Nespresso U Review

Nespresso U
Overall Rating
89
Coffee Quality (40%)
88
Design & Features (20%)
85
Durability (20%)
90
Ease of Use (10%)
95
Brand Reputation (10%)
92
The Bottom Line
Nespresso's smallest machine with a preset 0.85 oz ristretto size, the now-discontinued U has a sleek design and aluminum exterior. For an in-production model, check out the CitiZ instead.
The Coffee Maven's editors select and review products independently. We may receive a commission if you purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you.

Key Features of the Nespresso U

Key Features of Nespresso U

  • Product Line: OriginalLine
  • US/CA Partners: Breville, DeLonghi
  • UK Partners: Krups, Magimix
  • Brew Sizes: 0.85 oz ristretto, 1.35 oz espresso, 3.70 oz lungo
  • Water Reservoir: 27 oz
  • Milk Container: None
  • Pressure: 19 bars
  • Frother: Sold separately
  • Spent Capsules: 12 capsules
  • Wireless Connectivity: No
  • External Material: Aluminum
  • Dimensions: 4.5"W x 9.8"D x 14.5"H
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs
  • Watts: 1260W
  • Other Features: Auto-Off after 9 minutes

Nespresso U Overview

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines:

  • OriginalLine: Their original line (duh) that used a 19 bar pump to extract shots from capsules
  • VertuoLine: Their new line that uses Centrifusion (rapid capsule spinning) to extract shots from barcode-enabled capsules but also brews standard coffee up to 17 oz

For our money, OriginalLine machines are better than VertuoLine machines because their pump produces more authentic espresso, the coffee tends to be hotter, and there's no barcode scanning system meaning you can find less-expensive third-party capsules.

The Nespresso U's claim to fame is rather simple: It's Nespresso's smallest machine featuring a short 0.85 oz ristretto shot.

Aside from that, it has the same features as most other mid-range Nespresso OriginalLine machines:

  • Modest reservoir size (27 oz)
  • No standard coffee functionality (check out VertuoLine models for that)

Of note, there are two other Nespresso U brewers that offer expanded features/functionality.

  • UMilk: The same machine as this Nespresso U but including an attached Aeroccino frother (similar to the CitiZ and CitiZ & Milk)
  • UMat: The same machine as this Nespresso U but with a matte black exterior.

Note: We won't review these brewers on The Coffee Maven because they're nearly impossible to find these days.

If you'd like to brew specialty beverages (like cappuccinos and lattes), you could always upgrade to the bundle or purchase the Aeroccino4 milk frother separately for your own home barista setup.

Pros
  • Actual pump pressure is better than VertuoLine Centrifusion
  • One-touch sizing system lets you adjust brew size by pressing and holding brew buttons
  • Solid internal construction means it won't break down quickly
  • Can used 3rd-party capsules
Cons
  • Stated 19 bars is inconsistent
  • Small 27 oz water reservoir

Is the Nespresso U for you?

Are Nespresso U for you?

The Nespresso U has a great, sleek, modern look, especially if you can find it in the orange aluminum case. Like the Nespresso Pixie, which we love for its durable aluminum exterior, the U is great if you're looking for a stylish machine that focuses on compact design and reliability over fancy functionality.

If you're looking for an integrated Aeroccino frother for specialty beverages, take a look at the CitiZ & Milk or more advanced (and expensive) Lattissima Plus.

If you're looking for a machine that can brew both espresso and standard coffee up to 17 oz, check out the Evoluo.

Nespresso U Review: An In-Depth Look

Check out the Nespresso U!

Check out Nespresso U!

Nespresso U
Nespresso's smallest machine with a preset 0.85 oz ristretto size, the now-discontinued U has a sleek design and aluminum exterior. For an in-production model, check out the CitiZ instead.

More Nespresso Reviews From The Coffee Maven

Nespresso Pixie

Nespresso Pixie
Overall Rating: 89
Our favorite bang-for-your-buck Nespresso machine, the Pixie delivers no-fuss espresso in a durable, scratch-resistant, awesome-looking aluminum case. If you don't need the fancy extras, you want the Pixie.

Nespresso Volluto Decaffeinato Capsules (OriginalLine)

Nespresso Volluto Decaffeinato Capsules (OriginalLine)
Overall Rating: 89
Volluto Decaffeinato (Intensity: 4) is the decaffeinated version of our favorite espresso capsule. It delivers the sweet yet rich flavor of Volluto's low-intensity, balanced roast without the jitters.

Nespresso Creatista Pro

Nespresso Creatista Pro
Overall Rating: 94
The best Nespresso machine money can buy, the Creatista Pro offers one-touch convenience for everything from ristretto shots to lattes with a professional-quality frothing wand and a sleek, modern design.
About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!

Search