Nespresso Lattissima Plus Review: What the reviews say about this model

Raise your hand if you want delicious espresso drinks at the push of a button from a machine that hardly takes up any counter space at all. The Nespresso Lattissima provides all that and more at an attractive price that any espresso lover can get behind. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at this tiny and feature-rich automatic espresso machine to help you decide if it’s the right one for you in our Nespresso Lattissima Plus review.

In a hurry? The bottom line is Black Ink recommends this machine wholeheartedly, provided you’re aware of the caveats of Nespresso machines. This machine delivers a fairly good espresso shot, makes a decent latte and was featured in our previous Nespresso reviews. The capsules are expensive, and customization is severely limited, but if you’re alright with those flaws, this is an excellent machine for any coffee lover.

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Nespresso Lattissima Plus Overview

Nespresso is well-known for its capsule brewing system, and they’ve been producing excellent quality machines that are incredibly convenient for well over a decade. Realizing that their expertise lies in the brewing system and not the equipment itself, Nespresso tapped Delonghi to manufacture their machines, and they bring their rich heritage of excellence to the Nespresso Lattissima Plus.

• Overall rating: 4 of 5 ⭐
• Dimensions: 6.75”D x 12.5”W x 10.25”H
• Tank Capacity: 30 ounces
• Milk Capacity: 12 ounces
• Power: 1400 watts
• Made in Italy

Key Takeaways

✅Fully automatic machine makes espresso, latte, cappuccino, and more with the touch of a button 

✅Easy to clean and maintain 

✅Tiny footprint is ideal for cramped kitchens with limited counter space

✅19-Bar pressure pump for quality espresso shots

✅Delicious espresso drinks in less than two minutes

🔻Provides no control over milk or brewing temperature

🔻Capsules are expensive, and the machine isn’t cheap, either

Nespresso Lattissima Plus Review

With its high-quality DeLonghi-made machine and a reputation for simplicity and delicious coffee, purchasing a Lattissima Plus seems like a no-brainer. Not so fast. Before you rush out to purchase this machine, let’s look closely at each aspect to decide if it’s the best machine for your needs.

Performance - 3.25/5 ⭐

The Nespresso Lattissima Plus performs well, thanks in part to its powerful pump and finely made components. The machine offers exceptional flavor and consistency time after time, and by those measures, it’s tough to beat. 

There is one frustrating caveat, however. There’s no way to adjust the brewing or milk temperature. You’re stuck with the factory set temperatures, which are about 5-10°F below what most coffee enthusiasts prefer.

Features - 4.5/5 ⭐

The Lattissima Plus is one of Nespresso’s simplest machines, which is a blessing in many ways and a curse in others. This machine is fairly utilitarian in its features, which makes for a no-fuss experience when making drinks. But, since it’s a simple machine, there just isn’t a ton to get excited over. 

One of the standout features is its 19-bar pump system which produces all the pressure you need and then some to enjoy a rich, frothy, and aromatic shot of espresso. The unit is far from underpowered, and it delivers a complex shot that exceeds what you’ll get from many of the more expensive machines on the market. 

This model also features a dual thermoblock heating system which allows the machine to rapidly reach the temperature necessary for brewing. From the moment you turn the machine on, it’s ready to brew in only 40-seconds. 

Sleek touchscreen icons on the front of the machine allow you to choose from the seven different drink types the machine makes, and there are also controls for milk frothing and cleaning. The machine also lights up when cleaning or descaling is necessary. 

Ease of Use - 5/5 ⭐

If there’s one area where the Lattissima Plus shines, it’s the actual usage of the machine. Delicious espresso drinks are available with the touch of a single button, and the entire process is fully automatic. You’ll be taking your first sip within two minutes of powering the machine up for any drink you’d like to make. 

The water reservoir is easy to remove for cleaning and refilling, which further lends to this machine’s ease of use. When it’s time to clean the machine, the majority of the process is automated to save you time and frustration. 

With semi-automatic and manual machines, getting ground espresso everywhere is a fact of life. You could spend hours cleaning the machine and still find grinds in new places they don’t belong. Thanks to the Nespresso pod system, you’ll never need to worry about stray grinds, which greatly simplifies cleaning. 

If you’re making lattes and cappuccino with the machine, the cleaning process is a bit more involved. Still, you can complete a full cleaning in about ten minutes, which is much faster than most automatic machines. 

Design & Build Quality - 3.5/5 - ⭐

Considering the machine is built by DeLonghi with Nespresso’s tried-and-true pod system, it’s a safe assumption that this machine is beautifully designed and built to last. Unfortunately, that assumption doesn’t quite hold water. 

