Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Machine Review 2024

When life gets tough, there’s always a hot latte with creamy milk froth to make it all better.

But to enjoy it, you either have to wait in line at the cafe, grind your beans with a semi-automatic, or shell out the big bucks for a superautomatic.

Our Nespresso Creatista Plus review looks at a popular single-serve machine that makes it easy and affordable. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype!

Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Design Overview

Nespresso is the king of the espresso capsules, merging their knack for convenience with Australian brand Breville’s renowned coffee technology.

The result is the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus coffee espresso machine, complete with a milk frother.

This is a popular espresso maker, and for a good reason. It meets the needs of casual coffee drinkers without the steep learning curve, and it’s way more affordable than a feature-rich superautomatic.

Of course, you get less variety with capsule machines, but the Creatista Plus is a solid option if you’re in a time crunch and want a quick latte.

It’s also lightweight and compact, which makes it easier to store in the kitchen. The Nespresso Creatista Plus dimensions are 15.4″ x 12″ x 6.7,” and it weighs 11 pounds.

There are three colors to choose from: the Creatista Plus black truffle, Nespresso Creatista Plus sea salt, and Creatista Plus smoked hickory.

There’s also the Creatista Plus metal stainless steel finish, which is durable, sleek, and looks amazing on any countertop.

So apartment owners or homes with limited counter space can rejoice- this little device will slide seamlessly into any nook or cranny.

But don’t be fooled by its size- the Creatista Plus is packed with power. Its highlight feature is the automatic milk frother (and thank goodness it comes with a stainless steel milk jug), along with its effortless self-cleaning function.

It’s a user-friendly, quality single-serve machine that gives you a bit more variety than a single-serve coffee machine.

While it’s more expensive than the more limited models, it’s still a budget-friendly automatic option compared to a superautomatic.

We’ll explore the features next; then, you can get a sense of what the Creatista Plus can do.

Breville Creatista Nespresso Features

You won’t get fancy, but you do get functional when you brew espresso with the Breville Creatista Pro. The features are basic, but they work well and make it easy for novices to get their groove down.

50-oz Water Tank

There are two factors to consider with an espresso machine water tank: the size and whether it’s removable.

The size is important because if the tank is too small and your family drinks a lot of coffee, you’ll get over the constant refills real quick.

Fortunately, the Creatista Plus has an above-average 50-oz tank. While we wouldn’t recommend it for a mid to large office setting, it’s suitable for a large household.

The tank is also removable, making cleaning and refilling a bit easier than pouring water into a stationary tank from an odd angle.

Milk Frothing System

This is the standout feature of the Nespresso Creatista Plus espresso machine by Breville. They incorporated a fully automatic milk steam wand into the design for easy frothing and microfoam art.

There are 8 texture levels and 11 milk temperature settings to choose from. And since it’s automatic, it’s the perfect starting point for budding milk frothers.

Bear in mind that it’s not as professional as a manual milk frothing system. You probably won’t be able to create that cat riding on a dinosaur in the microfoam. But it’s easy enough to brew delicious lattes and cappuccinos or hot milk for cocoa.

Brewing Capabilities

We are happy to report that brewing with the Creatista Plus espresso machine is fast, and the espresso quality is top-notch.

That’s all thanks to the ThermoJet heating element that only takes three seconds to heat the machine; then, you’re ready to brew.

The only downside to a single boiler unit is that you have to brew first and then froth the milk. Some Nespresso Creatista Plus reviews attest to this being a bit time-consuming, especially if you’re on the go in the mornings.

The Creatista Plus coffee machine uses 19 bars of pressure to extract the most aromas and flavors from within the capsule, which is above the industry standard 9 bars considered for excellent espresso.

You can brew Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato with this machine, choosing from three different cup sizes:

Other than the coffee amount and milk frothing settings, there is a lack of customization that you just can’t get with an automatic single-serve machine.

For example, some Creatista Plus Nespresso reviews mention that you can’t adjust the coffee temperature, so the temperature of your drinks may not be what you prefer.

This may be a dealbreaker, as the coffee temperature is important for some.

