What is the difference between the Nespresso Vertuo machines?

So it turns out that trying to navigate the minefield that is Vertuo machine models (by Nespresso) can be a very daunting venture. With so many versions on the market and sparkly new ones constantly being produced, it can be extremely challenging to decipher what the differences are between the various machines available, and determine which one will suit you (and your budget!) best.

To save you time wading through the endless ocean that is Vertuo machine information on the internet (we see you with your 1000 tabs open!) we've simplified everything and compiled the vital details into one comprehensive guide - YOU. ARE. WELCOME!

HISTORY

In 2014, Nespresso released their first-generation VertuoLine machine model. This first VertuoLine didn’t come highly recommended, supposedly due to a critical design flaw - the coffee brewed wasn't hot enough for the majority of users. Nespresso took all the complaints about the original VertuoLine and fixed them with the release of the Evoluo machine in 2015. The Evoluo fixed the initial issue by brewing coffee at a hotter temperature, and also featured an updated design (larger water tank and used capsule drawer) that provided a better experience. 

In 2017, the VertuoPlus machine was introduced to the Vertuo range. In addition to updated technology (motorised head), the VertuoPlus had a rotating water tank to adjust and fit different spaces as well as an updated look, with a much wider range of colours available. It is said that models from this particular line are notorious for leakage issues.

As of 2020, Nespresso has also released the Vertuo Next - Next is narrower than many other Nespresso machines, at a width of 14cm. However it's tank is still large enough to hold around 1.1L of water so you don't have to refill too often. The Vertuo Next gives you up to six brewing options, including up to a 415mL coffee. 

CENTRIFUSION

The Vertuo design doesn't utilise a pump for extraction like other machines. Instead, the range uses a feature called Centrifusion. After the capsule is inserted, the capsule spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute, blending ground coffee with water to produce a thick, foamy "crema".

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VERTUO MODELS

VertuoPlus - The Plus is made of a high-quality plastic. The water reservoir can change position, swivelling to the right, left, or behind the machine body.

VertuoPlus Deluxe - The Deluxe range is also made of high-quality plastic, with a movable water tank. In addition, this model has a slender machine body, and a larger water reservoir. Some design elements have been upgraded, such as the metal rims on the cup holder.

Vertuo Next - The Next is again made from plastic, including 54% recycled plastic. This model has quite a slim-fit, and a heat up time of 30 seconds. This Next base model utilises a plastic cup support and a plastic pourer.

Vertuo Next Premium - The Premium has the features of the regular Next, however utilises a metal cup support, chrome colour accents, whilst maintaining the plastic pourer.

Vertuo Next Deluxe - The Deluxe has the features of the Next Premium, however utilises a stainless steel pourer (rather than plastic).

Whilst bundles and limited edition (colour variants) are subject to change, below we've compiled some of the key options currently available (pricing in AUD, as of the time of writing / additional machines added to chart).

PRODUCT & PRICING	INCLUSIONS	SPECS	IMAGE
Vertuo Nespresso: $299	• Original machine with manual machine head/lever	Container capacity: 13 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Evoluo Bed Bath & Beyond (USA): $349.14	• Original machine with manual machine head/lever	Container capacity: 17 Water tank capacity: 1.6L
Breville VertuoPlus Breville: $125.96	• Round Top machine • Movable water tank	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.7L
DeLonghi VertuoPlus Big W: $179 (promo)	• Flat Top machine • Movable water tank	Container capacity: 14 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Breville VertuoPlus Bundle Big W: $279 (promo)	• Round Top machine • Movable water tank • Aeroccino3 Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.2L
DeLonghi VertuoPlus Bundle Costco: $199.99	• Flat Top machine • Movable water tank • Aeroccino3 Frother	Container capacity: 14 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe Myer: $262.65 (sale)	• Round Top machine • Movable water tank • Chrome features	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.8L
DeLonghi VertuoPlus Deluxe Nespresso: $219 (sale)	• Flat Top machine • Movable water tank • Chrome features	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe Bundle Nespresso: $229 (sale)	• Round Top machine • Movable water tank • Chrome features • Aerocinno3 Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.8L
DeLonghi VertuoPlus Deluxe Bundle Nespresso: $439 (sale)	• Flat Top machine • Movable water tank • Chrome features • Barista Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next (DeLonghi & Breville) Nespresso: $169 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Bundle (DeLonghi & Breville) Nespresso: $249 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Aerocinno3 Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Premium (DeLonghi & Breville) Nespresso: $199 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome colour accents	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Premium Bundle (DeLonghi & Breville) Nespresso: $279 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome accents • Aerocinno3 Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Premium Bundle (DeLonghi & Breville) Nespresso: $419 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome accents • Barista Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Deluxe (DeLonghi) Nespresso: $219 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome accents • Stainless steel pourer	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Deluxe Bundle (DeLonghi) Nespresso: $299 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome accents • Stainless steel pourer • Aerocinno3 Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L
Vertuo Next Deluxe Bundle (DeLonghi) Nespresso: $439 (sale)	• Fixed water tank • Manual locking head • Metal cup support & chrome accents • Stainless steel pourer • Barista Frother	Container capacity: 10 Water tank capacity: 1.1L

Additional notes when shopping around online: Solo references a machine sold without a milk frother, as opposed to bundles.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AEROCCINO3 AND BARISTA MILK FROTHER

Aeroccino3 Milk Frother (Nespresso $99.00) is a basic model appliance that comes in either white or black and can create hot or cold frothed milk. Hot froth can be achieved by pressing the button once and waiting 70-80 seconds. Cold frothed milk can be created in 60 seconds by pressing the button for 2 seconds until it lights up blue.

Barista Milk Frother (Nespresso $249.00) is an advanced model that comes in grey and can create frothed milk according to your beverage preference. It contains a touch screen system that can be navigated on the appliance directly or through Bluetooth to a designated app. Multiple recipes are available (preparing milk for everything from iced coffees to hot chocolate and mochas), usually taking between 45 seconds to 4 minutes.

PODS

Nespresso VertuoLine capsules are dome shaped and as a result, don't fit Original Line machines. Vertuo capsules come in five different sizes - 40mL Espresso, 80mL Double Espresso, 150mL Gran Lungo, 230mL Mug and 414mL Alto.

Pricing can vary from around 80c per pod, to $1.10 per pod. Alternatively, more and more budget-saavy users are opting to refill their capsules by using the reusable silicone WayCap tops that are now available (range details below), which reduce the cost of brewing to about 54c per shot (dependant on the ground coffee used).