Nespresso Vertuo vs Original, what sets them apart? Which is a better coffee machine?
If you are a fan of Nescafe’s Nespresso coffee pods or capsules, you’ll find this comparison worth debating. You see, each Nespresso espresso machine brews different types of coffee pods and they got some differences.
Some of their differences are the taste, method of extraction, time of extraction, the price of each machine, the price of the respective coffee capsules, the crema and aroma, and others.
One thing is for sure, each machine has its market and loyal followings and each provides distinctive taste in coffee while both are manufactured by Nespresso or by their licensee. Either way, you can truly appreciate your money’s worth because, at the end of the day, you are treated with the best-tasting coffee you ever had.
Today, we will tackle the differences between the Nespresso VertuoLine vs OriginalLine of coffee makers.
But here are some warm-up before we proceed!
Contents
Overview
Nescafe Nespresso S.A. of Switzerland, an operating unit of the Nestle Group, is trading as Nespresso. In 1986, Nespresso introduced a new type of single-serve coffee to what is now known as capsule or pods. These pods can only be brewed in a unique Nespresso coffee maker, known as the Original Line.
In 2014, Nespresso launched its VertuoLine system of machines and capsules in the United States and Canada. Currently, Nespresso machines are now marketing two different types of coffee machines and coffee capsules; the Original and Vertuo.
Just like the Keurig line of coffee makers which use the proprietary K-cups as the coffee pods, the Original and Vertuo lines also use single-serve coffee capsules. Over the years, Nespresso had partnered with other coffee machine manufacturers; such as Breville, DeLonghi, and Krups, to market the products.
Vertuo vs. Original Espresso Machines
In 2000, Nespresso began selling coffee machines bearing the ‘Nespresso’ brands where there are several models with different complexity and price, from the new Inissia, Pixie, and Citiz ranges.
But how do these two machines differ from each other?
Differences
Type of drinks
Original: Espresso and espresso-based drinks; such as ristretto, latte, cappuccino, lungo, and others. Brews hotter than Vertuo.
Vertuo: Espresso and longer brewed coffees in big mugs like a large coffee shop drink (brews Americano, filter coffee, and other longer coffees).
Serving Size
Original: Offers two brew sizes: 1.35 ounces espresso and 3.70 ounces lungo. Moreover, this machine also brews a 0.70 ounces of a ristretto shot.
Vertuo: The VertuoLine offers the brew sizes as those of the Original but can brew a full cup of coffee up to 17 ounces on one sitting.
Extraction Style
Original: Use of pump with a pressure range of 10-19 bars at an optimum temperature.
Vertuo: Use centrifugation (a pod spins rapidly with hot water). The centrifugal force extracts the brewed water that steeps on the coffee on the capsule. Extract coffee at a lower temperature compared to the Original.
Capsule Use
Original: The Nespresso Original has 24 capsule variants, not including special editions and seasonal variations.
Vertuo: The Nespresso Vertou has 23 pod variants. Moreover, the Nespresso Vertuo range uses a barcode system that brews the right size, temperature, and strength for every pod. This barcode system is similar to Keurig 2.0.
Milk Frothing
Original: Yes. Some models have an Aeroccino feature while others have built-in automatic milk frothers.
Vertuo: No. These coffee makers are designed to go with cold milk. However, some models have an Aeroccino bundle or combo.
Spent Capsule Capacity
Original: 10
Vertuo: 17
Price
Original: Typically lower depending on model and complexity.
Vertuo: Higher than the Original.
What is Centrifugation?
The OriginalLine and VertuoLine differ in the way they extract the coffee in a capsule. The Original uses the traditional pump with a pressure of up to 19 bars.
On the other hand, the VertuoLine uses rapid pod rotation (like a centrifuge) method integrated into the machine’s system. The process adds time but it yields a thicker and more pronounced crema.
However, some users asserted that the OriginalLine coffee makers have more authentic crema while the VertuoLine version has foamier crema.
How each brew taste like?
Now, this category brings some confusion to this writer as there are more contrasting testimonies that favor one over the other. But this is not unusual as coffee fanatics have different tastes and likes.
As we have observed, the VertuoLine coffee machine uses centrifugal force to extract the coffee, this means that few oils and essences will be on your coffee. It also has a mild taste because of the lower temperature use.
On the other hand, OriginalLine makes a stronger and hotter coffee.
Nespresso VertuoLine vs Inissia Coffee Machines
Take a look at these two coffee machines and you can easily spot their differences.
Vertuo Line: Breville-Nespresso USA Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine
Original Line: Breville Espresso Inissia
The Barcode Scanning System
As a modern feature of Nespresso machines, the barcode is an important attribute especially for newbies who just want to enjoy a sumptuous cup of coffee without much effort.
Only the VertuoLine espresso machines utilize this barcode system. The Original just pops in the compatible capsule and go!
The system works by scanning the code printed in the capsule, then, the machine will interpret its content, as the volume, duration, strength, and temperature of the brew.
We suspect that there are two main reasons for the barcode. First, to customize the extraction parameters and the water needed for the pod you are using. And second, it makes more difficult for you to use unauthorized Nespresso capsules.
Vertuo vs. Original Coffee Capsules
What kind of coffee capsule systems are used in Nespresso machines and how they differ? Are they special?
Like the Keurig K-cups, Nespresso coffee capsules are hermetically sealed that is why it’s coffee aroma does not degrade over time unlike ‘loose’ coffee grounds in a pack that has been opened.
VertuoLine vs. OriginalLine of Capsules
Cost
Original: $0.75-$0.85 per capsule
Vertuo: $0.90-$1.25 per capsule
The VertuoLine coffee capsules are sold by Nespresso exclusively, which means you can only buy this type of pods direct from Nespresso or its authorized dealers. However, users can have another option for the OriginalLine capsules via the 3rd party compatible capsule dealers (such as Amazon.com).
Here, each coffee capsule is sold at half the price. Sometimes less.
Size, shape, and flavor
Each pod is shaped very differently. The VertuoLine capsules have a distinctive dome-shape and come in 3 different sizes. The OriginaLine coffee pods look more like the conventional cup-shaped capsules.
Need to say our verdict?
Do you think that using a Nespresso machine or Espresso Machine is quite challenging, right? If you really are impress of the distinct flavors and tastes of the Nespresso capsules, it is only normal to have either one of the Vertuo or Original coffee makers in your home (having both is quite a luxury).
So, what can we say about the Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original coffee makers? To summarize what we have learned today, the VertuoLine coffee capsules have more options for flavors while OriginalLine has essentially more 3rd party choices available and has a wide range of better variety-pack options.
Moreover, the VertuoLine coffee machine offers thicker crema while the Original comes with an authentic espresso smack.
But for us, the best is the OriginaLine coffee machine for a more customized brewing and low-priced coffee capsules.
I have both machines and I find the vertuo makes bitter coffee