But it’s a minor drawback when you think about how easy it is to operate this machine. You pop in the capsule, push a button, and you’ve got a high-quality espresso shot in seconds.

At least you get a complimentary Tasting Box of Nespresso Capsules, giving you more flavors and textures to choose from.

Creatista Plus Breville Setup & Operation

We’ll say right off the bat that the initial setup for the Creatista Plus espresso machine is long. Expect it to take around 20 to 30 minutes before you get your brew on for the first time.

With that being said, one of the neat features of this model is that you don’t need to squint your eyes reading tiny text in a user manual. Instead, the user manual will direct you to use the Digital Color Display Screen for step-by-step prompts.

It is one of the reasons why the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus coffee espresso machine is ideal for rookies. It’s incredibly user-friendly compared to semis or superautomatics.

By following the prompts, you can go at your own pace without missing a step. Here’s a quick rundown of how that initial setup goes:

1. Rinse & clean

Start by removing the water tank and drip tray and cleaning them with warm, soapy water. You can program the water hardness before filling the tank to the fill line.

2. Flush the System

You’ll need to flush water throughout the entire machine several times to ensure the interior is fresh and ready for action.

3. Get Ready to Brew

From here, it’s an easy street. Simply power up the machine, and it should heat up within 3 seconds.

Choose your cup size according to the different sizes displayed on the digital screen, and place the cup on the tray.

4. Pick a Capsule

Choose a capsule from the Tasting Box, pop it into the capsule holder, then shut the lid, so it locks into place.

5. Which Drink Would You Like?

Select your drink type on the digital screen, hit the Start button, and the Breville Nespresso Plus takes care of the rest.

6. Froth the Milk

You must wait until the brewing process has finished before frothing your milk.

Fill the included milk jug with your desired amount of milk and place it under the steam wand. The machine will automatically froth according to the settings you choose.

You can also try your hand at microfoam art. Here’s an excellent source to learn how it’s done.

7. Enjoy!

You’re all set to sip your favorite coffee beverage.

And if you run out the door and forget to shut off the Creatista Plus? No worries- the Auto-Off function will shut everything down after 9 minutes.

Creatista Plus Nespresso Cleaning Process

Daily cleaning is required to keep the Creatista Plus Nespresso machine performing like brand new. But note that the process is not as intensive as it is with other espresso machines.

The removable drip tray and water tank need to be rinsed out and replaced.

You’ll also want to empty the built-in Capsule Container, which automatically collects used capsules. It can hold 12 capsules before it needs to be emptied into the trash.

One of the best cleaning features on the Creatista Plus is the Auto-Purge. Coffee aficionados know how milk pipes can become a nuisance to clean. Still, the Creatista automatically steams the wand after each use, so it’s milk-free and ready to go.

Some Creatista Plus reviews mention that even after a steam cycle, there may be dried milk on the edges of the wand.

Simply wipe this off or fill the milk jug with water and hit the Milk button to flush out the system to get every bit of residue.

And that’s it! It’s a standard process, which is easy compared to some espresso machines where you have to mop up loose coffee grounds and descale.

Speaking of which, you do need to descale the Creatista Plus periodically. But the digital display will notify you when it’s ready for descaling.

Nespresso Machine Creatista Plus Pros vs. Cons

PROS

CONS

Nespresso and Breville combined their powers to create a convenient, user-friendly single-serve espresso machine.

The Creatista Plus has everything you need to pull a quick, flavorful shot of espresso, utilizing 19 bars of pressure to ensure the finest extraction.

This is important because single-serve espresso machines have a reputation for delivering watered-down shots.

While not a high-end setup, the automatic milk frothing system still performs above average to deliver delicious milk-based drinks.

We also love how effortless it is, making this a perfect option for novice milk frothers to learn the ropes without getting frustrated by a manual system.

Of course, there are limitations with any single-serve machine. For instance, the lack of variety can get boring fast.

Luckily, there are numerous capsule flavors to choose from. But the ability to adjust your settings for your desired strength and temperature is something you’ll have to live without.

For coffee lovers who are passionate about brewing their own espresso and tinkering with adjustments, this may not be the best model for you.

