5 Best Nespresso Vertuo Machines Compared [2022]

Nespresso Vertuo machines are the most convenient way to get an espresso shot and a cup of coffee all from a single coffee maker. But which one is the best Nespresso Vertuo machine?

In this article, I’ll compare all the Nespresso Vertuo machines, showing you the most important feature, design, and build quality differences. This info is everything you need to pick the best Nespresso VertuoLine machine for your specific coffee needs.

Quick Take: Best Nespresso Vertuo Machines

Nespresso VertuoLine vs OriginalLine Machines

The original Nespresso machines just made capsule espresso. This made them very popular in Europe, but those machines never caught on in America.

Enter the VertuoLine, Nespresso’s new machines that make both coffee and espresso. They still make their espresso-only machines, which have now been rebranded as the Nespresso OriginalLine.

Both lines have their advantages. The OriginalLine makes better-tasting espresso, and some OriginalLine machines have built-in milk frothers for one-touch lattes and cappuccinos. You can also get cheaper Nespresso capsules for the OriginalLine since can use third-party capsules, whereas the VertuoLine only uses Nespresso-brand capsules.

The Vertuo Line’s biggest advantage is that it makes drip-style coffee as well as espresso. It also produces a richer crema and VertuoLine machines are generally easier to use and maintain. Part of their simplicity comes from the Vertuo barcode-reading system that automatically optimizes the brew settings for the specific type of coffee in your capsule.

Breville vs DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Machines

Nespresso doesn’t make its own machines. Instead, they design the machines and have more experienced espresso machine manufacturers build them. That’s why you’ll usually see DeLonghi or Breville listed in the name of your Nespresso machine.

If you’re trying to decide between a Breville vs DeLonghi Nespresso machine, let me make it easy: It doesn’t matter. The VertuoLine machines made by each of these manufacturers are identical except for some minor aesthetic changes. Breville machines tend to be more rounded and DeLonghi machines tend to be more squared, but they both have the same features and build quality.

Best Nespresso VertuoLine Machines

Best Nespresso Vertuo machine: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe has a few stand-out features that make it the best Vertuo machine for almost all capsule coffee lovers. I’ll cover most of them below, but you can find the full details in my Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe review.

First, it has a huge 60-ounce water tank. That’s enough hot water to make 44 shots of espresso or 7 mug-sized coffees between refills. The machine’s used capsule compartment holds about 10 mug-sized capsules, so the cleanup process between tank refills is virtually non-existent: just wipe any spills.

The VertuoPlus Deluxe’s water tank has three adjustable positions. You can place it behind the machine or on either side. That adjustable reservoir is great if you have limited counter space, and it also offers a couple of different aesthetics for the machine.

Just like most of the other VertuoLine machines, the VertuoPlus Deluxe has five cup sizes:

• Espresso — 1.35 ounces
• Double Espresso — 2.7 ounces
• Gran Lungo — 5 ounces
• Mug — 7.8 ounces
• Alto — 14 ounces

The Vertuo Next is the only VertuoLine machine with more brew size options.

The VertuoPlus Deluxe is a pretty small coffee maker, but it’s slightly larger than the Vertuo and Vertuo Next. When comparing sizes, though, keep in mind that the VertuoPlus Deluxe does have the adjustable water tank, something that the other models are lacking.

Cheapest Nespresso Vertuo machine: Nespresso VertuoPlus

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is exactly the same as the VertuoPlus Deluxe in almost every way. The only differences are the color options (the Deluxe has chrome accents) and the size of the water tank.

The VertuoPlus’s 40-ounce water tank is a full 20 ounces smaller than that of the Deluxe. If you care about maximum convenience, that’s a major point in favor of the Deluxe. However, you’ll typically save about $30 by going with the VertuoPlus instead of the VertuoPlus Deluxe.

That affordable price makes the VertuoPlus an incredibly popular option for first-time Nespresso buyers.

Best Small Nespresso machine: Nespresso Vertuo Next

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the newest and most feature-rich VertuoLine machine. 

To start with, it’s the first machine that takes Nespresso’s new 18-ounce carafe capsules. That gives it six brew size options, compared with the five options available on all the other VertuoLine machines.

The Vertuo Next includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it the closest thing to a smart coffee maker in the entire Nespresso lineup. This is easily the biggest technological difference between the VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next.

Right now, the main feature of the Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app is the ability to track and re-order capsules. More importantly, though, the Next’s connectivity lets it receive firmware updates, so it’s the first Nespresso Vertuo machine that will get fixes for software issues and receive new features as they come out.

At just 5.5 inches wide, the Vertuo Next is the narrowest VertuoLine machine. It’s also the most environmentally friendly VertuoLine machine since they made it from 54% recycled plastic. Of course, you’d need to switch to reusable Nespresso capsules to truly minimize the Next’s environmental impact.

The smaller size of the Vertuo Next does mean they had to sacrifice when it comes to the water reservoir. The tank is rigidly placed behind the machine and holds only 37 ounces, making it the smallest tank of any Nespresso VertuoLine machine. The used capsule capacity is still the same size (10 mug-sized capsules) as that of the VertuoPlus, though.

Highest-quality Vertuo machine: Nespresso Vertuo

With the more advanced VertuoPlus and Vertuo Next machines to choose from, you’d think people would have forgotten about the classic Nespresso Vertuo. However, this machine still has a huge following due to its impressive build quality.

Early on, the VertuoPlus and — to a less extent — the Vertuo Next had some rare build defects. The most common of these was a leak in the VertuoPlus’s water tank. Nespresso recognized these defects and covered them under its warranty. They also seem to have entirely eliminated the problem in recent years.

Still, those issues shone a light on the impressive build quality of the Nespresso Vertuo. It’s a simpler machine, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. But that’s not the only difference between the Vertuo and VertuoPlus.

The Vertuo is more compact than the VertuoPlus, partially due to its rigid water tank. It’s also shorter and less deep than the Vertuo Next, although the Vertuo is nearly 3 inches wider than the Vertuo Next.

The water tank on the Vertuo holds 40 ounces, the same as the VertuoPlus (not the VertuoPlus Deluxe). It also has a larger used capsule capacity, 13 mug-sized pods. 

Low-maintenance Vertuo machine: Nespresso Evoluo

The Nespresso Evoluo is the oldest VertuoLine machine that you can still purchase. You may have a hard time finding it new, especially given the recent shortages.

The Evoluo doesn’t have the advanced features of the VertuoPlus or Vertuo Next, yet it’s the most expensive VertuoLine model. Crazy, right?

Here’s the thing, though: The Evoluo was built to be a durable, easy-to-maintain, powerhouse of a coffee maker.

The 54-ounce water tank is the second-largest of any VertuoLine machine (only the VertuoPlus Deluxe’s tank is bigger). The used capsule container holds 17 mug-sized capsules, more than any of the other Vertuo machines. And the Evoluo has the same durability as the Vertuo.

Most newer Nespresso users are probably better off with the VertuoPlus Deluxe, but the Evoluo is a classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

Nespresso’s VertuoLine machines are a huge step forward for coffee lovers that demand both convenience and quality. While the VertuoPlus Deluxe gets my highest recommendation, you really can’t go wrong with any of these machines. If none of them strike your fancy, you can even check out my comparison of all current Nespresso machines.

Nespresso isn’t the only capsule coffee maker on the market. If you don’t care about espresso, Keurig machines are another great option, especially their new smart coffee maker that you can read about in my Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart Review. That machine’s BrewID system (a lot like the VertuoLine barcode reading system) makes it one of the best Nespresso competitors on the market.

One more time, here are my top picks for the best Nespresso Vertuo machine: