or white mocha, follow the steps from the Americano but when you get to the water steps, stop and follow this instead:
- Add milk or milk substitute to your frother / aeroccino (3/4 to 1 cup) and let it do its thing
- If you have an aeroccino, pour into your cup when it is finished
- Top with whipped cream
- Add milk or milk substitute to your frother / aeroccino (3/4 to 1 cup) and let it do its thing
Lattes
- To make a hot latte, follow the steps from the hot mocha, but instead of adding mocha or white mocha sauce, leave it out or add a syrup that is not a sauce and leave the whip off
- To make an iced latte, do the same thing that you do for a hot latte, except…
- You do not warm your milk
- Top with 7-10 ice cubes to cool it down
Do you have questions about Nespresso machines, recipes, accessories, capsules, or the like? Advice? Put it in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
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