Single-Cup Nespresso Machines: Which One Should You Buy?
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Nespresso is the brand that made single-cup capsule coffee mainstream: you drop a sealed aluminum pod into a compact machine, press one button, and get espresso or a full mug in under a minute with no grinding or measuring. For anyone shopping for a single nespresso maker, the first thing to understand is that Nespresso runs two capsule systems that do not mix. Vertuo machines use dome-shaped Vertuo capsules and brew everything from espresso to large mugs of coffee; Original (OriginalLine) machines use small, straight capsules and focus on espresso-style drinks.
This guide covers four Nespresso Vertuo machines plus, to be upfront, two Original-compatible espresso makers from other brands (Mixpresso and CUSIMAX), and they differ mainly in which capsule they take, how many cup sizes they brew, and extras like a milk frother.
Nespresso Single-Serve Coffee Makers Compared
| Machine | Capsule system | Cup sizes | Water tank | Made by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixpresso Espresso Machine | Nespresso Original compatible | Short 1.3 oz, long 3.75 oz | 27 oz | Mixpresso |
| CUSIMAX Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original | Nespresso Original compatible | Ristretto, espresso, lungo (programmable) | 27 oz | CUSIMAX |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother | Vertuo | Five sizes | 25.4 fl oz | Nespresso |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by De’Longhi | Vertuo | 5, 8, 12 oz plus single and double espresso | 25 fl oz | Nespresso by De’Longhi |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville | Vertuo | 5, 8, 12 oz plus single and double espresso | 25 fl oz (0.75 liters) | Nespresso by Breville |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi | Vertuo | 5, 8, 12, 18 oz plus single and double espresso | 37 fl oz listed | Nespresso by De’Longhi |
A quick explanation of “by De’Longhi” and “by Breville”: Nespresso designs its machines and capsule technology, and partner appliance makers build some models under license. Both are official Nespresso machines. That is different from Mixpresso and CUSIMAX, which are separate brands that make machines able to use Nespresso Original capsules.
Mixpresso Espresso Machine for Original Capsule Espresso
Mixpresso
Mixpresso Espresso Machine, Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine Capsules
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Mixpresso Espresso Machine
Best for: Espresso drinkers using Original capsules
Pros
- Fits Nespresso OriginalLine capsules
- 19-bar pump
- 27 oz removable tank
- Compact 4.5 inches wide
Cons
- Not made by Nespresso
- No Vertuo capsule support
The Mixpresso Espresso Machine is not a Nespresso product. It is a compact espresso maker from Mixpresso that the listing says accepts Nespresso OriginalLine capsules (not VertuoLine) and other brands’ capsules of the same shape, with Mixpresso capsules recommended for best results.
It brews in 25 to 30 seconds with one-touch operation and two sizes: a short 1.3 oz espresso or a long 3.75 oz lungo (a longer, milder espresso). A 19-bar Italian pump provides pressure, the removable water tank holds 27 oz, and the adjustable drip tray fits cups up to 3.5 inches tall. It measures 11.5 by 4.5 by 6 inches, has a 1-hour auto shut-off, and uses 1400 watts. The listing advises letting it preheat fully before brewing.
This suits someone who mainly drinks espresso, wants a small machine, and likes the wide choice of Original-style capsules. It cannot brew a large mug of coffee, which is where the Vertuo machines below come in.
CUSIMAX Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original with Programmable Sizes
Cusimax
CUSIMAX Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original Single Serve Coffee Maker
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CUSIMAX Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original
Best for: Tinkerers who want programmable shot sizes
Pros
- Three programmable brew buttons
- Ristretto, espresso and lungo sizes
- 19-bar pump, 20-second heat up
- 27 oz removable tank
Cons
- Not made by Nespresso
- Original capsules only
The CUSIMAX Coffee Machine for Nespresso Original capsules is the second non-Nespresso machine here, made by CUSIMAX. The listing says it works with common Nespresso Original capsules and the same type from other brands.
Its highlight is control: three brew buttons for ristretto (a short, strong shot), normal espresso and lungo, and each button is programmable from 15 to 90 seconds. Hold the button until you reach the amount you like, release it, and the machine remembers that size. It has a 19-bar pump, a 1260-watt boiler that heats up in 20 seconds, a 27 oz removable tank, and a 15-minute auto shutdown. It is 9.84 inches tall (14.56 inches with the handle open), 4.56 inches wide and 13.97 inches deep, and the listing mentions 18 months of after-sales service.
This suits espresso fans who want to fine-tune shot size, or who plan to make lattes and iced drinks from espresso. Like the Mixpresso, it cannot use Vertuo capsules or brew large mugs.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee Machine with Milk Frother
Best for: Gift-givers wanting a white Vertuo machine
Pros
- Coconut White finish
- Five cup sizes including iced
- Descaling alert
- Automatic updates
Cons
- Tasting pack not mentioned
- Vertuo capsules only
Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso
Best for: First-time Vertuo buyers wanting mug coffee
Pros
- 5, 8 and 12 oz coffees plus espressos
- 30-second heat up
- Side-access 25 oz tank
- Tasting pack included
Cons
- No 18 oz size
- Vertuo capsules only
Best for: Latte lovers wanting a frother bundle
Pros
- Milk frother in the title
- Vertuo capsule barcode brewing
- App-controlled features
- Five cup sizes
Cons
- Frother details not described
- Vertuo capsules only
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee Machine in Liquorice Black is the Vertuo Pop+ bundled with a milk frother, according to its title. Vertuo machines read a barcode printed on each capsule and spin it quickly (Nespresso calls this Centrifusion) to set the right brewing for that coffee, which is how one machine makes both espresso and a larger cup.
