Nespresso machines are a major blessing to coffee lovers, but the best news is that they excel at even more today than they did before. Trust them to nail that espresso shot and replicate the same excellence on lattes. It gets even better when you have the best Nespresso machine for a latte.

These machines are made to bring the best out of every brewing process. Some even have a built-in milk frother that will steam your milk while the brewing carries on. How cool is that?

But don’t get overexcited just yet. You may never experience this greatness if you choose the wrong Nespresso model. There are plenty of them on the market today, and it takes proper research and effort to land the perfect one.

The good news is I did all the tough tasks for you. You don’t have to trouble yourself anymore. By examining things such as brand line, capsule compatibility, milk frothers, ease of use, and price, I was able to round the best models for lattes.

To start you off, here’s the winner:

TOP PICK

Nespresso Creatista Plus comes armed with all the tools needed to make a great-tasting latte. You have a versatile automatic milk frother and a heating system that doesn’t waste time in availing your desired brew and milk. It’s also customizable and programmable, making it more convenient and fun to use than the other Nespresso machines.

Product Key Features
Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine by Breville, Brushed Stainless Steel
Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville
  • Automatic built-in milk frother
  • TFT LCD display
  • 60 oz water tank
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Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, 236.59 Milliliters, Piano Black
Nespresso Vertuo by De’Longhi
  • Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother
  • Brews five different cup sizes
  • 54 oz water tank
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Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine, 20.3 ounces, Black
Nespresso Essenza Mini
  • Compact
  • High-pressure pump
  • Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother
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Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Piano Black with Aeroccino Milk Frother
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe
  • Nespresso’s Aeroccino Milk Frother
  • Adjustable 60 oz water tank
  • Adjustable 60 oz water tank
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Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine with Milk Frother by De'Longhi, Washed Black
Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original
  • 19-bar pressure pump
  • Automatic milk frother
  • Six preset recipes for specialty beverages
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The Best Nespresso Machines for Lattes — My Reviews

1. Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine by Breville

Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine by Breville, Brushed Stainless Steel

Nespresso Creatista Plus Espresso Machine by Breville

Key Features

  • Automatic built-in milk frother
  • TFT LCD display
  • 60 oz water tank
  • Separate hot water spout
  • Automatic off mode

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Like most coffeeholics, I cannot dispute the convenience of an automatic Nespresso machine. But most of us agree that the experience is way better when the machine has room for one’s creativity. Nespresso Creatista Plus strikes the perfect balance between these two aspects, giving you the best chance for a great latte.

At the push of a button, this model will brew your coffee and steam milk your milk in a few seconds. But that’s not even the best part. Its automatic milk frother is where the magic is. You have 11 settings for temperature and eight settings for texture, so basically, you have the freedom to make the latte as you wish.

And that’s not where it ends. You can go the extra mile and adjust the coffee volume or create more complex coffee recipes. It’s a world of possibilities!

What’s more, the heating system is powerful and capable enough to brew coffee and steam your milk at the same time, thus saving you time and making the brewing experience even better.

Pros

  • Sleek stainless steel design makes it an attraction
  • Lots of customizable options
  • LCD display improves the ease of use
  • Separate water spout lets you make drip-coffee-like beverages such as Americano
  • Programmable, saving you the need to customize your drink every time

Cons

  • Doesn’t work with Vertuo Line pods
  • Expensive

Nespresso BNE800BSS Creatista Plus is an almost perfect Nespresso latte machine. If you can afford it, this would be a great investment for your home.

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2. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with Milk Frother, 236.59 Milliliters, Piano Black

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi

Key Features

  • Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother
  • Brews five different cup sizes
  • 54 oz water tank
  • Automatic shut-off

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Nespresso Vertuo is the king of hassle-free brewing. Push the brew button, and the machine will do the rest of the work for you. Using it made me feel like a terrific barista even though I’m nowhere near the greatest one.

You have the Aeroccino milk frother bundled into the package as well to enable you to create great-tasting lattes at the touch of a button.

Like most of the automatic Nespresso machines, Nespresso Vertuo is clever enough to decode the barcode on the top of the pod and use the information gathered to make your desired brew. You can count on it to get the temperature, brewing time, size, and pressure right, just as the capsule manufacturer intended.

Another thing that drew me to this model is its versatility. It accommodates up to five different cup sizes, from single-serve to carafe. You can also make both single and double shots.

Pros

  • Button-based technology makes it simple to use
  • Heats up really fast (15 seconds)
  • Automatic shut-off saves energy
  • No noise or vibrations

Cons

  • Can’t accommodate Nespresso Original Line capsules and K-Cups

Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker easily stands tall over its rivals because of simplicity, exceptional performance, and ability to make a delicious latte. It’s a Nespresso machine you will hardly go wrong with.

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3. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine, 20.3 ounces, Black

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

Key Features

    • Compact

    • Offers two programmable cup sizes

    • 20.3 oz water tank

    • High-pressure pump

    • Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother

    • Automatic shut-off

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Small but mighty! That’s how I’d sum up the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Despite being smaller than other well-performing Nespresso machines, it does not compromise on espresso quality. It gets the job done and will serve you well for a long time.

