Espresso home brewing systems have taken off in popularity. You can find them in homes all over. Nespresso is a leader in this type of system and has two lines worth noting: Nespresso Vertuo vs Original.
The Nespresso OriginalLine offers more basic options. It is the older and less expensive line. The company’s VertuoLine is newer with some advanced features and added versatility. Products from this line are more expensive.
Both lines offer excellent coffee and brewing capabilities, so it can be tough to choose between them.
What you need to make a decision is a head-to-head Nespresso Original vs. Vertuo comparison. Read on to learn more!
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Top Models: Nespresso VertuoLine Versus OriginalLine
Originally making a name as the top choice in home espresso brewing machines with the OriginalLine, Nespresso has recently expanded their product offerings to include the VertuoLine which is capable of brewing both espresso and coffee.
The most significant difference between the Nespresso Original versus the Vertuo is that in addition to espresso the Vertuo also brews coffee.
The OriginalLine is a good fit for those who want to exclusively drink espresso whereas the VertuoLine is a great option for those who enjoy both espresso and coffee drinks. For a comprehensive review of top Nespresso machines click here.
Top Models from Each Line
To give you an idea of what Nespresso has to offer, below is a look at two of the top models from both lines.
Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine
The Inissia from Nespresso is an affordable espresso machine option for single cup brews. It makes a serious cup that is strong and brewed to perfection, just like you get from your favorite coffee shop.
Part of the Nespresso OriginalLine, the Inissia brews only espresso. It comes in a variety of colors including black and red. It is designed using a plastic material which makes it compact, light and easy to move from place to place.
If you are interested in a small but powerful espresso brewer also be sure to check out our review of the Nespresso Inissia versus the Pixie.
The Inissia is incredibly easy to use. You only need to insert the Nespresso pod, start up the machine with the one-touch operation, and let it get to work. In no time, you have a hot cup waiting for you!
The Inissia has the ability to brew two different sizes. You can choose a 1.35 ounce espresso size or a large 5 ounce lungo if you are in the mood for something larger. As with all Nespresso machines, you have to utilize Nespresso capsules when brewing.
The Inissia comes with a built in used capsule bin which allows you to store 11 used capsules after brewing. This added feature is very conveinent as it allows you to brew several cups before having to empty the reservoir.
Another added convenience with this machine is the auto-turn off button which will shut off the machine automatically after nine minutes. The Inissia also comes with a power button that allows you to turn it off manually.
One of the best features about this machine is how fast it heats up and brews. You can have a perfect cup of espresso ready to go in under a minute!
When considering a new espresso machine it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of the brewer. Here is our summary:
Pros:
- Fast heat-up and brewing time
- Small, compact design
- Affordable price
- Easy clean up with foldable drip tray
- Energy-save mode
- Programmable
- Used capsule storage
- Creates delicious espresso with fluffy crema on top
- Simple to use and to clean
- Compatible with Nespresso’s Aeroccino Milk Frother
Cons:
- Only 2 drink sizes available
- Only brews espresso, not coffee
- Must use Nespresso capsules
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine
The Nespresso CItiZ is a compact, no frills Nespresso brewing machine that delivers a giant espresso punch. It’s a smart value for the cost, when compared to other Nespresso machines, and also carries the same quality as some models that are on the higher end of pricing.
The Nespresso CitiZ is designed to be sleek, slim and small. With its compact design, the CitiZ can find a home comfortably in most spaces. This makes CitiZ a versatile choice when it comes to brewing machines.
The machine provides high-quality brews that are similar to what you would order at your local coffee shop or café. It uses a 19-bar pump system for just the right pressure, and it preserves the delicate espresso flavor you crave.
The CitiZ brews espresso at a simple press of the button using Nespresso capsules to create drinks that feature Nespresso’s signature crema on top. You can choose from two cup sizes. The water tank is expansive, which means no refills even after multiple cups, and it is removable to make filling simple.
Once it begins brewing, you won’t wait long until you have a piping hot cuppa in front of you. It also has auto-shutoff, which you can customize to a set amount of time to avoid running up your electric bill.
For more information check out our complete review of the CitiZ!
The CitiZ also comes with the option to add an Aeroccino milk frother which allows you to create drinks topped with light and fluffy milk.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Sleek and compact design
- Brews quickly
- Creates delicious espresso with fluffy crema on top
- Simple to use and to clean
- Programmable auto-off
- Compatible with Nespresso’s Aeroccino Milk Frother
- Has storage for used capsules
Cons
- The CitiZ is noisy despite being small
- The milk frother can be hard to use
- Simplistic design, not a good fit for those who are wanting more features
Nespresso VertuoPlus with Aeroccino
The VertuoPlus has many advanced features that put it at the head of the line for top-notch espresso machines.
The VertuoPlus is a compact Nespresso machine and comes in three colors: black, red or gray and offers five different brewing sizes. You can brew various-sized beverages with this machine, including extra-large cups.
It also brews everything from the perfect espresso to iced coffee, and you can do this with just a simple touch of a button.
