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The Nespresso Atelier S85 is a Nespresso Original capsule machine built around one feature: a removable milk frother that works inside your own cup. You put milk and any optional ingredients in the cup, lower the machine head over it, and start a preset milk recipe. Nespresso’s design gives the frother a central role, but that is a documented design, not a proven performance advantage over other machines.
This article draws on Nespresso’s official product and support pages, the Krups support FAQ for the regional XN890840 model code, and the public listing from the independent testing body CHOICE. It does not rest on hands-on testing, so it explains what the machine is designed to do, how to use its milk workflow safely, and where the published specifications disagree.
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How the in-cup frother works
The Atelier’s milk function is the reason to look at this machine. Unlike a separate jug frother, the frother head sits inside the cup you drink from, so there is no transfer step and one fewer container to wash.
- Choose a personal cup that meets the volume rules in the section below, and pour in chilled milk. Add optional recipe ingredients such as chocolate pieces only if the cup can still hold the milk level required.
- Lower the frother head into the cup. Keep it centred and clear of the cup sides and bottom.
- Select a milk recipe and start it. The machine runs a preset program, so you do not control froth time or temperature manually.
- When the recipe finishes, lift the head out and clean it straight away, as explained in the care section.
Nespresso says the owner is the “master” of the recipe. That is product positioning from Nespresso Bulgaria’s listing, not an independent finding about foam quality or drink taste.
#1 Best Overall
- SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Brew multiple cup sizes including coffee and espresso options hot or over ice
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving format with side water tank for easy access
- ONE-TOUCH OPERATION: Fast heat-up and intuitive brewing with automatic capsule ejection
- PRECISION BREWING: Delivers full-bodied coffee with smooth crema every time
- MILK FROTHER INCLUDED: Prepare cappuccinos and lattes with hot or cold foam (if applicable)
Recipes and coffee volumes
The machine documents four coffee recipes: ristretto, espresso, lungo and milk. Official pages list milk-based drinks including cappuccino, latte macchiato, mocha and iced frappé, along with hot and cold milk foam.
Krups’ support FAQ gives the factory coffee volumes for the XN890840 model code:
| Coffee recipe | Factory volume (Krups FAQ) | Status of the figure |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 25 ml | Manufacturer-set factory value, not an independently measured cup yield |
| Espresso | 40 ml | Manufacturer-set factory value, not an independently measured cup yield |
| Lungo | 110 ml | Manufacturer-set factory value, not an independently measured cup yield |
The same FAQ advises keeping the espresso and lungo settings in place to get the in-cup results it describes. If you change volumes, expect the drink to differ from the manufacturer’s description.
Milk: what Nespresso says works
Nespresso’s official guidance is more specific than the marketing phrase “any type of milk” suggests.
Rank #2
- SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo and Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Brew 6 cup sizes, including 5, 8, 12, and 18 oz coffees, plus single and double espressos. Includes complimentary starter set.
- COMPACT: Sleek Vertuo design with 37 fl. oz. removable side water tank placement for easy access to fit tiny spaces.
- SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT: One-touch coffee system, 30 second heat up time, automatic used coffee pod ejection and adjustable drip tray for shorter cups.
- PRECISION BREWING: unlocks a smooth full-bodied coffee topped with a velvety layer of coffee foam, for a perfect cup every time.
- PREMIUM COFFEE BLENDS: Nespresso offers an array of over 40 permanent specialty Vertuo coffees, from dark and strong to mild and smooth, as well as unique limited-edition blends and flavors. A complimentary tasting pack is included with your machine (assortment may vary). Capsules exclusively compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines.
- Temperature: Use chilled milk, around 4°C, for foam.
- Plant milks: Soy, almond and oat drinks are permitted.
- Variation: Foam volume and texture depend on the milk type, its temperature, the cup and the frother position. Nespresso does not promise identical foam across milks.
In practice, this means a whole-milk result and an oat-milk result can look and feel different even when the same recipe runs. Nespresso’s own wording supports that expectation.
Personal cup rules
Nespresso’s assistance page answers the common question about using your own cups for milk drinks: yes, but only within limits.
- For hot milk recipes in a personal cup, use at least 80 ml of milk.
- Never fill the cup more than halfway.
- Keep the frother clear of the cup sides and bottom while it runs.
- Do not let chocolate pieces or ice block the frother’s movement.
Cups that are too small or too full are the most likely reason for a messy result, so measure the milk before you start rather than judging by eye.
