Welcome to the battle of the Nespresso machines – the Nespresso Lattissima Pro vs. the Nespresso Lattissima Touch. When it comes to single-serve espresso machines, Nespresso has earned a reputation for convenience, style, and of course, excellent coffee. But what happens when two models from the same range go head to head? Let’s find out!
Brought to you by Nespresso and De’Longhi, the Lattissima line combines Nespresso’s expertise in coffee brewing with De’Longhi’s mastery of espresso machine design. Both the Lattissima Pro and Lattissima Touch are designed to deliver cafe-quality espresso drinks at home with just a touch of a button.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into every feature, compare them head-to-head, and ultimately decide which Lattissima machine reigns supreme. Let’s brew some insights!
Introducing the Machines
Meet the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Lattissima Pro is the epitome of luxury in the Lattissima range. Inspired by the quality of professional machines, this model packs in advanced features and a sleek, premium design. A fast heat-up system, an intuitive touch screen, and automatic cleaning are just some of the perks that this Pro offers.
Say Hello to the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Don’t let the Touch’s more compact size fool you. This model is all about delivering big on the promise of great coffee with ease. With six one-touch recipes, a tactile control panel, and a removable milk carafe, the Touch makes crafting your favorite espresso drinks a breeze.
Design and Build
A Look at the Lattissima Pro’s Design
Dimensions and Weight
With dimensions of 10.8 x 7.6 x 13 inches and weighing 12.6 lbs, the Pro is the bigger and heavier machine. But the added bulk lends to its premium feel and stability.
Materials Used
The Pro sports an all-metal design that adds a touch of elegance and durability. The brushed aluminum finish is not only easy to clean but also resistant to fingerprints.
Color Options
The Lattissima Pro is available in a chic Silver finish that seamlessly blends with modern kitchen decors.
Design Features of the Lattissima Touch
Dimensions and Weight
The Touch is more compact with dimensions of 6.8 x 12.6 x 10.2 inches and a weight of 9.9 lbs. Perfect for kitchens with limited counter space.
Materials Used
The Touch uses a combination of plastic and metal, striking a balance between durability and lightweight design.
Color Options
You can get the Lattissima Touch in either Black, Silver, or Creamy White, offering a bit more variety to match your kitchen aesthetic.
User Interface and Controls
The Lattissima Pro’s Touch Screen Interface
The Pro is all about the future with a touch screen display. You can customize your drinks right from the screen, and it offers alerts for maintenance.
The Lattissima Touch’s Tactile Control Panel
The Touch keeps things simple but functional with tactile buttons for each of its six recipes. The buttons light up when the machine is ready, and descaling alerts are shown via indicator lights.
Coffee Brewing Features
Coffee is at the heart of these machines, and the way they brew is what sets them apart. Let’s explore their brewing capabilities.
The Nespresso Lattissima Pro Brewing Process
Pre-heating Time
The Pro heats up in just 25 seconds for espresso and 40 seconds for milk beverages. This quick heat-up time means your coffee is ready when you are.
Coffee Recipes
The Pro offers seven coffee recipes: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, hot milk, and hot water. Whether you’re a fan of strong shots or milky concoctions, there’s something for everyone.
Coffee Volume Control
You can adjust the volume of coffee for each recipe on the Pro, making it easy to customize your beverages to taste.
Brewing on the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Pre-heating Time
The Touch is ready to brew in just 25 seconds, putting a cup of espresso within easy reach any time of the day.
Coffee Recipes
The Touch offers six coffee recipes: espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte, creamy latte, and hot milk. It may be one recipe short compared to the Pro, but the variety still delivers an authentic espresso experience.
Coffee Volume Control
You can also adjust the coffee volume on the Touch, but it requires you to hold down the button for the desired drink until you have the volume you want.
Milk Frothing Features
For latte and cappuccino lovers, the milk frothing function is crucial. How do the Pro and Touch handle this?
Milk Frothing on the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Pro has an integrated carafe that froths milk directly into your cup. It also offers a ‘Latte Crema System’ that ensures creamy froth every time. The milk froth texture can be adjusted with a knob on the carafe.
The Nespresso Lattissima Touch’s Approach to Milk Frothing
The Touch also features an integrated carafe and the ‘Latte Crema System’. However, it does not have the option to adjust the froth texture.
Water Tank and Milk Carafe
Lattissima Pro’s Water Tank and Milk Carafe
Water Tank Capacity
The Pro boasts a generous 43.96 oz water tank, which means less frequent refilling, especially if you enjoy lungo or multiple cups.
