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Nespresso Original vs Nespresso Vertuo – which one should you buy?
If you're in the market for a Nespresso machine, you'll need to choose between the Vertuo and Original capsule or pod coffee systems before you decide which machine you buy.
Here we explain the pros and cons of each system, and what type of coffee drinker they suit, to help you choose between them.
Not sure you want a Nespresso machine? Our guide to the best coffee machines will help you choose the best type of machine for you.
Video: Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: which one should you buy?
Back in 2017, Nespresso launched its Vertuo range of coffee machines in the UK. These use a completely different type of coffee pod to previous Nespresso machines.
Choose a Nespresso Original machine if...
- You're a dedicated espresso, cappuccino or latte drinker. Nespresso espresso doesn't have the same complex flavour as traditional espresso, but it's quicker, more convenient and can be used to make espresso-style drinks.
- You don't want to spend too much on your machine. We've found some brilliant Nespresso Original machines from around £80.
Choose a Nespresso Vertuo machine if...
- You're a fan of longer coffees or want a mugful, and usually opt for an Americano or filter coffee.
- You're willing to spend more on your coffee. Prices for the machines start at around £80, but Vertuo capsules are more expensive than Nespresso Original and currently only available through Nespresso itself.
For more advice on the different Nespresso machines and costs, see our guide to the best Nespresso machines.
Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: how they compare
The table below gives an overview of how the two coffee systems compare on key specs and their pros and cons.
| Nespresso Original | Nespresso Vertuo | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of drinks | Espresso and espresso-based drinks (ristretto, lungo, cappuccino, latte, etc) | Espressos and longer coffee drinks up to a giant mugful similar to a large coffee shop drink |
| Extraction method | Pump (pressure up to 19 bars) | Centrifusion (capsule spins rapidly once infused with water) |
| Capsule options | Nespresso Original range (38 varieties including seasonal variations/special editions) Third-party capsules from a wide range of manufacturers are compatible with most Original line machines | Nespresso Vertuo range (45 varieties plus special editions – not all are compatible with every Vertuo machine) The barcode system brews the right size, temperature and strength for each capsule No third-party options are available |
| Price and range of machines | £50-£500 – wide range of models available. Average price is around £150 for a model with milk frothing | £70-£219 – six machines available. It's usually around £50 extra for one with an Aeroccino frother |
| Our verdict | Best for those who like a traditional espresso shot or a café-style cappuccino or latte. See all our Nespresso Original reviews to find the best option for your budget. | Best if you like a longer or larger coffee, either black or with cold milk See our Nespresso Vertuo reviews for our full verdict on the coffee. |
| Where to buy | You can buy directly from Nespresso, or from third-party retailers like Amazon, Currys, John Lewis, or Very. | You can buy directly from Nespresso, or from third-party retailers like Amazon, Currys, John Lewis, or Very. |
Nespresso Original machines: pros and cons
Pros
- Some Nespresso Original machines are cheap to buy
- They come in all shapes, colours and sizes, with some super-compact options for smaller households.
- There is also a wider choice of coffee brands and flavours to try
- Cheaper third-party capsules are available
Cons
- The longest drink you can make is 230ml (that’s about a normal mug)
Nespresso Original machines generally only make espresso or longer espresso-based drinks. They usually come with a milk frothing option, or can be bought as a bundle with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother, so you can froth up milk to make lattes, cappuccinos and other milky coffee-based drinks.
Drink size options usually range from a ristretto (a short espresso) to a lungo. Original capsules only come in one size and can therefore only go so far before the drink is too diluted to be palatable. In order to get a longer coffee (such as a double espresso or Americano) you’d have to use two capsules.
Nespresso Vertuo machines: pros and cons
Pros
- You can make bigger and longer filter-style coffees and espressos with one machine
- The barcode system automatically adjusts the temperature, length and brewing time to suit the specific coffee you are making
Cons
- The range of machines is limited and their prices tend to be higher
- You can only use Nespresso-branded capsules; no third party capsules are available
- Capsules are much bigger in size, so they take up more space and the waste pod collection tank can get full quickly
Capsules for the Vertuo machines are dome shaped and they come in different sizes, which can be used to make six different-sized drinks: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug, Alto and Carafe (535ml of coffee). They are bigger in size compared to the normal Nespresso pods.
