Why Your Nespresso Tastes Burnt And How You Can Fix It

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Nespresso machines may have brought homemade espresso to the masses, but at a price — even the Vertuo Pop+, which is the least expensive model, starts at nearly $90, while more elaborate models cost up to $850. If you're paying top dollar for a coffee maker, you'd expect perfect coffee every single time, so why does Nespresso coffee sometimes taste burnt? Theo Chan, who blogs about his favorite beverage at Coffee Roast, thinks this is more a matter of perception than anything else. "Nespresso machines cannot overheat in a way that directly burns coffee," Chan told The Takeout. "The extraction temperature is controlled and does not reach levels that would burn the coffee grounds."

Chan feels the burnt flavor may be the result of using a roast that's too dark for your taste. Nespresso pods come with little numbers on them and each number indicates an intensity level. "Higher intensity numbers tend to indicate darker roasts, which come with more bitter, smoky, and roasted notes," said Chan, noting that these flavors can come across as tasting burnt to people who prefer lighter roasts with less bitterness. "If you're sensitive to strong or bitter coffee, choose capsules with a lower intensity rating and avoid the darkest blends," he said. "Smart capsule choices make a noticeable improvement in flavor."

Even if you've chosen a lighter roast, there's a chance you may still be tasting some off flavors, including burnt ones. "If the coffee tastes harsh or unpleasant in a way that goes beyond roast level, it's more likely due to the machine than the capsule," he said. Luckily, it's not a fatal defect. Your Nespresso machine is probably just dirty. "Old coffee oils, mold, or chemical residue from mineral deposits can cause unpleasant flavors that mimic bitterness or scorched notes."

A dirty Nespresso machine is an easy fix since you can use the built-in cleaning mode. If your model doesn't have this feature, you can clean your Nespresso machine (something you should be doing, anyway) by disassembling and washing the removable parts and descaling it as per the manufacturer's instructions. Proper maintenance will also help improve the quality of your coffee. Chan says if you really want to stay on top of things, you should go to the extent of running a pod-free, water-only brewing cycle before and after you make a cup of coffee. "These steps help remove hidden buildup and preserve clean flavor."