How to Use a Nespresso Machine

It should only take around forty seconds to prepare a cup of coffee using a Nespresso machine. For a quick reference, here’s a summary of the entire Nespresso machine process:

1. Fill the water reservoir with ample water and turn on the machine.
2. Place a mug beneath the coffee outlet.
3. Insert a Nespresso pod in the pod holder.
4. Dispense the desired amount of coffee in your mug.
5. Discard the used capsules collected in the Nespresso machine.

Are these instructions valid for all types of Nespresso machines? What are the differences between Nespresso and Keurig machines? If you’re using a Nespresso machine for the first time, these questions might be popping up in your head. But don’t worry–we’ve outlined the entire process in complete detail, and have clarified all possible confusions that may arise along the way. 

The Best Way to Use a Nespresso Machine

If you’re using a Nespresso machine for the first time, be sure to clean it first. You can do so by following these steps:

• Rinse the water reservoir and fill it halfway up.
• Plug the Nespresso machine into a power source and press the lungo button. Lights will blink, indicating that the machine is turned on and heating the water.
• Place a large mug beneath the coffee outlet and do not insert a Nespresso pod at this stage.
• Brew one cycle and discard the mug contents. Repeat the process until the water reservoir is completely empty.

Note: If you’re using a Vertuo Nespresso Machine, lock the head before cleaning. 

Also, if you’re a fan of coffee in a K-cup pod and have a Keurig machine, check out our post on how to clean a Keurig machine. 

Once you’re through with the cleaning process, you’re ready to brew your first cup of coffee in your Nespresso machine. 

Here are the steps:

• Fill half of the water reservoir with drinking water.
• Switch on the Nespresso machine by pushing the espresso, lungo, or on button. The button may have a coffee-cup image, depending on the type of Nespresso machine you have.
• Place your coffee mug in the mug tray. If you have a Vertuo Nespresso machine, you can adjust the tray to be closer to the coffee outlet.
• Insert the Nespresso coffee capsule. With the original model, you’ll need to lift the lever to access the capsule port. With the Vertuo model, you’ll need to turn the lever to unlock the head and lift it open.

Note: There’s only one position in which you can place the capsule on the original model’s capsule port, which is shown on the machine. For the Vertuo, you should place the capsule so that the dome faces downwards.

• Press the lever down on the original model to begin brewing. It will automatically stop after preparing your lungo or espresso beverage. On the Vertuo model, you’ll have to slide the lever to lock and press the “on” button to dispense the desired amount of coffee in your cup.
• Both machines will automatically turn off after minutes of inactivity, as they automatically determine the optimal time and temperature for brewing.

Now,  you can enjoy your cup of coffee–just don’t forget to collect the used capsules from the receptacle of the machine and discard them properly.

What Are the Types of Nespresso Machines?

There are two types of Nespresso machines: original and Vertuo.

The original line is less expensive and makes 1.35-ounce espressos and 3.7-ounce lungos. This line is further subdivided into two categories—Creatista and Lattissima—both of which offer frothing functions.

On the contrary, the Vertuo model may be more expensive but tends to make brewing simpler. It brews 1.35 ounces of espresso, 2.7 ounces of double espresso, five ounces of gran lungo, 7.7 ounces of regular coffee, and fourteen ounces of alto.