Nespresso vs. Real Espresso

Nespresso makes a coffee drink. It does not make espresso. This is not snobbery. It is physics.

What Nespresso Does

A Nespresso machine forces hot water through a pre-ground, pre-dosed capsule at approximately 15 to 19 bars of pressure. The extraction takes 20 to 30 seconds and produces a small, concentrated drink. The crema-like foam is produced partly by the pressurization of the capsule itself, not entirely by the extraction process. Nespresso crema is lighter, less persistent, and less flavorful than real crema.

The Honest Comparison

Nespresso is a 7 out of 10 cup with zero effort. Real espresso is a 4 out of 10 when done badly and a 10 out of 10 when done well. A Nespresso machine costs $150 to $300. A home espresso machine capable of producing genuine espresso starts at $500. If you want great espresso and do not want to invest the money and time to make it at home, find a specialty shop and let a professional do it. That is what they are for. If you want decent coffee at home with no effort, Nespresso is an honest product.

Keep reading: What Is Espresso, French Press vs. AeroPress, What Is a Pour Over.