Nespresso machines allow you to make barista-quality coffee and espresso drinks at home.
You can get a better cup of coffee and discover a world of inventive beverage options with these 10 Nespresso tips and tricks we’ve put together.
To get the finest coffee possible, try out these tried-and-true Nespresso tips when you make your next cup of coffee:
Nespresso tips and tricks
1. Prime Your Machine
Priming your Nespresso machine is integral to making the best cup of coffee and can extend the life of your coffee maker. Warming up the machine also heats the cup and the group head of your unit, which can improve the performance of the machine. You can heat the machine in under a minute.
Running your machine cold can compromise the quality of your coffee and the longevity of your Nespresso machine or other coffee machines.
To prime your machine, simply run a brewing cycle without a coffee capsule or pod. Use the Espresso or Lungo setting and let the machine run through with clear hot water. Then dispose of the hot water, add a pod, and make your delicious coffee.
2. Change the Settings
Program your Nespresso machine to suit your distinct tastes. Remember that your machine comes pre-programmed, which may not be to your exact coffee preferences. You can re-calibrate the unit so the brew ratio matches your taste.
It’s easy to change the settings: just start your coffee, holding the brew button for whichever cup you choose. Release the brew button when you are satisfied with the amount of liquid in the cup. The machine will default to these measurements for future brews. Keep practicing and trying different brewing methods and ratios until you find the sweet spot.
3. Choose Your Machine Carefully
Prospective Nespresso owners essentially have two types of coffee makers to choose from: an Original Nespresso and the Nespresso Vertuo.
The Vertuo offers strong variety and complexity for your beverages, while the Original machine primarily delivers espresso-based drinks. Nespresso pods are used interchangeably between the two machines. The settings and options of each machine will vary.
4. Invest in a Reusable Pod
While there are many options in capsule form for you to try in your Nespresso machine, you should also invest in a reusable pod to fill with your favorite coffee type.
You may want to try a brand or premium type of coffee that isn’t available in pod form, and so a reusable pod can expand the utility of your Nespresso machine.
Try adding flavored coffee oils to your cup for more tasty options!
5. Heat Your Coffee Cup
This one is simple, but not many people know about it: heat your cup before you fill it with delicious coffee. Baristas in the coffee industry often use this trick to make great cups of coffee.
6. Use the Right Cup
If you’re going to invest in a Nespresso machine and premium pods, make sure you use the right kind of coffee cup. Try espresso cups and latte glasses to accompany your Nespresso machine—you might be surprised by the difference they can make. Using the right sized cup or glass helps to keep the amounts exact and gives a better result.
7. Keep Your Machine Clean
Perhaps the most important tip for optimizing your Nespresso machine is to clean it regularly.
A dirty machine can mess with your coffee quality and prevent you from making perfect espressos.
If you run the unit with just fresh water (no coffee) and the hot water is not clear, it’s time to clean the machine.
The best way to clean your Nespresso machine is to use a special detergent offered by the manufacturer, available online.
This detergent is added to the water tank according to the instructions on the label. You’ll want to run several cups of plain water through the machine after cleaning it in order to get rid of any residual detergent and debris. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
How often you clean your machine will depend on how often you use it, but you should clean it at least once a month to ensure you’re getting the best-tasting coffee.
8. Descale Your Machine Regularly
It’s important to descale your Nespresso machine on a regular basis to remove residue and minerals that can accumulate, especially if you use tap water.
You can purchase distinct products to descale your machine with, such as liquids or sachets that are added to water and run through the machine. Always follow up these procedures with plenty of plain water to remove any traces from the machine before making coffee.
How often should you descale? Again, it depends on how often you use your Nespresso, and on the kind of water you use. As a rule of thumb, you should descale every couple of months.
9. Go High-Caff
If you’re a caffeine fiend, consider Nespresso’s original line of coffee pods. The dark blue pods named Kazaar contain around 120 mg of caffeine per serving, which is considerably more caffeine content than you’ll find in comparable coffees. Caffeine addicts rejoice!
10. Use Fresh, Filtered Water
This is particularly important if your water is considered hard water, which can increase the deposits and minerals left behind in your machine when you make coffee. Coffee shops use filtered, fresh water to enhance their espresso coffee, and you should too!
