How to Use A Nespresso Machine 

I have always been a fan of Nespresso machines. From 1986 until today, I have used and replaced many Nespresso machines. I have also used espresso machines and coffee machines from brands such as Breville, Jura, Keurig, Krups, etc., but Nespresso machines have always remained my favorite. Many coffee experts have also admired the Nespresso machines. I have also compared Keurig coffee maker and Nespresso in terms of coffee quality, features, settings, etc., but in all these things, Nespresso won the battle. Nespresso machines deliver great-tasting cafe-quality beverages/espresso-style drinks in the comfort of your home. 

Last week, I went to meet my best friend for some reason. She ordered Nespresso Lattissima Touch and her parcel came in front of me. When she started to set it up, she could not do that. Well! I helped her; I set up her Nespresso brewer and made it ready for brewing as I have much experience in these things. 

When I returned home, I realized that, like my best friend, maybe many other people are unaware of Nespresso machines, their usage, or find trouble in their setup. So, I decided to write about Nespresso machines, and there are many reasons for it, such as;

• Nespresso devices save money and deliver a wide variety of beverages in the comfort of your home.
• They allow you to customize the drinks according to your taste and preferences. 

There is no difficulty in the usage of Nespresso brewers. I have shared the standard method of how to use a Nespresso machine. This method applies to all Nespresso machines. If you want details of each Nespresso brewer and how it works, click the links below. 

• How to use Nespresso Pixie
• How to use Nespresso Lattissima Touch
• How to use Nespresso Essenza Mini
• How to use Vertuo Nespresso machines (VertuoPlus Deluxe)
• How to use Nespresso Creatista

How To Set Up A Nespresso Coffee Machine?/ How do you use a Nespresso machine first?

When you unbox your Nespresso machine, cleaning the machine inside and out is mandatory before setting it up or brewing it. There are a few tips to be aware of when you start. Doing so is as simple as brewing a few batches of hot water in the device, such as;

• Wash the water reservoir with tap water.
• Fill the reservoir with fresh water and fix it in its desired place.
• Also, wash the removable/adjustable drip trays and spent coffee capsules compartment with tap water.
• Wash the coffee spout and the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth.
• After the device is set up, press any brew buttons to turn on the unit.
• Place the container under the coffee outlet to catch the dispensed hot water.
• Press one of the brew buttons to start the rinse cycle.
• Run three rinse cycles and discard the hot water. The rinsing process will take 5 minutes.
• Now your machine is ready to brew. 

The rinsing cycle is slightly different in VertuoLine machines. The whole process is the same as mentioned above except that;

• You have to lock the head and lever. 
• You must hold the head button for two seconds to start the rinsing cycle.

Related: Nespresso Descaling Solution Review →

How To Use/Brew Drink With Nespresso Machines

It is easy to brew drinks with Nespresso brewers as you don’t have to adjust the brewing parameters. For brewing;

• Fill the water reservoir with enough fresh water.
• In OriginalLine machines, press one of the brew buttons (espresso or lungo) to turn on the device. In VertuoLine models, press the power button to turn on the unit.
• Place your desired cup (small espresso cup/coffee cup) under the outlet. Some VertuoLine models have adjustable drip trays that allow you to brew in a small standard cup, large mug, or travel mug.
• In OriginalLine models, open the lever and insert the desired capsule. In VertuoLine models, unlock the lever and insert the desired capsule.
• Set your preferred cup size, and a Nespresso machine does the rest.
• The machine will deliver your desired cup of coffee/delicious coffee within 1-2 minutes and automatically ejects the used capsules in the spent capsule receptacle.
• After brewing/nine minutes of inactivity, the machine will turn off automatically.

How to Use an OriginalLine Nespresso Machine?

Nespresso OriginalLine machines use a high-pressure system, i.e., 19-bar pressure pumps, and extract perfect flavor and premium aromas from Nespresso capsules. OriginalLine models work well with OriginalLine Nespresso pods and third-party coffee capsules. These machines are incompatible with Vertuo coffee pods and are best for those who drink coffee frequently. 

The brewing process of OriginalLine machines is the same as discussed above. If you want more detail on how OriginalLine models work, check out the links below.

• How to use Nespresso Essenza Plus
• How to use Nespresso Lattissima Pro
• How to use Nespresso Essenza Mini
• How to use Nespresso Instant Pod
• How to use Nespresso Inissia 

How to Use a VertuoLine  Nespresso Machine?

VertuoLine machines use Centrifusion technology (centrifugal force), scan the capsule’s barcode, and run it vigorously at 7000 RPM. It results in a perfect and well-balanced espresso shot. VertuoLine models work well with Vertuo pods (hemisphere-shaped capsules) and Starbucks by Nespresso pods. They are best for those who drink coffee now and then. 

