Does Nespresso Make Regular Coffee? (Must-Know Tricks)
Last updated on April 18th, 2025 at 11:29 am
Can you really make a regular coffee with a Nespresso Machine?
Though I can brew a solid cup of regular coffee with my OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, I’ve lost count of how many times my friends have asked me the same question—“Can I make regular coffee with my Nespresso machine?”
I guess that’s what happens when you run a coffee blog! At first, I’d just shake my head and say, “Nespresso is for espresso,” but then I started digging deeper.
Guess what? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no.
If you’re wondering whether Nespresso can give you that classic, full-sized cup of coffee, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down which Nespresso machines and pods work best, how to tweak your brewing process, and whether Nespresso is a true substitute for drip coffee. So, let’s start brewing!
Key Takeaways
Nespresso Can Brew Larger Coffee Servings. But Not Traditional Drip Coffee: If you want a full-sized cup of coffee, Nespresso Vertuo machines are your best bet. They use Centrifusion technology and larger pods designed for 5 oz to 18 oz servings, mimicking drip coffee. However, OriginalLine machines are made for espresso and lungo shots only.
Vertuo Pods Are Designed for Regular Coffee, OriginalLine Requires a Workaround: VertuoLine pods like Melozio, Stormio, and Odacio are specifically crafted for larger coffee servings. If you own an OriginalLine machine, you can brew a lungo and add hot water to make an Americano—it’s the closest thing to regular coffee without a Vertuo machine.
Nespresso Coffee Tastes Different from Drip Coffee: Nespresso uses pressure-based extraction. In other words, your cup will be richer, more concentrated, and have a crema layer, unlike standard drip coffee. If you prefer a traditional brewed coffee taste, you may want to use a French press, pour-over, or a pod-based system like Keurig instead.
What Is Considered “Regular Coffee”?
If you ask ten different people what “regular coffee” means, you’ll probably get ten different answers. It all depends on where you are.
In the U.S., regular coffee typically refers to a standard cup of brewed coffee. For instance, something you’d get from a drip coffee maker or a diner refill. It’s smooth, mild, and meant for sipping rather than quick shots of bold caffeine.
Espresso Vs Other Methods
On the other hand, espresso is smaller in volume and much more concentrated. That’s why a traditional espresso shot is served in tiny cups, while regular coffee fills a mug.
In most cases, regular coffee is made using methods like drip brewing, French presses, or pour-over techniques like a Chemex or V60. These methods involve slowly extracting flavors with hot water. So it brews a more mellow and less intense coffee compared to espresso.
Now, What is Nespresso?
So, when people wonder if Nespresso can make “regular coffee,” what they’re really asking is: Can it brew something that tastes like a traditional drip coffee?
Well, the answer depends on the Nespresso machine you’re using, and I’ll break that down in the next sections.
Can Nespresso Make Regular Coffee?
I get this question a lot, especially from people considering a Nespresso machine but unsure if it can replace their trusty drip coffee maker. The short answer? It depends on the machine you have.
Nespresso OriginalLine machines
Built for espresso and lungo shots, which means they’re not designed to brew a full cup of traditional coffee.
You can still create something close by making a lungo and adding hot water to mimic an Americano. However, it won’t taste exactly like a classic drip coffee.
Nespresso VertuoLine machines
These machines are designed to brew larger coffee servings, closer to what you’d get from a traditional coffee maker.
They use Centrifusion technology: a fancy way of saying the pods spin at high speeds while hot water is forced through them. This method extracts coffee differently than a regular drip brewer, creating a richer, more concentrated cup.
It’s not quite the same as pour-over or French press coffee. But it’s a great alternative for anyone who wants both espresso and larger coffee servings from one machine.
Note: So, if you’re after a classic 8-12 oz coffee, the Nespresso VertuoLine is your best bet. But if you already own an OriginalLine machine, don’t worry. You can still tweak your brewing method to get an enjoyable cup!
Best Nespresso Machines for Regular Coffee
If you’re looking for a Nespresso machine that can brew regular coffee, you must choose from their VertuoLine series. So, here are some options I recommend:
1 – Nespresso VertuoPlus
The VertuoPlus is a great all-rounder because it brews both espresso and full-sized coffee. It uses Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology, which spins the coffee pod at high speed to extract maximum flavor.
One of its standout features is the adjustable water tank. This allows you to position it for different kitchen layouts—perfect if you’re short on counter space.
