If you’re looking to create Starbucks-style drinks at home without spending a fortune, pod-based machines are often the go-to choice. Among the top contenders in this category are the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro and Touch. Right off the bat, it’s clear that the Lattissima Pro comes out on top.
Although it requires more counter space, the Nespresso Lattissima Pro offers a larger water tank and used capsule container, meaning less frequent refills and emptying. It also includes a hot water function, which is a great feature for tea lovers. On the other hand, the Nespresso Lattissima Touch’s main advantage is its lower price, but it falls short in other areas compared to the Pro.
Delonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro Vs Touch: Specs & Features Comparison
When comparing the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro and Lattissima Touch, several key differences and similarities stand out. The Lattissima Pro, weighing 14 pounds with dimensions of 10.8 x 7.6 x 13 inches, is slightly larger and heavier than the Lattissima Touch, which weighs 10 pounds and measures 9.8 x 7 x 11.8 inches. Both machines heat up in just 25 seconds and feature a 19-bar pump pressure, ensuring consistent espresso quality. They also share an auto-frothing milk system, making it easy to create creamy milk-based drinks.
However, the Lattissima Pro offers a larger water reservoir at 1.3 liters compared to the Touch’s 1-liter capacity, as well as a used capsule container that holds 16 pods versus the Touch’s 10. The Pro also boasts a higher maximum cup clearance of 5.5 inches, making it more versatile for different cup sizes. Additionally, it features a solid aluminum housing, a hot water function, and a larger footprint, which some may find more stylish and durable. On the other hand, the Lattissima Touch is praised for its compact size, stylish design, and ease of use and cleanup, making it a great option for those with limited counter space. Both machines offer six one-touch drinks and the convenience of one-touch milk frothing and espresso brewing.
When comparing the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Pro and the Lattissima Touch, it’s clear that the Pro emerges as the superior machine, winning the comparison 5-3. However, both models have their own strengths, and understanding these differences can help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Tie
Heating System
Both the Lattissima Pro and Touch impress with their ability to heat up to the optimal brewing temperature in just 25 seconds. This quick heat-up time is a game-changer for busy mornings when every second counts. While many other machines may take up to 15 minutes to heat up, these two models ensure you won’t be held up when you’re in a rush.
Brewing System
Both models feature a high-pressure pump, a standard in pod machines that ensures you extract the full aroma and flavor from your coffee pods. This results in a rich, full-bodied taste with a beautiful crema, making each cup a delightful experience. In terms of brewing system performance, both machines are equally matched, delivering excellent coffee quality.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Dimensions & User Interface
The Lattissima Touch is more compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 9.8 x 7 x 11.8 inches and a weight of 10 pounds, making it the smallest in the Lattissima line. The Lattissima Pro, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 10.8 x 7.6 x 13 inches and weighing 14 pounds. The Pro’s body is made of brushed aluminum, which not only makes it sturdier but also gives it a more premium, durable feel compared to the plastic finish of the Touch.
When it comes to the user interface, the Lattissima Pro features a touch panel with clearly labeled buttons, which, although slightly outdated, is easy to use. The Lattissima Touch offers a simpler interface with backlit buttons, which some users might find more intuitive. Both interfaces are user-friendly, but the Pro’s build quality and design give it an edge in this category.
Cup Clearance
The Lattissima Pro also wins in terms of cup clearance, offering a 5.5-inch clearance compared to the Touch’s 4.9 inches. The Pro features a foldable platform that accommodates smaller espresso cups, making it more versatile for different cup sizes. While the Touch allows you to remove the drip tray to fit taller cups, neither model can accommodate tall travel mugs, which might be a consideration for some users.
Water Reservoir & Used Capsule Container
The water reservoir on the Lattissima Pro holds 1.3 liters, slightly more than the 1-liter capacity of the Touch. Additionally, the Pro’s used capsule container can hold up to 16 pods, compared to the Touch’s 10 pods. This means less frequent refills and emptying, which adds to the Pro’s convenience. Both models have seamlessly integrated water tanks with flip covers that double as sturdy handles, making it easy to carry and refill them.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
Both the Lattissima Pro and Touch come with an in-built frother, eliminating the need for a separate frothing device. With just the push of a button, you can create creamy, frothy milk for your favorite coffee drinks. While these frothers are convenient and produce impressive foam, they don’t quite match the finesse of a steam wand, which is required for more intricate latte art. However, for a quick and luxurious morning coffee, these frothers are more than sufficient.
Both machines also feature adjustable milk foam settings, allowing you to customize the frothiness to your preference. The milk pitchers are detachable and can be stored in the fridge, minimizing the need for daily cleaning. A thorough cleaning once a week with some dish soap and warm water will keep the frothers in top condition.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Nespresso Lattissima Pro
Drink Options
Both the Lattissima Pro and Touch offer the same variety of one-touch beverages, including ristretto, espresso, lungo, frothy warm milk, latte macchiato, and cappuccino. However, the Pro has a unique feature that sets it apart: a hot water tap. When the milk jug is removed, the Pro can dispense hot water, making it a convenient option for tea lovers or anyone who needs hot water quickly.
