Nespresso Creatista Plus BNE800DBL review exploring features, design, and coffee quality

Description

Unboxing the Nespresso Breville Creatista Plus BNE800DBL

I have to admit, the Damson Blue finish of this espresso machine immediately caught my eye. It’s sleek, modern, and feels premium—perfect for a kitchen that blends functionality with style. Straight out of the box, everything was well-packaged, including a stainless steel milk jug and a tasting box of Nespresso capsules, which made me eager to dive in. The compact dimensions (15.47″D x 6.73″W x 12.13″H) make it a great fit for smaller spaces, yet it still manages to pack a lot of features.

The build quality feels solid. At 12.04 pounds, it’s not overly heavy, but it has enough heft to stay secure on the counter during use. Its design screams attention to detail, from the pop-out cup support to the easily removable drip tray. Every component feels like it’s been crafted with both aesthetics and usability in mind.

Key Benefits

Using the machine daily, I’ve come to appreciate its barista-grade capabilities. The 3-second heat-up time is a game-changer, especially when you’re rushing in the morning. You can brew a variety of beverages, from Espresso to Cappuccino and Latte Macchiatos, with just the touch of a button. The machine offers an impressive array of settings, including 3 coffee volume options (0.84, 1.35, 3.72 oz), 8 milk texture levels, and 11 milk temperature settings. These features give you almost limitless customization.

The microfoam milk texturing via the steam wand deserves special mention. It’s not just about frothing milk; it’s about achieving the perfect texture for latte art or enhancing the flavor of your drink. I’ve tried several milk options, including oat and almond milk, and the results were consistently smooth and creamy. The TFT LCD display guides you through every step, from brewing to maintenance, which is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

• Rapid heat-up time ensures no waiting around.
• Customizable settings let you perfect your favorite drinks.
• Microfoam milk texturing gives a professional café feel.

Areas of Concern

While I’ve genuinely enjoyed using this espresso machine, there are a few areas for improvement. The capsule system, while convenient, does limit you to Nespresso-compatible pods. This means you won’t have the flexibility to use freshly ground coffee or pods from other brands. Additionally, the price of capsules can add up over time if you’re a heavy coffee drinker like me.

Another issue I noticed is the cleaning process. While the machine has an auto-clean feature for the steam wand, manually cleaning the drip tray and milk frother parts can get tedious. The high-resolution display helps guide you through maintenance, but it still feels like a chore. Lastly, the machine’s 120-volt compatibility might not suit international users without a voltage adapter.

• Capsule limitation restricts coffee choices.
• Maintenance can feel cumbersome despite built-in guides.
• Pod costs may become expensive for frequent users.

Other Options

Having tested other espresso machines, I’d compare this one to similar models like the De’Longhi Lattissima Pro and the Keurig K-Café. The De’Longhi offers similar milk frothing capabilities but lacks the extensive customization options of the Creatista Plus. Meanwhile, the Keurig is more budget-friendly but doesn’t come close to delivering the authentic espresso flavor or microfoam milk texture.

Where the Nespresso machine shines is in its ability to produce consistent, high-quality coffee with minimal effort. Its manual and automatic features strike a great balance for users who want control without making things overly complicated. However, if you’re looking for a machine that supports ground coffee, you might prefer a competitor like the Breville Barista Express.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the features, I’d say this machine offers great value for its price. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it does bring a lot to the table. The personalization options, combined with the premium build, make it a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts. While the initial cost might seem high, the quality of beverages it produces could save you trips to the café, which adds up over time.

For someone who loves experimenting with their coffee or enjoys the occasional latte art session, this machine feels like it’s worth every penny. That said, if you’re someone who just wants a quick cup of coffee without any frills, you might find other models more budget-friendly.

Additional information