Is the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Worth It?
Based on tests by Tom's Guide (Sep 2025). How we score
Save $425Depends. Vertuo Pop+ for most people.
Amazon prices as of Sep 29, 9:38 PM EDT (details)
Why
Tom's Guide rated the Vertuo Creatista 4 out of 5. Its automatic Breville steam wand "is quite impressive" and the machine is well made, but the coffee side "doesn't brew too differently" from Nespresso's cheapest Vertuo, the Pop+, which Tom's Guide also rated 4 out of 5. As the Pop+ review puts it, "the flavor of your pods won't improve if you opt for a more expensive machine." So the extra money buys the milk wand, an 18 oz carafe size and a stainless steel body. TechRadar gave the Creatista 5 stars. Tom's Guide's reviewer, a trained barista, adds that at this price you could buy a real espresso machine with an automatic steam wand. Splurge if you want lattes from pods at the push of a button; save if you drink your coffee black.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Vertuo Creatista
Vertuo Pop+ Coffee & Espresso Maker by Breville
From 1 tester: Tom's Guide
From 1 tester: Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide rated it 4 out of 5: "for a machine that has one job, it does that job well." It brews the same Vertuo pods up to 12 oz (no 18 oz carafe) and has no milk frother. After each drink it "dripped for around 30 seconds," and tall glasses need the drip tray removed. Tom's Guide tested the UK version, which it says is "exactly the same machine as the Pop+ you can buy in the U.S." apart from a chunkier drip tray and a smaller water tank.
Sources: Tom's Guide: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ review (Sept. 7, 2025), Tom's Guide: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review (Feb. 24, 2025)
Common questions
Does the Vertuo Creatista make better coffee than the Vertuo Pop+?
Not according to Tom's Guide, which rated both 4 stars. The same reviewer found the Creatista's drinks tasted about the same as any Vertuo machine's, and that pod flavor doesn't improve on a pricier machine. The Creatista's advantages are its automatic milk wand, an 18 oz carafe size and its stainless steel build.
Should I buy the Vertuo Creatista or an espresso machine?
Tom's Guide's reviewer, a trained barista, would rather spend Creatista money on an espresso machine: at this price, some grind beans, assist with tamping and steam milk automatically. Stick with the Creatista if you're committed to Nespresso pods, especially Vertuo's long and iced drinks.
Sources: Tom's Guide: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review (Feb. 24, 2025), Tom's Guide: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ review (Sept. 7, 2025), TechRadar: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review (July 13, 2023), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
