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Without a perfect coffee cup; I feel my morning is incomplete. Breville Barista Express has always delivered me a fresh, aromatic, and delicious coffee cup and has made my morning amazing. After some time, when it started to cause problems, I replaced it with the premium model, i.e., Breville Barista Touch. Its advanced features have increased my experience. Its ability to create incomparably dense crema and perfect barista-quality recipes has amazed me.
A few times ago, it was my close friend’s wedding, and she invited me to attend it. Her apartment was far from my site, and I had to live in her apartment to attend all the functions. Unfortunately, she has no coffee or espresso maker as she is not fond of coffee or espresso drinks. It is problematic for me; I can’t take Barista Touch with me as it is a heavy machine. I can’t imagine my life without a coffee cup; I just bought a new Barista Touch, and I don’t want to replace it. So, I decided to buy a small, budget-friendly espresso machine for temporary use.
So I started searching for compact machines; I also thought about French Press, — AeroPress, — Moka Pot, and Percolators, but they lack a grinder and a frother. It is difficult for me to buy a separate frother and grinder and then carry them. One of my friends suggested instant coffee packets and single-serve coffee bags like tea bags, but I was not too fond of these things. Another friend advised drip coffee makers and Keurig coffee makers, but they can’t brew high-quality espresso, and I also did not drink long coffee.
I want an elegant and compact machine that delivers me high-quality drinks effortlessly. Finally, I came across the Nespresso series, and the machine which impressed me with its compact design, features, settings, and drink quality was the Nespresso U. It was a discontinued model, so I bought it for temporary use.
Below is my personalized content, which depicts my bewildering experience with this machine.
The Bottom Line
With a 4.5″ width and 6.6 lbs weight, Nespresso U is a small, compact, and lightweight model. It has a sleek design, aluminum finish, 27 oz water reservoir, and allows you to brew 0.85 oz ristretto, 1.35 oz espresso, and 3.70 oz lungo in the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, it is a discontinued model. If you want a more compact and small machine, check out Nespresso Essenza Mini.
Key Features And Specifications Of Nespresso U
| Features | Details |
| Product Line | OriginalLine |
| Dimensions | 4.5″W x 9.8″D x 14.5″H |
| Brew Sizes | 0.85 oz ristretto, 1.35 oz espresso, 3.70 oz lungo |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| External Material | Aluminum |
| Water Reservoir | 27 oz |
| Milk Container | None |
| Frother | Sold separately |
| Used Capsule container capacity | 12 capsules |
| Wireless Connectivity | No |
| Pressure | 19 bars |
| US/CA Partners | Breville, DeLonghi |
| UK Partners | Krups, Magimix |
| Watts | 1260W |
| Other Features | Auto-Off after 9 minutes of inactivity |
Related Content: How to Use A Nespresso U
Pros And Cons Of The Nespresso U
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful 19-bar pressure pumps perfectly extract the flavor and aroma | Small water reservoir (27 oz) |
| Sturdy internal construction prevents it from breakaging | —– |
| Adjustable brew sizes | —– |
| Can work with inexpensive third-party capsules | —– |
| Easy to use and clean | —– |
Nespresso Machines Overview
Nespresso offers two lines; OriginalLine and VertuoLine
OriginalLine machines: These machines use powerful 19 bars pressure and extract the perfect flavor and premium aromas from OriginalLine Nespresso Pods. They deliver fantastic espresso shots with dense crema. These machines are compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine pods and third-party Nespresso pods and are best for those who drink coffee regularly.
VertuoLine machines use the Centrifusion technique, scan the pod barcode, spin the pods at 7000 RPM, and pull the desired shot. These machines work well with VertuoLine pods only, but after the Nespresso and Starbucks partnership, they are also compatible with Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuoline pods. — VertuoLine machines are best for those who drink coffee now and then.
Related: Nespresso Descaling Solution Review →
Nespresso U Overview
Nespresso U has a 27 oz water reservoir and allows you to brew 0.85 oz ristretto, 1.35 oz espresso, and 3.70 oz lungo. It does not brew long coffees; if you want to experience long coffees, check out one of the VertuoLine machines. Nespresso U has two models;
Nespresso U Milk: This Nespresso U model has an integrated Aeroccino milk frother.
Nespresso U Mat: This Nespresso U model has matte black exterior.
Unfortunately, Nespresso U lacks a milk frother; if you want to brew latte, cappuccino, or other milk beverages, buy a separate Aeroccino4 frother.
Design — Aluminum Finish
The Nespresso U has a sleek design and aluminum finish. It comes in grey, black, cream, and orange colors. All of these colors decorate your kitchen very well. It is a small compact machine with dimensions of 4.5 “W x 9.8” D x 14.5 “H. It easily fits on my kitchen countertop. The thing I liked the most in Nespresso U was its water tank. It has a 27 oz water reservoir with a swivel feature. The water tank is positioned at the back of the machine, but you can move it to the left or right side to fit into the desired space. Moreover, it has a removable cup holder, allowing you to brew in small or large mugs.