Essenza Mini uses the same 19-bar pressure pump traditional espresso makers have. That’s why it makes quality espresso rich in flavors and full of aromas we all crave. Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother is also part of the box contents and will help you make creamy milk froth for your latte.

Unfortunately, this model only offers two cup sizes (espresso and lungo), so it’s not as versatile as the Nespresso Vertuo. But its compact size and ease of use sort of compensate for that. Because of its smaller footprint, the machine can easily fit into any kitchen and blend well with the decor.

Pros

  • Takes up less space
  • Easy to use
  • Makes barista-style espresso
  • Great heating system that hits optimal temperature level in under 30 seconds
  • Consumes less energy due to the eco-mode and automatic shut-off function
  • Comes with a wide range of capsules to get you started

Cons

  • Only two cup sizes
  • Takes a little bit longer to heat up

If you can’t afford the high-end Nespresso machines for lattes, Nespresso Essenza Mini has you covered. It’s a budget model that won’t disappoint you.

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4. Nespresso BNV450BLK VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Piano Black with Aeroccino Milk Frother

Nespresso BNV450BLK VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine

Key Features

  • Brews five cup sizes
  • Adjustable 60 oz water tank
  • Adjustable tray
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother included

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Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe impresses on almost all fronts, from looks and performance to capacity and ability to create delicious latte. It also has innovative features that make it a better-performing espresso machine.

Just like the Nespresso Vertuo, this model is armed with technology that helps it to automatically read a capsule and brew your desired espresso. It does this just as fast as its counterpart, and the result will always be tasty full body coffee with rich crema.

Its versatility is impressive as well. This machine brews two cup sizes for espresso, one for coffee and the other for gran lungo. Knowing you might want to froth milk for a latte, Nespresso added the Aeroccino milk frother to ensure your needs are met.

Pros

  • Rotating water tank makes placement easier
  • Sleek design that makes it pleasing to the eye
  • Automatic shut-off helps to save energy
  • No noise or vibration from the milk frother
  • Fast heat-up times (15-20 seconds)

Cons

  • Uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules only

Nespresso VertuoPlus is one of the few affordable Nespresso machines that have stood the test of time. It pulls quality shots with ease and will undoubtedly make for you that latte you badly cherish.

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5. Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine

Nespresso Lattissima Touch Espresso Machine with Milk Frother by De'Longhi, Washed Black

Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine

Key Features

  • 19-bar pressure pump
  • Automatic milk frother
  • Auto shut-off
  • 44 oz. water reservoir
  • Milk container: 12 oz.
  • Six preset recipes for specialty beverages

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Nespresso Lattissima Touch takes convenience to a whole new level without sacrificing on drink quality and device performance. It will brew specialty coffees at the push of a button and in less than 40 seconds. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all your espresso drinks.

It feels good to know that your favorite drink is only one push of a button away, but for the adventurous coffee lovers, the real excitement will come when you realize that the drink settings can be adjusted. For example, at the top of the milk frother, you have a knob that lets you modify the milk froth texture.

The drink options available for brewing include creamy latte, latte macchiato, coffee, warm milk, cappuccino, and perfect espresso. Each has a unique symbol assigned to the six one-touch buttons.

What’s more, Nespresso Lattissima Touch uses a 19-bar pressure pump to extract coffee. This is basically the magic behind the authentic hotter espresso this machine is well known for.

Pros

  • Can use third-party compatible capsules
  • Has a larger milk container that minimizes the refilling frequency
  • Sliding drip tray accommodates bigger and wider cups
  • You get cleaning alerts for descaling
  • Auto shut-off helps to minimize energy consumption
  • Comes with a set of 14 capsules to get you started

Cons

  • Takes time to get familiar with the drink symbols

Nespresso Lattissima Touch clearly goes the extra mile. It does more than what the basic capsule Nespresso machine is capable of and leaves no stone unturned in ensuring you experience latte in its wholeness.

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About Nespresso

Nespresso is a creative blend of two words: Nestlé and espresso. Nestlé, which is the mother brand, came up with this concept over 30 years ago. The goal was to make it easy for coffee lovers to brew authentic espresso from the comfort of their homes.

I’m happy to see their efforts have paid off because right now we have espresso makers that can pull barista-style espresso from pods/capsules in seconds. Also, we are now even spoiled for choice.

But the good news is there’s a model for everyone. Nespresso coffee makers come in different shapes, sizes, and styles to satisfy our unique needs. They have actually evolved over the years to become perfect espresso makers.

Not too long ago, Nestlé partnered with other renowned coffee brands, including De’Longhi and Breville, to create even better Nespresso models. You might have noticed them on our list.

Latte is now among the beverages these coffee machines make, but not all Nespresso models can do it. There are a select few that have what it takes to create great-tasting lattes.

By now you already know the best Nespresso for a latte, but as you would have guessed, it took a lot of research and due diligence to arrive at this list. I’ll share with you the process so that you can also use it to narrow down your options to one that best serves your needs.

