Simple Ways To Use Nespresso (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Work and Clean Your Nespresso Machine PDF download Download Article Making espresso drinks is a breeze with this simple Nespresso guide Co-authored by Raymond Chiu and Devin McSween

Last Updated: December 29, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Making Coffee with Nespresso
  • |
  • Descaling Your Machine
  • |
  • Video
  • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 597,824 times.

After drooling over the delicious espressos and intricate coffee drinks a Nespresso can make, you finally bought yourself a machine. When it arrives at your door, you might realize that you’re not entirely sure how to use it to make these drinks. Luckily, using a Nespresso is easy. Whether you’re new to the machine or dusting it off after a period of disuse, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to use your Nespresso. Cleaning and caring for your machine is also important, so you’ll learn how to descale it as well. Read on to get brewing!

Things You Should Know

  • Fill up the water tank with fresh water and press the power or coffee button to preheat your machine.
  • Open your machine’s top lid and insert an espresso capsule inside.
  • Place a mug under the pour spout and press the power or coffee button to start brewing. When it’s done, lift the lid to eject the used pod into the disposal container.
  • Descale your machine every 3 months with Nespresso’s descaling solution, or use citric acid tablets.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Making Coffee with Nespresso

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Fill the water tank at least halfway full. 1 Fill the water tank at least halfway full. Take out the clear reservoir tank attached to your machine and fill it up with fresh, clean water. Using quality water—whether it's from the tap, distilled, or bottled—gives your coffee a great base.[1]
    • While you only need as much water as the capsule uses to brew your coffee, having more water in the tank lessens the risk of scorching the grounds.
  2. Step 2 Turn on your machine and wait for the power button to stop flashing. 2 Turn on your machine and wait for the power button to stop flashing. Depending on the model, your Nespresso either has a power button or 2 coffee buttons on the top or front of the machine. When you press the button, it starts to flash, indicating that your Nespresso is heating up. After 15 to 25 seconds, the button will stop flashing and turn solid. Your machine is now ready to brew.[2]
    • On the Pixie: locate the coffee buttons on the top of the machine and towards the back.
    • On the Essenza: find the coffee buttons on the front face of the machine.
    • On a Vertuo: locate the power button on the very top of the machine.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Place a proper-sized coffee cup below the coffee outlet. 3 Place a proper-sized coffee cup below the coffee outlet. Different Nespresso machines have the option to make full cups of coffee, large espresso shots, or small espresso shots. If your machine has a size option, just decide on the amount of coffee you need today and set the appropriately sized mug on the platform below the spout.[3]
    • Nespresso recommends using 1.3 oz (40 ml) cups for espresso pours, 3.7 oz (110 ml) cups for lungo, or large espresso, pours, and 7.7 oz (230 ml) mugs for regular coffee pours.
    • For large cups and small machines, lift or detach the platform to fit your cup under the spout.
  4. Step 4 Open the coffee capsule container. 4 Open the coffee capsule container. Some machines have levers to open the top of the machine, while others have a detachable or unlockable head that lifts up the top. Find the appropriate mechanism and open the capsule container as wide as it goes.[4]
    • On the Pixie: pull the circular lever up to reveal the pod slot.
    • On the Essenza: pull upwards on the flap at the top of the machine.
    • On the Vertuo: unlock the top by pushing the lever to the right and pulling it up.
    • If you’re having trouble finding where to open your machine, consult your model’s manual.
  5. Step 5 Place your espresso pod in the machine and secure the lid. 5 Place your espresso pod in the machine and secure the lid. Your Nespresso machine has an open, capsule-shaped cavity to place your espresso pod inside. Depending on your machine, you might set the pod on its side, or leave it vertical with the logo facing up. Just turn your capsule in the correct direction. Once its inside, close the lid to secure the pod in place.[5]
    • If you have a Vertuo, lock the lid after inserting the pod by turning the lever to the left.
    • Most Nespresso machines use a sharp needle-like piercer to puncture the capsule, so remove your hand before closing the lid.
  6. Step 6 Press the power or coffee button to brew your coffee. 6 Press the power or coffee button to brew your coffee. Some Nespresso machines, like the Vertuo, have just one button to press to start brewing your coffee. On other machines, like the Pixie, you press the small or large coffee button to start brewing a small or large espresso pour. Once you press the appropriate button, your coffee begins to flow out of the spout and into your mug.[6]
    • If you want to top off your coffee, press the power or coffee button again once your machine’s finished pouring.
    • If it takes a long time for your machine to brew your coffee, it might not have fully preheated before you put the pod in. Make sure to turn your machine on to preheat it before brewing.
  7. Step 7 Eject the used coffee pod by opening the top of the machine. 7 Eject the used coffee pod by opening the top of the machine. Depending on the model, lift, pull, or rotate the lever on your machine to open the top back up. When the top is opened, the used pod automatically ejects into the disposal compartment in your machine. Just press the top of the machine back down and you’re ready to enjoy your coffee![7]
    • If the pod doesn’t automatically eject, the disposal container might be full of pods. To empty it, remove the used capsule container, which is typically at the front or back of your machine.
  8. Step 8 Add milk, cream, or sugar to your coffee, if desired. 8 Add milk, cream, or sugar to your coffee, if desired. Just like a normal coffee maker, a Nespresso provides you with rich, black coffee to drink plain or doctored up. Make a mocha with some cocoa powder, or add milk to whip up a latte or create a cappuccino.[8]
    • For lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based coffees, steam milk at home with a steam wand or by simply heating the milk in the microwave and frothing it with a whisk.
  9. Step 9 Re-order pods before you run out. 9 Re-order pods before you run out. Now that you know the joys of brewing your espresso drinks in your own home, make sure you always have another pod on hand for your next brew. Keep your pods in a clear container so you know how many you have left. When you start to run low, order new coffee pods. This way, you’ll always have a seamless stream of coffee.
    • Shop online to save time and keep your favorite flavors in your cart. Nespresso sells their own espresso pods, while other popular coffee makers like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Lavazza sell Nespresso-compatible pods.
    • Buy your pods in bulk so you always have another espresso ready to go. Most espresso packages come in packs of 10 to up to 100.