If you want a compact, user-friendly machine that still makes a solid cup of coffee, this is a great choice.
2 – Nespresso Vertuo Next
If you love variety, the Vertuo Next is designed to offer more flexibility. It can brew five different cup sizes, including a large 18 oz carafe option. For this reason, it’s ideal for anyone who wants multiple servings or a bigger morning coffee.
Plus, it’s one of Nespresso’s most eco-friendly machines, made from 54% recycled materials. If you need a compact machine that can make everything from a quick espresso to a full mug of coffee, the Vertuo Next has you covered.
3 – Nespresso Evoluo
It was one of the original Vertuo machines, built specifically for those transitioning from drip coffee makers to Nespresso. This machine has a larger water tank than the VertuoPlus and Next.
In other words, you can make more coffee before needing to refill. Meanwhile, it isn’t the most modern-looking machine.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a space-saving machine that still makes great coffee, go with the VertuoPlus.
If you love variety and larger cups of coffee, the Vertuo Next is your best bet.
If you want a machine with a bigger water tank and proven reliability, check out the Evoluo.
Nespresso Pod Options for Regular Coffee
If you’re trying to get a classic cup of coffee from your Nespresso machine, your pod choice matters.
Not all Nespresso pods are made for larger servings, and if you grab the wrong one, you might end up with a tiny espresso shot instead of a full mug of coffee.
OriginalLine Pods (Espresso & Lungo Only)
If you own a Nespresso OriginalLine machine, keep in mind that it’s not built for brewing regular coffee. These machines specialize in espresso and lungo, which means they use smaller pods that hold 1.35 oz (Espresso) or 3.7 oz (Lungo) servings.
- Espresso pods produce a concentrated shot—ideal for espresso drinks but far from a full-sized coffee.
- Lungo pods give you a longer pour, but even at 3.7 oz, it’s still not the same as a traditional 8–12 oz cup of coffee.
That said, if you have an OriginalLine machine and want something closer to regular coffee, try brewing a lungo shot and adding hot water to create an Americano. Of course, it isn’t the same as drip coffee, but it’s a solid workaround.
VertuoLine Pods (For Larger Coffee Servings)
If you want real full-sized coffee, Nespresso Vertuo machines are the better option. You have different sizes of Vertuo pods. This allows you to brew anywhere from 5 oz to 18 oz servings. Some of the best Vertuo pods for regular coffee include:
- Melozio – A smooth, well-balanced medium roast with hints of cereal and honey.
- Stormio – A bold, dark roast with deep, intense flavors—great if you love strong coffee.
- Odacio – A full-bodied, slightly fruity blend for those who like a bit more complexity in their cup.
If you want a true cup of coffee from a Nespresso machine, VertuoLine pods are the way to go. Because they’re designed to brew larger servings.
How to Make Regular Coffee with a Nespresso Machine?
Nespresso does offer a way, but the method depends on which Nespresso machine you own. For example:
Using a Nespresso Vertuo Machine
If you have a Nespresso Vertuo machine, making regular coffee is as simple as popping in the right pod. Just do the following:
- Insert a Vertuo coffee pod – Make sure it’s one of the larger Vertuo pods designed for an 8 oz or more serving. (Hint: Look for options like Melozio or Stormio for a great balanced cup.)
- Select the cup size – Most Vertuo machines automatically read the pod size. However, if you have the option, choose 8 oz or more for that classic coffee feel.
- Press the brew button – The Centrifusion technology will spin the pod, extracting a smooth and well-rounded coffee. Once done, just sit back and enjoy.
Using an OriginalLine Machine (Alternative Methods)
If you own a Nespresso OriginalLine machine, things get a little trickier. These machines are made for espresso and lungo. So you won’t get a true regular coffee. But you can get close with a few simple tricks.
- Brew a lungo (3.7 oz) and add hot water – This is the easiest way to mimic a regular coffee. Just pull a lungo shot, then add hot water to dilute it into something similar to drip coffee.
- Use a double espresso pod and dilute – Another option is to brew a double espresso shot (about 2.7 oz) and mix it with hot water to create an Americano—which has a similar strength and volume to traditional coffee.
While Nespresso’s OriginalLine isn’t built for regular coffee, these hacks will get you pretty close.
Last Thoughts
Have you tried making regular coffee with your Nespresso machine? Do you have any tricks or favorite pod recommendations that work well? I’d love to read your comment below!
