A few weeks ago, a received an email from Nespresso saying that the Latissima+ is now available in Singapore. I was actually excited even though I’ve had my Nespresso Lattissima+ for about half a year now.
I got my Nespresso Lattissima+ machine in Sydney, Australia. This machine has been out in other countries for quite a while now. However, it’s only been made available in Singapore recently.
You probably know by now that I’m addicted to Nespresso. Since I love my Nespresso Lattissima+ (Plus) so much, I decided to make a review.
Nespresso Lattissima Plus Review
What’s In The Nespresso Latissima Plus Box?
Nespresso Lattissima Plus now available in Singapore
As usual, your machine will come in a huge box. In it, you’ll find your new Nespresso Lattissima+ (Plus) machine, a 16 capsule set for you to sample all the flavors, a Welcome Nespresso folder and User Manual.
Welcome kit with User Manual
You’ll find 4 buttons at the top of the machine. You have the Lungo button at the top left and Espresso button at the bottom left.
A Lungo simply has more water than Espresso. It’s not a double-shot espresso. If you want a double-shot of espresso, you’ll need two capsules.
On the right hand side, you have the Latte Macchiato at the top and Cappuccino at the bottom.
4 buttons instead of the usual 2
You’ll notice at the top of the machine is the DeLonghi logo. Nespresso developed the Lattissima+ (plus) in partnership with DeLonghi so it’s not a purely Nespresso brand. But you don’t really have to worry because DeLonghi is a huge manufacturer of high quality coffee machines.
Nespresso + DeLonghi = great coffee machine!
With DeLonghi’s expertise in machine making and Nespresso’s expertise in coffee, there’s really nothing to worry about the machine’s quality.
No, the machine doesn’t come with Nespresso Glass Cups like those in my previous review. You have to buy those separately.
How Big is the the Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
The Nespresso Lattissima+ (Plus) is quite compact. It’s dimensions are about 10in height, 8in width, 13in depth. It’s base is slightly smaller than the Citiz with Aeroccino model.
It will fit nicely in your kitchen counters or nooks. It’s in fact smaller than most microwave ovens.
I find the small form factor to be a huge plus because you don’t have to reorganize your kitchen counter to fit the machine. Though you might just need to push aside a few of your appliances, but not so much.
What Comes with the Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
Aside from the main machine, other major parts of the machine that you should take note of are the: Drip Tray, Used Capsule Container, Descaling pipe, Water Container and the R.C.S unit (discussed below).
The Drip Tray is, as aptly named, there to catch drips from the coffee and milk spouts. You need to empty and wash the drip tray daily or, as in my case, as often as you remember. Aside from catching drips from the spout, it will also catch excess water inside the machine during coffee extraction.
Drip tray on the left is pulled out
The Used Capsule Container is where all the used Grad Crus capsules drop. When you open the capsule lever, the used capsule will automatically drop into the container. The container can hold up to 12 capsules. You’ll know that the container is full because the capsule will refuse to drop when you open the capsule lever. You need to clear Capsule container as often as you can. You need to wash it too since some capsules may have leftover water from the coffee extraction.
Used Capsule Holder can take up to 12 capsules
There’s a Descaling Pipe hidden inside a small compartment at the front. You attach this to the steam connector when descaling the unit. After extracting a few hundred capsules, the machine will warn you to start a descaling process. The descaling process removes grime that may have accumulated within the machines internal pipes. Don’t lose this thing! Always keep it in its compartment when not in use. Take note that you need to buy a descaling kit from Nespresso to descale your machine.
Descaling Pipe in a hidden compartment
Towards the back of the unit, you’ll find the Water Container which can take up to 900ml. The water container is detachable so you can take it off to refill. The cover conveniently serves as a handle so it won’t slip on you. The cover also has a few protruding plastic parts that locks the water container in place keeping it secure in case you bump your machine.
Water Container holds 500ml water
Detachable Water Container with built-in handle
There have been complaints that that 500ml of water runs out too quickly since the machine uses water for both coffee extraction and milk steaming. I personally don’t find this an issue since I don’t drink a gazillion of coffee a day. If you run out of water, don’t be lazy to fill it up again.
How to Use the Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
Using the Nespresso Lattissima Plus very straight forward.
1. Fill the Water Container with water up to the maximum line.
2. Fill the R.C.S. Unit with milk and attach it to the steaming pipe.
3. Open the capsule lever and put in a Nespresso Gran Crus capsule. You can’t go wrong with inserting the capsule because there’s only one direction the capsules go in.
4. Place a cup on the drip tray and press the button of your desired coffee mix.
That’s it! No need to elaborate.