Brewing Process —Quick And Easy
Nespresso U allows you to brew 0.85 oz ristretto, 1.35 oz espresso, and 3.70 oz lungo effortlessly. I followed the manual’s instructions and brewed espresso. I pressed one of the three brew buttons to turn on the machine. It took 30 seconds to heat up. After this, I inserted the capsule, placed the small espresso cup on a cup holder, and pressed the espresso button. The machine delivered me a splendid drink with a dense crema. Once the brewing process is completed, the machine automatically ejects the capsule. Also, the machine automatically turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
Nespresso U Pods
I brewed my drink with OriginalLine Nespresso pods, and the drink’s quality, texture, body, and taste were beyond anything. I also tried 3rd-party Nespresso capsules, and the machine delivered the same perfect cup of coffee as delivered with Nespresso OriginalLine pods. Unfortunately, Nespresso U does not work with VertuoLine pods and Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo Pods. If you want to brew long coffees with VertuoLine pods, search for one of the VertuoLine machines.
Can I Use Ground Coffee in My Nespresso U
Nespresso U espresso machine allows you to use reusable/refillable pods filled with your desired pre-ground coffee. You can use reusable stainless steel Nespresso pods if you have a grinder and want to grind your preferred whole beans.
Is Nespresso U for You?
Nespresso U is best for you if you have a low budget or want to experience an old model of Nespresso machines. It offers many incredible things, such as a 27 oz water reservoir, automatic capsule ejection system, three programmable brew sizes, auto-off feature, and quick and easy cleaning. However, it lacks a milk frother; if you want to brew milk-based beverages, buy a standalone milk frother.
- If you want a more compact, durable, and stylish machine, check out Nespresso Pixie.
- If you want a machine with an integrated frother and a wide variety of preset beverages, search for one of the Lattissima series.
- If you want the feature that allows you to manually control the frothing or brewing process, search for one of the series of Creatista machines.
- If you are addicted to long coffees and want to brew your coffee with Vertuo Pods, choose the Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe machine, as it offers long coffee in 5 different sizes.
- If you want to brew high-quality espresso, long coffees, tea, hot chocolate, and drip coffee in the comfort of your home, purchase the Keurig K-classic coffee maker.
- If you are not fond of long coffees and only drink espresso-based beverages such as espresso, lungo, and ristretto, the Nespresso CitiZ espresso machine is best for you.
- If you want to grind your whole fresh beans on your own and brew a wide variety of drinks, then Breville Barista Express with an integrated grinder and frother is meant for you.
- If you like to brew coffee with Nespresso pods and Keurig K-cup pods, then purchase Instant Pod, as it is compatible with both Nespresso pods and Keurig K-cup pods.
Important FAQs
Is Nespresso U Discontinued?
Nespresso U has been discontinued and is not available on Nespresso, but it is widely available on Amazon, William Sonoma, and many online stores.
Is Nespresso Discontinuing Pods?
Nespresso is discontinuing its four pods from Single Origin Range as they are planning to launch a wide variety of new coffee capsules. All other Nespresso pods are available, and you can buy them from any online stores such as Amazon, Bed Bath Beyond, etc.
How Do I Put My Nespresso U In Descaling Mode?
Nespresso recommends descaling the machine after every three months. The descaling is done with a descaling solution. To activate the descaling mode, press and hold the three buttons for three seconds. For more detail, watch the below video.
Which Nespresso System Is Best?
All Nespresso machines are reliable and brew high-quality and authentic drinks. Which model to choose depends on your preference.
- If you are addicted to long coffees and want to brew long coffees like Keurig coffee makers, search for one of the VertuoLine machines.
- If you want a machine with an integrated frother and a wide variety of preset beverages, search for one of the Lattissima series.
- If you want a machine with an integrated frother and manually control the frothing or brewing process, search for one of the Creatista machines.
- If you dislike brewing milk-based beverages and want a slim and compact espresso machine, check out Nespresso Essenza Mini.
How Do I Use My Nespresso U Machine?
- Press one of the three buttons to turn on the machine.
- It will take 30 seconds to heat up.
- Insert the capsule.
- Place the cup on the cup holder.
- Press the desired brew size button.
- The machine will deliver you a splendid drink in no time.
- For more detail, watch the below video.
Read More Nespresso OriginalLine Machine Reviews from Coffee Aim
Read More Nespresso VertuoLine Machine Reviews from Coffee Aim
| Nespresso Vertuo Machine Review |
| Nespresso VertuoPlus Machine Review |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next Machine Review |
| Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Review |
| Nespresso Evoluo Review |
