Lungo Button Nespresso

Last updated: October 2, 2026

The Lungo button on a Nespresso machine brews a larger drink than the Espresso button, but it does not make a double espresso. It runs more water through the same capsule, which usually produces a longer, lighter cup—and can also draw out more bitterness. Whether that works for you depends on the capsule, your preferred drink size and which type of Nespresso machine you own.

What “lungo” means

Lungo is Italian for “long.” In Nespresso’s Original line, pressing the Lungo button typically dispenses about 110 ml (3.7 oz), compared with roughly 40 ml (1.35 oz) for Espresso. Exact volumes can vary by machine and may be changed on some models.

The key difference is extraction time: the machine pushes more water through one capsule. That makes a larger drink, but it does not add coffee. A lungo generally tastes less concentrated than espresso, though the extra water can also pull more bitter or dry-tasting compounds from the grounds. It is not simply espresso topped up with hot water; that drink is an Americano.

Which machines have a Lungo button?

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

On many Original-line Nespresso machines, Espresso and Lungo are separate buttons. Models differ, so check the manual if yours has one button, programmable settings or unfamiliar icons. Many Original machines let you reprogram a button by holding it down while the drink brews, then releasing it at the desired volume. That change can affect the cup size the next time you press it.

Vertuo machines work differently. They read the barcode on each capsule and select a brew size and method automatically. They generally do not have the same dedicated Lungo button found on Original machines. Don’t assume Original and Vertuo capsules or brewing instructions are interchangeable.

Lungo vs. espresso vs. Americano

For a large mug, neither a single lungo nor a single espresso is a magic substitute for a full batch of drip coffee. You can brew a lungo and add hot water, or make an Americano by adding hot water to espresso. The latter keeps the espresso extraction short; some people prefer its flavor, while others find it too diluted.

How to use the Lungo button

Put a cup under the spout, insert a capsule and press Lungo. If the result tastes harsh, try the Espresso button and add hot water to taste. If it seems too weak, use a smaller cup or adjust the programmed volume if your model allows it. Changing the water volume changes the drink, not the amount of coffee in the capsule.

One common mistake is running the same capsule through the machine twice to get a bigger serving. The second pass tends to taste thin and unpleasant. Use a fresh capsule for another espresso or lungo. Also check that the cup is positioned correctly: a larger pour can overflow a small espresso cup.

Choosing capsules and equipment

Capsule choice matters. Some blends are designed to work well as lungo, while others taste better at espresso volume. Try a few capsules at both settings before deciding that the button—or the machine—is the problem. If you routinely want a mild, large coffee, a lungo may suit you; if you want a stronger mug, an espresso with hot water or two fresh capsules may work better.

Original machines also accept compatible capsules from other brands, but fit, extraction and taste can vary. If buying for a machine you already own, confirm the capsule format before ordering. A variety pack of Original-line lungo capsules is a practical way to compare blends without committing to a large quantity of one type.

If the button’s default volume doesn’t suit you, first see whether your machine supports programming; you may not need an accessory or a new coffee maker. A Nespresso Original-line capsule machine makes sense for someone who wants simple espresso and lungo controls. Choose a Vertuo machine instead if its capsule system and automatic cup-size selection better match how you drink coffee. The trade-off is that the two systems use different capsules.

A set of coffee cups is a useful add-on if your current cups are too small for a lungo. It won’t improve extraction, though, and you don’t need special glassware to use the button.

When a lungo is—and isn’t—the right choice

Choose lungo when you want a larger, quick drink and like how your preferred capsules taste at that setting. It is especially convenient on an Original machine: one press, one capsule, no measuring or separate kettle needed.

Choose espresso plus hot water when lungo tastes too bitter or intense for you, or when you want control over how large the final cup is. Use a fresh capsule if you want more coffee flavor in a larger serving. If you mostly drink full mugs of coffee, compare the ongoing capsule cost and cup size with a drip coffee maker before buying into a capsule system. The convenience is real, but so is the cost of using a new capsule for each serving.

FAQ

Does the Lungo button use two capsules?

No. It brews one capsule with more water than the Espresso setting.

Can I use the Lungo button on a Vertuo machine?

Vertuo machines usually select the brew size from the capsule barcode rather than using a separate Lungo button. Check your machine’s manual for its available controls.

Can I run a capsule twice for a bigger drink?

You can, but the second pass is usually weak and unpleasant. Brew a fresh capsule or add hot water to a single espresso instead.

Can I change how much water the Lungo button dispenses?

Many Original machines allow button-volume programming, but the steps vary by model. Check the manual before changing the setting.