The Nespresso Gran Lattissima has gained considerable attention as a high-end coffee machine designed for those who want to enjoy barista-quality coffee drinks at home. With its sleek design, advanced features, and the ability to brew a wide range of coffee beverages, it’s no wonder that this machine is highly regarded among coffee enthusiasts. But is it the right choice for you? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key aspects of the Nespresso Gran Lattissima, including its design, functionality, ease of use, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this machine deserves a spot on your kitchen counter.
- Versatile Drinks: Offers nine coffee options, including espresso and milk-based beverages.
- Automatic Milk Frothing: Easy, hands-free milk frothing for cappuccinos and lattes.
- Quick Heat-Up: Heats up in just 47 seconds for fast coffee preparation.
- Compact Design: Sleek, space-saving design fits well in most kitchens.
- Pod Compatibility: Works with Nespresso OriginalLine and third-party pods.
- Frequent Cleaning: Requires regular cleaning of the milk frother.
- Inconsistent Milk Temperature: Milk frother can produce uneven temperatures.
- No Milk Customization: Lacks control over milk texture and temperature.
- Post-Brew Drips: Machine drips after brewing, which can be messy.
- High Cost: Premium price may not suit all budgets.
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is a visually appealing machine with a compact and modern design that will fit seamlessly into any kitchen. Available in both white and black, the machine features stainless steel accents and high-gloss finishes that add a touch of elegance. The top of the machine boasts a glass touch panel with nine buttons, making it easy to select from a variety of coffee drinks. The rounded edges and sleek lines give the machine a contemporary look, while its compact dimensions (7.9 x 14.4 x 10.8 inches) ensure that it won’t take up too much space on your countertop.
One of the standout features of the Gran Lattissima is its large, round coffee dispenser, which is a hallmark of the Lattissima series. The machine also includes a removable 34-ounce water tank located at the back, allowing you to brew multiple drinks before needing to refill. Additionally, the machine’s front features a stand to elevate small espresso cups, ensuring that your coffee stays hot and reduces the risk of spills.
Brewing System and Espresso Quality
At the heart of the Nespresso Gran Lattissima is its powerful 19-bar pressure pump, which ensures that each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection. This high-pressure system is essential for extracting the full flavor and aroma from the coffee pods, resulting in a rich and creamy espresso with a beautiful crema on top. The machine is part of Nespresso’s OriginalLine, meaning it is compatible with a wide range of Nespresso and third-party pods, giving you the flexibility to choose from various coffee blends.
The Gran Lattissima is designed for convenience, with a one-touch brewing system that allows you to create nine different coffee recipes, including Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiato, and Café Latte. The machine automatically adjusts the brewing parameters based on the selected drink, ensuring that each beverage is made to perfection.
Milk Frothing System
One of the key features that set the Nespresso Gran Lattissima apart from other coffee machines is its integrated milk frothing system, known as the Rapid Cappuccino System. This system allows you to create milk-based drinks such as Cappuccino, Flat White, and Latte Macchiato with ease. The frothing process is fully automatic, so all you need to do is fill the milk container, attach it to the machine, and select your desired drink. The machine will take care of the rest, frothing the milk and dispensing it directly into your cup.
The milk frother is compatible with both cow’s milk and non-dairy alternatives, and it delivers consistent foam in just 35 seconds. However, it’s worth noting that the machine does not allow for customization of milk textures or temperatures, which might be a drawback for those who prefer to have more control over their milk-based beverages. Additionally, some users have reported inconsistencies in milk temperature, with the frother occasionally producing milk that is either too hot or too cold.
Ease of Use
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to enjoy a high-quality coffee experience without the hassle. The machine’s nine one-touch buttons make it easy to brew your favorite drinks with minimal effort. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple espresso or a more complex milk-based drink, the Gran Lattissima has you covered.
Programming the machine to suit your preferences is also straightforward. You can customize the coffee, milk, and froth volumes by holding the corresponding button for at least three seconds. The machine will save your preferred settings for future use, allowing you to enjoy your ideal cup of coffee every time.
However, while the machine is easy to use, it does require regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. The milk frothing system, in particular, needs to be cleaned after each use to prevent clogging and ensure consistent performance. This involves disassembling the frother, cleaning each component, and reassembling it before the next use. While the machine does have a self-cleaning function, this is not sufficient for thorough cleaning, and a more comprehensive cleaning routine is necessary.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima excels in delivering high-quality coffee, thanks to its powerful brewing system and precise temperature control. Each espresso shot is brewed with a thick and robust crema, while the milk-based drinks have a smooth and creamy texture that rivals those made by professional baristas. The machine’s ability to brew a variety of coffee drinks, from a rich Ristretto to a frothy Cappuccino, makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
However, some users have noted that the coffee can occasionally taste slightly burnt or over-extracted, with bitter notes and a vegetal, earthy flavor. This could be due to the machine’s high brewing pressure or the specific coffee pods used. Additionally, the machine tends to drip for a long time after the coffee has been poured, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The milk frothing system is particularly demanding, as it needs to be cleaned after each use to prevent milk residue from clogging the system. The machine’s self-cleaning function helps to remove some of the milk residue, but a more thorough cleaning is necessary to keep the frother in good working condition.
