Best value Nespresso espresso machines

Top pick: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by De'Longhi — the best value for most homes. It's the cheapest way into the Vertuo system, which brews both full mugs of coffee and espresso shots from one machine, and it's small enough for a counter corner. Ratings are strong across thousands of reviews.

Who the others suit:

• Vertuo Plus / VertuoPlus Deluxe — if you want a bigger water tank and a motorised head that opens and closes itself; the Deluxe bundle adds a milk frother for lattes.
• Pixie or Essenza Mini (Original line) — if you mostly drink espresso and lungo and want the smallest, simplest, most reliable-feeling machine; Original capsules are the widest-sold and cheapest per pod.
• Citiz — Original-line espresso with a slightly sturdier build and a bigger tank than the Essenza.
• Lattissima One — one-touch milk drinks without a separate frother.
• Creatista Plus / Vertuo Creatista — only if you want to steam milk yourself with a real wand; you're paying a lot for that.

One caution: some of the lowest listings are pre-owned or refurbished — fine for value, but check the condition on the card.