Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother Review: The One-Touch Barista for Your Kitchen Counter

There’s a familiar rhythm to many of our mornings. It involves an alarm clock, a hurried breakfast, and often, a decision: do I brave the queue at the local coffee shop, or do I settle for a lacklustre instant coffee at home? For years, I was locked in this cycle. The desire for a rich, creamy cappuccino or a perfectly layered latte macchiato often won out, but it came at the cost of time and money. The alternative—a simple black coffee from a basic machine—never quite satisfied that craving for a café-quality treat. The dream was simple: to bring the barista experience home, but without the complexity, the mess, and the steep learning curve of a traditional espresso machine. The challenge was finding a device that could deliver true one-touch convenience without compromising on the quality of the final drink. This quest for the perfect balance of simplicity, speed, and sophistication is what led us to thoroughly test the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother.

What to Consider Before Buying a Single-Serve Coffee Machine

A single-serve coffee machine is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your morning routine and indulging your coffee cravings on demand. The primary benefit lies in its unparalleled convenience and consistency. Every capsule delivers the exact same flavour profile, pressure, and temperature, eliminating the guesswork and variability of manual brewing. This category of machine is designed for speed, taking you from a cold start to a finished latte in under a minute. It offers a vast world of coffee exploration, with hundreds of different pods available from the original manufacturer and third-party roasters, catering to every possible taste preference, from intense ristrettos to delicate lungos.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a time crunch but who refuses to compromise on quality. It’s perfect for busy professionals, parents juggling school runs, or households where different people prefer different types of coffee. If you crave variety and value simplicity above all else, a single-serve machine is an excellent investment. However, it might not be suitable for those who are dedicated coffee purists, preferring the ritual of grinding fresh beans and manually tamping an espresso shot. It’s also less ideal for those who need to brew large quantities of coffee at once, as a drip coffee maker would be more efficient. For the purist, a semi-automatic machine like the Sage Bambino Plus offers more control, while the budget-conscious might stick to a French press or pour-over.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: Kitchen counter space is precious. Before buying, measure your intended spot, paying attention to height clearance under cabinets. The Gran Lattissima has a footprint of 20.3 x 36.7 cm, which is compact for a machine with an integrated milk system, but it’s essential to ensure it fits comfortably in your kitchen layout.
  • Capacity/Performance: Consider your daily usage. The 1-litre water tank on this model is generous for a single-serve machine, reducing the frequency of refills. The core of any espresso machine is its pump; the 19-bar pressure system is the professional standard, ensuring optimal extraction of flavour and crema from every coffee pod, a feature critical for authentic espresso taste.
  • Materials & Durability: The machine’s body is primarily made of high-quality polycarbonate, which is durable and easy to clean. Manufactured by De’Longhi, a renowned name in coffee appliances, the build quality inspires confidence. The components that handle milk and water are robust and designed for longevity, with many being dishwasher safe.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: The true magic of this category is simplicity. Look for one-touch operation, clear indicators, and straightforward cleaning procedures. The Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother excels here with its automated milk system rinse and a descaling alert that reminds you when it’s time for deeper maintenance, ensuring the machine runs perfectly for years.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Gran Lattissima: First Impressions and Key Features

Opening the box of the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother feels like a premium experience. De’Longhi’s packaging is secure and well-organized, with every component nestled safely. The first thing we noticed was the machine’s striking aesthetic. Our black model (EN640.B) boasted a sleek, modern design with a high-quality finish that immediately looked at home on our kitchen counter. It feels substantial and well-built, weighing in at 5.2 kg without feeling overly bulky. Assembly is virtually non-existent; you simply rinse the water tank and milk jug, click them into place, and plug it in. The inclusion of a starter set of Nespresso capsules is a fantastic touch, allowing you to start experimenting with flavours right away. Compared to older Nespresso models, the interface is a significant upgrade. The soft-touch buttons are intuitive and clearly labelled with icons for each drink, removing any ambiguity. It immediately conveys a sense of sophisticated simplicity.

What We Like

  • Incredibly simple one-touch operation for nine different recipes.
  • Exceptional milk foam quality—dense, creamy, and consistent.
  • Very fast heat-up time of just 25 seconds for coffee and milk.
  • Detachable milk jug can be stored in the fridge, and the system has an easy auto-rinse function.

What We Didn’t Like

  • The temperature of milk-based drinks may not be hot enough for those who prefer their beverages scalding.
  • Some user reports indicate potential long-term reliability issues with the milk frothing mechanism.