The description mentions five cup sizes, from espresso to Alto and cold brew style coffee, and the listing names more than 30 coffees with different aromas and intensities. Its features include app control, auto shut-off, a removable 25.4 fl oz tank and 1500 watts. The listing does not describe the frother itself, such as whether it makes hot and cold foam, so check the product page for those details.
This suits latte and cappuccino lovers who want coffee and frothed milk from one purchase. If you drink your coffee black, the non-frother Pop+ models are simpler.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi for First Vertuo Buyers
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, in Black, is the standard Nespresso Vertuo Pop+. The listing names five formats: 5, 8 and 12 oz coffees plus single and double espressos, brewed hot or over ice.
It heats up in 30 seconds, has a descaling alert, an adjustable drip tray and a removable 25 fl oz water tank on the side for easy refilling. The listing mentions more than 40 permanent Vertuo coffees and includes a complimentary tasting pack (assortment may vary), which is a nice touch for a gift. Nespresso capsules are aluminum and can be recycled through Nespresso’s free program. It uses 1500 watts, and the specifications mention app control and auto shut-off.
This is the nespresso single cup machine we would point most first-time buyers toward: simple, compact and able to brew both espresso and a regular mug. It gives way to the Vertuo Next if you want an 18 oz travel-mug size.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee & Espresso Maker by Breville in Coconut White
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee & Espresso Maker by Breville in Coconut White shares the same core features as the De’Longhi version: five formats (5, 8 and 12 oz coffees plus single and double espresso, hot or iced), a 30-second heat up, a descaling alert, an adjustable drip tray and a side-mounted 25 fl oz tank, listed as 0.75 liters.
The description adds that the machine reads the code on each pod and updates automatically when connected. This listing does not mention a tasting pack. It uses 1500 watts. For more ideas on making cold drinks, see our guide to using a Nespresso machine for iced coffee.
This suits gift-givers who want a lighter color to match a bright kitchen. Functionally it matches the black De’Longhi Pop+, so choose by color and availability.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Maker by De’Longhi for Big Mugs
Best for: Big mug drinkers with slim counters
Pros
- Six sizes up to 18 oz
- Only 5.5 inches wide
- Partly recycled materials
- 37 oz listed capacity
Cons
- No milk frother listed
- Vertuo capsules only
The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, in Black, adds the one size the Pop+ lacks: an 18 oz coffee. Its six formats are 5, 8, 12 and 18 oz coffees plus single and double espressos, hot or over ice.
The listing calls it Nespresso’s most compact, sustainable and smart Vertuo machine, made of partially recycled materials and only 5.5 inches wide. It uses Centrifusion technology, has a removable drip tray and tank, auto shut-off, and 1500 watts. The listing gives a 37 fl oz capacity, larger than the Pop+ tanks, and includes a complimentary tasting pack. It does not list a milk frother.
This suits people who fill a large travel mug every morning or share coffee in a household. If you only drink espresso or small cups, the Pop+ covers you.
How to Choose the Right Nespresso Single-Serve Coffee Maker
- Pick the capsule system first: Vertuo for mugs of coffee and espresso; Original for espresso-focused drinks and a wider range of compatible capsules from other brands.
- Largest cup you want: 18 oz needs the Vertuo Next. 12 oz tops out the Pop+. Original machines stop at a lungo.
- Milk drinks: Only the Pop+ Milk Frother listing includes a frother in its title.
- Counter space: The Mixpresso is 4.5 inches wide and the Vertuo Next 5.5 inches.
- Control: The CUSIMAX lets you program each shot size.
For a broader look at every model in the range, see our full Nespresso coffee maker machine guide.
FAQ
What is the difference between Nespresso Vertuo and Original?
Vertuo machines use dome-shaped capsules with a barcode and brew sizes from espresso to large mugs. Original machines use smaller capsules for espresso and lungo. The capsules are not interchangeable.
Can I use Nespresso Original capsules in a Vertuo machine?
No. Vertuo machines only take Vertuo capsules. The Mixpresso and CUSIMAX machines here are the ones designed for Original-style capsules.
Which single serve Nespresso makes the biggest cup?
The Vertuo Next, with an 18 oz coffee size. The Vertuo Pop+ models top out at 12 oz.
Are Mixpresso and CUSIMAX made by Nespresso?
No. They are separate brands whose machines are designed to accept Nespresso Original capsules.
Can Nespresso capsules be recycled?
The Vertuo listings say Nespresso’s aluminum capsules are recyclable through Nespresso’s free recycling program.
Which Nespresso machine is best as a gift?
The Vertuo Pop+ by De’Longhi includes a tasting pack and brews both espresso and mug coffee, making it an easy gift. The Coconut White Breville version suits lighter kitchens.