  10. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Descaling Your Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Descale your Nespresso... 1 Descale your Nespresso machine every 3 months. Over time, limescale inevitably builds up in your machine. This can reduce the quality of your brews, so descale your machine every 3 months, or after you’ve used 300 capsules.[9] Cleaning your machine extends its life and ensures that your coffee tastes its best.[10]
  2. Step 2 Purchase a descaling kit or citric acid tablets. 2 Purchase a descaling kit or citric acid tablets. The easiest way to descale your machine is by purchasing an official Nespresso descaling kit and letting it do the work for you.[11] If you prefer to descale your machine yourself, dissolving citric acid tablets in water is a great alternative.[12]
    • Nespresso’s descaling solution contains lactic acid and phosphates, which are powerful cleaners that target lime and scum-covered metals. They can be hazardous to your skin, so wear gloves when handling the solution.[13]
    • Nespresso only recommends using their descaling product to clean your machine. Other cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar might damage your machine, so proceed with caution if going the DIY route.[14]
  3. Step 3 Empty your machine’s pod disposal compartment. 3 Empty your machine’s pod disposal compartment.[15] Before starting the descaling process, remove the used pods stored in your machine. Just pull out the disposal compartment at the front or back of your machine and set your pods aside to recycle them.[16]
    • Nespresso sells special recycling bags that you fill up with used pods and take to a nearby collection site. Or, call your local UPS store to see if they collect used pods.
  4. Step 4 Fill the water tank with water and the descaling solution. 4 Fill the water tank with water and the descaling solution. Follow the instructions on the descaling package and in your machine’s manual, as each machine requires different quantities of water to run through the machine.[17]
    • When using Nespresso’s descaling solution in the Pixie, Essenza, or Vertuo, fill the water tank half-way and add in 1 descaling packet.
    • If you’re using citric acid, add 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of it into a full tank of water.[18]
  5. Step 5 Place a 0.6 L (0.16 US gal) or larger container below the spout. 5 Place a 0.6 L (0.16 US gal) or larger container below the spout. When you descale your Nespresso, the cleaning solution runs through your machine and out through the coffee spout. So, place a large bowl or container under the spout to catch the water as it flows out of your machine.[19]
  6. Step 6 Press the buttons on your Nespresso to start the descaling process. 6 Press the buttons on your Nespresso to start the descaling process. Each model’s descaling process is started using a different combination of buttons.[20] Check your manual to determine which ones to press and for how long to begin descaling.[21]
    • For the Pixie: press and hold both coffee buttons for 3 seconds. Then, press the large coffee button.
    • For the Essenza: press and hold the power and coffee buttons for 5 seconds. Then, press the coffee button.
    • For the Vertuo: unlock the lever and press the power button. Then, press and hold the button for about 7 seconds until the light starts blinking. Lock then unlock the lever. Press and hold the button again until it blinks and lock the lever. Finally, press the button to start descaling.
  7. Step 7 Wait for the descaling process to finish, which takes about 10 minutes. 7 Wait for the descaling process to finish, which takes about 10 minutes. Be patient, as the descaling process takes a few minutes to work. Your machine is busy removing all the gunk and lime scum inside. Don’t interrupt the process or remove the container unless it is overflowing.[22]
  8. Step 8 Run the descaling process again with the used solution. 8 Run the descaling process again with the used solution.[23] To make sure your machine is sparkling clean, Nespresso recommends running the used water and descaling solution back through your device. Just pour the water from your collection bowl back into your machine’s water tank and start the descaling process again.[24]
  9. Step 9 Fill the tank with drinking water and run the cycle with no solution. 9 Fill the tank with drinking water and run the cycle with no solution. Running the descaling process with plain water removes any leftover solution in your machine and prepares your Nespresso for making coffee again. Just fill your machine’s tank full of water and start the descaling process again. Once your machine is finished descaling, rinse the water tank thoroughly.[25]
  10. Step 10 Exit descaling mode by pressing the same buttons that started it. 10 Exit descaling mode by pressing the same buttons that started it. Now that your machine is fully cleaned out, it needs to get back into brew mode. Just press the same buttons that started the descaling process to exit it. For example, with the Pixie, press and hold the small and large coffee buttons for 3 seconds. Then, let your machine rest for about 10 minutes before brewing a cup of espresso.[26]
    • The outside of your machine also needs care, so wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any water or dust.
  11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What does it mean when all the green buttons flash together? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The buttons flashing on your Nespresso can mean different things. If you just turned your machine on, the buttons flash slowly to let you know that your Nespresso is preheating. If the buttons are flashing rapidly, your machine might still be in descaling mode. Consult your Nespresso's manual to find the buttons to press to exit out of it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question How do I make larger cups of coffee if not given the option on the machine? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Most Nespresso machines only pour espresso shots, not full cups of coffee like a coffee machine. To make your espresso pour larger, top it off by pressing the power or coffee button when your machine stops brewing. Then, use your espresso shot to make popular drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or Americanos. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Clean a Nespresso MachineThe Best Ways to Clean Your Nespresso Machine (With or Without Vinegar) Operate a Nespresso MagimixHow toOperate a Nespresso Magimix Descale Nespresso Vertuo How to Clean & Descale a Nespresso VertuoPlus, Vertuo Next, or VertuoLine Use a De'Longhi Espresso MachineHow toUse a De'Longhi Espresso Machine Descale a Magimix Coffee MachineHow toDescale a Magimix Coffee Machine Why Is My Nespresso Blinking RedWhat to Do When Your Nespresso Machine Has a Flashing Red Light Use a Keurig MachineHow to Use a Keurig Machine: Brewing, Assembly, & Cleaning How to Use an Espresso Machine Reset a Nespresso MachineHow toReset a Nespresso Machine Use Breville Espresso MachineHow to Use a Breville Espresso: 6 Steps for the Best-Tasting Espresso Clean Breville Espresso MachineHow to Clean & Descale a Breville Espresso Machine Clean a Ninja Coffee MakerHow to Properly Clean Your Ninja Coffee Machine Clean a TassimoHow toClean a Tassimo Descale Keurig DuoHow to Descale, Clean, and Maintain a Keurig Duo Coffee Maker Advertisement