We take no issue with the design of this machine. DeLonghi went to extensive lengths to produce a beautifully designed machine that anyone can use with little effort or knowledge. The Plus model also comes in three colors, so you should have no trouble incorporating it into your existing kitchen design. 

The machine is made in Italy by DeLonghi, and they have a reputation for quality. But, to keep the price down, nearly the entire unit is made from plastic. Granted, it’s durable and heavy-duty, but it’s still plastic. The plastic exterior also takes away from the design of the machine, making it look a bit cheap. 

Value for the Money - 2.5/5 ⭐

Compared to other espresso machines, the Nespresso Lattissima Plus seems like a bargain at well under $500. While it may be inexpensive by espresso machine standards, the cost of pods is an albatross for the machine. 

The machine itself delivers a reasonably good value, especially when you consider the impressive 19-bar pump, which delivers more than enough pressure to craft a complex, aromatic, and delicious espresso. 

When you factor in the price of capsules and how they're the only coffee the machine accepts, the value drops significantly. 

Sure, there’s no doubting the convenience that capsules provide. Popping in a capsule takes about five seconds. Meanwhile, grinding beans, dosing coffee, filling and tamping a portafilter, and pulling a shot the old-fashioned way takes about a minute, assuming you’re moving quickly.

Plus, there’s virtually no mess since all of the grinds stay within the capsule after it’s finished. 

But, the convenience comes at a hefty cost. Not only are the capsules expensive (between about fifty cents and a dollar, depending on how many you purchase at once), but they’re also wasteful. Not to mention, there’s no way for you to change brands or systems. You’ll be tied to the pods for as long as you own the machine. 

For many coffee drinkers, the convenience is well worth the added cost of these coffee makers. We at Black Ink tend to prefer the old-fashioned way, and we think the capsule system reduces the value that this machine provides. 

Never Heard of Nespresso?

While consumers have become well-acquainted with the Nespresso brand over the last decade or so, the brand first reached the market in 1986, intending to make it easier to enjoy coffee shop quality espresso at home. 

Today, Nespresso machines are among the most popular espresso makers worldwide, and there are dozens of different models. The Nespresso parent company is owned by Nestle, and they outsource their espresso machines to some of the top makers in the business. 

Several of their most popular machines are from manufacturers like DeLonghi, Krups, Magimix, and other premium brands. The Lattissima Plus model is manufactured by DeLonghi, one of Italy’s most renowned espresso machine makers.

Alternatives to the Lattissima Plus

After reading our Nespresso Lattissima Plus review, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives worth checking out before making your decision. There are plenty of worthy alternatives to this popular machine. Read on as we take a closer look at three of the best choices. 

Breville Bambino Plus

If you’re considering a semi-automatic machine in the same price range, the Breville Bambino Plus is similarly sized but much more capable than the Lattissima. With this Breville machine, you’ll have control over all of your brewing parameters, and you can also learn the artistry of espresso without letting a machine have all the fun. 

Nespresso Lattissima Pro 

If you love the concept of the Lattissima Plus but need something for a larger household, Nespresso has you covered with the Lattissima Pro model. This model is the big brother of the Lattissima line, and it offers all the same features, along with some notable upgrades. 

The Lattissima Pro model has a larger water tank and milk pitcher, more storage capacity for spent coffee pods, and a more powerful heating element. These coffee machines also have an attractive brushed stainless steel finish, which look excellent in any kitchen. 

Gaggia Anima Super-Automatic 

Fans of automatic espresso machines are sure to appreciate the Gaggia Anima, which provides all the convenience of a Nespresso machine with far more flexibility. This automatic makes all the same drinks as the Lattissima, and it offers a larger water tank and milk carafe. 

There’s an integrated ceramic grinder, so you can select any coffee you like in whole bean or ground varieties, and you aren’t stuck using capsules. The Anima also allows you to adjust many brewing characteristics, including temperature, shot length, and more. 

Verdict, Not Bad

The Nespresso Lattissima Plus is a capable and powerful coffee machine that delivers a consistently delicious coffee maker experience every time you use the machine. If you’re looking for one of the most convenient and easy-to-use machines, the Lattissima Plus is going to be a wise choice for you. 

Keep in mind that for all the convenience this machine provides, you’re trading in control. You can’t grind whole beans or choose your favorite beans, and Nespresso tethers you to their coffee capsules for as long as you own the machine. You also won’t be able to make many adjustments to how the machine works. The factory temperature settings for hot water and milk are what you're stuck with.

All things considered, most coffee fanatics feel that the trade-off is worth it, and the Nespresso Lattissima Plus is an ideal machine for busy professionals who aren’t interested in customizing their coffee experience. 

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