Centrifusion technology
Vertuo machines use a completely different brewing technology to Original line models and most other coffee makers.
The 'centrifusion' technology spins capsules at high speed to create a thick foamy crema on top of the coffee. While a standard espresso may have a couple of millimetres of golden crema on top, created by pressure, a Vertuo coffee has around a centimetre of thick foam. The centrifusion action can seem louder than your standard Nespresso machine.
Nespresso says this means you can make longer drinks but still have the crema experience, although coffee purists may not regard it as authentic.
Reverso coffee
Vertuo coffees are designed to be enjoyed with cold milk. Nespresso has even coined a new drink, the 'Reverso', created by putting milk in your cup first and then allowing the coffee to brew over it, though we've found this can leave you with a rather tepid brew. If you prefer warm milk with your espresso, you could gently heat some in the microwave first.
We've reviewed five Nespresso Vertuo machines, ranging from around £60 up to £480. The main differences are in capacity and looks, but one model has automated milk frothing.
Get our verdict on Vertuo coffee in our Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine reviews.
Nespresso Original vs Vertuo: capsules compared
In a nutshell, you'll get a wider range of coffee options and prices with Nespresso Original machines, as you aren't tied into Nespresso-branded pods.
Here's a quick breakdown of the key differences in capsule range and price:
| Nespresso Original | Nespresso Vertuo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price and availability | Ranges from 47p to 79p per capsule, but some compatible options are cheaper (as little as 20p) | 47p up to 99p (for largest capsule) |
| Drink sizes | 25ml ristretto 40ml espresso 80ml double espresso 110ml lungo 230ml mug | 25ml ristretto 40ml espresso 80ml double espresso 150ml gran lungo 230ml mug 355ml giant mug (Alto) 535ml carafe |
| Range | Dozens of different types and intensities of coffee, including single origin, decaf and Fairtrade. Some tea pods and flavoured coffee pods are also available. | Similar range to the Original Nespresso machines, with a diverse variety of intensities and styles. |
| Availability | Nespresso pods only available from Nespresso boutiques and online Third-party compatible pods are widely available online and in supermarkets | There are no compatible options available, so you're tied to buying your pods from Nespresso stores and online |
| Recyclability | Nespresso-branded pods are aluminium and can be sent back to the company for recycling. Some Nespresso-compatible pods claim to be compostable. | Vertuo pods can also be sent back to Nespresso for recycling. |
Our expert coffee-tasting panel rate the espresso made by each coffee machine, so you can see how both Nespresso systems fare compared with each other – and rival pod coffee brands, such as Lavazza and Illy – in our pod coffee machine reviews.
Choosing the best Nespresso machine
Whether you decide on a Nespresso Original or Vertuo machine, you'll want to find a coffee machine that makes a great coffee.
We've tested all the current Nespresso models, and found some brilliant machines that make a truly excellent espresso, and others that fall flat on flavour, under-extracting your brew.
Price is no indicator of performance, either. We've found good and mediocre options at every price. In fact, the cost of some of our highest scoring Nespresso machines range from as little as £70 to more than £250. While, some of the lesser performing models we've tested sell for upwards of £300.
What to look for
Key differences between Nespresso machines that you'll want to consider are:
- Size – Nespresso machines range from tiny models around the size of a travel kettle to substantial machines approximately half the size of a microwave.
- Capacity – the size of water tank and capsule bin vary between models, which affects how often you'll need to add more water and empty the bin, especially if you're using the largest Vertuo capsules.
- Milk frothing – if you want to be completely hands-off, choose a model with automatic frothing from the Lattissima range. Other models either have a steam pipe for manual frothing (like on a traditional machine), or can be bought with the standalone Aeroccino 3 automatic milk frother for around £50 extra.
- Personalisation – some models offer you additional control over the temperature and length of your brew. The Sage Nespresso Creatista Plus BNE800BS allows you eight different texture levels of milk froth, for precise coffee-making.
- Smartphone controls – the Expert machines can be controlled via the Nespresso app on your smartphone or tablet, using Bluetooth.
For more advice, see our guide to the best Nespresso machines where we compare some of the individual Nespresso machines we've tested.
To compare the different pod coffee systems, including Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, see our full guide to the best pod coffee machines.