It also comes with an Aeroccino milk frother, which whips up a nice frothy milk that is a perfect companion to your café-quality coffee drink.
The VertuoPlus uses unique pods with a bar code to tell the machine how to make the drink you want, using a spinning extraction process that helps blend the coffee with the water to produce amazing crema.
Rounding out the features is the auto-eject removable water tank. Additionally, the water tank holds an impressive 40 ounces, so it’s never running out, even on the busiest of mornings.
If this wasn’t enough, this tank is adjustable to change the machine’s size for storage or to make it fit nicely on your countertop.
Click here to compare Nespresso’s VertuoPlus vs Evoluo.
Pros
- Brews multiple drink sizes
- Large selection of capsules, blends and roasts
- Can brew both coffee and espresso
- Knows how to brew your drink based on capsule you pick
- Brews in under 60 seconds
- Large water reservoir
- Durable
Cons
- Brewed drinks are warm, not hot
- Integrated Milk Frother has to be purchased in addition to the machine
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
The base model in the Vertuo line offers you more than you would expect. To begin with, you can choose the color that matches your kitchen style.
It comes in a retro style in your choice of red, black, chrome, or titan with a matte option for the black color if shiny isn’t your thing.
The water tank on this machine is impressive, holding 54 ounces. The tank is also removable.
It also has an empty capsule container that will hold up to 17 used capsules. This means that if you need to brew a lot of coffee in the morning, you won’t have to keep refilling the water or emptying the pods.
It operates fast, too, which means no waiting for a hot cup of espresso or coffee. It can make a range of coffee and espresso drinks to suit any taste and in a wide number of sizes. However, it won’t suit extra-large cups.
You get the spinning extraction technology that is standard on this line, and it uses the bar-coded pods that make it simple to use the machine. Remember, the pod tells the machine what to do, so you only need to press a button to get things started.
Pros:
- Heats up fast
- Single-button operation
- Many color options
- Large water tank
Cons:
- Limited size brew options
Differences Between Nespresso VertuoLine and Original
If you are new to single-cup espresso makers, you probably need some background information on each of the lines from Nespresso before diving into a purchase. Here is an indepth look at the OriginalLine and then the VertuoLine.
OriginalLine
The Nespresso Original line provides you with an authentic espresso experience. The machines in this line can make three sizes of brews:
- .85 ounces
- 1.35 ounces
- 3.7 ounces
It is important to note that each machine has its own limitations and size offerings, so you may not get all three options on each model, and some models may offer other size choices.
The Original line uses a high-temperature patented extraction brewing process. It delivers smooth and rich espresso in seconds that rivals anything a café could produce. Expect extremely hot water and a lighter layer of crema. The line also includes an automatic milk frother on all machines.
VertuoLine
The Vertuo from Nespresso differs in a variety of ways from the Original. The most notable difference is with the pod.
Vertuo pods have a dome shape and come in three sizes. They feature a barcode on them that will tell the machine how to brew the coffee. The information contained in this bar code includes the brewing temperature, speed, strength, and size.
The machines in this line can only use the specially-designed and patented Vertuo pods. Since they are still under patent protection, there are no third-party options. You must buy them from Nespresso, which can be costly and limits the flavor options.
The Vertuo line does deliver a strong cup of coffee with intense flavor profiles. It can also create a larger size serving than the Original line. You can still make various styles of coffee, including drip and double espresso.
There is not an automatic frother or other similar feature on this line of coffee makers. The design is for use with cold milk. A special brew, called Reverso, requires putting milk in your cup and then brewing the coffee into the milk. If you don’t care about hot temperatures, this will work fine.
Overall, the temperature of these machines is much lower than what you get from the other line or other coffee makers. The idea behind this is to allow for immediate consumption of brewed beverages.
The extraction method of the Vertuo line focuses on centrifusion technology. It is revolutionary in the industry and a unique aspect of this line. With this technology, the method is to spin the capsule to brew. This will produce a thick foam layer of cream that far surpasses that of other machines.
The Vertuo line is the more expensive option. However, the line doesn’t have any luxury models, so higher-end machines from the OriginalLine may cost more than some of the Vertuo options.
For more inexpensive options check out our review of the best espresso machines on a budget!
Compare VertuoLine vs Original
Now that you know a little about each line, we can look into how they stack up against each other. The immediate thing that stands out is the pods.
If you are highly budget-conscious, then the OriginalLine will suit you the best. You can use any standard coffee pod in these machines. Having to buy only pods from Nespresso, which you must do for the VertuoLine, can get very expensive.
Another critical distinguishing point is the crema layer and temperature. If you like a thick foam and want a coffee you don’t have to wait to drink, the VertuoLine is by far the choice for you. On the other hand, if the idea of room temperature coffee is a turnoff and thick foam is a no-go, you’ll want to go with something from the OriginalLine.
Finally, if the taste you want is an authentic café espresso, nothing can beat Original machines. Vertuo delivers more versatility if you prefer to experiment and are not as focused on getting that traditional café experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may still have some lingering questions about making your final decision between Nespresso Original vs. Vertuo coffee makers.
