Nespresso vs Espresso: How the Machines and Drinks Differ

Are you trying to decide between buying an Nespresso vs espresso machine? Or maybe you’re just looking to settle a friendly argument? 

Either way, we’re here to help. Let’s find out if Nespresso is espresso.

Comparing Nespresso Machines and Espresso Machines

We could describe both Nespresso machines and espresso machines as pressure-based brewing systems. But that doesn’t mean they work in the same way. Let’s look at some similarities and differences.

This video has a detailed comparison of a particularly popular model of each type of machine:

A machine punctures the capsule of coffee grounds in a Nespresso machine and forces pressurized hot water through it. An espresso machine also relies on high-temp water pumped through the coffee grounds. But that’s where the similarities end.

To start with an espresso machine brews at about 9 bars of pressure where as a Nespresso machine uses 19 bars.

Nespresso machines are designed for convenience and consistency. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the world’s foremost coffee expert or a bleary-eyed commuter on a Monday morning; you’ll both get pretty much the same result in the same amount of time from a Nespresso machine.

This is great for the commuter but disappointing for the coffee enthusiast who enjoys working with a semi-automatic espresso machine or a even a lever.

There’s no handy capsule of coffee. The brewing process takes more than just a push of button. You need to finely grind the coffee beans at the right grind size, pack the right amount into a portafilter, and tamp with the proper pressure. You may even need to time the espresso shot.

So, is Nespresso Real Espresso?

But ignoring the differences between operating Nespresso machines and espresso machines, let’s look at the results. Sure, the Vertuoline can make coffee and espresso, but does any of the existing Nespresso machine lines make real espresso? 

Unfortunately, the short answer is that it depends.

For starters, there’s no universal definition of espresso. Different coffee associations have other guidelines, with the Italians being especially strict.

A few generally agreed upon requirements for a single shot of espresso include:

• 7 grams of ground coffee
• 9 bars of pressure
• 25 – 30 seconds of extraction time
• 25 mL of hot water

By this definition, Nespresso coffee comes pretty close. The main difference is that their standard capsules contain only about 5 grams of pre-ground coffee, and often the extraction time is a bit on the low side. 

Of course, the Italian definition, practiced by the likes of Illy’s Master Barista, Giorgio Milos, would never allow for the use of a coffee capsule anyway (1).

But espresso purists will insist (and not wrongly) that a Nespresso lacks true espresso’s character and soul regardless of the stats. Its flavors are muddied and muted compared to the real quality espresso, and the crema is nothing but a generic foam.

Final Thoughts

To experience amazing espresso shots the way you’re supposed to, you need a real espresso machine. In many subtle ways, a Nespresso machine can’t replicate the experience. But if you want quick and convenient access to something very much resembling espresso, a Nespresso machine and some Nespresso capsules are a perfectly viable solution.