The brewing process of VertuoLine machines is the same as discussed above. However, in VertuoLine machines, you can halt the dispensing process if you want to brew half cup/less coffee cup. If you want more detail on how VertuoLine models work, check out the links below.

• How to use Nespresso Vertuo
• How to use Nespresso VertuoPlus
• How to use Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe
• How to use Nespresso Vertuo Next
• How to use Nespresso Evoluo

What Types Of Beverages Can You Make With Nespresso OriginalLine Coffee Machines?

OriginalLine machines allow you to brew various beverages in the comfort of your home. You must insert the desired capsule, and a Nespresso machine manages the rest. 

Ristretto

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso ristretto capsule; Ristretto or Decaffeinato Ristretto in the capsule port, and close the lid.
• Adjust the water volume as ristretto has less water than an espresso.
• The machine will deliver your 0.85 oz ristretto drink in no time.
• Discard the spent capsules.

Espresso

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso espresso capsule; Decaffeinato Intenso or Arpeggio, and close the lid.
• Press an espresso button.
• The machine will deliver your 1.35 oz true espresso shot in no time.
• Discard the used capsule and enjoy your drink.

Lungo

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso lungo capsules; Fortissio Lungo or Vivalto, and close the lid.
• Press a lungo button.
• The machine will deliver your 3.7 oz lungo shot in no time. Enjoy your drink.

Latte

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso lungo capsules; Envivo Lungo or Vivalto, and close the lid.
• Press a lungo button.
• The Original machine will deliver your 3.7 oz lungo shot in no time.
• Heat the milk (add sugar if desired) with an integrated or standalone Aeroccino frother.
• Add hot milk on the top of the lungo shot or lungo glass; ½ hot milk + ½ lungo shot.
• Enjoy your recipe.

Latte Macchiato

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso lungo capsules; Linizio Lungo or Vivalto, and close the lid.
• Press a lungo button, and add sugar according to your taste.
• The Original machine will deliver your 3.7 oz lungo shot in no time.
• Add 4-5 ice cubes. 
• Froth the cold milk either with an integrated frother or standalone Aeroccino frother.
• Slowly add the cold froth on the top of the lungo shot or lungo glass; ½ cold milk froth + ½ lungo shot.
• Garnish the drink with nutmeg, cinnamon, or cocoa.
• Enjoy your recipe.

Cappuccino

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso espresso capsules; Decaffeinato Intenso or Arpeggio, and close the lid.
• Place a cappuccino cup under the outlet and press an espresso button.
• The machine will deliver your 1.35 oz espresso shot in no time. 
• Prepare hot milk froth (add sugar if desired) with an integrated or standalone Aeroccino frother.
• Add the hot froth on the top of the espresso shot; ⅔ hot froth + ⅓ espresso.
• Sprinkle cocoa according to your preference and enjoy your drink.

Cafe Mocha

• Fill the water tank with enough fresh water.
• Open the lid, insert Nespresso espresso capsules; Decaffeinato Intenso or Arpeggio, and close the lid.
• Place a cappuccino cup under the outlet and press an espresso button.
• The machine will deliver your 1.35 oz espresso shot in no time. 
• Add cold milk and four chocolate squares (0.7 oz ) to the jug.
• Add espresso shots to it. 
• Heat the milk/mixture with an integrated or standalone Aeroccino frother.
• Pour the desired into the cappuccino cup.
• Garnish it with cinnamon, and enjoy your recipe.

What Types Of Beverages Can You Make With A VertuoLine Nespresso Machine?

VertuoLine machines allow you to brew various beverages without stepping into a local coffee shop. You must insert the desired capsule, and a Nespresso machine manages the rest. The espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and alto are prepared by all Nespresso Vertuo machines such as Vertuo,—-VertuoPlus,—–VertuoPlus Deluxe, and Vertuo Next. In contrast, the carafe is only prepared by Vertuo Next. 

Espresso

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the capsule holder, insert Nespresso Vertuo capsule; Altissio Decaffeinato or Voltesso, and close the lever.
• Adjust the beverage size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Press the button, and the Vertuo machine will deliver 1.35 oz espresso in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

Double Espresso

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the lever, insert the Double Espresso Vertuo capsule, Double Espresso Scuro, or Double Espresso Chiaro, and close the lever.
• Adjust the brew size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Push the button, and the device will deliver 2.7 oz double espresso in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

Gran Lungo

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the lever, insert gran lungo Vertuo capsule; Inizio or Fortado Decaffeinato, and close the lever.
• Adjust the brew size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Press the button, and the machine will deliver 5 oz gran lungo in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

Coffee (Mug)

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the lever, insert a coffee Vertuo capsule, Intenso or Stormio, and close the lever.
• Adjust the brew size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Push the brew button, and the device will deliver a 7.8 oz cup of coffee in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

Alto

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the lever, insert a Vertuo capsule, Intenso XL, or Dolce XL, and close the lever.
• Adjust the brew size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Press the button, and the device will deliver 14 oz alto in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

Carafe

• Fill the water tank with freshwater.
• Open the lever, insert the carafe Vertuo capsule, Pour-over style or Pour-over style mild, and close the lever.
• Adjust the brew size and drip tray according to your preference.
• Push the brew button, and the brewer will deliver 43 oz full pot/full cup of coffee in no time.
• Enjoy your drink.