The machine’s other components, such as the capsule container, drip tray, and water tank, should also be cleaned regularly. Fortunately, most of these parts are dishwasher safe, making the cleaning process more convenient. Additionally, the machine will prompt you to descale it when necessary, ensuring that it continues to perform at its best.
Value for Money
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is a premium coffee machine, and its price reflects its high-end features and performance. While it is more expensive than other Nespresso machines, it offers excellent value for those who appreciate the convenience of one-touch brewing and the ability to make a wide range of coffee drinks at home. The machine’s sleek design, advanced brewing system, and integrated milk frother make it a worthwhile investment for coffee lovers who want to enjoy barista-quality drinks without leaving their kitchen.
However, if you primarily drink black coffee or prefer to have more control over the brewing process, you may want to consider other options. The Gran Lattissima is best suited for those who enjoy milk-based drinks and are willing to invest the time in maintaining the machine’s milk frothing system.
Conclusion
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima is a top-tier coffee machine that offers a perfect blend of convenience, style, and performance. Its ability to brew a variety of coffee drinks with just the touch of a button, combined with its sleek design and powerful brewing system, make it an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy a high-quality coffee experience at home. While the machine does require regular maintenance, particularly for the milk frothing system, its overall performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
If you’re looking for a coffee machine that can deliver barista-quality drinks with minimal effort, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a fan of espresso, cappuccino, or latte macchiato, this machine has something to offer everyone. Just be prepared to put in a little extra effort to keep it clean and well-maintained, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious coffee drinks day after day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Nespresso Gran Lattissima
What types of coffee drinks can the Nespresso Gran Lattissima make?
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima can brew nine different coffee drinks, including Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiato, Café Latte, hot milk, and hot foam.
Is the Nespresso Gran Lattissima compatible with third-party coffee pods?
Yes, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima is part of the OriginalLine, meaning it is compatible with both Nespresso and third-party coffee pods, such as those from Lavazza or Starbucks.
How easy is it to clean the Nespresso Gran Lattissima?
While the machine is designed for convenience, the milk frothing system requires regular and thorough cleaning after each use. The machine has a self-cleaning function, but more detailed cleaning of the frother components is necessary to prevent clogging.
Can I customize the milk texture and temperature with the Gran Lattissima?
No, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima does not allow for customization of milk texture or temperature. It automatically froths the milk to a preset level.
How long does it take for the machine to heat up?
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima heats up quickly, taking approximately 47 seconds to reach brewing temperature from a cold start.
Does the Nespresso Gran Lattissima have a built-in grinder?
No, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima does not have a built-in grinder. It uses pre-packaged coffee pods.
Is the Nespresso Gran Lattissima suitable for non-dairy milk?
Yes, the milk frother on the Nespresso Gran Lattissima works well with both cow’s milk and non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk.
How large is the water tank on the Nespresso Gran Lattissima?
The water tank has a capacity of 34 ounces, allowing you to brew multiple drinks before needing to refill.
What are the machine’s dimensions, and will it fit under kitchen cabinets?
The Nespresso Gran Lattissima measures 7.9 x 14.4 x 10.8 inches, making it compact enough to fit on most kitchen counters and under standard kitchen cabinets.
Is the Nespresso Gran Lattissima worth the investment?
For those who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks and value convenience, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima is a worthwhile investment due to its versatility, ease of use, and high-quality performance.
Specifications of the Nespresso Gran Lattissima
- Brand: Nespresso (by DeLonghi)
- Model: Gran Lattissima
- Product Type: Single-serve pod coffee machine
- Compatible Pods: Nespresso OriginalLine and third-party capsules
- Beverage Options: 9 (Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte Macchiato, Café Latte, hot milk, hot foam)
- Milk Frothing System: Rapid Cappuccino System (automatic frothing)
- Milk Container Capacity: 17 oz (500 ml)
- Water Tank Capacity: 34 oz (1 liter)
- Pressure: 19 bars
- Heat-Up Time: Approximately 47 seconds
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 14.4 x 10.8 inches (W x D x H)
- Weight: 11.4 lbs (5.17 kg)
- Cup Capacity: 1 cup at a time
- Display Type: Glass touch panel with buttons
- Energy-Saving Mode: Automatic shut-off after 9 minutes of inactivity
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel with high-gloss finishes
- Color Options: White and Black
- Power: 1400 watts
- Warranty: Typically 2 years (may vary by region)
- Removable Parts: Water tank, milk container, drip tray, capsule container
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning function for the milk frother, dishwasher-safe components