Milk Carafe Capacity
The Pro’s milk carafe can hold up to 16.91 oz of milk, enough for several milk-based beverages before needing a refill.
Lattissima Touch’s Water Tank and Milk Carafe
Water Tank Capacity
The Touch has a smaller 30.43 oz water tank, but it’s still sufficient for daily use or small gatherings.
Milk Carafe Capacity
The milk carafe on the Touch holds up to 10.14 oz of milk. While smaller than the Pro, it’s still ample for a few creamy drinks.
Machine Maintenance
Keeping your espresso machine in top shape is key to enjoying delicious coffee every time. Let’s discuss what maintenance looks like for these two models.
Maintenance of the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Pro is designed with convenience in mind. The used capsule container can hold up to 15 capsules, reducing the frequency of emptying it. A descaling alert ensures you don’t forget this important step in maintenance.
The milk carafe is detachable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze. If you’re not using the milk carafe for a while, you can store it in the refrigerator with any leftover milk.
Caring for the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
The Touch also has a removable milk carafe and a descaling alert. The used capsule container can hold up to 9 capsules. The smaller capacity might require more frequent emptying, but it’s a minor concern. Like the Pro, you can keep the milk carafe in the refrigerator when it’s not in use.
Price and Value
Comparing the prices of the Lattissima Pro and the Lattissima Touch provides insights into which machine offers better value for your money.
Cost of the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
The Pro, being the more advanced model, comes with a higher price tag. However, for that cost, you’re getting more features, a more luxurious design, and a larger capacity for water and milk. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or you often entertain guests, the Pro offers excellent value.
Price of the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
The Touch is more affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget. It may lack some features found in the Pro, but it still delivers delicious coffee and a straightforward user experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who want quality espresso drinks without breaking the bank.
Customer Feedback
What Users Love About the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Customers appreciate the Pro’s ease of use, variety of drink options, and the excellent taste of its brews. They also applaud the convenience of the milk carafe and its fast heat-up time.
Common Criticisms of the Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Some users feel the Pro is a bit expensive. Others note that despite the machine’s automatic cleaning feature, some manual cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal taste.
What Users Love About the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Users enjoy the Touch’s compact design and its ability to make a variety of beverages. They love the machine’s simplicity and easy cleaning, along with the fact it delivers café-quality drinks at home.
Common Criticisms of the Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Some users point out that the Touch’s water tank is somewhat small, requiring frequent refilling. A few have also noted that the machine is a bit noisy.
Pros and Cons
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s summarize the pros and cons of each machine.
Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Pros
- Larger water and milk capacity
- Touchscreen display
- More coffee recipes
- Durable and premium design
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Larger size might not be ideal for small kitchens
Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Pros
- More affordable
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Fewer coffee recipes
- Smaller water tank and milk carafe
Conclusion
Deciding between the Nespresso Lattissima Pro and the Nespresso Lattissima Touch comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you value a luxurious design, larger capacity, and an advanced touchscreen interface, the Pro is your machine. It offers more features and flexibility, making it a suitable choice for serious coffee enthusiasts and those who frequently host guests.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more compact design, a lower price tag, and a simpler interface, the Touch would be an excellent choice. It delivers great coffee and convenience in a budget-friendly package.
Summary
In the battle of the Nespresso machines, it’s all about personal preference. Both the Lattissima Pro and the Lattissima Touch offer a high-quality coffee experience with their own unique features. The Pro excels with its larger capacities and advanced features, while the Touch shines with its simplicity and compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the Nespresso Lattissima Pro and the Nespresso Lattissima Touch use other brand coffee pods?
Both machines use Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. While third-party capsules designed for the OriginalLine may work, Nespresso cannot guarantee the quality or compatibility of non-Nespresso capsules.
- How often should I descale the machines?
Descaling frequency depends on your water hardness and usage. Nespresso recommends descaling every 3 months or after 300 capsules, whichever comes first.
- Can I make a regular cup of coffee with these machines?
Both machines are designed for espresso and milk-based drinks. For a regular coffee, you can use the Lungo setting or add hot water to an espresso shot.
- Are the milk carafes dishwasher safe?
Yes, both the Lattissima Pro and the Lattissima Touch have dishwasher-safe milk carafes.
- Do the machines come with a warranty?
Yes, both machines come with a 2-year warranty from Nespresso.