The Great Nespresso Debate (Do I Need One?)

This is in no way sponsored…. I need your help! 🙂

I’ve heard the chatter about the game-changing nature of Nespresso for a few years but have to confess it was kind of just noise to me. I love a latte and cappuccino, but not enough that I felt like I needed a professional machine in my home. Sure, every so often would be great but I certainly don’t need to feed my caffeine addiction. Plus, we love our Keurig and my dark roast coffee pods make me pretty happy each morning.

But I went to lunch with my girlfriend, Adele, the other day and she said she was in the market for a Nespresso and heard they had samples at Bloomingdale’s. Long story short, the store created this monster Nespresso zone with all the product, along with full-size samples of the espresso along with COFFEE. Wait, hold up… Nespresso machines made coffee?! I had no idea! My ears — and taste buds — perked up.

Bloomies was/is also having a mega promo — take 30 percent off, and then an additional 25% off — so I tried the coffee (plus, I don’t decline free samples — at Costco or at Bloomies!). I don’t love Starbucks original blend, I find it burnt tasting; but this flavor carried the boldness with a smoothness that can be hard to find. Made from the brand’s VertuoLine machine, it created the coffee with an espresso style crema at the top (very professional, I have to say!). Plus, this newer machine style can use two size pods — both for coffee and a limited number of the brand’s espressos as well.

The version I’m looking at comes with a Aeroccino, which creates hot or cold fresh milk froth for your coffee recipes, in a few seconds, without noise or vibration, and can also heat milk for your Caffè Latte or Cappuccino. There’s also a smaller version that comes sans frother.

I’ve learned Nespresso has no less than 15-20 machines but here’s the basic breakdown of the four major types:

Nespresso CitiZ: espresso only making machines. These are pretty compact, come with or without a milk frother, a few color options. Most popular.

Nespresso Pixie: also espresso only, and with or without a milk frother; major difference is a smaller water reservoir.

Nespresso Inissia: most budget friendly, the main difference that it’s made mostly with plastic parts instead of stainless steel or aluminum.

Nespresso Virtuoline: newest option; a combo coffee maker and espresso machine. It also uses Virtuoline only pods (not the Nespresso original ones).

So help: do I NEED this? Do you have one at home and find it to be a game changer in your caffeine routine?  Would love to hear from you.

Nespresso is currently on mega sale this week at a few places: 

Bloomingdale’s (all options here); use code FRIENDS for extra discount.

Amazon (without milk frother here)

Williams Sonoma

Target (smaller size)