The Real Cost of Using a Nespresso Machine

Although I loyal daily Dunkin’ Donuts consumerthat doesn’t mean I don’t make coffee at home. I’m a little coffee lover: I buy ready-made confectionery products with caffeine. And I’ll brew it for myself the same day. Nothing can stop my caffeine addiction, not even financial barriers.

When I want to get my caffeine fix at home, I use a Nespresso machine, which is more expensive to buy upfront than some other coffee makers, but the initial investment isn’t the only part of the difference that comes with using one. Here’s what full-time Nespresso ownership looks like from a financial perspective and how it compares to a regular coffee pot.

Initial cost of a Nespresso coffee machine

First of all, there are many different devices that fall under the category of “Nespresso machines.” I personally own Vertuo Next coffee machine from De’Longhi (with milk frother) which I like for its small size and elegant appearance.

This brand has many cars besides this one. All devices use single-use pods to brew cups of espresso or coffee, but each is slightly different and some may cost as much as $700.

For the average consumer like me, smaller and less expensive models will be fine, but even saying “less expensive” is purely relative here, since $144 is nothing to scoff at when standard coffee machine can be purchased for about $25.

Car cost: From US$144

The best coffee options for Nespresso

I prefer the taste and smoothness of Nespresso coffee to other brewing methods, but I know a lot depends on the quality of the coffee I put in it, not necessarily the machine. I have found that it is more economical to purchase the capsules directly from the brand than to order them from Amazon or pick them up at Target.

Depending on where you live, there may even be a Nespresso store near you, in which case I recommend visiting one; The staff are generally very knowledgeable about all things coffee and can make recommendations to help you find your own perfect drink (that’s why I preferred peanut and toasted sesame flavor). Plus, you can try everything and even drink a cup of coffee in the store. Signing up and getting a membership can be rewarding because you’ll regularly qualify for discounts and privileges, as well as earn points that can be redeemed for things like special mugs.

Of course, you can always just order or buy capsules in regular stores. While a pack of 10 capsules at Nespresso typically costs between $9 and $15 before discounts, prices on Amazon are as high as Under the Nespresso brand and other types of cooperation, like Starbucks– comparable. You can also get $16 reusable capsules they can be used up to 100 times, although that doesn’t include the cost of the beans you put in them.

I love shopping directly through Nespresso, not only because of the membership rewards but also because there is such a variety of flavors and styles available, but I know the same is true across the coffee world. I have Coffee trade a subscription, for example, that gives me a new bag of exotic or rare coffee every few weeks, so I know how many varieties and blends there are. You can easily make an amazing brew in a standard coffee pot if you take the time to find blends and beans that are better than regular Folgers.

For reference, you can buy enough Folgers coffee grounds Brew 240 cups of coffee for less than $13. My favorite blend I got from Trade, Peixoto familycosts $15.75 per bag and makes 20 cups. Obviously, both of these options are more economical than the 10 cups you get from Nespresso for around $14, so factor in those extra costs if you’re considering this machine.

Cost of capsules: 90 cents to $1.50 each.

Cleaning your Nespresso can also cost you a lot.

Finally, although you can clean and descale your Nespresso machine with vinegar (and I even have described the process to you), Nespresso recommends not to do this and use its own products for cleaning. If you end up taking the recommended route, you will pay $12.99 for two descaling bags..

After using the machine for a year, I’ve settled on the vinegar method, but I think I’ll be using the recommended cleaner soon. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and I’ve been noticing some weird flavors in my coffee lately, so it looks like I’ll be adding another $13 to my spending list.

Cleaning cost: $13.00 for two bags of descaling products.

Necessary accessories for a Nespresso coffee machine

Just like when I got my PelotonI didn’t bother thinking about what accessories I might need for a Nespresso machine, but since I made such a significant initial investment in both cases, I wanted to make sure I had all the extras that would help me get the most out of it. If you’re like me, you’ll have to spend more money.

My favorite upgrade is definitely the capsule organizer. I received rotating pod tree for $16.99, but you can also get drawers this stack under the machine itself costs about $35. In hindsight, I wish I had gotten a drawer instead of a rotating tree as it would have added a few inches to the height of my machine and made it easier for me to make a drink right in my tall take-home mugs, but in hindsight, 20 /20.

I have it too”SphereIt’s just a small metal ball with teeth that you store in the freezer and place on top of your cup while you brew your coffee. It cost me just over $13 and I thought it would cool my drinks down to iced coffee. temperature without diluting them, but so far I haven’t been able to get it to work that way, it just lowers the temperature; smallnot so much. What it does well is remove some of the bitterness from the drink, which is key for me as someone who uses each pod twice to save some money – the second steeping of the pod always gets a little nasty, and this ball helps with that. I can’t explain the science behind it.

Bottom line

Although it costs more than an old-school coffee maker, both in the initial investment and over time, I still recommend the Nespresso and am glad I have it. It’s easier to use and I like the taste of coffee. If you’re comfortable paying more for convenience, I think you’ll be happy too.