The Best Nespresso Vertuo Machine In 2024 (We Only Recommend Two)

Here at the Green Pods we often get inquiries from people who don’t yet have a coffee machine and are looking to buy the perfect one for their needs.

In North America in particular, there is a huge popularity for Nespresso VertuoLine machines.

While at face value these could be any other capsule coffee machine, we suspect it is due to their ability to make large volume coffee drinking such as their 230ml (8oz) mug size, and 414ml (14oz) Alto size. These large drinks are much more akin to the big cup of filter coffee that has traditionally been commonplace in offices, diners, and cafes around Canada and the USA – and a far cry from the smaller espresso-based beverages of Europe.

So, In this article, we’re going to look at what is the best Nespresso Vertuo machine for you to purchase, and what key factors you need to consider before making the decision.

Quick Summary:
We recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Next as the best value coffee machine, due to it having enough basic features, while only costing around $150 USD. If you’re looking for something with enough bells and whistles to create any coffee you can think of, including perfectly frothed milk, then the Nespresso VertuoLine Plus is the one for you.
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What Makes a Nespresso Vertuo (VertuoLine) Unique?

VertuoLine machines may look the same as any other countertop coffee machine, but in fact, work completely differently.

They use Nespresso Centrifusion™ technology which spins the pod at 7,000 rpm while feeding the water through the center into the coffee grounds. This is a stark difference from all other coffee pod machines which inject high-pressure hot water into the coffee using a high-pressure pump.

VertuoLine capsules are made from aluminum and look like a small dome or hemisphere. This means the hot water has the same distance to travel through the beans, no matter what direction it goes. They are a little bigger than OriginalLine pods which allows them to hold more coffee.

Just like the Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, the pods can be recycled in-store at a Nespresso Boutique or via the recycling bag system with online orders.

There are currently 27 different flavors and 5 different sizes. These are;

• VertuoLine Espresso – 40ml / 1.35oz
• VertuoLine Double Espresso – 80ml / 2.7oz
• VertuoLine Gran Lungo – 150ml / 5oz
• VertuoLine Coffee (mug) – 230ml / 8oz
• VertuoLine Alto – 414ml / 14oz

The sizes work because each capsule has a black barcode painted onto the underside of the lip. The machine reads this barcode with a LASER scanner and then dispenses the required amount of water accordingly.

Why Buy a Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine?

The key understanding when deciding whether or not to buy a Vertuo machine is the different technology they use to make their coffee. As explained above, Vertuo machines use centrifugal extraction, rather than pressure extraction. This isn’t common, and you probably won’t find another centrifuge machine on the market!

This supposedly brings through different flavors from the coffee. Most importantly, using pressure extraction for more than ~40ml (a typical espresso shot) will bring through bitterness and tannin flavors. With centrifugal extraction, it’s much harder to over-extract and this allows the Vertuo system to make large volume coffees like the 14oz Alto – without creating a bitter drink.

Other Factors to Consider

Versatility: The Nespresso Vertuo is so versatile. If you have a favorite coffee and you know what you like, the Nespresso. Vertuo coffees come in a staggering 27 blends that are available in five cup sizes. That is pretty good in my opinion. The Nespresso Veruo scored well in this first factor.

Crema: Some people are passionate about having the right amount of froth on their coffee. God help the barista who fails to get this right. The Nespresso Vertuo features the Nespresso Centrifusion™ technology; which is a technology that swirls the coffee grounds and water at a high speed. This rotation creates a naturally formed silky crema and considerably more than the pressure extraction method.

Ease of Use: Nobody likes overly complex coffee machines that almost need a degree in mechanical engineering to operate. The Nespresso Vertuo range comes with a brilliantly designed “one-touch” button that recognizes and sets itself to brew that particular coffee to get optimum results. The models can even read Barcodes that identify the coffee inside each pod

Multiple Cup Sizes: Another great feature of the system is that it can serve various quantities of coffee to suit personal preferences.

Put all these features together and you have a simple, robust, and elegant coffee machine that has the versatility to make delicious coffee for any occasion.

What’s The Best Vertuo Machine in 2023?

The two standout choices in the Vertuo range are The Nespresso Vertuo Next and The Nespresso Vertuo Plus. The Plus is the older model and costs around $50 but comes with a milk frother and a few additional features, while the Next is a great basic model and has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.

