The best Nespresso machine in NZ is a capsule machine that makes a consistent espresso, lungo or full mug of coffee at the touch of a button. Nespresso sells two incompatible systems, so choosing the right line matters as much as choosing the model.
The main types are easy to tell apart. Original machines such as the Essenza Mini and CitiZ use small capsules and a 19 bar pump for espresso and lungo. Vertuo machines such as the Vertuo Next, Pop and Up read a barcode on each capsule and brew larger mugs. Milk machines such as the Lattissima range add a built-in milk jug. Creatista machines add a steam wand for latte art.
Original machines heat up in about 18 to 25 seconds, and the Vertuo Up lists a 3 second heat-up, so waiting is rarely the issue. Check the capsule system, the cup sizes, whether you want built-in milk and how much bench space you have.
This guide compares ten Nespresso machines available in New Zealand, from the compact Essenza Mini to the premium Creatista Plus.
Best Nespresso machines comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature | System | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essenza Mini | Best Overall | 19 bar, 25 second heat-up | Original, ultra compact | 4.5/5 (247 reviews) |
| Vertuo Next | Best Vertuo | 5 cup sizes, Aeroccino included | Vertuo capsules | 4.5/5 (69 reviews) |
| CitiZ&milk | Best with Milk Frother | Built-in Aeroccino3 | Original | 4.5/5 (1,760 reviews) |
| Vertuo Pop Bundle | Best Compact Vertuo | 4 cup sizes, slim body | Vertuo capsules | 4.7/5 (5 reviews) |
| Vertuo Up Bundle | Best Versatile Vertuo | 7 sizes, 1.4 L tank | Vertuo capsules | 4.5/5 (19 reviews) |
| Essenza Mini + Aeroccino | Best Compact Bundle | Frother included | Original | 4.5/5 (184 reviews) |
| Lattissima One | Best One-Touch Milk | Built-in milk jug | Original | 3.8/5 (2,437 reviews) |
| Gran Lattissima | Best for Milk Recipes | 3 milk recipes | Original | 4.2/5 (1,332 reviews) |
| Creatista Uno | Best for Latte Art | Automatic steam wand | Original | 4.4/5 (62 reviews) |
| Creatista Plus | Best Premium | 7 recipes, stainless steel | Original | 4.6/5 (139 reviews) |
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini – Best Nespresso Machine Overall
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the best Nespresso machine overall for most people in NZ. It is the simple, compact pod machine that Nespresso built its range around, and it does one job well: a fast espresso or lungo at the press of a button.
It has two programmable coffee settings, espresso and lungo, a 19 bar pressure system and a 25 second heat-up time, so a coffee is ready quickly on a busy morning. It is ultra compact, at about 33 cm deep and 8.4 cm wide, which makes it a good mini Nespresso machine for small kitchens, flats and desks.
It has no built-in milk frother, so add a separate frother if you want lattes. For a simple, cheap machine that is easy to live with, it is hard to beat.
Pros
- Ultra compact, about 8.4 cm wide
- Heats up in around 25 seconds
- Espresso and lungo buttons that can be programmed
- Plenty of reviews and a strong rating
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- No built-in milk frother
- Small 0.6 litre water tank
- Uses Nespresso Original pods only, not Vertuo pods
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine. 19 bar pressure. 25 second heat-up. 2 programmable settings (espresso and lungo). 0.6 L water tank. Approx. 33 x 8.4 x 20.4 cm. Model BEC220.
2. Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino – Best Vertuo Machine Overall
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best Vertuo machine overall. The Vertuo system reads a barcode on each capsule and adjusts the water, speed and extraction for that blend, which is how it makes full mugs of coffee as well as espresso.
It handles five cup sizes, from Espresso and Double Espresso to Gran Lungo, Mug and Alto, using three different capsule sizes. It also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for automatic software updates, and the capsule ejects after brewing.
This version includes the Aeroccino3 milk frother, so you can make hot or cold milk foam for cappuccinos and lattes straight away.
Pros
- Five cup sizes, including full mugs
- Barcode capsule system sets each brew automatically
- Aeroccino3 milk frother included
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth updates
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Uses Vertuo capsules only, which are different from Nespresso Original pods
- Takes more bench space than the Essenza Mini
- Vertuo capsules generally cost more per cup than Original ones
Key specs: Nespresso Vertuo machine. Centrifusion extraction. 5 cup sizes. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Aeroccino3 milk frother included. Approx. 42.3 x 14 x 31.4 cm. Model ENV120.
3. De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ&milk – Best Nespresso Machine with Milk Frother
The De’Longhi Nespresso CitiZ&milk is the best Nespresso machine with a milk frother. It is a compact, award-winning design with a built-in Aeroccino3 system, so you can make milk foam at the touch of a button.
It has two programmable buttons with automatic flow-stop for espresso and lungo, 19 bar extraction and a 25 second heat-up time. Easy capsule insertion, automatic piercing and brewing keep the routine simple.
An energy-saving function switches the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity. With more than 1,700 reviews at a strong rating, it is one of the best-proven Nespresso Original machines available.
