Nespresso Expert 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.

Following in the Prodigio’s footsteps, the Nespresso Expert also offers wireless connectivity, which gives you 3 modern features:

• Scheduled start time
• Monitor machine status (such as water level)
• Re-order capsules with the push of a single button

But the Expert adds a couple of additional features:

• Temperature control dial (warm, hot, extra hot)
• 5.05 oz Americano and 6.75 oz hot water only brews

The Americano setting brews a 0.85 oz ristretto shot followed by 4.20 oz of hot water. It’s a very close approximation to a standard “coffee,” which otherwise is only available on VertuoLine machines like the Evoluo.

The Expert doesn't come with an integrated frother. If that's important to you, you have two options:

• Add-on the Aeroccino4 frother or go with the mid-range CitiZ & Milk
• Upgrade to one of the Lattissima models