Nespresso Vertuo and VertuoPlus: Key Differences in Size, Speed and Upkeep
In 2014, Nespresso released a new range of coffee machines called the Vertuoline. Unlike the earlier series (now called the Original line), the Vertuoline machines could make both espresso as well as a traditional American cup of coffee. The first Vertuoline model was simply named Vertuo. Since then, there have been three other models: Evoluo (2015), VertuoPlus (2017) and Vertuo Next (2020).
Nespresso discontinued the Evoluo model. The Vertuo Next has some clear differentiators such as the ability to make pour over coffee and bluetooth functionality. But if you are trying to decide between the Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus espresso and coffee maker, how do you know which one is right for you? Read our in-depth review to find out!
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Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus Review Summary
| Model | Our Rating | This is the best Nespresso machine for… |
|---|---|---|
| Vertuo Plus | 9/10 | The coffee drinker who needs to optimize their kitchen counter space |
| Vertuo | 8/10 | Coffee drinkers who have more flexible counter space and are willing to pay a small premium for slightly faster speed, more power and less frequent clean up |
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 Nespresso Vertuo model has a smaller footprint vs the VertuoPlus, but the water tank does not move. However, it has the fastest heat up time and largest used capsule container for less frequent clean up.
Coffee And Espresso Selection And Sizes
There is no difference between the Vertuo and VertuoPlus in terms of brew sizes or coffee drink selections. Both 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
- 14 oz Alto
Unlike the Original line, there are barcodes on the vertuoline capsule 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 review of the most popular pods.
Note that neither the Vertuo or Plus models have hot milk frothing built-in. If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, you can purchase a milk frother accessory separately or in a bundle with your machine.
Power
The Vertuo has a reputation among Nespresso fans for brewing a piping hot cup of coffee. That’s because it has a higher power rating than the VertuoPlus.
| Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Heating Power Rating | 1350 watts | 1300 watts |
Machine Size
Size is probably the most significant difference between the Vertuo and VertuoPlus. While the footprint of the original is a tad bit smaller than the VertuoPlus, the VertuoPlus may actually work better in your kitchen if you have limited counter space. That’s because the Plus has a moveable water reservoir. You can move it behind the machine, to the side or at a 45 degree angle.
| Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 8.3 x 11.91 x 11.9 in | 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 in |
| Cable Length | 33.46 in | 29.13 in |
| Weight | 10.85 lbs | 10.1 lbs |
| Adjustable Water Tank Position | 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 Vertuo have to be opened and closed manually. The Vertuo 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 minimal, but if you often find yourself in a rush in the morning, then every second may count! The Vertuo is the faster machine. It heats up in just 15 seconds. The VertuoPlus heats up in 20 seconds.
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. The Vertuo and the standard VertuoPlus have the same size water tank and both will auto eject used capsules into the storage container. However, the Vertuo used capsule storage is 33% larger than the Plus. That means you’ll need to empty it less often.
| Vertuo | VertuoPlus | |
| Water Tank Capacity | 40 ounces | 40 ounces |
| Used Capsule Container Capacity | 13 large capsules | 10 large capsules |
Both 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. These models come with an alert light so you’ll know when it is time to descale. On the VertuoPlus it will be a solid half red and half green light. On the Vertuo, it will be an orange light that blinks 3 times.
Nespresso VertuoPlus or VertuoPlus Deluxe
There are actually two versions of the VertuoPlus. In addition to the standard model, there is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe. This is great choice if you want a coffee maker that combines the speed and maintenance advantages of the original Vertuo with the adjustable water tank of the Plus.
| VertuoPlus Deluxe | VertuoPlus | |
| Water Tank Capacity | 60 ounces | 40 ounces |
| Used Capsule Container Capacity | 13 large capsules | 10 large capsules |
| Heat Up Time | 15 seconds | 20 seconds |
Nespresso Vertuo Breville or DeLonghi
Nespresso designs all of its machines, but it does not manufacture them. It outsources that to its world-wide partners Breville and De’Longhi. Both are leaders in making high-quality kitchen appliances. The differences between Breville and De’Longhi Vertuo machines are mostly slight variations in design (both shape and color). Unless you have a really strong preference, I would recommend buying whichever brand is offering the lowest price on the model you want.
Other Vertuo Models
As you are doing your research on the Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus, you will probably come across two other models. The Vertuo Next is the newest model, but has some issues to be aware of. The Evoluo is a customer loved machine, but it has been discontinued.
Vertuo Next
The Vertuo Next is the newest and smallest model. In addition to the five sizes that all models can brew, the Next also has the ability to brew up to 18 oz of pour over coffee. After brewing coffee beans, the Next will auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.
The width is only five and a half inches, making it perfect for small spaces. The Vertuo Next also has Bluetooth. It’s made from 54% recycled materials.
One word of caution. It seems many users of this machine who are members of Nespresso Facebook and Reddit groups complain about difficulties they have with the Vertuo Next, often within the first year. If you buy a Next, be sure to register it with Nespresso ASAP so that issues will be covered under your warranty.
Evoluo
The Evoluo has the largest water tank and used capsule container of any Vertuo line. That makes it a great choice for people who want to spend less time cleaning. It also has more heating power than the VertuoPlus.
While technically a discontinued model, the Evoluo is a Nespresso fan favorite. You can still find legitimate first-party sellers online, including Nespresso.com. If you want to learn more, see my post on how the Evoluo compares to other Vertuoline models.
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.
