Nespresso Vertuo Review

Nespresso Vertuo
Overall Rating
87
Coffee Quality (40%)
82
Design & Features (20%)
88
Durability (20%)
88
Ease of Use (10%)
95
Brand Reputation (10%)
92
The Bottom Line
Don't let its name fool you. The Vertuo is more advanced than either the VertuoPlus or VertuoPlus Deluxe! Its 40 oz reservoir is so-so but its 1350W heating element leaves you just 15 seconds from brew-ready water.
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Key Features of the Nespresso Vertuo

Key Features of Nespresso Vertuo

  • Product Line: VertuoLine
  • US/CA Partners: Breville, DeLonghi
  • UK Partners: Krups, Magimix
  • Brew Sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), gran lungo (5 oz), coffee (7.8 oz), and alto (14 oz) capsules programmable from 0.3-17 oz
  • Water Reservoir: 40 oz
  • Milk Container: None
  • Pressure: No pump; extraction via Centrifusion
  • Frother: Sold separately
  • Spent Capsules: 12 capsules
  • Wireless Connectivity: No
  • External Material: ABS plastic
  • Dimensions: 8.3"W x 11.9"D x 11.0"H
  • Weight: 10.9 lbs
  • Watts: 1350W
  • Other Features: Auto-Off after 9 minutes, 15-second heat-up, removable drip tray with 4 position settings (plus removed) for various cup sizes, programmable water hardness

Nespresso Vertuo Overview

Nespresso has two lines of capsule-based espresso machines:

  • OriginalLine: Their original line (duh) that used a 19 bar pump to extract shots from capsules
  • VertuoLine: Their new line that uses Centrifusion (rapid capsule spinning) to extract shots from barcode-enabled capsules but also brews standard coffee up to 17 oz

For our money, OriginalLine machines are better than VertuoLine machines.

Why do we say that? We have 5 reasons.

1. Pump vs Centrifusion

VertuoLine machines do away with a standard pump (which all espresso machines have) and use rapid capsule spinning to generate pressure. In side-by-side comparisons, we think VertuoLine coffee is a little under-extracted when compared to OriginalLine coffee.

2. Coffee Temperature

Possibly a result of Centrifusion, we also find OriginalLine coffee to be a little hotter than VertuoLine coffee.

3. Crema Consistency

The crema is that hazel-colored layer on top of your espresso. VertuoLine machines have an airier, "whipped" crema due to Centrifusion. This makes it more pronounced and aromatic, but it doesn't have the taste or mouthfeel of authentic crema. OriginalLine machines get closer.

4. Capsule Cost

Nespresso's OriginalLine capsules are less expensive than VertuoLine capsules. It varies by capsule, but generally OriginalLine capsules are around 30% less expensive.

5. Capsule Scanning

VertuoLine machines use capsule scanning technology to read the type of capsule you're inserting (they have different sizes for espresso, double espresso, coffee, etc.). This scanning system also locks out 3rd-party capsules, which are less expensive. That means OriginalLine machines accept cheaper 3rd-party capsules from brands like HiLine and Gourmesso. Some capsules can be as cheap at $0.35 per coffee, a substantial savings over Nespresso brand capsules (especially more expensive Nespresso VertuoLine capsules).

But that doesn't mean VertuoLine machines are worthless.

If you're looking for a dual-use brewer for both standard coffee and espresso, a VertuoLine model might be just what you're looking for.

Pros
  • Makes espresso beverages and coffee up to 17 oz
  • Solid internal construction means it won't break down quickly
Cons
  • VertuoLine brewers use Centrifusion (rapid pod spinning) to generate extraction pressure
  • Crema is thicker but a little too foamy
  • Coffee isn't as hot as OriginalLine machines
  • VertuoLine pods more expensive than OriginalLine pods
  • Pod-scanning system means no 3rd-party capsules

Is the Nespresso Vertuo for you?

Are Nespresso Vertuo for you?

There are 5 Nespresso VertuoLine models. How do they compare?

FeatureVertuo NextVertuoPlusVertuoPlus DeluxeVertuoEvoluo
Brew Sizes0.30-17 oz0.30-17 oz0.30-17 oz0.30-17 oz0.30-17 oz
Water Reservoir37 oz37 oz57 oz40 oz60 oz
Heat-Up Time25 seconds20 seconds20 seconds15 seconds15 seconds
Spent Capsules10 capsules10 capsules10 capsules12 capsules17 capsules
Width5.5"8.7"8.7"8.3"9.0"
Depth16.8"12.8"12.8"11.9"12.2"
Height12.4"12.8"12.3"11.0"12.3"
Weight8.8 lbs10.1 lbs10.1 lbs10.9 lbs11.0 lbs
Power Draw1350W1300W1300W1350W1350W

A couple important notes:

  • The Vertuo Next is Nespresso's newest VertuoLine model, but instead of going bigger/better, they went smaller. It has the slimmest width at just 5.5" but otherwise is the least feature-rich of every model.
  • You'd think the VertuoPlus and VertuoPlus Deluxe would be better than the regular Vertuo, but that isn't the case. Sure, the VertuoPlus Deluxe has the largest reservoir of the three at 57 oz, but the Vertuo has a larger spent capsule container (12 capsules) and a 1350W heating element with a 15-second heat-up speed.

Of the 5 VertuoLine models, the Vertuo is better than every model except the Evoluo, though the VertuoPlus Deluxe is notable for its 57 oz reservoir compared to the Vertuo's 40 oz reservoir.

If the downsides above scared you off a VertuoLine machine, check out the Nespresso CitiZ. It has a 34 oz reservoir and brews 1.35 oz espresso and 3.70 oz lungo, but you can also make an Americano to replicate a regular coffee.

But again, if you're repeatedly going to be brewing full-sized coffees (14+ oz) then there's nothing wrong with getting a VertuoLine machine.

That said, while we prefer Nespresso to every other single-serve brand, perhaps something like the Keurig K-Cafe is more your speed. Like Nespresso VertuoLine machines, the K-Cafe brews both espresso drinks and full-sized coffees, except the K-Cafe is better at coffees than espresso drinks whereas Nespresso is better at espresso drinks than coffees.

Nespresso Vertuo Review: An In-Depth Look

Check out the Nespresso Vertuo!

Check out Nespresso Vertuo!

Nespresso Vertuo
Don't let its name fool you. The Vertuo is more advanced than either the VertuoPlus or VertuoPlus Deluxe! Its 40 oz reservoir is so-so but its 1350W heating element leaves you just 15 seconds from brew-ready water.

More Nespresso Reviews From The Coffee Maven

Nespresso Envivo Lungo Capsules (OriginalLine)

Nespresso Envivo Lungo Capsules (OriginalLine)
Overall Rating: 87
Envivo Lungo (Intensity: 9) is the only lungo capsule blended with Robusta, giving this capsule a little extra caffeine kick (99 mg vs an average of 77 for all Nespresso capsules).

Nespresso Lattissima Touch

Nespresso Lattissima Touch
Overall Rating: 91
The mid-range model of Nespresso's 5 Lattissima machines, the Touch has a large 44 oz water reservoir, 12 oz milk container, an integrated frother, and 6 preset recipes for easy one-touch specialty beverages.

Nespresso Voltesso Capsules (VertuoLine)

Nespresso Voltesso Capsules (VertuoLine)
Overall Rating: 91
Voltesso (Espresso, Intensity: 4) is a light and sweet blend of Brazilian and Colombian Arabica beans that stands out from the other espresso capsules for its less intense profile.
About The Coffee Maven
bryan de luca
Bryan De Luca

I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!

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