Nespresso Essenza Plus Review

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines:

• OriginalLine: Their original line (duh) that used a 19 bar pump to extract shots from capsules
• VertuoLine: Their new line that uses Centrifusion (rapid capsule spinning) to extract shots from barcode-enabled capsules but also brews standard coffee up to 17 oz

For our money, OriginalLine machines are better than VertuoLine machines because their pump produces more authentic espresso, the coffee tends to be hotter, and there's no barcode scanning system meaning you can find less-expensive third-party capsules.

The Nespresso Essenza Plus is designed for a no-frills, compact Nespresso experience. At just 4.7" wide it's a hair larger than the 3.2" Essenza Mini, but the Plus offers three notable upgrades:

• 4 pre-programmed cup sizes (instead of 2) including the 5.05 oz Americano and 6.75 oz Americano XL
• 34 oz water reservoir (instead of 20 oz)
• One-touch Nespresso capsule ordering through the Nespresso app

Those features give the Essenza Plus a little extra convenience and luxury than its bare-bones predecessor while still retaining the Essenza Mini's compact design.

If you'd like to brew specialty beverages (like cappuccinos and lattes), you could always upgrade to the bundle or purchase the Aeroccino4 milk frother separately for your own home barista setup.