Capsule goes in one way only
Blinking buttons mean that the machine is heating up the water
Coffee in a single press of a button!
Milk and foam
Milk first then coffee
What is Nespresso’s Rapid Cappuccino System (R.C.S) aka Automatic Milk Frother?
Lattissima Plus with the Rapid Cappuccino System
What differentiates the Nespresso Lattissima Plus with the Nespresso Pixie
Convenience is going to be your primary reason for buying the Lattissima Plus over the Pixie and Citiz. You just need to plug in the R.C.S. unit and press the Latte Macchiato and Cappuccino buttons. The machine will heat the milk using steam, which then creates foam and then, the coffee is extracted. Yes, all that in a single button!
At the top of the Rapid Cappuccino System, you’ll see a knob that controls the amount of foam and a clean button. When you want more foam on your coffee, just turn the knob to the symbol of a cup with bigger foam. Or use the symbol of the cup with the smaller foam for less froth. When you’re done making coffee, press and hold the clean button to clear out the R.C.S. unit’s milk spout. Clearing the milk spout prevents milk from drying inside the tubes.
Milk Spout
Froth knob and Clean button
Do not lose the rubber tube!
Although the Rapid Cappuccino System is Lattissima Plus’s biggest advantages, it is also what some may not like. The R.C.S. does deliver consistent foam, however, there are people who feel that there’s not enough foam even at max foam setting.
To show this, I heated some milk at both the maximum and minimum foam setting. In the image below, the cup on the left is set on max and the cup on the right is on minimum.
Comparison of Nespresso Lattissima Plus Froth Settings
You can see that there’s very small difference in the amount of foam between the two settings. However, do take note not just the height of the foam. The cup on the left has slightly less “liquid” milk than the cup on the right. Still. there’s very small difference.
Here’s the thing, this is going to be a love or hate relationship. Personally, I don’t want too much foam so I always have the foam at the lowest setting. So I’m very happy with what the Lattissima+ Plus is giving me. For the foam lovers, I’m sorry but I can’t say much about the quality of the foam. I’ve heard that the Aeroccino gives a much more foam than the Latissima+ (Plus). You’ll need to visit the Nespresso Boutique to try them out.
Update: I talked to the guys from Nespresso and asked about the quality of the foam. Their response is:
1. Nespresso Lattissima Plus foam quality is the same as the Aeroccino
2. Nespresso Lattissima Plus foam quality is better than the Nespresso Lattissima Premium. This is because the Lattissima Premium is an old design.
Another problem I’ve been hearing is that the milk in the R.C.S. unit turns bad easily and that milk tend to dry around the milk spout. In my experience, the only time I’ve had bad milk was when I left the R.C.S. unit attached to the machine for a long time.
To prevent the milk from getting bad, you simply need to do 3 things:
1. Clean the milk spout using the clean button at the top of the unit after each use.
2. Pull the R.C.S. unit and put it in the refrigerator after use. Don’t ever leave milk at room temperature for a long time!
3. Regularly wash and clean the R.C.S. unit using warm soapy water.
4. Replace milk after 3 days. Don’t keep milk for too long even if it’s in the refridgerator.
How to Clean your Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
Like any other appliance, you need to make sure to clean and maintain your Nespresso Lattissima Plus machine. Here are a few things you need to do to keep your machine in top shape:
1. Clean the external parts of your machine with a dry cloth.
2. Empty and wash the drip tray regularly
3. Empty and wash the capsule regularly
4. Clear the R.C.S. milk spout using the clean button and wash the R.C.S. unit regularly.
5. Don’t leave milk at room temperature for a long time. You can put the whole R.C.S. unit in the fridge.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the coffee and milk from the bottom of the drip tray.
If I have one complaint, that would be cleaning the bottom platform where coffee and milk drips in case you don’t have the drip tray pulled out. Since this bottom platform is not removable, you can’t run it under the faucet. Removing dried coffee and milk stains can sometimes be a pain.
Coffee and milk stains
Nespresso Lattissima Plus Review Summary
Pros:
1. Ease of use – The Nespresso Lattissima Plus is very easy to use. Everything is automatic! All you need to do is press a single button!
2. Convenience – With a single press of a button, you get coffee and milk! No need to fiddle with a separate milk frother like the Aeroccino.
Cons:
1. Cleanup – The R.C.S has a lot of small parts the need to be cleaned. Disassemble the unit so you get to clean all the parts thoroughly. Just make sure you don’t lose any of the parts. Dried milk and coffee can be difficult to wipe off from the bottom platform.
2. Foam quality – Some may not like the quality of the foam. This can be subjective.
Why Buy The Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
The biggest reason why you should get the Nespresso Lattissima Plus is the convenience. You’ve got a great cup of coffee with just a single press of a button. For me, nothing beats that.
