My seven year old base model Nespresso machine has started leaking so it's finally time for an upgrade. Has anyone upgraded from the base machines to the more expensive ones? I'm trying to figure out whether the coffee is good enough to justify spending $400-$500 or whether the cheaper models are just as good. I was googling reviews but I'm hoping to hear some personal experience. Thanks!
Nespresso Machines - Cheap Ones Vs Expensive
burtie on 01/09/2021 - 07:28
Comments
they'll just have more features and maybe last longer before breaking.
Or they'll break down earlier because they have more features that can break.
Yup that too
Thank you for such a detailed reply! My machine was just a base model when I bought it- maybe only $120 or so but it's not a bad idea to have a play around to see if it can be repaired.
Leaking from where? If it's the base of the water container where it connects it might just need a new o ring.
That's exactly where it's leaking. The coffee is coming out really weak too though.
If you don't drink milk coffee then the base models will do the job fine. Even the L'Or machine you get for free are just as good. If you like your coffee with milk, I've found the latissima machines do a decent job, way better than the cup style frothers.
I'd recommend getting one second hand from someone that's moved from pod machines to the whole machine and grinder setup. Less than half the price of new for a 1-2 year old machine.
Thanks! I'll keep that in mind.
The extraction of the pod is no different.
There are differences in things like the milk frothers.
I use to have one of the higher models with the auto milk frother wand (creatista), and didn't regret paying the $ for it.Upgraded to a Breville dual boiler and smart grinder a couple of years ago, but thats obviously a fair $ step up
But but, you get what you pay for always applies doesn’t it. 😀
Not always.
This 'rule" is better interpreted as
1. You never get more than you pay for, but,
2. You may get less than you pay for.
The difference in the cost is if you want a milk frother as part of the machine or separate. My wife wanted the milk frother function as part of the machine so we got the DELONGHI - EN510.B - LATTISSIMA ONE NESPRESSO SYSTEM. Its been great so far. Definitely worth the money for a combined milk frother.
I've bought the Nespresso Creatista using credit card points in the past. I've also tried using cheaper Nespresso machines. I find no difference in the coffee quality between the cheapest and most expensive, given equivalent pods. I've been looking instead for barista like coffe and the Nespresso Inspirazione was the closest I could find all be it a bit pricey.
Features is the main difference and l'd say aesthetics too. I still have to descale my Nespresso Creatista regularly, and clean the nozzles etc.
Check out the Subscriptions page on the Nespresso site. The deal is not as good anymore, but i got a Creatista for $1, still a fairly good deal currently. Subscriptions work out great because you get a discounted machine and anything you pay towards the subscription gets you credit to spend from Nespresso, which you would prob do anyway, unless you buy the after-market pods. The credit doesn't expire so you can still use it once the subscription has finished.
With regard to the leaking, one of my machines was leaking, but still under warranty. I spoke to Nespresso and they said to descale it and clean the area where the machine 'pierces' the pod using a toothbrush. It seemed to do the trick.
Hope this helps.if you check the insides all heats up the coffee to 19 bars (or something like that)
it seems the insides are the same
just features (different size shots, 2 shots at a time) ,add ons (like milk) ,looks (some straight, sideways, more modern look) and different brands making it (doubt it would matter much proly still in same factory with different logo slapped on it)also if u usually get Nespresso pods, look at a machine subscription
u pay monthly, can use the money on coffee and can accrueHow do you feel about contributing to the devasation of our environment by supporting these pod peddling companies?
From an addict: Taste is subjective. Machine must add to taste by providing clean water and good pressure. The current Nespresso line is a joke. Poor value for money.
I still look on second hand sites for good clean machines. Spend the extra on the taste you like. Life is too short for bad coffee!
Life is too short for bad coffee!
Move away from pod machines.
This I agree.
Generally yes but if you are short of time and hate making a mess it is a plausable compromise. Beats the instant powder!
@payless69: Get pre grounded coffee at your local best. I find I get 26 shots from 250g (cost around $9 - $11).
Almost just as fast as pod machine.
I had the Nespresso Gran Lattissima. expensive, but worth it. initial cost is high, but when you break down the cost of cafe coffee, it pays it self off fast.
I upgraded to a real espresso machine that even cost way more, lol. also i got a burr grinder. now this like cafe coffee, if not better.
the capsules are already old and not fresh coffee.
you should only use freshly roasted local whole bean coffee, use within a week, and grind it seconds before you extract it. it's a real game changer, i can't have coffee any other way now.I find most Nespresso machines produces very similar coffee quality (which is just OK). Higher priced machines are just inclusive of more functions and convenience. I can still make decent coffees using a lower end model + aeroccino 3. Probably i wouldnt bother with $400-500 ones.
If your budget can be stretched to around $500-ish maybe the real upgrade will be a proper espresso machine like Breville Barista Express.
Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions! Definitely given me much to consider.
No way. Not worth paying anymore than the bare minimum you can find. More expensive machines won't make better coffee, they'll just have more features and maybe last longer before breaking. If you've got $400-$500 to spend why don't you buy a Delonghi Dedica (on special for $199 at JB Hi Fi) and a grinder for around $300-$400 total and make real coffee? It will also be much cheaper ongoing than buying pods.
Also how much did your current machine cost? You may be able to fix it for the low low cost of new rubber hoses etc. Before buying a new one at least take yours apart and have a look. It may be an easy repair and if you're going to throw it away anyway you have nothing to lose.