What I Looked out for While Selecting the Best Nespresso Machines for Lattes

Original Line vs VertuoLine

It’s important that you understand the difference between the two Nespresso lines.

Original Line

Original Line Nespresso models operate much like the traditional espresso machines. They use the 19-bar pressure pump for extraction, and as a result, make more authentic espresso. Capsules for this category are relatively cheaper, and even better, the units are compatible with some third-party capsules.

However, they are a bit louder and only make espresso (no coffee). Original Line machines include:

  • Creatista Series
  • The Essenza
  • The CitiZ
  • The Lattissima Series

VertuoLine

VertuoLine machines were introduced much later (2014) and use a more sophisticated technology known as Centrifusion to extract coffee from barcode-enabled capsules. That’s why it’s hard for coffee makers in this category to accommodate third-party capsules. Beware that the pods cost slightly more than those of the Original Line.

Vertuoline Nespresso models include:

  • Virtuous
  • Virtuous Plus
  • Virtuous Next
  • Evoluo

Espresso and cappuccino lovers find the Original Line models perfect for their needs. VertuoLine machines are suitable for those who love coffee but enjoy espresso drinks more.

Coffee Capsule/Pod Compatibility

Not all Nespresso coffee capsules will be compatible with your specific machine. Find out which pods are supported in the category that your unit belongs to. For example, Nespresso BNV450BLK VertuoPlus only uses Vertuo capsules.

Original Line models, as mentioned earlier, are more accommodative compared to VertuoLine machines. There’s also the issue of price, variety, and availability. Before you make a purchase, check to see if the machine accommodates capsules that serve your needs.

Milk Frother

By now you have probably noticed that some Nespresso coffee makers come with a built-in milk frother while others don’t. Nespresso’s Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother, fortunately, fills in the gap for models that are without an integrated steam wand.

Convenience is definitely different between the two varieties. One is also more expensive than the other, meaning you have to pay more if you wish to have a Nespresso machine with a built-in milk frother.

Size and Design

Some Nespresso machines take a massive worktop footprint and so may not be suitable if you have a smaller kitchen. But some, like the Nespresso Essenza Mini, only take up a smaller space and can easily fit anywhere.

Check the design as well. You do not want a machine that contrasts with your decor or generally looks unattractive in your kitchen.

You will come across those with a sleek stainless steel design. Others will have bold colors such as red and different shades of black. It’s really up to you to figure out which one suits your preferences.

Ease of Use

Nespresso machines are generally easy to operate. But the ease varies from one espresso maker to the other.

Some use the single-button technology where brewing has been narrowed down to the push of a button. Others may require you to be a bit hands-on, but the process won’t be as complicated as is the case when using a manual espresso machine.

It’s therefore wise to examine the machine’s mode of operation just to be sure you are buying something that you will enjoy operating.

Budget

This is pretty obvious. The great thing is most Nespresso models only cost hundreds of dollars, starting from as low as $200 all the way to $700 or thereabouts. Even the cheaper coffee maker gets the job done but if you want a better brewing experience, you will have to go for the higher-end models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nespresso pod is best for latte?

Best is relative since some of us love our latte stronger while others prefer theirs mild. That said, the flavor and strength of beans used to make the coffee pod will influence the taste of your latte.

For quality latte, make sure that both factors are neither too strong or too weak. To get you started, these are Nespresso pods you can count for a perfectly-balanced latte:

  • European Version Nespresso Barista Creations
  • Nespresso Capsules Original Line — Medium Roast Espresso Coffee
  • Barista Chiaro
  • Cosi
  • Nordic Almond Cake
  • Vanilio/Vanilla Eclair
  • Italia Amaretti

If you would like the coffee strength to be higher, these options will serve you right:

  • Barista Scuro
  • Ristretto
  • Ispirazione Napoli
  • Kazaar Intenso
  • Peet’s Coffee Espresso Capsules Variety Pack

Remember to check the pod’s compatibility with your machine before making a purchase.

Do I use espresso or lungo for latte?

The generally recommended cup size for making espresso is lungo. That’s because this setting presses water through capsules for a longer period, resulting in a more intense shot filled with flavor and aromas.

Why is my Nespresso machine not frothing the milk?

If your Nespresso machine is not frothing milk as it should, chances are it is not well cleaned or is filled with limescale. Another issue that could cause this is when you use milk containing sugar or substitutes such as soy beverages. You can, however, fix the problem by descaling the unit and cleaning the steam wand regularly and properly.

Which Nespresso Is Best for Lattes?

The Nespresso Creatista Plus is the overall winner on this list because of its versatility and performance. You have a milk frother that’s going to serve all your needs, whether you are a novice or regular coffee drinker. It also leaves a bit of room for you to experiment with your brew. Using this model is a breeze as well, and if you are worried about how it’s going to look in your kitchen, the sleek stainless steel design will surpass your expectations.

But because of the higher price, I would suggest you check out the other options if you are on a budget. They are equally great though they serve different needs. Only choose a model that aligns with your wishes and preferences.

All the best!