The Touch can technically provide hot water by running an espresso cycle without a capsule, but this method can lead to cross-contamination, with residual coffee taste affecting the flavor of your tea or hot water. This makes the Pro’s dedicated hot water function a more desirable feature.
Programmability
Both machines allow you to adjust the volume of your coffee and the milk froth level, which they then remember for future use. However, neither model offers the ability to adjust the brewing temperature or coffee strength, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a more customized coffee experience. Despite this limitation, the flexibility in adjusting milk froth texture and coffee volume ensures you can still enjoy a personalized drink.
Other Features
Winner: Tie
Auto Off
Both the Lattissima Pro and Touch come with an automatic power-off function, which kicks in after 9 minutes of inactivity. This feature is not only energy-efficient but also a great safety measure for those who might forget to turn off their machine before rushing out the door. It’s a small but significant feature that adds to the overall convenience and peace of mind.
Quick Rundown Of Nespresso Lattissima Pro
- Brand: Nespresso
- Color: Silver
- Product Dimensions: 7.63″D x 13.07″W x 10.79″H
- Special Feature: Gas Stovetop Compatible
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Capacity: 5 Liters
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 12.6 Pounds
- Wattage: 1300 watts
About This Item:
Unparalleled Foam Quality: Experience café-quality beverages at home with the De’Longhi Automatic Cappuccino System, which delivers perfectly layered espresso drinks topped with dense, rich, and long-lasting foam from start to finish.
Convenient Nespresso Capsule System: Enjoy the ultimate in convenience with Nespresso’s recyclable aluminum capsules. These capsules contain premium espresso blends that ensure an authentic taste without the hassle of measuring or cleanup.
One-Touch Simplicity: With just one button, you can effortlessly prepare exceptional espressos, bold cappuccinos, creamy lattes, and rich macchiatos. The machine handles all the work, making your coffee experience as simple as it is satisfying.
Enhanced Flavor Extraction: De’Longhi’s patented espresso extraction system ensures optimal water flow with 19 bars of pressure, extracting the full flavor and achieving the perfect temperature for each cup.
Adjustable Milk Carafe: The integrated milk carafe dispenses milk in adjustable levels, allowing you to customize your drinks to your taste. The carafe is removable for easy refrigeration and is dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning.
Pros:
- Heats up very quickly.
- Excellent milk steaming system.
- Solid aluminum housing.
- Larger used capsule container.
- Hot water function.
Cons:
- Expensive pods.
Quick Rundown Of Nespresso Lattissima Touch
- Brand: Nespresso
- Color: Washed Black
- Product Dimensions: 6.81″ D x 12.59″ W x 10.15″ H
- Special Feature: Electric Stovetop Compatible
- Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 9.9 Pounds
- Wattage: 1400 watts
- Voltage: 240 Volts
About This Item:
- Perfect Espresso and Lungo: Enjoy 2 programmable coffee selections (Espresso and Lungo) for a perfect cup every time.
- One-Touch Convenience: With a simple one-touch button, indulge in espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, creamy latte, or warm milk froth, ideal for a variety of coffee milk recipes.
- Hygienic and Easy to Clean: Features an intuitive manual clean system with a hygienic certification from an external laboratory. All milk system components are dishwasher safe, ensuring easy maintenance.
- High Performance: Equipped with a 19-bar high-pressure pump system for exceptional coffee extraction, and fast heat-up time of 25 seconds for coffee and an additional 15 seconds for milk beverages.
- Capsule Compatibility: This machine is compatible with Nespresso Original espresso capsules.
- Starter Set Included: Comes with a complimentary starter set of Nespresso Original capsules (capsule assortment may vary from the picture).
Pros:
- Small footprint, perfect for limited counter space.
- Stylish design that enhances any kitchen aesthetic.
- Easy to use and clean, making your coffee routine hassle-free.
- Offers six one-touch drink options for convenience.
- One-touch functionality for steaming milk and brewing espresso.
Cons:
- Small water reservoir may require frequent refills.
- Limited capacity in the capsule collection box, necessitating more frequent emptying.
Conclusion:
After a thorough comparison, it’s clear that both the Nespresso Lattissima Pro and Touch have their unique strengths, making them exceptional choices depending on your specific needs. The Lattissima Pro stands out with its robust construction, larger water reservoir, and advanced features like the hot water function, making it the better option for those who value versatility and a premium build. Its design, featuring a brushed aluminum finish and a user-friendly interface, also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
On the other hand, the Lattissima Touch offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for smaller spaces or those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use. While it may lack some of the advanced features of the Pro, it still delivers high-quality coffee with a straightforward interface and all the essential functions you need for a quick and satisfying cup.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a more advanced and durable machine with added features, the Lattissima Pro is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a simpler, more compact model that still delivers excellent coffee without the extra bells and whistles, the Lattissima Touch is a great choice. Ultimately, the best machine for you will depend on your individual preferences and how much you’re willing to invest in your daily coffee experience.