Last Updated on August 11, 2022 by Timothy Byron Smith
Have you been struggling to use the brand new Nespresso machine model sitting in your kitchen? Which option does what? How to start brewing? Where does the pod go? All these questions (and more!) can be troubling if you don’t know how to use Nespresso machine. This is why this guide is for you!
Whether you have the OriginalLine or the VertuoLine model, Once you learn how to operate them, your life takes a turn for the best. But before that, things can be rather daunting. Nespresso machines are a massive investment. You definitely don’t want to do anything to damage the shiny new coffee maker or make it malfunction.
That’s why this Nespresso machine guide is full of useful tips and tricks to help you ease into the process of operating your Nespresso maker. Once you’ve read through this, you’ll be brewing cup after cup of delicious aromatic coffee daily!
How to Use Nespresso Machine (Step by Step Guide)
Learning how to make coffee with Nespresso is simple. There are a few easy steps you need to follow. Having said that, it will be a bit difficult if you’re using a Nespresso maker or a coffee machine for the first time. However, you will get the knack for it very soon!
Before diving into the details of how to operate a Nespresso machine, here are all the steps you’ll be following:
- Make sure the water tank is always full
- Turn on the Nespresso coffee maker
- Choose a cup size and place it on the drip tray
- Open the capsule container
- Insert the Nespresso pod or capsule inside
- Close the capsule container firmly
- Choose the brew size if your machine has the option, and press the button to start brewing
- Once brewed, eject the used capsule from the machine
- Add any other ingredient, such as cream, milk, or sugar, to the coffee if needed
- Replenish your stock of pods
Now, get your Nespresso coffee maker ready and follow the next few Nespresso instructions step by step. Once you understand the mechanism and figure out the features and how to operate them, other things, like descaling Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines, will come easy for you!
Step 1: Fill the Water Reservoir.
The Nespresso machine’s water tank should never be empty or run dry. Make sure it is always entirely or at least half way full. Often the Nespresso red light errors occur because of an empty or improperly closed water tank.
Use clean and drinkable water from the tap, filter, or bottle. Using quality water enhances the coffee flavor. While the Nespresso pod will only use as much water as it needs, having more water prevents the ground coffee from being scorched.
Step 2: Switch on the Nespresso Machine for Preheating
The button to turn on your Nespresso machine will either be at the front or top, depending on the model you have. It’s the same button that also helps you reset Nespresso Vertuo and Original machines.
Once you turn the machine on, wait a while and let it preheat. You will know it’s done preheating when the flashing light turns solid. The preheating time differs for different Nespresso models. For the Pixie, it is 25 seconds.
If you can’t find the power button, consult the instruction manual. It features a diagram as well, which will help you locate the button.
Step 3: Choose a Cup Size and Place It Underneath the Spout
Based on the different Nespresso machine models, the cup sizes can be different. Nespresso machines also give you the option to select the brew size. It can be anything from an espresso shot glass to a full-size mug of coffee.
The Nespresso recommended cup sizes are also listed in the instructions manual. Choose the cup size of your choice and place the cup/mug on the drip tray below the spout. Some machines have adjustable drip trays, so you can adjust it for a larger mug or cup to fit.
For larger cups, such as travel mugs (some machines with adjustable drip trays allow large sizes) you might need two pods or capsules. Or, depending on your caffeine requirement and the Nespresso caffeine content of pods, one could be enough.
Step 4: Open the Capsule Container
There are different ways to open the capsule container based on the Nespresso machine model you have. Some involve a lever that must be lifted, others have a detachable machine head. Make sure to consult the manual if you don’t know how the capsule container opens and where the capsule goes.
Step 5: Insert the Nespresso Pod or Capsule into the Machine.
Every model of the Nespresso coffee machine differs in which way you have to place the Nespresso pod. For some machines, the pod must be laid on its side. For others, it must be inserted vertically with its logo in the upward direction.
Firmly place the pod inside the capsule container. Most Nespresso coffee makers use a sharp needle to puncture the Nespresso pod. So, be careful when you’re placing it on the machine.
Step 6: Securely Close the Capsule Container
Double check to ensure the capsule container lid is firmly closed. Keep your ears alert for a click sound when you close the capsule container.
Step 7: Press the Brew or Start Button
Most Nespresso machine models have a single start or brew button that gets the machine going and your coffee brewing. However, some models have options corresponding to the cup size. If your machine has those, press the button that corresponds to the cup size you have chosen.
Once you press the button, the coffee will start to brew as soon as the water heats up. The brew option is mostly located near the power button on the machine. Some machines automatically stop extracting coffee once the desired volume is reached. For others, you might need to count seconds or flashes and press the button again to stop the flow of coffee.
If your coffee is taking longer than normal to start flowing into the cup, it’s likely because the machine has not heated up properly. You might have chucked in the capsule before it was done preheating. Be patient, and the coffee will emerge eventually.
Step 8: Eject the Nespresso Capsule
Eject the used Nespresso pod or capsule as soon as you are done brewing the coffee. You will need to either lift a lever, rotate it, or press it down to release the capsule from the container. If you’re unsure, check the manual.
If the capsule or the pod does not drop down, empty the used capsule container first. This will make room for the Nespresso pod to drop down.
Step 9: Add the Necessary Ingredients to Your Cup of Coffee
With the cup filled with delicious coffee, it’s time to add any other ingredients that you normally have with your coffee. You can either drink it black or add some milk, cream, and sugar to turn it into a mocha, latte, cappuccino, or any other drink you like.
If your Nespresso machine has a built-in steam wand and frother, you can use it to steam the milk.
Step 10: Replenish Your Stock of Nespresso Pods
To make sure your quick and easy morning coffee routine is not interrupted by any inconvenience, make sure to restock your Nespresso pods on time. You can buy them online or get them at the nearest retail store. Pods come in bulk packets of 10 up to 100 or in counts of 50 up to 300.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use my own coffee with Nespresso?
Yes. The Nespresso reusable and refillable pods allow users to use their own favorite coffee with Nespresso machines. Just refill the Nespresso pod with your desired coffee or reseal a used pod after filling it with the desired coffee.
Q2. Can I use my Nespresso coffee maker without pods?
Nespresso coffee machines are only compatible with pods. These can either be Nespresso authorized or third-party pods. However, you can use your Nespresso coffee maker without pods to get hot water.
Q3. Can you use boiling water in a Nespresso machine?
The plastic water reservoir, although sturdy, is not designed keeping in mind the intake of boiling water. So, it is not recommended to use boiling water in a Nespresso machine. The machine will itself warm the water for you.
Q4. Can I use a Nespresso machine to make tea?
Yes. Nespresso machines are capable of making well-brewed and delicious tea and coffee. However, you will need to find the right tea pods for it. Otherwise, you could also get hot water from the machine and make the tea yourself.
Final Thought | How to Use Nespresso Machine
The question ‘how to use Nespresso machine’ will hopefully no longer be a problem. Some Nespresso machines can be a little complex, but it is only a matter of time before you master them. Don’t be afraid to explore the Nespresso machine’s features. Simply following this guide’s instructions will ease you into the process.
So, don’t fear and make that first cup of coffee with your brand new Nespresso machine with confidence! The guide’s here if you get stuck and the manual is also pretty easy to understand if you get it a try.
