If you’ve never used a Nespresso before, you’re in for a treat. Nespresso machines use single-serve aluminum capsules to create rich, full-bodied espresso-like coffee with a layer of attractive crema on top. It’s espresso without the effort. Several brands make Nespresso machines, including famed appliance brands Breville and De’Longhi. Is a Breville or De’Longhi Nespresso machine better?
We’ve researched the answer to this question, scrutinizing the specs of models by both brands and testing De’Longhi’s version of the popular Nespresso VertuoPlus model in the BestReviews Testing Lab. We’ve learned that Breville and De’Longhi Nespresso machines are all essentially the same on the inside. The main differences are in their exteriors and, to some extent, their price: Breville machines usually cost more.
But there are a couple of exceptions. If you want a steam wand for latte art to re-create the cafe-style experience without having to make espresso, Breville’s Nespresso Creatista models should interest you. If speed and convenience matter more to you but you also want cafe-style drinks, you might consider De’Longhi’s Nespresso Lattissima.
Both Breville and De’Longhi make the same Nespresso models. If you’re trying to choose between Breville and De’Longhi for a model like the Nespresso Inissia, Essenza or CitiZ, you don’t need to worry about performance. They all produce Nespresso the same way, with the same features per model regardless of the brand, so pick the one with the price and exterior you prefer.
When you pay more, things change a little. Breville sells the top-of-the-line Creatista models that include a steam wand like true espresso machines. For its part, De’Longhi is the sole source of the Nespresso Lattissima line with integrated milk tank and foamer. As the most expensive and most capable Nespresso model, the Nespresso Creatista Pro by Breville can be considered the best Nespresso machine available.
Breville and De’Longhi often differ in the price of their versions of the same Nespresso model. Generally, Breville machines cost more than De’Longhi’s, although sales and discounts minimize some of these price differences.
Nespresso models made by Breville and De’Longhi can differ in their exterior design. Breville’s Vertuo machines, for example, are rounder and slimmer than Vertuo models by De’Longhi. Breville also offers models, such as the Creatista line, that are made of metal; most of De’Longhi’s Nespresso machines have bodies made of plastic.
Breville and De’Longhi offer different Nespresso models at the top of their lineups. Breville’s top machines are the Creatistas, which are also offered in other parts of the world from other brands. De’Longhi’s top machines are the Lattissimas, which are exclusive to the brand.
Breville offers a one-year warranty on most of its Nespresso machines, except the Creatista line, which has a two-year warranty. All De’Longhi Nespresso machines come with a two-year warranty.
All Breville and De’Longhi Nespresso machines use the same Nespresso capsules. Breville and De’Longhi original-series Nespresso machines from the Pixie to the Creatista and Lattissima use the same original-style Nespresso capsules. All the Vertuo machines from both brands use Vertuoline capsules.
Breville and De’Longhi offer the same entry-level and mid-range Nespresso machines. These include the Essenza, Inissia and Pixie series, the CityZ line, and the newer Vertuoline models, including the Vertuo, Vertuo Deluxe and Vertuo Next. These models are functionally identical regardless of brand.
All Nespresso machines from every brand produce a 40-milliliter (1.35 ounces) espresso shot. Original-line Nespresso machines can also make a 25-milliliter ristretto-size shot and a 100-milliliter lungo (“long”) drink. These can be mixed with water or milk to make caffe americanos, lattes, cappuccinos and more. Vertuo machines make the 40-milliliter espresso shot, plus drinks in 2.7-, 5-, 8- and 18-ounce servings.
Nespresso machines have a built-in water tank that ranges in size from 20 to 56 ounces. The tank holds cool water that’s released into the machine during brewing. The tanks seem to be interchangeable between brands as long as the machine models are the same.
The Nespresso process uses hot pressurized water to brew the espresso-like drinks they produce. All Nespresso machines use the same amount of pressure, measured at 19 bars, which is more than necessary for making espresso by hand. Nespresso machines also automatically heat the water in 15 to 40 seconds, or as quickly as 3 seconds in the Breville Creatista Pro.
Each Nespresso machine has a drip pan for holding beverage containers and guarding against drips on the counter. These drip pans are removable and usually dishwasher safe.
Almost all Nespresso machines come with storage to hold used capsules, five or six in smaller models and 10 to 12 in larger machines.
Both Breville and De’Longhi Nespresso machines automatically power off after nine minutes of inactivity.
Only the Creatista and Lattissima series offer built-in milk features. The milk must be prepared separately for all other Nespresso machines, but they may be bundled with Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother. Breville’s Creatista machines come with an espresso-style steam wand and a stainless steel milk pot. De’Longhi’s Lattissima machines have an integrated milk tank and frother for one-touch milk heating and preparation.
