The Nespresso name tends to be synonymous with great coffee and espresso and as a result their coffee makers and pods have been growing in popularity in recent years.
That said, there are a few choices you have to make when choosing a Nespresso machine.
The first is whether you prefer the OriginalLine or VertuoLine systems. You can see our comparison of the two here.
Between these two options, there are some important differences to consider. If you prefer the VertuoLine, then the Nespresso Vertuo and VertuoPlus are among the top coffee maker options for you to consider.
Before You Read More:
► The Vertuo and Vertuoplus are almost identical with the exception of a couple internal components and a physical design change.
The newer Vertuoplus is an updated model that works almost exactly like the original Vertuo and it’s priced almost the same.
At TOMP we recommend our readers get whichever one you like based on looks alone.
If however you want to have a larger water reservoir then you should opt for the Vertuoplus Deluxe instead.
Continue on for an in-depth comparison that can aid you in deciding between the two!
The Original Nespresso Vertuo
Features
The Nespresso Vertuo is a great device for those who enjoy something compact, that still packs a punch when it comes to making great drinks.
Just by pressing a button, you’ll be able to make espresso brews that are on par with what you’d buy at a coffee shop.
It also uses convenient Nespresso Capsules, which are designed to provide you with the perfect flavor, no matter what kind of espresso you’re looking for.
On top of that, it can also brew several different sizes, so you’ll have just enough for what you need.
These include the 14-ounce Alto, the 7.7-ounce Coffee, the 5-ounce Gran Lungo, the 2.7-ounce Double and the 1.35-ounce Espresso.
For those who are looking for a high level of versatility, this is also a choice that can brew your espresso and coffee perfectly, each time you need it.
If you anticipate brewing mostly the larger coffee sizes then you may want to even consider getting a Keurig K-Cafe which is suited best at coffee but can also make smaller portions that resemble espresso that you could get from a Vertuo machine.
See our full comparison of the the K-Cafe and the Vertuo machines here.
Many also find that the crema the Vertuo machines are able to make is delightful and just as good as conventional espresso makers.
The purchase includes the Vertuo machine, a 40-ounce water tank that can be removed, and a welcome kit of Nespresso Vertuo capsules with Aeroccino but you can buy the base machine only for a lot less money.
If you don’t like the small sized water reservoir then you can compare pricing on Amazon for the Vertuoplus Deluxe which has a water reservoir that’s 35% larger and a spent capsule compartment that’s larger too.
With the Vertuo you’ll also be able to rely on this device to brew quickly, providing you with a fresh cup in no time at all.
Do keep in mind that this machine doesn’t have a built in milk frother, rather it comes with the Aeroccino 3 or another option separately with ease.
Pros
- Simple to use and clean
- Brews fantastic espresso drinks
- Offers delicious crema
- Highly durable
- Great customer service
Cons
- Pods can be somewhat expensive
- May not brew hot enough
- Water leakages can occur
Summary
What customers tend to love about the Vertuo is that it’s highly effective, compact and comes at an affordable price.
This little device has a lot of quality to offer, and makes delicious drinks.
Many customers also find that if the machine itself should have any issues, customer service is friendly, helpful and able to resolve their issues.
That said, some can find that the brewing process may not be hot enough for their liking, resulting in lukewarm drinks.
Others aren’t fond of the cost of Nespresso Pods, which can be expensive compared to standard coffee options.
Related – See the top Nespresso machines compared side-by-side here.
The Updated Nespresso VertuoPlus
Features
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is quite similar to the Vertuo, which is to be expected since they’re part of the same line.
The VertuoPlus can brew both espresso and coffee, making it plenty versatile for most users.
Furthermore, it offers five different cup sizes, which match those you see with the Vertuo.
Unlike the options in the OriginalLine, this VertuoLine device uses Centrifusion to create the perfect brews.
As a result, it’s also only able to use VertuoLine capsules from Nespresso.
The good news is that upon purchasing the device on Amazon, you can get a few capsules to try out as part of your “welcome kit”.
When you’re ready to order more, you can easily get them from Amazon or Nespresso.com.
Regardless of whether you’re brewing regular coffee or a delicious espresso, it’s sure to be barista-quality.
You can also easily make adjustments to the water tank, depending on the look you prefer and how much space you have to offer.
Thanks to the design of this device, it’s able to brew every capsule perfectly, due to its ability to recognize the capsule flavors used.
Among those who try it out, most absolutely love the quality this device is able to provide.
Pros
- Delicious crema
- Creates rich brews, either espresso or standard coffee
- Offers a compact design
- Easy to clean
- Brews quickly
Cons
- Can cease working unexpectedly
- Complicated instructions
- Pods can be hard to come by
Summary
The VertuoPlus offers a similar design to the Vertuo, and a lot of similar benefits.
It’s able to create delicious coffee and espresso drinks as well as crema.
The design is also relatively compact, making it pretty easy to store in places with less space.
However, some users can find the the instructions are a little too complicated for them to understand.
In other cases, there can sometimes be a problem finding the pods if you prefer not to shop online.
There can also be rare cases in which the device ceases working altogether.
Comparison
Features
There are a lot of similarities between these two devices, allowing users to be able to expect the standard they’ve come to appreciate from Nespresso machines.
Both are members of the Vertuo line, meaning they use Vertuo capsules exclusively.
Both devices are also relatively lightweight, with the Vertuo being only slightly heavier than the VertuoPlus.
As a result, they’ll be easy options to store in smaller kitchens.
Because of their Vertuo design, it’s important to know that they do not use a pump for extraction like most machines.
Instead, these use the Centrifusion feature to extract everything you could possibly want from the capsules.
Because they both use Vertuo capsules, you’ll likely want a sound method for storing those capsules.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that while neither machine has it’s own frother, you can get one when you purchase either one in a bundle.
For those who want the most possible storage space, the Vertuo is able to hold 12 or 13 capsules, while the VertuoPlus only holds 9 or 10.
Furthermore, the Vertuo is slightly more powerful, using 1350 watts when the VertuoPlus uses 1300.
It’s not a large difference, but it can be important for those who are picky about their coffee machines.
Price
There can be a decent gap in the prices between these two machines, depending on where you look.
If you’re purchasing them from Nespresso directly, then you may find they come at about the same cost.
However, through other vendors you’re likely to find that the VertuoPlus is a bit less costly than the Vertuo.
This makes sense, as the Vertuo does add a few more benefits that the VertuoPlus just doesn’t have.
As a result, it’s going to be worth considering whether you value the savings or features more when it comes to these two great devices.
Which Should You Buy?
Because these two coffee makers are so similar, this is largely going to be up to the price you’re willing to pay.
For those who want to go the extra mile and have a little more space for capsules, the Vertuo is a great way to go.
Otherwise, the VertuoPlus can be a great option for saving money without sacrificing too much.
Both also provide the same excellent standard for coffee and espresso.
If you don’t already, it can be a good idea to treat yourself to some espresso cups that you can use with the device you choose.
Whether it’s the Vertuo or VertuoPlus, you’ll surely be enjoying it on a daily basis!