Nespresso Vs Lavazza (Which Brand is better?)

For coffee lovers who need Espresso shots quickly and conveniently, single-serve pod espresso makers are the best choice. Both Nespresso and Lavazza are big names in the pod-based Espresso makers industry.

If you’re looking for something premium and better quality, perhaps Nespresso is a better option, however, it’s expensive for a pod-based coffee machine. If you need an affordable machine that still delivers a decent shot of espresso, then Lavazza is your best bet.

For a broader comparison let’s go through Nespresso vs Lavazza in detail.

Brand Comparison Nespresso Vs Lavazza

Swiss Engineer Eric Favre was the guy who initially came up with the idea of the Nespresso system. The enthusiast had the idea of designing a brewing system to pull espresso shots in minutes instead of spending a lot of time pulling espresso shots traditionally.

Nespresso was one of the first machines he launched at Nestle, but after a few years, he left Nestle and developed a new kind of pod-based espresso machine known as Lavazza, which does not require aluminum capsules.

So, both Nespresso and Lavazza were essentially initiated by the same person.

Nespresso

The Nespresso brand is well known for producing high-quality coffee machines and capsules. Nearly 400 Nespressos are drunk every second according to estimates. Quite a huge number isn’t it?

Nespresso has two lines of machines i-e the Vertuo line and the Original line.

The original line machines operate similarly to traditional espresso machines, using a pump system to generate pressure, and they can only produce espresso drinks.

Vertuo line machines have a more advanced centrifugation brewing system and can brew both Espresso and coffee drinks. However, their pods are different and relatively expensive.

Nespresso only designs the brewing system and outsources the manufacturing to other big brands like Breville and Delonghi.

A variety of Nespresso espresso machines are available, ranging from the entry-level Essenza and Pixie to the high-end Creatista and Lattissima series that brew cappuccino and latte.

Lavazza

Although Lavazza has been in the coffee industry for more than 100 years, it is best known for its coffee beans and grounds rather than its coffee machines.

The Lavazza brand is one of the top Italian coffee brands, controlling almost half of the market share.

Having led the market in coffee beans, Lavazza now manufactures easy-to-use, pod-based espresso machines.

From an entry-level machine like the Lavazza Blue to an advanced Latte and Cappuccino maker like the Lavazza Expert, Lavazza has launched over 10 models of Espresso machines.

Similarities in Nespresso and Lavazza

Both Nespresso and Lavazza coffee machines look similar and operate on a similar principle.

Pod-Based Espresso Machines

Both brands use single-serve coffee capsules to brew a shot of Espresso. Each machine fits different types of coffee capsules.

Nespresso has two lines of machines the Vertuo and the Original line. Compatible capsules for these two lines are also different.

Convenience

Nespresso and Lavazza place a high value on convenience, and it’s one of their primary selling points. Brewing a shot of Espresso using a traditional Espresso machine isn’t an easy task you have to be an expert at using them and they are not beginner friendly at all.

With pod-based machines, you simply have to insert the coffee pod into the machine, press your desired shot button, and within seconds you’ll have your espresso ready.

Difference in Lavazza Vs Nespresso

In general, both Nespresso and Lavazza operate on the same principle with a similar interface, design, and water reservoir, but there are some differences between them. Let’s have a look at how these brands differ.

Taste

Taste is the number one concern for every coffee lover while buying a coffee machine.

There is always a debate about which company makes a better shot of espresso, Nespresso or Lavazza.

In my opinion, there isn’t a major difference in the taste of espresso from either of these machines. They look identical, have similar temperatures, and there isn’t a noticeable difference in taste.

For pod-based coffee machines, I believe that the taste solely depends on the type of coffee pod you use. There are a variety of pods available for both brands so you can choose the one that you prefer.

The Lavazza shot, however, seems to be more concentrated than the Nespresso shot, since Lavazza pods usually hold more coffee grounds than Nespresso pods.

Overall, there is no discernible difference in taste between either brand and I’m not inclined to give one brand a plus over the other for taste.

Price of the machines

There is a little price difference between Nespresso and Lavazza machines, but the difference is not a lot. You might have to pay 20 or 30 dollars for the Nespresso Essenza mini as compared to Lavazza classy mini which is a quite similar entry-level machine.

In advanced machines, Nespresso offers many models in its Lattissima and Creatista series for 400 to 600 dollars whereas the Lavazza classy expert is available for under 300 dollars. That’s a considerable difference, I think.

Overall, Lavazza machines are quite affordable than Nespresso machines.

Types of coffee pods

As you probably know, pod-based drip coffee makers like Keurig and other similar systems use the same K cups. Unfortunately, every pod-based espresso machine does not use the same Espresso pods.

Whether it is Lavazza or Nespresso, each brand manufactures coffee capsules compatible only with its machine. This causes availability problems sometimes especially if you live in suburbs.

Due to Nespresso’s popularity, there is a wide range of coffee capsules available and some 3rd party manufacturers also make coffee capsules for Nespresso’s original line machines, making it easy to compare quality and price. While Lavazza also offers many different types of coffee capsules, it is more limited than Nespresso.

The Pros and Cons of Lavazza vs Nespresso

Also Read: Is Nespresso worth it

Entry Level Machines: Nespresso Essenza vs Lavazza Blue

Let’s have a quick comparison between entry-level machines from Lavazza and Nespresso. Both these machines look quite similar and lie in the same price range.

Specifications	Nespresso Essenza Mini	Lavazza Classy Mini
Image
Drink Options	Espresso Lungo	Espresso Lungo
Compatibility	Nespresso original line and 3rd party compatible capsules	Lavazza BLUE & Expert Capsules
Water reservoir	20 oz transparent water reservoir	23 oz transparent water reservoir
Item weight	4.3 pounds	7.7 pounds
The dose can be programmed	Yes	Yes
Auto shut off Energy saving feature	Yes	Yes
Price	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

Machines with milk Frother: Nespresso Lattissima vs Lavazza Expert

While Nespresso has many models with milk frothers in Creatista and Lattissima series but they are all very expensive. Lavazza Classy plus has the huge advantage of being affordable.

Let’s have a quick comparison of the Nespresso Lattissima touch and Lavazza Classy Plus.

Specifications	Nespresso Lattissima Touch	Lavazza Classy Plus
Image
Drink Options	Ristretto Espsresso Lungo Cappuccino Latte macchiato Hot Milk	Espsresso Lungo Coffee 8 oz Macchiato Latte Cappuccino
Compatibility	Nespresso original line and 3rd party compatible capsules	Works only with Lavazza Expert Capsules
Automatic Milk Frother	Yes	Yes
The dose can be programmed	Yes	Yes
Auto shut off Energy saving feature Descaling Alerts	Yes	Yes
Item Weight	9.9 pounds	9.9 pounds
Price	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

Also Check out:

• Keurig vs Nespresso
• Nespresso Original vs Vertuo
• Nespresso vs Espresso
• Nespresso Vs Ninja

Faqs