De’Longhi Nespresso machines cost from around $150 for the Nespresso Inissia to $550 for the Nespresso Gran Lattissima. You can get De’Longhi Nespresso machines on Amazon and other retailers where they’re sold as “by De’Longhi,” or from the De’Longhi website. All Lattissima machines, whether or not they’re labeled by De’Longhi, are made by De’Longhi.
Breville’s Nespresso machines cost more than De’Longhi’s. The Breville version of the Nespresso Inissia costs around $170, while the top-end Nespresso Creatista Pro costs $850. Breville Nespresso machines are available on Amazon and other major retailers as Nespresso “by Breville,” and from the Breville website.
Genuine Nespresso original-line capsules cost from $0.79 to $0.95 each and are sold in sleeves of ten ($8 to $10 per sleeve).
Vertuoline capsules have different sizes for the different drinks they produce and cost from $0.98 per capsule for the most common ristretto flavors to $1.65 per capsule for 18-ounce carafe sizes, with single-origin premium coffee as high as $2.00 per 3.7-ounce double espresso shot. These capsules are sold in sleeves of ten for up to $20 per sleeve.
Nespresso capsules are available from the Nespresso website, Amazon and other retailers. There are third-party Nespresso original-line pods available as well, but no Vertuoline alternatives.
The Nespresso brand and system are owned by Swiss-based Nestlé, the largest food company in the world. Nestlé is the current owner of over 2,000 brands, including Carnation, Gerber and Stouffer’s, as well as its own core business of chocolate and dairy products. Nestlé’s signature coffee brand, Nescafé, became a household name in the mid-20th century after it was included as the instant coffee in US military rations during World War II.
Nestlé doesn’t make any Nespresso machines, but it develops the different models and licenses the designs to other manufacturers to produce. Breville, an Australian company, and De’Longhi of Italy are two of several companies Nestlé authorizes to make and sell Nespresso machines. Companies in other markets include Krups and Magimix.
De’Longhi Nespresso machines, mostly made of plastic, offer excellent price-to-performance value.
Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 60 oz | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 5.6" W x 16.7" D x 12.8" H | Weight: 10.27 lb
We tested the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by De’Longhi and were wowed by its simplicity and performance, as well as the quality of the coffee it produced. The Deluxe model’s 60-ounce water tank is more than enough to handle the various drink sizes the Vertuo series can make; a smaller 40-ounce tank was included with our test unit. We particularly appreciated the one-button simplicity of the VertuoPlus and the way the water tank can be moved from the back to the side. It comes in black or gray.
Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 34 oz | Material: Plastic and glass | Dimensions: 7.9" W x 14.4" D x 10.8" H | Weight: 9.2 lb
The Gran Lattissima is a top example of De’Longhi’s Lattissima machines. It combines a 34-ounce water tank with a 16.9-ounce milk tank that can be removed and stored in the fridge when not needed. The Gran Lattissima uses Nespresso original pods and can make milk- and espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with the touch of a button. The glass touch panel elevates the machine’s sturdy plastic construction.
Breville’s costlier Nespresso machines have curvier shapes and metal accents than De’Longhi’s, and some have all-metal construction.
Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 60 oz | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 6" W x 17" D x 13" H | Weight: 10 lb
Breville’s version of the Nespresso VertuoPlus is virtually identical to the De’Longhi version when it comes to features and performance. Its only differences are cosmetic: a slightly larger size overall, with a more rounded top. It comes in all black or black with chrome accents. Like the De’Longhi version, the Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe comes with a 60-ounce water tank and uses Vertuoline capsules to create drinks from 1.35-ounce espressos to 14-ounce altos. It also has a movable water tank.
Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 68 oz | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 16.9" D x 7.8" W x 12.9" H | Weight: 14.3 lb
The top Nespresso machine available, Breville’s Creatista Pro stands out for its all-metal build that makes it a heftier machine than most others. Designed to resemble a full-fledged espresso machine, it comes with a steam wand that can heat and froth milk in an included steel jug, just like in a cafe. It has a separate spout for dispensing hot water for Americanos or tea, and its 68-ounce water tank is among the biggest of any Nespresso machine.
Almost all De’Longhi and Breville Nespresso machines work the same and perform in the same way. The only differences are their exterior design and price: Breville machines are a little more expensive than De’Longhi machines. However, the top machines of each brand cater to different audiences. People who want something close to a real espresso machine, with a steam wand and milk jug, should look at Breville’s Creatista. Those who want push-button simplicity should go with De’Longhi’s Lattissima.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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