I’ve made lattes almost every single day since I was 12 and I want to bring an espresso machine to school. I’m not super picky about special features - I just like a good crema layer and a steamer would be nice (I don’t care for foam that much). I can find a good one from $150-250 but now I’m wondering if I should opt for the convenience of a Nespresso maker. I know the pods will add up over time, and I’m not sure how prone they are to malfunctions, but it would be a lot less work/mess.
Thoughts?
I have been a die-hard espresso/cappuccino maker for years and had a hard time being convinced that a Nespresso machine would be a viable alternative. I recently stayed a a hotel that had one, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I should point out the the first time I saw a similar system used (I don’t know if it was Nespresso) was in Italy, and I’d imagine that they know what they’re doing over there…
Those pods would probably get pricey over time (and it would depend on how many shots you generally take – I do 2 to 3 in my cappuccinos, so it would indeed add up), but the quality is certainly there and you can’t beat the convenience.
Had my Nespresso machine for quite a few years (maybe 5?) so it’s held up very well. But yeah, it is more expensive as those pods add up. Do some maths based on how much you wanna drink.
@LoveTheBardW Thank you for your input. Were the shots stronger or weaker in your opinion? And did you ever use the Nespresso milk frother? Right now it seems I’m leaning Nespresso.
Each pod is about equivalent to one shot. Since I use 2-3 shots in my cappuccinos, I used 2 or 3 pods (I don’t recall.)
I don’t remember whether or not there was a milk frother on the hotel Nespresso machine. I travel with my own hand-held frother in either case – I told you I was a die-hard! I’ve generally had bad luck with milk frothers not having as long a life span as espresso makers, so I don’t generally depend on them and froth my milk with a separate frother. At home, I use the Capresso frother; when I travel, I take a hand-held.
Voting here for Nespresso and the aerator is great too. First tried it at the Steigenberger hotel in Leipzig and couldn’t believe how great a cup the little machine made with the pods. You actually get a crema finish that I can’t distinguish from the real thing pressed in a gigantic Italian machine. Once back in the U.S. I ordered a Nespresso immediately. It’s rare and so nice when you can get something great for not much $.
Nespresso et al is for people who don't like coffee. Get an aeropress/moka if you like actual coffee. If milk is really important then there are real steamers
Take into account the mess and what facilities you will have. For example, my D’s dorm does not have kitchenettes on the floors, so she was concerned about washing out coffee grounds etc. fortunately, there is a sink just outside of her room that is not part of the bathrooms, so she can make her cold brew and clean up.
@Amkngk That was exactly my thinking.
I did order a Nespresso machine and it came a couple days ago, and honestly it’s amazing. I bought the pixie and aeroccino, and I highly recommend them to any other college students looking at this thread. They’re very compact, neat, fast, and QUIET. I love them. Nespresso for the win 
Thank you all for your advice!
I bought a pixie about 6 months ago and it’s been great. My S19 likes it, too. Something tells me that in a couple of years he’ll be heading off to college with my Nespresso and my Soda Stream. But then I get to buy new ones for me, right?
Pods do add up, but it’s still cheaper than a Starbucks habit. You know you can recycle them, right? When you mail order pods from Nespresso, you can also order free recycling bags. Put used pods in the bags and send them back via UPS. No cost to you. If you have access to a Nespresso boutique and are getting pods in person, they have the bags , too. Enjoy!
Aren’t the pods shocking for the environment?
Plus add that the the little pods don't even make 1 drink, I would say you need about 3 to make one drink (I wouldn't call it coffee). It is a real novelty, but enough that I think a whole aisle in my costco is dedicated to the novelty of single serve coffee pods.
I think the recycling is pretend recycling.
Make real coffee.
https://aerobie.com/product/aeropress/ (use a reusable filter).
@Sybylla , I think you may have Nespresso confused with Keurig.
They are pretty interchangeable. both are for novelty drinks pandering to people that don't drink real coffee. If starbucks is the barometer of drinks quality, there isn't much to achieve.