A Deep Dive into the Gran Lattissima’s Daily Performance

A coffee machine can look great on the counter, but its true value is revealed in the daily grind. Over several weeks, we put the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother through its paces, using it as our primary coffee source for everything from early morning espressos to afternoon cappuccinos. We evaluated it on the trifecta of a great single-serve machine: simplicity, beverage quality, and ease of maintenance.

The Pinnacle of Simplicity: The One-Touch Barista System

The single greatest strength of the Gran Lattissima is its effortless operation. The top panel features nine touch-sensitive buttons, each dedicated to a specific drink: Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Flat White, Caffè Latte, Hot Milk, and Hot Foam. There is zero ambiguity. You want a cappuccino? You press the cappuccino button. The machine handles the rest, dispensing the perfect amount of frothed milk followed by a shot of espresso. This “set it and forget it” functionality is a game-changer for busy mornings. We found ourselves making elaborate milk-based drinks on weekday mornings, something we’d never have attempted with a more manual setup. The machine is also programmable, allowing you to easily adjust the volume of coffee and milk for each recipe to perfectly match your favourite mug and taste preferences. This customisation is straightforward and a feature we used to dial in our perfect flat white. As one user aptly put it, this machine can become “addictive,” precisely because it makes crafting delicious, visually appealing drinks so ridiculously easy. The barrier to entry for a café-quality experience is completely removed.

The Heart of the Café: The Rapid Cappuccino Milk System

The integrated milk frother, what Nespresso calls the Rapid Cappuccino System, is the star of the show. Unlike machines that require a separate, standalone frother like an Aeroccino, this system is fully integrated. The 0.5-litre milk jug clicks securely onto the front of the machine. You simply fill it with cold milk (we found semi-skimmed and whole milk worked best for a rich foam), select your drink, and watch it work its magic. The quality of the foam produced is genuinely impressive. During our tests, it consistently created a dense, velvety microfoam that was both “fluffy and firm,” a sentiment echoed by many satisfied users. The foam holds its structure beautifully, allowing for distinct layers in a latte macchiato and providing that luxurious, creamy cap on a cappuccino. A standout feature is the dial on the milk jug that allows you to adjust the foam texture, giving you further control over your final drink. After each use, the machine prompts you to turn the dial to the “Clean” position. It then flushes the milk spout with hot water and steam for a few seconds, a crucial step to prevent clogs and maintain hygiene. This quick rinse allows you to detach the entire milk jug and store it directly in the refrigerator with any leftover milk, a massive convenience. While some users noted that cleaning the jug itself is more involved than cleaning a simple Aeroccino, we found that putting the disassembled jug through the dishwasher every few days, as recommended, kept it perfectly clean with minimal effort.

Coffee Quality and Consistency: The Power of 19 Bars

While the milk system is a headline feature, the core coffee extraction has to deliver. The Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother is built around the Nespresso Original capsule system and a powerful 19-bar pressure pump. This high-pressure system is not just a marketing number; it’s the key to properly extracting the complex oils and aromas locked inside the coffee grounds, creating a rich, authentic espresso shot topped with a stable layer of crema. Throughout our testing, every espresso and lungo we brewed was consistent in temperature, volume, and taste. The machine handles Nespresso’s own capsules flawlessly, and we also tested it with a variety of third-party compatible pods with great success. This opens up a universe of choice, from supermarket brands to artisanal roasters, allowing you to find your perfect coffee without being locked into a single ecosystem. One user specifically mentioned being “glad I had picked the original over the vertuo option,” and we understand why. The Original system’s focus on high-pressure espresso extraction is what makes it so suitable for creating authentic lattes and cappuccinos, as the intense coffee shot can cut through the milk beautifully. For those who value the quality of the underlying espresso as the foundation of their drink, the Gran Lattissima delivers with unwavering consistency. If you want to experience this consistent quality, you can find the best price for the Nespresso Gran Lattissima here.