Best Value For Money

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, White

Best Complete System

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother, 8 Ounces, Black

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Best Value For Money

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, White

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Best Complete System

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother, 8 Ounces, Black

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Best Overall: Nespresso Vertuo Next

The Vertuo Next is a well-constructed machine that serves up all-sized beverages from the 1oz espresso to the 14oz Alto. It has a 1.1-liter water reservoir which can handle four ‘mug’ size coffee’s or two ‘alto’ pours before you need to refill it

FEATURES:

The Next is a smaller machine than the original Vertuo Plus and the size is just (320 x 140 x 380mm). It also has a feature we absolutely loved where can set new default amounts of coffee delivery. You can match the defaults to be perfect for the size of cups and mugs you use. The machine will store a new default for each coffee type so you need to set them all individually. Finally, the machine can connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and thus your home network. Allowing the machine to let you know when your stock of capsules is running low.

OUR RATING:

🚧 Construction	6/10
💰 Value for money	9/10
😄 Ease of Use	8/10
🧽 Easy to clean/maintain	9/10
☕ Consistency	8/10

PROS:

• Coffee is rich and flavorsome every time it’s brewed.
• Incredibly simple to operate
• New models have WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity (Read: How to setup the Bluetooth and WiFi)
• The quality of construction exceeds what I have witnessed with some other brands.
• The small profile takes up little space on the kitchen counter
• Elegant (we think!)

CONS:

• Because you can only use proprietary branded pods, you cannot shop around for alternatives and the price of these pods can be higher.
• Closing the lid can be tricky if you are big and clumsy like me.
• The pods are larger and if you have limited space, it can be a problem. Yes, I know that is a very weak criticism, but I could not find anything else that was wrong with this machine.

WHERE TO BUY:

This machine is available through most leading retailers, although the price does vary. We’d encourage you to keep an eye out for a special, otherwise, we’ve found the most convenient and cheap option is via Amazon.

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Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, White

• SIGNATURE COFFEES AND ESPRESSOS: Vertuo Next coffee maker offers a variety of coffee formats in 6 sizes, including 5, 8, 12 and 18oz coffees, as well as single and double espressos brewed hot or over ice.

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Best Complete System: Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is wonderfully more feature-filled than the “Next” model. The machine really is very different from other coffee systems and is an elegant addition to any kitchen.

We recommend getting the model with included Nespresso’s patented Aeroccino Milk Frother, so you can make cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks in a matter of seconds.

FEATURES:

The model is slightly larger than the “Next” model, with dimensions of (142 x 325 x 423mm).

It has a 1.7-liter water reservoir which is capable of making seven mug-sized coffees or 4 Altos. Note; this is almost twice as many as with the Plus.

Like all other Nespresso models, the standard of construction is excellent, the aesthetics are beautiful, and the functionality is simple and sensible.  

OUR RATING:

🚧 Construction	7/10
💰 Value for money	7/10
😄 Ease of Use	9/10
🧽 Easy to clean/maintain	8/10
☕ Consistency	9/10

PROS:

• Coffee is rich and flavorsome every time it’s brewed. You know you will get consistent results every time you use it.
• With One-Touch operation, It could not have been made any simpler to operate
• The quality of construction exceeds what I have witnessed with some other brands.

CONS:

• Because you can only use proprietary branded pods, you cannot shop around for cheaper alternatives and the price of these pods can be higher

WHERE TO BUY:

This machine is available through most leading retailers, although the price does vary. We’d encourage you to keep an eye out for a special, otherwise, the most consistently cheap option is via amazon.

Sale

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother, 8 Ounces, Black

• Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

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Final Thoughts?

With currently six different machines to pick from, plus the options of attachments like milk frothers and different color schemes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choice when choosing the right coffee machine for you.

In this article, we’ve shared our reasoning for why the Vertuo Next and the Vertuo Plus may be the best option, but in the end, it’s up to you to find out for yourself.

Whichever machine you choose you can rest assured that within moments of unboxing you’ll be drinking delicious coffee.

Here at The Green Pods we also offer a sustainable solution to the problem of single use coffee pods – without sacrificing the convenience. Combine the great taste, and large size of Vertuo coffee, with our VertuoLine Green Pods and you can save the planet and save money too. You can shop the full range here!