How To Use A Nespresso Machine (Quickly & Easily!)

The major advantage of Nespresso is convenience. Fortunately, the machines are very easy to use and have effectively made the process of making an espresso virtually dummy-proof. It used to be that making an espresso required you to know how to use an espresso machine, which could take years to master.

With the emergence of Nespresso machines, you can achieve the perfect cup of espresso without any hassle. Not to mention, they can also be used to make a cup of coffee. Using these devices can help to simplify your life and reduce your coffee budget substantially. However, you have to know the right way to use them.

Operating a Nespresso machine is as easy as filling up the water tank, popping a capsule into the compartment, placing a coffee cup on the tray, and pressing the right button. These useful machines are considered to be the quickest single-service coffee makers on the market.

Whether you are a new owner of a Nespresso or just a curious reader, we’ll show you how to properly use a Nespresso machine.

So, what’s the difference between the two machines? Well, for starters, each machine has a different brewing technology. The Original line has a high-pressure system for brewing espresso-style drinks. Whereas, the Vertuo series uses what Nespresso calls “centrifusion,” combining water infusion and centrifugal force to spin the capsule quickly inside the unit.

The Vertuo line also allows you to make larger drinks than an espresso or lung, such as a traditional cup of coffee. The Original line is, described by Nespresso, as being “The Classic Espresso Experience, and the Vertuo is “The Ultimate Coffee Experience.”

This step will be slightly different depending on the model you have. For an Original machine, lift the lever to gain access to the coffee capsule compartment. On a Vertuo model, unlock the lever on the head by turning it to the “unlock” position. Then, lift the head up to open it. Insert, your desired coffee capsule into the compartment.

On Original models, the capsule will only fit in one way. Whereas, Vertuo machines require you to position the capsules dome side down.

To stop a Vertuo machine manually, hit the “on” button once the liquid in your cup reaches the desired depth. This will stop the dispensing process. To resume dispensing, simply press the same button again.

The factory settings on Vertuo models are designed to disperse a specific amount based on the coffee capsule that is placed in the unit. For instance, an espresso capsule results in a beverage that is 1.35 ounces and a coffee capsule produces 7.77 ounces. You can override the factory settings by holding down the “on” button while it brews, and then releasing it once you have the preferred amount of liquid in your cup.

Note: The same process can be used on Original series Nespresso machines to change the amount of liquid dispensed.

Since Nespresso machines operate using single-use coffee capsules, you’ll need to manually release them after each brew. Every model comes with a receptacle to catch these used capsules. On a Vertuo unit, position the lever to “unlock” and lift the head. This will release the capsule into the receptacle. On an Original model, simply lift up the lever and lower it down again to eject the capsule into the bin.

Additionally, this spent-capsule receptacle needs to be emptied periodically. The bin can easily slide out of the machine and emptied into the trash. Once you finish brewing and the Nespresso turns off, you should also wipe down the unit.

Using a damp cloth, clean the removable coffee-cup tray and wipe any areas on the exterior, as needed. Empty the water reservoir as well, replacing it with fresh water the next time you brew.

Your Nespresso machine should be descaled at least twice a year, allowing for roughly six months between descalings. By removing gunk and lime buildup in the machine, this will extend the life of the unit and keep the coffee tasting its best.

The easiest way to descale your Nespresso machine is to purchase an official kit from Nespresso. Alternatively, dissolving citric acid in water can also be effective. Regardless, to descale you need to fill the water reservoir with the descaling solution and consult your manual for the proper combination of buttons to press.