Aside from the convenience, you can have a great cup of coffee when you wake up in the morning or just about any time of the day. This is a definite upgrade if you’ve just been content with instant coffee or 3-in-1 sachets. Coffee sachets are quick and convenient too, but the Nespresso Grand Crus flavors are far superior in taste.
Some of you may find the Nespresso Lattissima Plus a bit pricey. Yes, it is more expensive than that Pixie or Citiz, but you pay for convenience but having it in a very compact design.
My personal recommendation is that you get the Nespresso Lattissima Plus if your budget allows and if you don’t mind the amount of foam it makes. If you’re very particular about the foam or if you’re in a tight budget, you won’t go wrong with the Pixie or Citiz models.
Where Can You Buy the Nespresso Lattissima Plus?
If you’re based in the US, you can purchase your Nespresso Lattissima Plus
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thanks for the review, very informative. Ive been struggling with a decision between the premium and the plus mainly becos the premium has a button just to foam milk if i did not feel like having a latte or capp. is that possible with the plus? Some folks say to just press on the latte button and switch it off before its time for it to express coffee. Eill this spoil the machine after a while, you think? i look foward to hearing from you.
Hi Jo!
Thanks for reading my review.
Your friends are correct. For the Lattissima plus, press the latte/capp button to foam the milk. Then press again before it expresses the coffee.
Personally, I don’t think it will spoil the machine. This “Stop” action is a built in function so it should be ok. I’ve actually seen guys from Nespresso use this function to stop the machines. I use it too when I realize I haven’t placed a capsule!
Just to be sure, you can ask the guys from Nespresso. I’ll try to ask when I get to drop by the boutique and let you know.
Hi Jo,
Yep! That’s how I do it. That also applies when making espresso/lungo. Just press the same button again to stop.
If you’re really worried, make sure you ask the guys from Nespresso before you ask. The guys at the Ion Orchard boutique are very friendly.
Don’t forget to ask to try some of the flavors so you get free coffee!
Cool, thanks very much! So just press the latte/capp button again, correct? Dilemma over
Bought my machine! partly cos your review made the decision making process so much easier. thanks!
Hi Jo!
Congratulations! The Lattissima Plus is a wonderful machine. I’m sure you’ll look always look forward to your morning coffee.
Btw, I highly recommend that you use skimmed milk. For some reason, some whole milk (even those advertised as low fat) seem to be flavored, sweeter and slightly thicker in consistency. I don’t know, maybe skimmed milk is just my preference. Try out different brands and see what works for you.
Enjoy!
Loooovvveeee the Machine! Magnolia’s low fat and Meiji’s lowfat are my top 2 favourites. the consistency of the foam is perfect
Hi Jo!
That’s great to hear! I love my Lattissima Plus too!
I always have 2-3 boxes of milk in stock because it runs out fast! There are a lot of heavy coffee drinkers here at home.
Hi, congratulations about the review!! It realy helped me to decide which machine to buy!
And my choice was the Latíssima Plus!
But, i have one question: My son loves to drink the milk – foam – but, of course, he doesn’t drink’s coffe! So, for him, can i use the Latíssima without the coffe? How?
Thank’s, and congratulations again!!
Hi Bruno!
Congrats on getting the Lattissima Plus!
Like what I discussed with Jo (above comments), press the Latte or Cappuccino button to froth the milk. Then press the same button again after the frothing stops and before coffee is extracted.
Just remember to empty the capsule holder so you don’t get coffee into the milk. If the capsule holder is empty, only water will come out if in case you were to late to press the buttons.
Thank you!!
And sorry about having to twice the message, rsrs, i didn’t see the answer to Jo!
But, to tell you the truth i was expecting you say i couldn’t do it, ‘cos i’d really like to buy the Aeroccino (it’s such a beaty!!) rsrsrsr
But on the other hand, i don’t want waste money, ‘cos now i really think the Latissima replaces the needing of a Aeroccino.
No worries about the message.
Hahaha! I know what you mean. I’m also tempted to get the Aeroccino simply because you can make also cold milk with it. But I prefer my coffee hot.
Just for the sake of closing it and reassure users, i’ve sent a e-mail to Nespresso and asked about that procedure (interrupting the milk flow by pressing the same button).
So, they called me this afternoon (they have a nice customer treatment) and said that’s a regular operation, will not cause any damage to the Nespresso Machine!
So, relax and enjoy!!
So is the only difference between the Latissima Plus and the original Latissima the supposed “quality of the foam?”
