When Reese Witherspoon posted a breezy TikTok from her kitchen last week, the star wasn’t just showing off her morning routine – she was flashing a coffee maker that instantly caught fans’ eyes. The clip, posted on the actress’s personal account, featured a sleek, graphite‑finished machine perched beside a marble countertop, and it sparked a flurry of online speculation about the brand behind the appliance.
The video landed on the radar of Homes & Gardens on Tuesday, where journalist Megan Slack identified the device as the Nespresso Evoluo Graphite Metal Vertuo, a product of Nespresso, the coffee‑centric arm of Nestlé Nespresso S.A. based in Lausanne, Switzerland. According to the article, the machine’s shimmery exterior and compact rectangular water tank make it a decorative as well as functional piece, especially appealing during seasonal refreshes.
Background: Celebrity Kitchen Trends
Stars have long turned their home interiors into marketing goldmines, and Witherspoon is no exception. Since founding Draper James in 2006, she’s cultivated a reputation for Southern‑chic style that translates into every room she curates. In recent years, the rise of “kitchen Instagram‑ability” has pushed appliances from hidden workhorses to eye‑catching accessories, a shift that brands are eager to capitalize on.
During the holiday season, the demand for appliances that double as décor spikes. Retail analysts note a 12% year‑over‑year increase in sales of premium coffee machines between October and December 2023, a trend fueled by influencers showcasing their countertop line‑ups. It’s a perfect storm for a celebrity with a platform as large as Witherspoon’s.
The Nespresso Claim
Slack’s piece quoted former Homes & Gardens coffee‑expert Laura Honey, who said, “Nespresso dominates the best coffee maker market. Their slick and stylish makers are easy to leave on display because they’re just so beautiful.” Honey added, “Nespresso makers are effortless to use, quick to work, and (most importantly) they make delicious coffees. What’s not to love?” The expert’s enthusiasm underscores why the brand is a favorite among design‑savvy consumers.
Adding weight to the story, Espresso Outlet, a U.S. retailer specializing in espresso gear, listed Witherspoon among celebrities who favor Nespresso Vertuo machines. Their blog post, “Espresso Machines of Celebrities, the Rich and the Famous,” cites the actress as a user of a Nespresso Vertuo, emphasizing the machine’s quick brew time for both coffee and espresso.
The Smeg Counterpoint
Not everyone agrees, though. An article on RealHomes.com dated October 18, 2023, claimed the actress was instead spotted using a Smeg Retro Style Coffee Maker while collaborating with the organization The Home Edit. The piece described the Smeg unit in detail – a stainless‑steel and plastic appliance measuring 11.25 × 17 × 13 inches, priced at $229.95 on Amazon, and equipped with a reusable filter system that eliminates paper waste.
RealHomes also highlighted a nearby Smeg 50s Retro Stand Mixer, noting its 800‑watt motor and ten speed settings. While the mixer isn’t directly tied to the coffee‑maker debate, its inclusion signals that Witherspoon’s kitchens may feature a mix of retro‑styled and modern appliances, making it hard to pin down a single brand preference.
Expert Opinions and Consumer Takeaways
Industry observers point out that both brands occupy distinct market niches. Nespresso, with its patented Vertuo capsule system, caters to consumers who value speed and consistent espresso quality. Smeg, meanwhile, leans into nostalgia, offering appliances that double as décor statements rooted in 1950s design language.
“The choice often comes down to lifestyle,” says coffee industry analyst Marco Rossi, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If you’re a busy professional who needs a shot in under a minute, Nespresso’s capsule tech wins. But if you’re curating a vintage aesthetic for Instagram, Smeg’s retro look can be more compelling.”
For the average shopper, the takeaway is simple: there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all. Consumers should weigh factors like brew speed, capsule cost, and visual appeal against their own kitchen vibe. As Honey noted, “Worth the counter space” can mean different things depending on whether you prioritize function or form.
What This Means for the Market
The conflicting reports have actually helped both companies. After the TikTok went viral, Nespresso’s official Twitter account thanked Witherspoon for the “share” and noted a 7% uptick in Vertuo searches over the following 48 hours. Meanwhile, Smeg’s UK storefront reported a modest rally in retro‑style coffee‑maker sales, crediting the “real‑homes feature” as a catalyst.
From a branding perspective, the episode illustrates how celebrity endorsements can be a double‑edged sword. One unverified post can generate buzz for multiple competitors, especially when the star’s interior design choices are fluid rather than locked to a single brand.
Looking Ahead
Will Witherspoon eventually settle on a single brand, or will she keep swapping machines to match every seasonal theme? The answer remains unclear. Industry insiders suggest that as the holiday shopping season ramps up, we’ll likely see more influencers posting “my countertop picks” videos, each featuring a different appliance lineup.
What’s certain is that the conversation about coffee‑maker aesthetics isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re a design‑obsessed fan or a caffeine‑craving commuter, the debate between sleek metal versus retro chrome will keep brewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee maker did Reese Witherspoon actually use?
Public evidence points to two possibilities: a Nespresso Evoluo Graphite Metal Vertuo, shown in a TikTok video, and a Smeg Retro Style Coffee Maker spotted during a Home Edit shoot. Neither source definitively confirms exclusive use, so it’s likely Witherspoon owns both and swaps them based on style or function.
Why does the brand matter to consumers?
Brand choice affects price, brew speed, capsule availability, and visual integration into a kitchen’s décor. Nespresso offers quick, consistent espresso via capsules, while Smeg delivers a retro aesthetic that appeals to design‑focused buyers.
How have sales been impacted by the celebrity exposure?
Nespresso reported a 7% rise in Vertuo‑related searches within two days of the TikTok, and Smeg noted a modest increase in retro‑style coffee‑maker sales on its UK site, both attributing the spikes to the publicity.
What should shoppers look for when choosing a coffee maker?
Consider brew time, capsule or bean cost, cleaning requirements, and how the machine fits your kitchen’s visual theme. Reading expert reviews and watching influencer demos can help match function with style.
Will Reese Witherspoon’s choice influence future kitchen designs?
Given her status as a style icon, brands often see a surge in consumer interest after she showcases a product. Designers may increasingly feature graphite‑finished or retro‑styled appliances to capture that celebrity‑approved look.