Is Nespresso Worth It? [Pros, Cons and Cost To Know Before Buying in 2022]

This article explores the pros and cons of Nespresso machines and how they compare to other espresso machines.

So you’re thinking of taking the plunge and buying a Nespresso, are you? The company markets its product as a state-of-the-art machine that can give you a luxury coffee experience from the comfort of your home. So, is the Nespresso machine worth it? We looked at some of the most important factors when it comes to your espresso needs and made the ultimate pros and cons list.

The Pros

1. Convenience

No one likes leaving a warm bed in the morning, right? The Nespresso is the perfect solution for those of you who are tired of the 20-minute trip to Starbucks every morning. It promises quality coffee with dozens of amazing variations. You simply need to pick a style of pod you think you’d enjoy, insert it into the machine and boom! – the perfect cup of coffee, froth and all will be in front of you in just a moment’s time. 

Unlike manual espresso making, there is no need for complicated guesswork and extra effort – the machine does all the heavy lifting for you.

2. Great Taste

Sometimes when a food doesn’t take that long to make, people think it doesn’t taste as good. Well, you don’t have to hold any such concerns about the Nespresso. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also really good coffee. So why is Nespresso so good? Even though every brew is affected by so many steps: from where the cherry was grown to how the beans were roasted – Nespresso’s impressive quality control standards make it so that each pod will give you a top-class, delectable mug of coffee.

3. Longevity

Nespresso machines have a warranty of about two years which is twice that of its main US competitor, Keurig. So, even if you’re worried about paying that hefty price, you know you’re going to get a quality product that will last you a long time.

4. Variety

No one likes doing the same thing over and over, right? Well, the makers of Nespresso made sure you don’t ever have to. The Nespresso has dozens of different pods and each variety of pod has its own unique intensity rating. The pods also contain coffee from many different places around the world, so no matter how you like your coffee it’s more than likely that Nespresso has something just for your needs. And if you change your mind and decide you like something different? Well, they definitely have

5. Environmentally Sustainable

Once upon a time, the world of coffee pods was one of the most harmful businesses when it came to the environment. Since the end of 2020, though, companies like Nespresso have made it their mission to reduce their negative environmental effect. All Nespresso pods are now made from aluminium which is a 100% recyclable material. 

And talking about convenience again, once you’re done with the pods you don’t even have to recycle them yourselves, you just mail them over to Nespresso and they’ll do it for you. After that, Nespresso will use your leftover aluminium to make all sorts of cool stuff like pens or even bicycles.

Cons of Nespresso

1. Cost

The biggest factor that stops people from buying Nespresso machines is the cost. The average Nespresso machine ranges from around $150 to $200, and that’s not even including the pods. So, onto how much Nespresso pods cost: the average cost of a Nespresso pod sleeve (each contains ten pods) can go from $11 to $24. So, even if you’re drinking one cup a day and you’re getting the cheapest sleeve, it would still mean spending $33 every month. And since you’re probably drinking way more than one cup every day if you’re considering buying a coffee machine, you can see how expensive it could get for you.

2. Cleaning and maintenance

Nespresso machines, and all espresso machines really, can be tricky to maintain. To prevent things like milk build-up, you’ll have to properly clean certain parts of your machine after every use and that can get tedious – especially if you drink multiple cups a day. The company also recommends giving your machine a deep clean and descaling it every six months and this process can be a bit complicated. Also, important to mention: if you don’t follow up on this descaling process regularly, your machine might just simply stop working or you’ll start getting coffee that tastes burnt.

3. You Lose the Coffee-making Experience

For a lot of coffee lovers, coffee isn’t just about the beverage – it’s about the process. Most coffee lovers who don’t have a machine will have their own specific way of making their signature brew and just the process of this can be relaxing and therapeutic for them. Even though the process of manually making espresso might not be as efficient as Nespresso, many people find more gratification in knowing that they were personally involved in every step to their perfect cup of coffee.

The Bottom Line

So, should you get a Nespresso? Well, it really depends on your particular needs. If you’re someone who gets their coffee from an external store, you’ll find that despite the initial cost of the machine in the beginning, the Nespresso will be cheaper in the long run. 

If you want to be able to experiment with diverse flavors and you don’t want to bother with making the espresso yourself, then the variety of the Nespresso is probably just what you need. The recent shift to environmental consciousness also makes the brand a very viable option for those who want to try coffee machines. If you’re someone with a tight routine and you value convenience, then the Nespresso might just be perfect for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nespresso better than Keurig?

A Nespresso is more expensive than a Keurig, but it also has a warranty twice as long as Keurig’s. While the Keurig might have cheaper pods and machines, the Nespresso’s strict quality controlled pods and specialist features make for better quality and a generally tastier drink.

Is Nespresso as good as real espresso?

Nespresso machines usually can’t generate the high amount of pressure needed to produce a really intense shot of espresso but that doesn’t mean it can’t do the job. Nespresso espresso shots are probably going to be a little less rich and slightly less flavorful in comparison to shots from bean-to-cup espresso machines but the differences are minimal. 

Is Nespresso as good as Starbucks?

The Nespresso offers you a lot of different options and you can make great quality coffee from the comfort of your home. While the coffee at Starbucks has its own unique features, Nespresso wins due to the convenience factor. Even Starbucks themselves recognizes Nespresso’s potential and has collaborated with the company to make their own pods for Nespresso machines.