References

  1. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/manuals/vertuoline/www_VertuoLine_Nespresso(EN_FR).pdf
  2. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/mos/docs/us/Pixie%20Refresh%20User%20Manual%202019.pdf
  3. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/mos/docs/us/Pixie%20Refresh%20User%20Manual%202019.pdf
  4. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/manuals/essenza/2012/www_Essenza_C101_Z1_NESPRESSO(EN_FR_ES_BR).pdf
  5. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/manuals/vertuoline/www_VertuoLine_Nespresso(EN_FR).pdf
  6. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/mos/docs/us/Pixie%20Refresh%20User%20Manual%202019.pdf
  7. https://www.nespresso.com/shared_res/manuals/essenza/2012/www_Essenza_C101_Z1_NESPRESSO(EN_FR_ES_BR).pdf
  8. https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/service-faq
  9. https://missnutritiouseats.com/keep-nespresso-clean/#h-descaling-cycle
More References (17)
  1. https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/service-faq
  2. Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  3. https://yourdreamcoffee.com/how-to-descale-a-nespresso-machine/
  4. https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/order/accessories/original/descaling-kit
  5. ​​https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  6. Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  7. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  8. Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  9. https://yourdreamcoffee.com/how-to-descale-a-nespresso-machine/
  10. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/VertuoLine%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  11. Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  12. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  13. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/VertuoLine%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  14. Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  15. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  16. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/Pixie%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf
  17. https://www.nespresso.com/static/us/documents/VertuoLine%20Descaling%20Guide.pdf

About This Article

Raymond Chiu Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu Home Appliance Cleaner This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 597,824 times. 24 votes - 71% Co-authors: 12 Updated: December 29, 2025 Views: 597,824 Categories: Featured Articles | Coffee Machines Article SummaryX

To use a Nespresso machine, first fill the tank with fresh water. Then, press either the espresso or Lungo button to heat up the machine. You’ll know it’s heated when the button lights stop blinking. Next, lift the lever and place a Nespresso capsule in the slot underneath. Close the lever and place a cup underneath the coffee outlet. Then, press either the espresso or Lungo button depending on what size coffee you’d like. Once your coffee is brewed, remember to remove the used capsule from the slot by lifting the lever, which will drop it into the used capsule container. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 597,824 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Raymond Chiu Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu Home Appliance Cleaner 24 votes - 71% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12 Updated: December 29, 2025 Views: 597,824

Quizzes & Games

What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?Analyze MeWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Clean a Nespresso MachineThe Best Ways to Clean Your Nespresso Machine (With or Without Vinegar)Operate a Nespresso MagimixHow toOperate a Nespresso MagimixDescale Nespresso Vertuo How to Clean & Descale a Nespresso VertuoPlus, Vertuo Next, or VertuoLineUse a De'Longhi Espresso MachineHow toUse a De'Longhi Espresso Machine

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

 Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizTake QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Drinks
  • Coffee
  • Coffee Accessories
  • Coffee Machines
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --776

Tag » How To Work Nespresso Machine