The Nespresso website shows the two machines to have the exact same specs. Interesting that you show 500ml water tank here but website shows 1 litre for both. Maybe website specs was copy/pasted from original Latissima and not updated for differences?
Features on website are different. Original shows a water spout to be used for hot water, and a AutoCappucinno nozzel for milk froth and hot milk. Plus shows new steamer technology and new frothing system.
I have an original machine and have a friend that wants to buy one and is as confused as I am about the differences in the original and the Plus…
Anyone?
Thanks.
Hi Tim!
Which Lattissima model do you specifically have?
Hi Tim,
I stand corrected. The Lattissima Plus water container can hold .9L as indicated in their .
Take note that there are 2 old Lattissima models, the Lattissima EN660 and Lattissima Premium EN 720.
One of the main difference between the old models and the Lattissima Plus is that the old models can make hot water and it has a cup warmer (Premium model) at the top. The Lattissima Plus doesn’t have a nozzle for hot water.
According to the Nespresso staff, the newer Lattissima Plus model makes more consistent froth. I personally can’t distinguish subtle differences but it’s best for your friend to see it for himself at the shop.
Here are some points your friend can consider:
1. How often do you need just hot water?
2. Where will you put your machine? Which machine has the best form factor that will fit your space?
3. Are you very particular about the froth? You need to check at the store which you find is best for you.
I’ll try to get some more info about the two when I visit the store next week.
Hope this helps!
Hi all,
quicl question, i recently descaled my machine cos the orange cappacuino light was flashing. since then, i am unable to get rid of themetallic chemical taste in my coffee and milk? any suggesions?
cheers,
jo
Hi Jo!
Try running the machine with water only (no capsule). If it persists, I suggest you call Nespresso customer service or bring your machine to the shop.
Hi Jo! I just came from the store. The staff said you can run plain water to rinse the tubes inside the machine. You can do this by running the machine without a capsule.
If there’s still a problen, you can call customer care. They will send a technician to fix it.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the great review! I am trying to decide which machine to buy. I feel that the milk tastes better when it is steamed (like with the Lattissma +) than it does just being heated and frothed (the Aeroccino.) What is the actual quality of the foam with the Lattissma+? I like the microfoam that you get from experienced baristas. Don’t like the more coarse foam. Can you tell me about that? The volume of the foam from the Lattissma looks about right to me.
Thanks so much! Kandy
Hi Kandy!
Thanks for checking out my review.
What I like about the Lattissima+ is the consistent texture of the foam. Unlike the Aeroccino, you need to watch it to get the texture of foam you want. What’s great with the Lattissima+ is that you get the foam in just 1 click.
If you want fine foam, I suggest you go for the Lattissima+. The best way to check this out is to visit the boutique at Ion Orchard. You can ask them to make you 2 sets of coffee using milk from the Aeroccino and the Latissima+.
Enjoy!
Thanks for a great Review I just bougt a Latissima + machine today to replace my Tassimo! I just want to ask a few question to se if u experience the same. First; in the Used capsule holder after brewing one capsule the holder is half filled with water and ofcourse the used capsule, is it normal to spill so much water. And when i start the machine it is dripping out water in the heating process maybe 5 or more drops of water into the cup. I thought something was wrong with my machine it not prober sealed to the capsule and spilling water but its maybe normal?
Ive experience the same with the max and min settings, barely noticed any difference and i also use the min settings almost thinking its to much foam.
Thanks
Andreas Sweden
Hi Andreas,
Sorry for the late reply.
I haven’t experienced this. My capsule holder doesn’t fill up with water. There are a few drips but not half-filled!
Better call customer service and have it checked.
Btw, thanks for visiting my site.
Great review! Just one question on the milk temperature. I have been using my Lattissima for some time now and I’ve always had this issue about the cappuccino not being hot enough. I tried making Espresso and coffee was smoking hot. Mixed with milk, it feels like using tap water for coffee. I’ve resulted to putting it on the microwave for a few secs. Pressing the clean button warms it up a bit but still not acceptable.
Did you face the same issue?
I wanted to troubleshoot first before calling for a technician. Last couple of calls from customer support claimed that the coffee shouldn’t be too hot. But I’m still not convinced.
Thanks and more power!
Howell
Hi Howell,
I think this is normal. Even when getting myself free cappuccino from the boutique, it’s not really smoking hot.
However, I came across a possible workaround for you. When I opened a new carton of UHT milk (not those milk form the chilled section), my latte was so hot it almost burned my tongue. So I’m assuming that when you use milk at room temperature, your cappuccino or latte will be a lot hotter!
Take care though that milk, once opened, needs to be kept in the fridge to prevent spoilage. So my suggestion is to microwave the milk to room temperature before putting it into the frother.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!