Pros
- Aeroccino3 milk frother included
- Heats up in 25 seconds
- Automatic switch-off after 9 minutes
- Strong rating across more than 1,700 reviews
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Larger than the Essenza Mini
- No automatic milk recipe button, as the frother is separate
- Uses Nespresso Original pods only
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine. 19 bar. 25 second heat-up. 2 programmable buttons. Built-in Aeroccino3 frother. 1 L water tank. Approx. 39 x 35 x 28 cm.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Bundle – Best Compact Vertuo Machine for a Small Office
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the best compact Vertuo machine for a small office or a small kitchen. It brews four cup sizes, Mug, Gran Lungo, Double Espresso and Espresso, using three capsule sizes.
Nespresso says its Centrifusion technology spins each capsule up to 7,000 times a minute to blend the coffee and water. The machine has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for software updates and one-touch brewing with automatic capsule ejection.
This bundle includes the Aeroccino3 milk frother, and the machine comes in a range of colours. It has only a handful of reviews on this listing, so the rating is a small sample.
Pros
- Four cup sizes including a full mug
- Slim, compact body of about 13.6 cm wide
- Aeroccino3 milk frother in the bundle
- One-touch brewing
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Very few reviews on this listing
- Uses Vertuo capsules only
- Colour may differ from the product image
Key specs: Nespresso Vertuo machine. Centrifusion extraction. 4 cup sizes. 1.1 L water tank. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Aeroccino3 included. Approx. 25 x 42.6 x 13.6 cm.
5. Nespresso Vertuo Up Bundle – Best Vertuo Machine for Versatility
The Nespresso Vertuo Up is the best Vertuo machine for versatility. It offers seven coffee sizes, from espresso and double espresso to gran lungo and large mug, and it works with more than 40 Vertuo capsules.
It heats up in about three seconds and runs from a lever. A 1.4 litre removable water tank can be positioned on the left, right or rear to suit your bench, and the body uses 38 percent recycled plastic. It connects by Bluetooth to the Nespresso app for maintenance alerts and updates.
The bundle includes the Aeroccino milk frother, so milk drinks are covered from the start.
Pros
- Seven coffee sizes
- Large 1.4 litre tank that can be moved around
- Aeroccino milk frother included
- Bluetooth app support
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Few reviews so far
- Larger than the Pop
- Vertuo capsules only
Key specs: Nespresso Vertuo machine. 7 coffee sizes. 3 second heat-up. 1.4 L removable tank. Bluetooth. Aeroccino milk frother included. Approx. 34.6 x 34 x 45 cm.
6. Nespresso Essenza Mini with Aeroccino – Best Compact Bundle for Milk Drinks
This Essenza Mini bundle is the best compact option if you want milk drinks as well as espresso. It pairs Nespresso’s most compact machine with an Aeroccino milk frother for hot or cold milk foam.
Two buttons prepare an Espresso (40 ml) or a Lungo (110 ml), the machine heats up in 25 seconds, and Precision Flow Stop lets you set a custom volume. Capsules are inserted easily and ejected automatically.
It suits smaller kitchens, flats and small offices, and it is the easiest way to add cappuccinos and lattes to a budget Nespresso setup.
Pros
- Aeroccino milk frother included
- Very compact
- Espresso and Lungo buttons with programmable volume
- Good rating
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Two separate units to find space for
- Milk frother needs washing after each use
- Original pods only
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine. Espresso 40 ml and Lungo 110 ml. 25 second heat-up. Precision Flow Stop. Aeroccino milk frother included. Approx. 29 x 29 x 35.5 cm.
7. Nespresso Lattissima One – Best for One-Touch Milk Drinks
The Nespresso Lattissima One is the best choice for one-touch cappuccinos and lattes. It has a built-in milk system with a compact, dishwasher safe jug, and an optical sensor uses all the milk in the jug to prevent waste.
Three buttons cover espresso, lungo and a milk recipe for cappuccino or latte macchiato. A 19 bar pump and an 18 second heat-up keep the process quick, and an eco mode kicks in after two minutes of inactivity.
Its rating is lower than the other machines in this guide, so read recent reviews on milk-system cleaning before you buy.
Pros
- One-touch milk recipes with a built-in jug
- Dishwasher safe milk jug
- 18 second heat-up
- Compact design
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Lower rating than most machines here
- The milk jug needs regular cleaning
- Limited stock on this listing
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine. 19 bar. 18 second heat-up. 3 buttons (espresso, lungo, milk recipe). Dishwasher safe milk jug. 1 L water tank. Approx. 15.4 x 32 x 25.6 cm.
8. Nespresso Gran Lattissima – Best for Milk Recipes
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is the best choice for milk recipes with a one-touch milk system. It makes espresso macchiato, cappuccino and latte macchiato from a single-serve milk jug with a detachable lid that is easy to refill.
It has a 19 bar pump, a 25 second heat-up and a descaling alert. The water tank and milk jug are dishwasher safe, and the body is compact enough for most benches.