Bonus Tip: Work with the Best
When you use quality ingredients, you get better results. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised to know how many coffee drinkers there are who think their Nespresso coffee machines will compensate for subpar coffee grounds. Not so!
Don’t render your investment in a Nespresso pointless by feeding it bad coffee. Always strive to use high-quality pods and premium coffee—that’s how you get the most out of your Nespresso machine. (And your taste buds will thank you for the fabulous coffee.)
Don’t have a Nespresso machine yet? We’ll help you find the best Nespresso machine for your particular needs.
French Press Or Chemex: Which Brewing Method Is For You?
The glass carafe is usually where the similarities end with these two brewing methods that produce very different cups of coffee.
How To Clean Your Nespresso Machine
Regular cleaning and descaling of your Nespresso machine is a must. Not only will this result in a better tasting cup of coffee, it will also lengthen the life of your machine.
How To Use A Coffee Plunger, Or French Press
If you can dial in your brewing method, a coffee plunger produces a silky, flavorful, full-bodied beverage you just can’t get any other way.
Here’s How To Order Iced Coffee at Starbucks—Without Sounding Like an Amateur
Not sure how to order iced coffee at Starbucks? Here are some quick tips that’ll have you ordering like a pro!
Carter Everywhere Mug Vs. Kinto Travel Tumbler
The new Carter Everywhere Mug by Fellow is a stylish new addition to the travel mug market. Let’s see how it stacks up against our favorite, the Kinto Travel Tumbler.
The Pros and Cons of Brewing Coffee with an AeroPress
The AeroPress has a “hipster” reputation as a favorite amongst baristas and coffee geeks, but it’s a quick, easy way to make delicious coffee in any home.
Which Moccamaster Should You Buy? A Decision-Making Guide
We explain the most important feature choices that should guide your decision, and steer you toward the right model based on your choices.
What Is A Blonde Roast?
Starbucks has popularized the term “blonde roast” in recent years. It’s a less misleading term for what used to be called “cinnamon roast” coffee.
Our Review Of The Technivorm Moccamaster KB
The Technivorm Moccamaster KB is solid, stylish, and brews coffee that can compete with a carefully crafted pour-over.
The Difference Between a Ristretto and Long Shot, or Lungo
A ristretto and a long shot are both espresso, but a ristretto uses less water and a shorter extraction time to create a more concentrated shot than a regular espresso. A long shot uses more water and a longer extraction time to create a less concentrated coffee.
The Differences Between Drip Coffee And French Press
It’s easy to make drip coffee or French press, but much harder to decide which is your favorite.
TikTok Starbucks Drinks You’ll Want to Try Today
Ready to explore the fun TikTok Starbucks drinks that are going viral? The best viral drinks are creative, complicated, and definitely not on the menu.
Chemex Vs. Hario V60: Which Should You Choose?
Let’s go over what distinguishes the two pour-over brewers from each other, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
11 Of The Best Coffee Scenes From Movies
We encourage coffee scenes in movies whenever they can be squeezed into the script. Here, movie podcaster Jordan Bowman rounds up his 11 favorites.
Nespresso Essenza Plus Offers Quality, Versatility In A Compact Package
Our Nespresso Essenza Plus review reveals a simple, compact machine without too many bells and whistles that really gets the job done.
The Lelit Bianca Brings Paddle Power To The People
The Lelit Bianca is an espresso machine you can learn how to use quickly, but its advanced shot profiling capabilities will keep teaching you things for years to come.
The Mastrena Espresso Machine Is A Coffee Lover’s White Whale
Unfortunately, this white whale hangs out only with the mermaids at Starbucks.
Free Pour Latte Art Designs That Belong In A Gallery
If you want to expand your repertoire of free pour latte art designs beyond hearts and tulips, we have some ideas for you.
Does Portafilter Size Matter? Here’s What You Need To Know
Portafilter size does matter—for these important reasons.
Over-Extracted Coffee Leaves A Bitter Taste In Your Mouth
Over-extracted coffee is the result of drawing too much out of your coffee grounds, going well beyond the balanced extraction that produces ideal flavor.