Design, Maintenance, and Living with the Machine

Living with a coffee machine day-to-day involves more than just the drinks it makes. Its design and maintenance requirements are crucial. The Gran Lattissima scores highly here. Its modern, clean lines and compact design mean it doesn’t dominate the kitchen. As one user noted, “The appearance is very high quality and is smart in our kitchen. The size doesn’t take up too much room.” The sliding drip tray is a thoughtful touch, accommodating taller glasses for latte macchiatos. Maintenance is streamlined. The used capsule container holds up to 10 pods, so you’re not emptying it constantly. The 1-litre water tank is easily removable from the side for refilling. The most important maintenance feature is the descaling alert. The machine will notify you when it’s time to run a descaling cycle, a vital process for maintaining the internal components and ensuring the machine’s longevity and coffee taste. While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, it’s important to address the concerns raised in some user reviews. A minority of users reported issues with the milk frother failing or the coffee coming out watery after a year or so. While this was not our experience, it highlights the absolute necessity of following the cleaning and descaling protocols. The milk system, in particular, requires diligent rinsing after every use to prevent blockages that could lead to performance issues down the line. Another point raised by a few users is that the milk drinks are not piping hot. We found them to be at an ideal, immediately drinkable temperature, but if you prefer your lattes extra hot, you might find it slightly cooler than a coffee shop’s steamed milk.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from a wide range of users provides a broader perspective, and the sentiment for the Gran Lattissima is largely positive. Many, like one happy customer, see it as a “big step up from our previous machine,” praising the sheer variety of drinks and the speed of operation. Another review captured the machine’s appeal perfectly: “I use the milk function permanently. Cappuccino, Cafe Latte, Latte Machiatto, Flat White… all so damn tasty and visually appealing.” This aligns perfectly with our finding that the machine encourages you to explore and enjoy milk-based coffees.

However, no product is perfect for everyone. The most common point of constructive criticism revolves around the milk temperature. “Very good looking machine… but the drinks with milk aren’t hot as expected,” one user commented, which is a fair point for those who like their drinks scalding. More concerning are the isolated but serious reports of malfunction. One user stated, “after 3 months it stopped making foam,” while another experienced coffee leaking into the internal reservoir. These appear to be minority cases, but they serve as a reminder that complex automatic systems can sometimes have reliability issues and underscore the importance of regular maintenance and registering the product for its warranty.

How Does the Gran Lattissima Compare to the Competition?

The Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother operates in a crowded market. To understand its unique position, it’s helpful to compare it against a few distinct alternatives, each catering to a different type of coffee drinker.

1. NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO Genio S Toffee Nut Latte Pod Coffee Machine

The Dolce Gusto Genio S represents a different approach to pod coffee. While Nespresso is laser-focused on authentic espresso, Dolce Gusto offers a broader “coffee shop menu” experience, including flavoured lattes, hot chocolates, and teas. The key difference is that milk-based drinks use powdered milk capsules rather than fresh milk. This makes cleaning simpler, but for many, the taste and texture of frothed fresh milk from the Gran Lattissima are far superior. The Genio S is an excellent choice for a family with diverse tastes who want more than just coffee, but for the espresso and cappuccino aficionado, the Gran Lattissima’s 19-bar pressure and fresh milk system provide a more premium and authentic result.

2. Sage The Bambino Plus Compact Coffee Machine

The Sage Bambino Plus is the choice for the aspiring home barista who wants to move beyond pods. It’s a compact, semi-automatic espresso machine that requires you to grind and tamp your own coffee beans. Its standout feature is an automatic steam wand that can texture milk to a true microfoam quality, arguably even better than the Gran Lattissima. This machine offers superior control and potentially a higher ceiling for coffee quality. However, it comes with a much steeper learning curve, more manual involvement, and significantly more cleaning. Someone might prefer the Bambino Plus if they enjoy the ritual of coffee making and want ultimate control over every variable. The Gran Lattissima is for those who want to skip the process and get a great result with a single button press.

3. WACACO Nanopresso Barista Kit Espresso Accessory

This isn’t a machine, but an accessory that highlights the Gran Lattissima’s core purpose: home convenience. The Nanopresso is a brilliant portable, hand-powered espresso maker for coffee lovers on the go. It allows you to pull a decent espresso shot anywhere, from a campsite to a hotel room. It’s the ultimate choice for portability and travel. However, it is entirely manual, requires significant effort, and has no milk frothing capability. It serves as a stark contrast to the Gran Lattissima, which is designed to be the stationary, fully-automated heart of a home coffee bar, delivering maximum convenience and variety without any manual labour.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Nespresso Gran Lattissima the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother is a phenomenal machine for its target audience. It brilliantly bridges the gap between basic pod machines and complex semi-automatic espresso makers. Its greatest achievement is making a wide array of delicious, café-quality milk-based coffees accessible at the touch of a single button. The speed, the quality of the milk foam, and the sheer simplicity of the system are outstanding.

It is the perfect choice for the coffee lover who craves lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites but lacks the time, desire, or counter space for a more manual setup. While the milk temperature may be a touch cool for some, and long-term reliability requires diligent cleaning, its convenience and consistent results are undeniable. It transforms your kitchen into a personal café, ready to serve you a perfect drink in under a minute. For those who value time and simplicity without wanting to sacrifice their daily indulgence, this machine is an investment that pays for itself with every delicious cup.

If you’ve decided the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine Integrated Milk Frother is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.