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- The Nespresso Lattissima One by DeLonghi machine is a luxe $285 brewer that can make single-serving café-grade lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos with the push of a button.
- If you're an avid Starbucks-goer, the high upfront cost provides a good value with consistent use over time.
- We tested the machine and our team has been extremely impressed with its quality and ease-of-use.
A fully staffed artisanal coffee shop in your house is one of life's more unattainable luxuries — but it sure would be nice.
Thanks to the wonders of the 21st century, though, you don’t have to bankroll a Blue Bottle in your basement to get an above-average latte at home. The spectrum ranges from getting industrious with a $7 electric milk frother (noted as one colleague's best under $25 Amazon purchase ever) to investing in the seemingly next-generation Nespresso with a menu of upscale functions. For instance, the Nespresso Lattissima One can make a creamy latte with one button and one capsule while you mosey around in your bathrobe.
Our team has been testing the Nespresso Lattissima One by DeLonghi for the last couple weeks, and we've been surprised by how well it functions and how easy it is to use. While it might seem exorbitant at $284.99, it gets a bit easier to defend for avid coffee lovers once you get over the conviction that pod machines can't replicate café-grade drinks at home. Once you cross that threshold (and the Lattissima did exceed expectations) then a cappuccino every morning for 1/10th of the barista cost becomes a bit easier to swallow.
Here's what you can expect from the Nespresso Lattissima One by DeLonghi:
- Lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and coffees at the touch of a button with a single capsule and your choice of milk.
- 19 bar pressure: the 19 bar pump controls the perfect amount of pressure and water flow according to the beverage you selected for the best taste.
- Sliding drip tray: slide the drip tray out to fit a taller glass for your latte macchiato and leave in for smaller coffee cups.
- Fast heat-up: the 19 bar pump delivers a 40-second or less heat up time for milk-based recipes.
- A collecting tank: used capsules drop down into a "collecting tank" that holds up to 10 capsules.
- Easy set-up: it took us all of five minutes to put together.
- Easy clean-up: the removable milk tank is dishwasher safe.
- Auto shut-off: your machine will shut off 9 minutes after the last brew to save energy.
In our testing, we found the Lattissima One to make good on its impressive claims. If you think the price justifies what it promises to do, then you won't be disappointed by your purchase.
As senior reporter David Slotnick said, "I generally go for drip coffee over cappuccinos and lattes, but every now and then I find myself seeking out a small, potent pick-me-up in the form of an espresso. I love the rich bitterness and strength of the drink, but it’s a pain to make well at home so I don’t usually bother. I’ve put off buying a Nespresso-type machine for a while, because I figured they couldn’t measure up to the 'real' thing, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was wrong."
The Lattissima One machine took all of 5 minutes to unbox and set up, and it takes less than a minute to make a cup of perfect espresso with a nice crema layer. Fellow reporter Owen Burke hit it on the head when he said Nespresso "takes Keurig by a mile."
One benefit you might overlook until it's already unwrapped and sitting in your home is that the Lattissima One is also a great-looking machine, and it takes up minimal countertop space. It will easily fit beneath cabinets. As vice president of Insider Picks Breton Fischetti commented, "What struck me first about this model (we tested the white one) was that it was easily the prettiest single cup machine I've used. So many coffee machines look weird, but I could see this one living on a countertop because it doesn't draw too much attention to itself." And if you're dropping $285 on a machine, you probably want to like how it looks. The Lattissima One comes in white or slate.
If you want something more budget-friendly, there are ample options. If you're still looking for ideas, we've got guides with ranked options (for all budgets) for the best coffee makers (for drip coffee or espresso), espresso machines, and cold brew makers.
The $285 (originally $379) price tag can be hard to justify, but if you're already a habitual café-patron spending $60 per month on four weekly grande lattes, you might not have as hard of a time justifying it. It's also a bonus that you're not beholden to any one drink thanks to the machine's versatility and consistent quality. You have to clean up after yourself at home versus in a café, but the effort is negligible and the drink quality is pretty much the same.
DeLonghi has been around for a while, and the company didn't get this far without continuously producing decent gear. The Lattissima will make everything from creamy lattes to espressos at the touch of one button and one capsule — and it will look great in your kitchen, which is a surprisingly big bonus for something you'll see every day. If you're looking for next-level cappuccinos, espressos, or a latte at home, this is a great option.
Nespresso Lattissima One by DeLonghi, available on Amazon, $284.99
SEE ALSO: These 13 gadgets will make you breakfast in under 10 minutes, every time