The following are common questions people ask about buying such a machine, they may help you decide which line to choose and definitely will give you some helpful advice when narrowing it down to the specific machine to buy.
How Long Does a Coffee Maker Last?
Before you shell out money on a coffee maker, especially if you are leaning towards the more expensive VertuoLine, you should know the average lifespan. According to CNET, life spans of coffee makers can vary greatly.
In general, espresso machines can last up to 10 years if you clean them often and take care of them. If you aren’t doing regular maintenance and care, it may only last five years.
What Is the Best Coffee Maker?
Labeling something as the best is quite subjective, but consulting the experts at Good Housekeeping, the best single-cup coffee machine on the market is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. Just as we did, the testers at Good Housekeeping enjoyed the overall flavor, ease of operation, and customization available from this machine. They also felt it was very consistent in producing each cup, and the crema was incredibly smooth.
What Should I Look for in a Coffee Maker?
Choosing a coffee maker is a very personal thing because you need to match the machine to what you like in a cup of Joe. For example, if you want espresso, you should grade machines on how good they are at making espresso. If you care most about ease of operation, then you’ll want something user-friendly.
There are also a few general points to consider that will help ensure you get a good value and that the machine will be high quality.
It is always a good idea to consider the water tank. They come in various sizes as you’ve seen with the ones from Nespresso. The size of the water tank will also often relate to the overall footprint. So, if you have a small space, you will probably have to go with a smaller tank, but if you know it will get a lot of use, you may want a larger tank, so you don’t constantly have to refill it.
You also have to consider the brewing options. Some makers offer more choices. Of course, you want to ensure it will brew your favorite type of coffee, but you also may want additional options to suit others who may use the machine or if you should have a change in what you like.
Do note that if you prefer lattes or cappuccinos, you will need a machine that comes with a frother or that has the option to add a frother.
Speed is another concern, but if you are looking at Nespresso Original vs Vertuo machines, they all will brew quickly. Even so, there are still slight differences, so make sure you consider this.
Can I Trust the Nespresso Brand?
Nespresso is part of the Nestle Group. You probably know this company from its many offerings found on your grocery store shelves.
According to Wikipedia, the company makes all its coffee in Switzerland. It is also the parent company to other well-known and respected brands, including Krups and De’Longhi.
It has a long history as a trusted and reliable brand. There is no doubt Nestle Group would allow any product to sell under its name that isn’t held to the highest of quality standards. In fact, a lot of reviewers have stated that Nespresso coffee machines require little maintenance, are durable, and will function for many years with no problems.
So, in short, the answer is that, yes, you can trust the Nespresso brand.
Where Can I Buy the Pods?
To address this question, we need to talk about each type of pod since the Original and Vertuo use completely different pod styles.
The Originaline machines have easy-to-find pods. You can buy the Nespresso brand or any other brand that comes in the traditional style.
When choosing pods, make sure you pay attention to quality. That is where you will see the real difference. Nespresso is a high-quality coffee, ranked as a premium choice. So, if you go with a budget brand, you will experience a different taste quality.
You can get around 28 different flavors and options in pods from Nespresso for the OriginalLine models. They also offer limited-edition options throughout the year. If you want to buy third-party pods, the choices are almost limitless with the many flavors and coffee types on the market sold in pods.
Since you have so many options in the brand of pod you can use with this line, you can buy them anywhere that sells coffee products.
Now, the VertuoLine is different. Since this line is fairly new, the company still has an active patent on the special pods these machines use. An active patent means that nobody else can create this exact same design of pod. Therefore, you cannot use any other brand pod than Nespresso.
The patent on the pod will not expire until about 2030, according to Macleans. You can only buy the pods in North America, and only in retail establishments that sell Nespresso coffee products. You can also order directly from the company.
What this limitation means for you is that you won’t have as many options in flavors. Nespresso doesn’t have an extensive line yet for the Vertuo pods.
You will have limits, which may mean if you want to branch out from straight coffee, you won’t have any luck. It also means that it could be hard to find your favorite flavor, depending on where you shop.
Cozy’s Bottom Line
After everything you’ve learned, we feel it may be helpful to share Cozy’s top pick in the comparison of Nespresso Original vs Vertuo. First, we feel the VertuoLine has more to offer overall than the OriginalLine.
The Vertuo is easier to use and provides more brewing options. While it does require special pods and is more expensive overall, we feel the value is the best.
Among the options in the VertuoLine, we choose the Nespresso VertuoPlus. It is hard to beat with the advanced features, including a frother and an amazing water tank with its own unbelievable features.
Of course, the VertuoLine is not the best choice if you want a hot espresso with minimal crema. So, if we had to choose a runner-up, we would suggest the Nespresso Inissia Original Espresso Machine.
This machine offers higher temperatures and a more authentic brewing experience. It is easy to use and has a variety of customization features.
Since we’ve made our choices, it’s your turn to make your choice. Which Nespresso line do you prefer and which model is the best fit for your needs? Whichever you choose, we hope you love it!
Happy Drinking!