We Recommend Nespresso the Creatista Plus for…

Nespresso by Breville Creatista Plus Warranty

Breville offers a 2-Year Warranty on the Creatista Plus. You can read the fine print here.

Comparable Products

Nespresso has three other models in their Creatista line, which includes:

Each one offers its own special characteristics for a different coffee experience. Let’s see how the Creatista Plus compares to these product variants!

Creatista Plus vs. Creatista Single-Serve Espresso Machine

The Creatista is the predecessor of the Plus, and it’s also less expensive. Both machines have a very similar feature-set, with the same 19-bar pressure and automatic milk frothing wand.

The design is the same, except the Plus comes with a stainless steel casing while the original is made of plastic parts (which may account for the price difference).

The only other differences are the number of customization settings. The Plus has more temperature settings and additional milk textures.

However, Breville Creatista reviews mention that you can’t really tell the difference between the various milk textures.

In that case, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind plastic, it’s probably more cost-effective to go with the Breville Nespresso machine Creatista.

Creatista Plus vs. Creatista Pro Espresso Machine

If you’re underwhelmed by the smaller size of the Creatista Plus, the Pro might be what you need.

The biggest difference between Creatista Plus and Pro is that the Pro is larger, with a taller design, a two-liter water tank, and two ThermoJet boilers for optimal heat up time.

Of course, all of this comes at a higher price than the Plus. The Breville Nespresso Creatista Pro is suitable for large households, office settings, or even small cafes.

Creatista Plus vs. Creatista Uno Espresso Machine

The Breville Nespresso Creatista Uno coffee machine is the most compact model of the four, with a 20-liter water tank and two programmable cup sizes.

It is the least expensive model, but you do get fewer features, and the housing is made of black plastic.

It uses a Thermoblock, so the heat-up time is a bit slower- around 25 seconds.

You can still practice your microfoam art with the automatic steam wand, so the convenience factor is the same as it is across the Creatista line.

It also utilizes the powerful 19-bar pressure to produce a full-bodied, high-quality espresso.

	Creatista Uno	Creatista Single-Serve	Creatista Plus	Creatista Pro
Dimensions	6.7″ x 12.2 x 16.1″	15.47” x 12.13” x 6.73”	15.4″ x 12″ x 6.7″	7.8″ x 16.9″ x 12.9″
Weight	5 lbs	10 lbs	11 lbs	14.7 lbs
Water Tank	20-oz	50-oz	50-oz	67-oz
Heating Element	Thermoblock	ThermoJet	ThermoJet	Two ThermoJets
Warm-Up Time	25 seconds	3 seconds	3 seconds	3 seconds
Pressure	19-bars	19-bars	19-bars	19-bars
Materials	Plastic	Plastic & Metal	Stainless Steel	Brushed Stainless Steel
Brew Settings	2 x cup sizes	3 x cup sizes 4 x textures 5 x milk temps	3 x cup sizes 8 x textures 11 x milk temps	7 x volumes 11 x milk temps 8 x textures
Drink Menu	Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo (Manual: Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and Flat white)	Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato	Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato	Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Caffe Latte, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato
Milk Frother	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Price	$399.95	$499.95	$599.95	$799

Nespresso Creatista Plus Review Conclusion

Nespresso and Breville prove that you can brew a professional specialty coffee drink in your home without having to splurge at the cafe. From lattes to creamy cappuccinos, it’s possible with the Creatista Plus and its built-in automatic steam wand.

It is an attractive single-serve machine encased in stainless steel and compact for even the smallest space. With its one-touch capabilities, powerful Breville brewing technology, and hands-off cleaning process, it’s as convenient as it gets.

To conclude this Nespresso Creatista Plus review, we think this model is ideal for beginners who have never brewed espresso but want to learn how to use a steam wand. It’s also suitable for households with multiple coffee drinkers when espresso needs to be brewed fast.

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Breville Manufacturer Support | Nespresso Manufacturer Support

References & Resources:

• Breville, Official Brand Website.
• Nespresso, Official Brand Website.
• The Benefits of Drinking Coffee, Concorde.
• Why Coffee Could Be Good for Your Health, BBC.
• Health Benefits and Risks of Drinking Coffee, Medical News Today.