It is one of the more expensive Original machines here but earns it with a much better rating than the Lattissima One across more than 1,300 reviews.
Pros
- Three milk recipes at the touch of a button
- Dishwasher safe tank and milk jug
- Descaling alert
- Better rated than the Lattissima One
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- One of the pricier Original machines
- The milk system needs regular cleaning
- Larger than the Essenza and CitiZ
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine. 19 bar. 25 second heat-up. 3 milk recipes. Detachable milk jug. 1 L tank. Approx. 20.3 x 36.7 x 27.6 cm.
9. Nespresso Creatista Uno – Best for Latte Art on a Budget
The Nespresso Creatista Uno is the best choice for latte art without moving to a full espresso machine. Its integrated automatic steam wand textures milk for barista-style drinks, and it purges itself afterwards.
There are three milk texture levels and three milk temperature levels. Three programmable cup sizes cover Ristretto (25 ml), Espresso (40 ml) and Lungo (110 ml), with a 19 bar pump and a 3 second heat-up.
A 1.5 litre removable water tank and a pop-out cup holder for tall mugs and glasses round out a machine that suits home baristas.
Pros
- Automatic steam wand with latte art capability
- Three milk textures and temperatures
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- 1.5 litre tank
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Costs more than basic Original machines
- Takes more bench space
- Original pods only
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine by Breville. 19 bar. 3 second heat-up. Automatic steam wand. 3 milk textures and 3 temperatures. 1.5 L tank. Model BNE500.
10. Nespresso Creatista Plus – Best Premium Nespresso Machine
The Nespresso Creatista Plus is the best premium Nespresso machine. It is built from stainless steel and offers seven recipes: ristretto, espresso, lungo, macchiato, cappuccino, latte and flat white.
Automatic milk texturing and eleven adjustable temperature settings give more control than any other machine here. It heats up in three seconds and has a 1.5 litre removable tank.
It has a strong rating on a modest number of reviews, and it is the pick for home baristas who want coffee-shop style drinks from a capsule machine.
Pros
- Seven coffee and milk recipes
- Full stainless steel construction
- Automatic milk texturing with 11 temperature settings
- Heats up in 3 seconds
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Bulkier than other Nespresso machines
- Original pods only
Key specs: Nespresso Original machine by Breville. Stainless steel body. 7 recipes. Automatic milk texturing. 11 temperature settings. 3 second heat-up. 1.5 L tank. Model BNE800.
How to choose a Nespresso machine in NZ
Start with the capsule line. Choose Original for small, quick espresso and lungo, or Vertuo for larger mugs and more cup sizes. Then decide on milk: a separate Aeroccino frother is cheapest, a built-in milk jug is easiest, and a steam wand is best for latte art.
Think about space and budget. The Essenza Mini is the smallest and cheapest, while the Creatista range costs the most and takes up the most room. Remember that capsules are the ongoing cost, and Vertuo capsules generally cost more per cup than Original ones.
For more coffee guides, see our best pod coffee makers, the best coffee machines, the best milk frothers and the best coffee grinders.
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the best Nespresso machine for most people in NZ, and also the best cheap and small-office option. The Vertuo Next is the best Vertuo machine, and the CitiZ&milk is the best with a built-in milk frother.
The Lattissima One and Gran Lattissima suit one-touch milk drinks, the Creatista Uno brings latte art within reach, and the Creatista Plus is the premium pick. The Vertuo Pop and Vertuo Up suit those who want bigger mugs.
FAQs
What is the best Nespresso machine in NZ?
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the best Nespresso machine overall for most people, because it is compact, fast and simple. The Vertuo Next is the best Vertuo machine, and the CitiZ&milk is the best with a built-in milk frother.
What is the best Nespresso machine for a small office?
The Essenza Mini and the Vertuo Pop are the best small-office choices, because both are compact and quick. For an office that wants full mugs of coffee, the Vertuo Pop or Vertuo Next are better than the Original machines.
What is the best cheap or budget Nespresso machine?
The Essenza Mini is the best budget Nespresso machine here. It is simple, has a strong rating and heats up in 25 seconds. Add a separate milk frother if you want milk drinks.
What is the best Nespresso pod machine for milk drinks?
The Lattissima One and Gran Lattissima make milk drinks at the touch of a button, while the CitiZ&milk and the Essenza Mini bundle come with an Aeroccino frother. The Creatista machines have a steam wand for latte art.
What is the difference between Nespresso Original and Vertuo?
Original machines use smaller capsules and a 19 bar pump for espresso and lungo. Vertuo machines read a barcode on each capsule and spin it to brew, which allows larger sizes such as a full mug. The two capsule types are not interchangeable.
Can I use other pods in a Nespresso machine?
Original machines accept Nespresso Original capsules and compatible third-party capsules made for the Original system. Vertuo machines use Vertuo capsules only, so check which line you are buying into before you stock up.
Is a Nespresso machine worth it compared with a normal espresso machine?
A Nespresso machine is faster, cleaner and easier than a traditional espresso machine, but each cup costs more and you are limited to capsules. See our guide to the best pod coffee makers for other capsule systems.