 How to Use Ground Coffee in A Nespresso Machine?

OriginalLine Machine

Nespresso makes reusable pods made of plastic or stainless steel. If you have a grinder, you can brew with your desired coffee grounds in OriginalLine machines. Grind the whole coffee beans in your grinder and fill these grounds in Nespresso OriginalLine reusable pods. I recommend using reusable plastic pods as stainless steel pods can damage your machine. 

VertuoLine Machine

Nespresso also offers reusable pods made of plastic or stainless steel. If you have a grinder, you can brew with your desired coffee grounds in VertuoLine machines. Grind the whole coffee beans in your grinder and fill these grounds in Nespresso VertuoLine reusable pods. I recommend using reusable plastic pods as stainless steel pods can damage your machine.

How To Customize The Brew Size?

• Fill the water tank with enough water.
• Insert the Nespresso capsule into the dome side of the capsule container.
• Place the cup under the spout.
• Press and hold the brew button (espresso or lungo) until the desired volume is achieved.
• Different machines have different recommended sizes, and there are settings and controls to change the cup size from espresso shot glass to a full mug. 

How To Reset A Nespresso Machine?

OriginalLine Machine

• Press and hold the lungo button for five seconds.
• The machine will reset to its factory settings which include 1.3 oz espresso, 3.7 oz lungo, and 9 minutes auto-off time. 

VertuoLine Machine

• Open the group head and eject the capsule.
• Close the head and keep the lever in the unlock position.
• Press and hold the button for three seconds; the machine will reset to the factory settings, which include 1.3 oz espresso, 5 oz gran lungo, and 9 minutes auto-off time. 

How To Clean A Nespresso Machine? 

Nespresso recommends cleaning your Nespresso brewer after every use to keep it in a good position. The system will clog if you don’t clean the machine regularly. If your Nespresso brewer has integrated frother, clean it after every use; otherwise, milk residue will get stuck and can affect the working of the machine or drink quality. Nespresso offers a quick and easy cleaning process. 

• Clean the water reservoir, drip tray, and used capsule container with soapy hot water.
• Wash the coffee outlet and the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth.
• Run the rinse cycle three times.
• The whole cleaning process took only 10 minutes.
• For more detail, watch the below video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE006 OMEGle 

How To Descale A Nespresso Machine? 

Nespresso recommends descaling every three months and is done with a descaling solution. The whole descalig process takes only 20 minutes.

• Empty the water reservoir, adjustable drip tray, and capsule container.
• Fill the reservoir with a descaling solution.
• Push a button and run a descaling cycle.
• For more detail, watch the below video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RCCTmZPANk

Nespresso User Manual

The Nespresso manual contains all the information regarding the use of Nespresso machines, cleaning, descaling, resetting, troubleshooting, and much more. You can download the Nespresso manual in pdf form via Nespresso.com. Manuals. Plus, etc.

Important Frequently Asked Questions

How To Switch On A Nespresso Machine?

In OriginalLine machines, press one of the brew buttons (espresso or lungo) to turn on the device. In VertuoLine models, press the power button to turn on the unit.

How To Use Nespresso Machine With Lever?

In OriginalLine models, open the lever, insert the desired capsule, and close it. In VertuoLine models, unlock the lever, insert the desired capsule, and rotate the lever in the locked position.

How To Use Nespresso Machine Delonghi?

The Nespresso machine designed by DeLonghi offers a quick and easy dispensing process. Insert the desired pod, place the cup under the outlet and press the brewing button. The machine will deliver your desired drink without any grinding or mess.

How To Use Nespresso Breville Machine?

Nespresso brewers designed by Breville have an easy brewing process. You have to fill the water tank, and the machine will heat up in 25-30 seconds. Insert your desired Nespresso pod, and adjust the cup support and brew size according to your taste/preference. Push the brew button, and the brewer will deliver the drink within 2-3 minutes.

How To Use Nespresso Machine Krups?

Nespresso brewers designed by Krups offer a quick and easy brewing process as they adjust the brewing parameters independently. Fill the reservoir with enough water, insert the desired capsule, and adjust the drip tray according to your preference. The machine will deliver your drink without any mess.