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Nespresso? Let’s go!
Treated yourself to a Nespresso coffee machine? Nice choice. With a few simple steps, we’ll walk you through how to get it ready, pick the right pods, and sort out any hiccups along the way. You’ll be sipping café-quality coffee in no time.
Getting your Nespresso machine ready
To start off, unbox your shiny new machine and make sure you’ve got all the bits you need, including the main unit, water tank and drip tray, along with any extras like a milk frother. Everything there? Great.
Next, have a quick flick through the user manual for the lowdown on your machine’s unique features. Each model in Nespresso’s range works slightly differently, so it’s a good idea to see what yours can do. Some of the more popular models around include the Creatista Plus, the Lattissima One and the CitiZ.
This also lets you get more familiar with the controls and functions, like how to choose cup sizes and what pre-programmed drinks are available. No one wants to play ‘what does this button do?’ first thing in the morning.
We know you’ll be looking forward to that first cuppa, but before that, it’s worth giving your machine a clean first to clear out any dust it might have picked up on its way to you. It’s easy to do – just rinse the water tank, fill it with cold water and run a cycle without a pod.
Pick of the pods
Nespresso’s choice of pods is what makes them one of the best brands around. If you’re new to Nespresso , we’d recommend grabbing a variety pack so you can try out different strengths and flavours. If you like a gentle coffee to help you unwind, lungo pods will always go down smoothly. Or if you’re after something on the stronger side, hop on the espresso express for the perfect pick-me-up. All their pods have an intensity rating, so you can see at a glance which is right for you.
Once you’ve decided on a drink, lift the lever, pop the pod in flat side down and close it firmly. Then, when your coffee’s poured, simply lift the lever again and the used pod will drop into the container. That’s what makes pod coffee machines so great. They’re a super simple way of enjoying your favourites just the way you like them, with everything from temperatures to timings all taken care of for you. The art of coffee-making doesn’t mean you need to be an artist.
Here’s a handy tip – keep your pods somewhere cool and dry out the way of sunlight. If you’ve got an airtight container for them, even better. This’ll lock in the flavour and freshness for longer.
Trouble brewing?
While Nespresso machines are super easy to use, but as with all electricals, there can be hiccups. Here are some of the more common issues, and what you can do to fix them.
Water not flowing properly
- Check the water tank to start with, making sure it’s full and sitting where it’s meant to be.
- The coffee spout might be blocked. Give it a quick wipe to clear it.
- If neither of these solve the problem, it probably means the machine needs to be descaled. How to do this will depend on the model you have, so check the user manual first.
Pod not ejecting
- Make sure your pod is always in the right place before brewing.
- If a pod gets jammed, unplug the machine and slowly remove the pod holder to give you access to dislodge any that are stuck.
Error messages
- Some models will show error messages if there’s an issue. You can check the manual to see what they mean, but common ones include reminders to descale or refill the water tank.
Keep your machine happy
A bit of regular TLC can go a long way, here’s a few ways to keep your machine running like a dream.
- Clean as you go – Rinse the drip tray, empty the capsule container, and wipe down the outside. It should only take a few seconds.
- Descale on schedule – Hard water can cause buildups that affect flavour and flow, check your machine’s manual to see how often it recommends descaling.
- Know the reset trick – If your machine starts acting moody, a quick reset can often bring it back to its best. Check the manual for the exact steps.
- Use genuine parts – It’s always best to use genuine Nespresso accessories or replacement parts. You can find them right here.
