A Nespresso machine is one of the quickest, easiest, and cleanest ways to prepare a cup of coffee in the morning. Just slide in a pod, press a button, and you've got a steaming hot brew within a minute – right?
Well, yes, those are the fundamentals, but if you want to get the best flavor from your pods (and you should, since they're not cheap), there are a few extra things you should know that will help improve the flavor of every cup. None of these things takes very long, but they can make a real difference to your daily brew.
Pre-heat your machine
Is your coffee coming out too cold? Don't worry, there's an easy fix. Although the machine's boiler heats water to the ideal temperature, the freshly brewed coffee can lose heat as it passes through the outlet. Running a quick rinse cycle to preheat it will ensure this doesn't happen.
The exact method for doing this will depend on which Nespresso machine you have. For example, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop will rinse itself with hot water if the 'brew' button is pressed three times in quick succession. The De'Longhi Lattissima One can be rinsed by running the 'Lungo' cycle without a coffee pod inserted. Check your Nespresso machine's manual for instructions.
Place your coffee cup under the outlet when rinsing the machine, and it'll be nicely warmed as well. When everything is ready, just dump out the hot water and you're ready to start brewing.
Use fresh water
Would you drink a glass of water that had been sitting out overnight – or for a few nights? Probably not, and it won't make great coffee either. Empty your Nespresso machine's water tank at the end of every day, give it a wash with warm, soapy water, rinse it clean, and allow it to dry overnight. In the morning, fill it with fresh water.
Nespresso machines don't typically have water filters, so if you live in a hard water area, then you might like to use a water filter to improve the taste of your coffee, and help avoid limescale building up in your coffee maker too quickly.
Keep it clean
There are some real horror stories online about coffee makers (including pod machines) growing mold. It's easy to see how it can happen; forget to empty the bin of used pods, especially if you only make drinks occasionally, and the warm, wet used coffee grounds make a great habitat for airborne mold spores. You can guess what happens next.
It's a problem that's easily avoided, though. Just empty the used pods at the end of each day (stick a reminder on your fridge if you need to), wash out the bin and the drip tray with warm, soapy water, and leave everything out to air dry overnight. Pop open your machine's lid and wipe it with a damp cloth, then leave it open so any moisture can evaporate. This will also ensure you don't accidentally leave a used pod sitting in the brewing chamber, getting stinky and gross.
3. Consider a milk frother
If you're thinking about upgrading your basic Nespresso machine to one with a built-in milk system, hold it right there. Buying a separate milk frother will let you make lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos without the need to replace your existing coffee maker. The Nespresso Aeroccino, Smeg Mini Milk Frother, and Dreo Baristamaker are all great options. You'll find today's best prices below.
4. Keep tabs on your pods
Whether your machine uses Nespresso Original capsules (the ones shaped like a top hat) or Vertuo pods (shaped like a dome), there's an incredible array of flavors to choose from. Your machine probably came with a selection pack to get you started, and possibly the ability to claim a few packs by registering it online, so this is the perfect time to start keeping a record of the tasting notes included on the pack for the ones you like most.
Do you prefer something fruity or something with notes of cereal? Dark or light roast? Arabica or robusta? The pods can be pricey, but knowing what flavors tickle your palate will help ensure you don't buy a pack you don't like.
It's also worth keeping a record of how much you're spending on coffee pods. If you're powering through a box in a week, it might be worth asking the other members of your household to exercise a little moderation.
5. Recycle responsibly
Coffee tastes better when you have a clear conscience, so don't toss your used Nespresso pods in the trash. Instead, check out which recycling facilities are available near you.
For example, in the UK, Nespresso has a scheme that lets you send used pods back for recycling. You'll receive a recycling bag when you order capsules from the Nespresso online store to make this as easy as possible. There's also the Podback scheme, which handles coffee capsules from Nespresso, Illy, and Tassimo.
Nespresso also offers pre-paid recycling bags in the US. You can take your used pods to a Nespresso boutique, too, and there are special bins for them if you happen to live in NYC or Jersey City.
Want to know more? I interviewed Mary O'Rourke, Sustainability Manager at Nespresso UK and Ireland, to find out how Nespresso pods are recycled.
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best coffee makers
1. Best espresso:
Breville Barista Touch Impress
2. Best drip:
Breville Luxe Brewer Thermal
3. Best all-in-one:
Ninja Luxe Café
4. Best Nespresso:
Krups Nespresso Pixie
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