How to empty Nespresso machine? (quick and easy way!)

If you go on vacation or if you move and would like to take your machine with you, it is recommended to empty the system of your Nespresso machine.

It is recommended to completely drain and empty Nespresso machine before storing it in your cupboard for a period of time when you won’t be using it. Also, you need to drain your machine if you are shipping the machine to the Nespresso customer care center for repairing it.

Many customers are confused about how to empty the Nespresso machines, so I have written a detailed article on emptying every Nespresso machine. Keep reading to learn how!

Is it necessary to empty the Nespresso machine?

The ultimate answer is yes! When you brew coffee or espresso with your Nespresso machine, water gets pulled from the water reservoir into the machine. Water remains inside the machine pipeline if you did not drain your machine before leaving.

This water may contain minerals that form a lime scale that eventually becomes dry and hard, and gets stuck inside the machine pipeline.

That may damage your machine or cause leakages inside the machine. Additionally, if you live in a cold geographical location, water could also freeze in the machine pipeline and can damage your machine.

Fortunately, regular maintenance or descaling once in 3-6 months helps in avoiding all kinds of these issues, but damage due to your negligence may void your warranty and you won’t get any kind of compensation.

How to drain The Nespresso machine?

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines- the Vertuo line and the original line.

Look at the table below to figure out the machines included in each category.

  Nespresso original line machineNespresso Vertuo line machine
Nespresso Lattissima seriesNespresso Vertuo Plus
Nespresso Creatista seriesNespresso Vertuo Next
Nespresso Essenza, Citiz, Pixie, InissiaNespresso Vertuo Evoluo

How to Empty the Nespresso Vertuo machine

Nespresso vertuo plus machine

  • Remove and empty the water tank and place it again.
  • Open the head to eject any previously used capsules 
  • To turn the machine off, by pressing the lever down for about three seconds.
  • Place a mug under the coffee outlet.
  • Press and hold the button and the lever simultaneously for about three seconds, and a steady orange light will turn on to indicate that you have entered the special functions menu.
  • Press the lever down twice and the orange light will start blinking.
  • To start the empty cycle, press the button once.
  • The light will keep blinking while the emptying process is in progress. The machine will turn off automatically after the emptying process.

Nespresso Vertuo Next, Vertuo or Evoluo

  • Remove and empty the water tank and place it back.
  • Place a larger mug under the coffee outlet,
  • Open the machine head to eject any previously used capsules, 
  • Close the head and turn the handle to the left to the locked position.
  • While connecting the wire to the power outlet, press and hold the button. Leave the button, when the machine begins to drain water into the container.
  • The light will keep blinking orange throughout the emptying process. The machine will automatically turn off when completed.

Also Read: Nespresso Vertuo next vs Plus

How to Empty Nespresso Original line machines

Nespresso Lattissima one

  • Switch on the device.
  • Remove the water tank and the milk frother from the machine.
  • Eject any previously used capsule from the machines
  • Place a mug under the coffee outlet
  • Press the milk button for three seconds to enter menu mode.
  • Press the lungo and milk drink buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
  • The milk button will start blinking. To start emptying, press the blinking milk button again. The emptying process will start and all the lights blink during the process. Once completed, the machine will switch itself off.

Nespresso Lattissima Touch

  • Switch on the machine. 
  • Remove the water tank and the milk jug from the machine.
  • Eject any previously used capsules
  • Place a mug under the coffee outlet.
  • Simultaneously press the warm milk and latte macchiato buttons for three seconds to enter the menu mode. The cleaning and descaling light will start to blink.
  • Press the espresso button first, then press the cappuccino button.
  • The warm milk button will start to blink. Once pressed, the machine will start the emptying process. While the machine is emptying, the buttons will keep blinking. When completed, the machine will switch itself off.

Also read: Nespresso Lattissima one vs touch

Nespresso Lattissima pro

  • On the main menu, press the gear icon.
  • Scroll down and select “empty fluid system.”
  • Follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to empty the machine.

Nespresso Gran Lattissima

  1. Switch on the device. 
  2. Remove the water tank and the milk jug from the machine.
  3. Eject any previously used capsule.
  4. Place a mug under the coffee outlet
  5. Press the hot milk and flat white buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Descaling and cleaning start blinking
  6. Press the espresso button. The emptying of the machine begins. All lights will blink while the machine is emptying.
  7. When completed, the machine will shut off automatically.

Also Read: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Review

Nespresso Creatista pro & plus

Emptying the Nespresso Creatista pro & plus machine is quite simple. Just follow the step below.

  • Place an empty jug under the coffee outlet.
  • On the main menu display, select the maintenance section. 
  • Select the empty cycle option, and your machine will start emptying.

Essenza Mini & Essenza Plus, Citiz, Pixie, Inissia

The steps for emptying Nespresso Essenza Mini & Essenza Plus, Citiz, Pixie, and Inissia are the same. Just follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Simultaneously press the lungo and espresso buttons to turn off the machine.
  • Remove the water tank. And lift the lid to remove any previously used capsules.
  • Place a mug under the coffee outlet.
  • Simultaneously press the Lungo and espresso buttons for five seconds and the emptying process will start. The lights will remain blinking throughout the emptying process.
  • When the emptying process is complete, the machine will turn itself off. 

Also Read: Nespresso Essenza Mini Vs Plus

Final thoughts

I hope you find the answer to How to empty Nespresso machine in this article, I have detailed the procedure for almost all the Nespresso models.

It is highly recommended to empty the Nespresso machine while transporting it from one place to other.

Reach out to Nespresso customer support if you have any other queries.

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Johny Morrisson is a passionate coffee enthusiast and an avid blogger dedicated to exploring the world of coffee.

Whether it's repairing or troubleshooting coffee equipment, reviewing cutting-edge brewing machines, or delving into the latest coffee trends, Johny's writing captivates readers and invites them on a flavorful journey.

When he's not writing, Johny enjoys traveling, seeking inspiration from different cultures and coffee traditions worldwide.