Choose the capsule system first, then the machine. Nespresso sells two capsule systems. Vertuo machines brew everything from espresso to mug and carafe sizes, while the Original-line machines here list espresso and long (lungo) coffee. The Lavazza Classy Plus is a third route that uses Lavazza Expert capsules. Within each system, the useful differences are the water tank, the used-capsule bin and whether milk is built in.

Every spec below comes from the maker’s own product page or manual, checked October 5, 2026. Nobody tested these machines for this page.

The Picks at a Glance

Machine System Water tank Used-capsule bin Milk
Nespresso Vertuo Up Vertuo 1.4 L / 47.3 fl oz 18 espresso or 13 mug Not built in
Nespresso Essenza Mini Original 20.29 oz 6 capsules Not built in
Nespresso Lattissima One Original 33.81 oz 9 capsules 4.23 oz milk vessel
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima Vertuo 54.1 oz 10 capsules Integrated milk system
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Vertuo 25.4 oz 8 espresso or 5 mug Not built in
Lavazza Classy Plus Lavazza Expert 1.1 L 7 capsules Included milk vessel

1. Nespresso Vertuo Up: Best for Mixed Espresso and Mug Drinkers

The Nespresso Vertuo Up by De’Longhi is the pick when one machine has to cover a short espresso for one person and a full mug for another. Its manual lists cup sizes from 25 mL (0.84 fl oz) up to 535 mL (18.09 fl oz), so the range runs from espresso to carafe-size brews.

It also holds the most used capsules of the six. Nespresso’s manual lists a capsule basket for 18 espresso or 13 mug capsules and a 1.4 L (47.3 fl oz) water tank. Nespresso says it fits travel mugs up to 7.5 inches tall, and the water tank rotates so it can sit at the side or the back of the machine. The Nespresso Smart App adds cup size and temperature customization.

The trade-off: there is no built-in milk system, so lattes need a separate frother.

Best for: households that drink both espresso and mug coffee, or that fill travel mugs on the way out.

2. Nespresso Essenza Mini: Best Small Original-Line Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi is the pick for an espresso-first drinker with little counter space. De’Longhi lists it for espresso and long (lungo) drinks with 19 bar pump pressure, a 20.29 oz water tank and room for 6 used capsules.

That small bin and tank are the price of its size. Plan on emptying and refilling more often than with the Vertuo Up or the Lattissima One. It also has no milk system, so milk drinks need a frother.

The trade-off: frequent refills, and no mug-size coffee.

Best for: one espresso drinker, a small kitchen or a second machine in an office.

3. Nespresso Lattissima One: Best Original-Line Machine for Milk Drinks

The Nespresso Lattissima One by De’Longhi adds milk to the Original system without a separate frother. De’Longhi describes a one-touch, single-serve fresh milk system with a 4.23 oz milk vessel, and lists cappuccino, espresso macchiato and latte macchiato alongside espresso and long coffee. The water tank holds 33.81 oz and the used-capsule container holds 9.

Because the milk system is single-serve, it suits one milk drink at a time rather than a round of cappuccinos for guests.

The trade-off: the milk vessel is sized for a single drink.

Best for: someone who wants a daily cappuccino or latte macchiato from Original capsules.

4. Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima: Best Vertuo Machine for Milk Drinks

The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima by De’Longhi is the Vertuo answer to the Lattissima One. De’Longhi describes an integrated milk solution and lists cappuccino, latte macchiato and warm milk froth among its milk drinks. It has the largest water tank of the six, at 54.1 oz, a 10-capsule used-capsule container and mobile app connectivity.

The trade-off: at 14.19 lb by De’Longhi’s figure, it is the heaviest machine here, and its bin holds 10 capsules to the Vertuo Up’s 18.

Best for: Vertuo households that want milk drinks without a separate frother.

5. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+: Best Smaller Vertuo Machine

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by De’Longhi gives you the Vertuo capsule range in a smaller machine. Breville, which sells its own version, lists a 25.4 oz water tank, a capsule container for 8 espresso or 5 mug capsules, and five programmable cup sizes up to a 14 oz Alto. De’Longhi lists the same capsule container and a 25.36 oz tank.

That tank is much smaller than the Vertuo Up’s 47.3 fl oz, so it suits one or two drinkers better than a busy household.

The trade-off: smaller tank and capsule bin, and no milk system.

Best for: one or two people who want Vertuo mug sizes without a larger machine.

6. Lavazza Classy Plus: Best Capsule Machine Outside Nespresso

The Lavazza Classy Plus is for buyers who want single-serve espresso and milk drinks but not a Nespresso system. Lavazza says it is compatible with Lavazza Expert capsules and makes an 8 oz coffee, espresso, a double shot and milk drinks. Milk goes into the included vessel, which froths it, so no separate frother is needed.

Lavazza lists a 1.1 L water tank, a 7-capsule used-capsule drawer and a width of 5.71 inches. Its listed recipes are cappuccino, espresso, hot milk, latte macchiato and long espresso.

The trade-off: Expert capsules are a separate format from both Nespresso systems.

Best for: Lavazza coffee drinkers who want milk drinks from one compact machine.

How to Choose a Capsule Espresso Machine

  • Decide on Vertuo or Original. Vertuo machines cover espresso through mug and carafe sizes; the Vertuo Up manual lists sizes from 0.84 to 18.09 fl oz. Original-line machines here list espresso and long coffee. For a full side-by-side, read our Nespresso Original vs Vertuo comparison .
  • Know how each system brews. In Breville’s spec tables, the pump-pressure line for Vertuo models reads “CENTRIFUSION technology” and the features include capsule recognition. De’Longhi lists the Original-line Essenza Mini and Lattissima One at 19 bar.
  • Check capsule choice. Third-party capsules exist for the Original system. Lavazza, for example, sells aluminum capsules it describes as compatible with Nespresso Original machines.
  • Decide where milk happens. If you drink lattes most days, a built-in milk system (Lattissima One, Vertuo Lattissima, Classy Plus) saves buying a frother. Otherwise see our milk frother compatibility guide .
  • Match the tank and bin to your household. A 6-capsule bin, like the Essenza Mini’s, fills after six drinks. The Vertuo Up’s basket holds 18 espresso capsules.
  • Measure mug clearance. Nespresso says the Vertuo Up fits travel mugs up to 7.5 inches tall. For the others, check your tallest mug against the machine’s cup area before buying.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want to grind fresh beans and pull shots yourself, start with our entry-level espresso machine picks . If you drink K-Cups or want a full pot, the best single-serve coffee makers and drip lists fit better. For running costs over time, compare capsule and bean-to-cup cost per cup .

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these machines need a separate milk frother?

The Vertuo Up, Vertuo Pop+ and Essenza Mini have no built-in milk system in De’Longhi’s specs, so milk drinks need a separate frother. The Lattissima One, Vertuo Lattissima and Lavazza Classy Plus froth milk themselves.

Which machine holds the most used capsules before emptying?

The Vertuo Up. Nespresso’s manual lists its capsule basket at 18 espresso or 13 mug capsules, the most of the six machines here.

Can Original-line machines use capsules from other brands?

Other brands sell capsules for them. Lavazza, for example, sells aluminum capsules it describes as compatible with Nespresso Original machines, and notes that it is not affiliated with Nespresso.

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