Yes - I think the Original Line machine is right for you.
Check out the Arpeggio coffee capsule - I think that will work for most of your guests, since it's a very popular coffee and should be agreeable to most. I would also look for the Pixie or Essensa Mini machines.
I should also mention that the Nespresso capsules are sealed with nitrogen, so they can last indefinitely. Thus you could buy a few different types of coffee and keep them on your shelves for a very long time.
I’ll get flamed for this because it’s not BIFL, nor is it coveted in the coffee community. But espresso is not a cheap hobby…
But if you like just regular espresso pulls you really can’t go wrong with a basic **original line** Nespresso. The shot is actually very decent - We’ve had our esenza mini for a decade and it’s been excellent. Just keep up on descaling and it will last you a long time.
Can you get better espresso? Absolutely. Will you have to take out a second mortgage and redo your kitchen for all the gadgets/grinders/etc. also yes.
The “original” line is very much an espresso. By definition.
You might be thinking of the “vertuo” line which uses centrifugal force to extract which isn’t espresso by definition.
It Christmas and all, but that’s wrong - the ratio and grind freshness is totally irrelevant. The **grind size, coffee amount and pressure used to brew** is all that matters.
**By definition** the OL is an espresso. Sure, it’s not as good as more artisan methods. But an espresso nonetheless. If you ever travel abroad, OL pods are ubiquitous for quick espressos.
Vertuo on the other hand is not espresso at all as I mentioned.
If you like espresso and milk based espresso drinks like lattes, flat white, cappuccino get an OL machine like the Essenza Mini.
If you like large drinks like a filter or drip coffee get the Vertuo.
Nespresso Essenza-Machine - it comes in three colors, uses the smaller pods that are sold by other brands. I got mine as a gift six years ago and running strong. Artizan Coffee makes organic, mold-free pods that are biodegradable that work with this machine. For a cheaper option, Trader Joe’s makes pods too. You can also get a nice milk frother for $50.
As someone who went through uni with a Nespresso but grew up with a moka pot, I definitely recommend the Nespresso (Essenza Mini to be exact). It basically fits on your desk and makes you coffee in 30 seconds without any effort. Traditional coffee is probably cheaper but pods have a very big price range too and I would say it's fairly affordable.
alvinbunk
