Nespresso Evoluo vs Vertuo and VertuoPlus: Key Differences in Temperature, Size and Speed
In 2014, Nespresso released a new range of coffee machines called the Vertuoline. The first Vertuoline model was simply named Vertuo. Since then, there have been three other models: Evoluo (2015), VertuoPlus (2017) and Vertuo Next (2020). You can still find all of these models for sale.
Though the Vertuo Next is the newest model, users on social media have raised many concerns about the machine’s reliability. So if you want a Vertuoline machine, you should choose the Nespresso Evoluo vs one of the other two Vertuoline machines, the Vertuo or the Vertuo Plus. How do you know which one is right for you? Read our in-depth review to find out what the key differences are and which of those matter most to you.
Nespresso Evoluo vs Vertuo and VertuoPlus
| Model | This is the best Nespresso machine for… |
|---|---|
| Evoluo | Coffee drinkers who have more flexible counter space and value speed and longer time between clean up |
| Vertuo Plus | The coffee drinker who wants to optimize their kitchen counter space |
| Vertuo | Coffee drinkers who have more flexible counter space and are willing to pay a small premium for slightly faster speed and less frequent clean up |
The Evoluo has the largest water tank and used capsule container of any Vertuoline machine. That makes it a great choice for people who want to spend less time cleaning. It also has more heating power.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus features a water tank with adjustable placement so you can optimize your kitchen counter space. It has a motorized lid with a lever which makes it effortless to open and close. Opening will also auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.
The Vertuo model has a smaller footprint than the VertuoPlus, but the water tank does not move. However, it has the fastest heat up time and a larger used capsule container for less frequent clean up.
Coffee And Espresso Selection And Sizes
There is no difference between the Evoluo, Vertuo and VertuoPlus in terms of brew sizes or coffee drink selections. All three coffee machines brew a variety of cup sizes using centrifusion technology:
- 1.35 oz espresso
- 2.7 oz double espresso
- 5 oz Gran Lungo
- 8 oz coffee
All three models use barcodes on the pods to customize the brewing pressure, temperature and duration. That means you’ll get the perfect coffee drink every time. The downside is that because Nespresso controls the barcodes, there are fewer non-Nespresso branded coffee capsules on the market. See our summary of the best Vertuo pods.
Note that neither the Evoluo or Vertuo models have hot milk frothing built-in. If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, you can purchase the Aeroccino milk frother accessory separately or in a bundle with your machine.
Power
The Evoluo and Vertuo have a reputation among Nespresso fans for brewing a piping hot cup of coffee. That’s because both machines have a higher power rating than other Nespresso Vertuoline models.
| Evoluo | Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Heating Power Rating | 1350 watts | 1350 watts | 1300 watts |
Machine Size
Size is probably the most significant difference between the Evoluo vs the Vertuo and VertuoPlus. The Evoluo is wider and heavier than the two Vertuo models. A key difference between the Evoluo and the VertuoPlus is that only the Plus has a moveable water reservoir. You can move it behind the machine, to the side or at a 45 degree angle. If you have more limited counter space, the VertuoPlus may work better for you than the Evoluo.
| Evoluo | Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 9 x 12.2 x 12.3 in | 8.3 x 11.91 x 11.9 in | 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 in |
| Cable Length | 29.13 in | 33.46 in | 29.13 in |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 10.85 lbs | 10.1 lbs |
| Adjustable Water Tank Position | No | No | Yes |
Lid Functionality
Only the VertuoPlus has the motorized lid that will open and close by itself with the gentle push on the lever. The lid on the Evoluo and the Vertuo have to be opened and closed manually. These two therefore require a lit bit of effort and hand strain because you need to turn a lever to lock and unlock the lid.
Speed
The difference in time it takes to heat each machine is small, but every second counts if you are usually in a rush in the morning! The Vertuo is the fastest machine. It heats up in just 15 seconds. The VertuoPlus heats up in 20 seconds. The Evoluo falls somewhere in the middle, taking between 15 and 20 seconds to heat up.
Care And Maintenance
The most frequent caring for my Nespresso machine that I do a few times a week involves cleaning and refilling the water reservoir and emptying the used capsule container. Evoluo has the advantage here. The Evoluo’s water tank is 35% larger than the Vertuo and the standard VertuoPlus. The Evoluo used capsule container is about 30% larger than the Vertuo and 70% larger than the VertuoPlus. That means you’ll need to empty it less often.
| Evoluo | Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Water Tank Capacity | 54 ounces | 40 ounces | 40 ounces |
| Used Capsule Container Capacity | 17 large capsules | 13 large capsules | 10 large capsules |
All three models will require more time intensive cleaning (called descaling) every 3 months or so. This will remove mineral buildup from water that can impact machine performance. All models come with an alert light so you’ll know when it is time to descale. On the Vertuo and Evoluo it will be an orange light that blinks 3 times. On the VertuoPlus, it will be a solid half red half green light.
Nespresso Evoluo vs VertuoPlus Deluxe
As you are shopping for Vertuoline machines, you may notice that there are actually two versions of the VertuoPlus. In addition to the standard model, there is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe. How does the Evoluo compare the the VertuoPlus Deluxe? The VertuoPlus Deluxe has an even larger water reservoir and a faster heat up time. It also has a metallic drip tray that makes it easy to see when it needs to be cleaned. However, the Evoluo has a bit more heating power.
| Evoluo | VertuoPlus Deluxe | |
| Water Tank Capacity | 54 ounces | 60 ounces |
| Used Capsule Container Capacity | 17 large capsules | 17 large capsules |
| Heat Up Time | 15-20 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Heating Power Rating | 1350 watts | 1300 watts |
About Machine Manufacturers
As you are browsing stores, you will likely see two of each of the models listed above. One will be made by De’Longhi and the other by Breville. Both are Nespresso manufacturing partners. The differences between De’Longhi and Breville are mostly minor aesthetic details. My recommendation is to choose the model you want and then buy whichever one is cheaper.
Still unsure about Nespresso?
If you are still on the fence about buying a Nespresso machine, you can read more about why I think a Nespresso is worth it or learn more about the other Nespresso models out there.