Cleaning and care
The frother is removable and, according to Nespresso’s product listing, dishwasher washable. The official assistance pages set a clear routine:
Rank #3
- SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Vertuo Next coffee maker offers a variety of coffee formats in 6 sizes, including 5, 8, 12 and 18oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos brewed hot or over ice.
- SLIM & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Nespresso’s newest innovation, Vertuo Next, is the most compact, sustainable, and smart Vertuo machine yet. It’s made of partially recycled materials, and is only 5.5 inches wide.
- PRECISION BREWING: unlocks a smooth full bodied coffee topped with a velvety layer of coffee foam, for a perfect cup every time.
- PREMIUM COFFEE BLENDS: Nespresso offers an array of over 40 permanent specialty Vertuo coffees, from dark and strong to mild and smooth, as well as unique limited edition blends and flavors. A complimentary tasting pack is included with your machine.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Nespresso capsules are fully recyclable. Recycle the aluminum capsules through Nespresso's free program.
- Clean the frother after every milk recipe. Do not skip this step between drinks.
- Wait for the clean indicator to appear before you handle the frother.
- Handle the frother by its grip area, because it may still be hot after use.
- Follow the regional manual for the rest of the maintenance cycle, including daily care and descaling.
The regional manual covers water hardness, coffee-volume programming, automatic power saving, daily maintenance, descaling, priming, troubleshooting, recycling and the guarantee. Those sections are the place to check your own setup, because the manual you need depends on where you bought the machine.
Specifications: why the numbers differ
Published specifications for the Atelier vary by source and by model code. The table below shows the values each source gives. Each figure is attributed to its source and should be read for that region or model only.
| Specification | Nespresso Bulgaria listing (SKU S85-EUBKNE-S) | CHOICE listing (S85) | Krups FAQ (XN890840) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.9 × 43.3 × 27.9 cm | 27 × 12 × 43 cm | Not stated |
| Weight | 3.92 kg | 4 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Water tank | 1 L | 1 L | Not stated |
| Heat-up time | 25 seconds | Not stated | 30 seconds |
| Automatic shutdown | 9 minutes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Pump pressure | Not stated | 19 bar (stated by CHOICE) | Not stated |
| Used-capsule container | 13 capsules | Not stated | More than 18 capsules |
The differences are most likely due to different models, regional versions or measurement methods. Do not average or combine these numbers. If you need a figure for purchasing or fitting the machine under a cabinet, use the label on your own machine or the official documentation for your market.
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Model codes and regional versions
Three identifiers appear in the sources: SKU S85-EUBKNE-S on Nespresso Bulgaria’s listing, S85 on CHOICE’s listing, and XN890840 in Krups’ support material. The sources do not establish that these codes are interchangeable, so check the appliance label and local documentation before assuming that a manual, spare part or specification for one code applies to another.
Rank #4
- More than 30 coffees With different aromas, intensities & flavors
- Unique brewing technology bringing a richness of aromas
- Hermetically sealed capsules preserving the freshness of roasted ground coffee
- A generous crema for incomparable coffee experiences
- Machine easy to use & to clean
Price and availability
The Bulgarian official listing showed the machine as out of stock at a displayed price of €408.52 when it was reviewed. That is a regional snapshot, not a current universal price or stock position. Confirm both price and availability with the retailer in your country before you buy.
Warranty and spare parts
Krups directs owners to its accessories and spare-parts area for replacement parts. Before buying any frother or part, match the model code exactly, since the milk frother and part fit should be confirmed against your machine rather than inferred from the product name. Warranty terms also vary by country, so the guarantee section of the regional manual is the authoritative reference.
How to judge the Atelier against other machines
If you are comparing this machine with others, these are the points the available evidence can support:
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Capsule system and capsule availability in your area
- Milk workflow: in-cup frother versus a jug or separate frother
- Cleaning steps and removable parts
- Recipe range and drink customisation
- Dimensions, water tank and used-capsule capacity, using the source that matches your model code
- Local price, warranty and stock
The CHOICE listing provides the S85’s identity and specifications, but its detailed performance results are gated. This article therefore makes no claims about taste, milk texture, noise, reliability or value for money. Those questions need hands-on evidence or independent testing that is publicly accessible.
Who the Atelier S85 suits
The S85 suits someone who makes milk drinks often and wants to skip the jug and the transfer step. It is also a sensible choice for buyers who are happy with a preset recipe system and who can follow the cup and cleaning rules. It is less suited to anyone who needs manual control over froth temperature or texture, or who expects identical foam from every milk type, because the documented design makes neither promise.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
