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Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original
Nespresso is a great choice for anyone who loves the variety of flavors and brands found in coffee. They’re the two major product lines by the Nespresso: The original machine offers flexibility with both pod use, as well as different size cups per cup according to your preference; while Vertuo has proprietary of Nespresso pods (but offers more choices).
Nespresso released its first OriginalLine machine C100 in 1986, and after 18 years of excellent experience with coffee pods and capsules, Nespresso released their new and improved VertuoLine in 2014.
Nespresso is a popular brand of espresso machine that many people enjoy using. But before you buy one for yourself, make sure to compare the newer Nespresso VertuoLine vs. Original models because there are differences between them and which will suit your needs better.
It’s my pleasure to help you with this decision.
I like them both, which one should I choose? Let me explain how they differ and why that may matter for your morning, joe!
Pros of Nespresso OriginalLine
- High pressure 19 bar pump.
- Both expensive and less expensive varieties are available
- A large number of varieties
- You can use third-party capsules
- A large range of selection of coffee capsules
- You can choose a built-in or a separate milk frother
- Perfect for limited kitchen space
- They make a velvety crema
Cons of Nespresso OriginalLine
- A few brew choices
- A bit noisy than VertuoLine machines
- The water tank of most original line machines is small
Pros of Nespresso VertuoLine
- They make a thicker crema
- You can select a large number of coffee drinks
- Descent operations without making a noise
- Easy barcode system
Cons Nespresso VertuoLine
- VertuoLine capsules are expensive than OriginalLine capsules
- No more varieties
Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original
Best VertuoLine Machine: Nespresso Vertuo Next
Customers Reviews and Ratings for Nespresso Vertuo Next
Global Ratings: 5187
Overall Rating: 96.11 out of 100
Temperature Control: 10/10
Coffee Quality: 9.8/10
Flavor: 9.7/10
Blending power: 9.8/10
Design & Features: 9.7/10
Durability: 9.0/10
Ease of Use: 9.6/10
Easy to Clean: 9.7/10
Brand Reputation: 9.2/10
Our Recommendation
The Nespresso Evoluo line is the best choice if you’re looking for a large cup of coffee from 0.3 oz to 18 oz. The brew time with this machine takes 15 seconds, moreover the new pour–over style caraffe (18 oz) coffee of Nespresso is exclusively for Vertuo Next. It delivers the same coffee in a compact unit.
Best Value OriginalLine Machine: Nespresso CitiZ
Customers Reviews and Ratings for Nespresso CitiZ
Global Ratings: 2,459
Overall Rating: 96.11 out of 100
Temperature Control: 10/10
Coffee Quality: 9.8/10
Flavor: 9.8/10
Blending power: 9.7/10
Design & Features: 9.7/10
Durability: 9.0/10
Ease of Use: 9.7/10
Easy to Clean: 9.6/10
Brand Reputation: 9.2/10
Our Recommendation
The CitiZ is a more compact, reliable brewer with the largest 34-ounce reservoir of any mid-range Nespresso machine. Its CitiZ & Milk version also features an integrated frother for making cafe latte’s or macchiatos that are just as good in aesthetic appeal!
VertuoLine vs. Original Brew Sizes
OriginalLine machines make espresso and lungo sizes exclusively, and they offer 3 brew sizes: 1.35 oz espresso, 0.85 oz ristretto, and 3.7 oz lungo. These machines don’t go higher than a 3.7 oz lungo. These machines’ variety expands with the complexity and prices of the machines.
VertuoLine machines make a variety of coffee and offer 5 brew sizes: 1.35 oz espresso, 2.7 oz double espressos, 5 oz gran lungo, 7.8 oz coffee, and 14 oz Alto XL coffee. The custom sizing feature allows customers the ability to make up 17oz coffees using Alto XL capsules – perfect if lattes or cappuccinos are needed in large amounts.
Worried you can’t brew coffee with an OriginalLine machine? It’s still possible.
OK, so you can’t brew coffee in the most literal sense of the word. But what if I told you that brewing an Americano is similar to drinking a Long Black? Well, it would be! In the table below, we have shown some examples for different kinds of espressos and how they translate over into other types of drinks like lattes or cappuccinos with espresso bases (just replace “espresso,” of course).
| Drink Name | Ingredients | Ingredients | Ingredients | Ingredients |
| Espresso | Espresso | – | – | – |
| Macchiato | Espresso | Milk Foam | – | – |
| Latte | Espresso | Steamed Milk | Milk Foam | – |
| Flate White | Espresso | Steamed Milk | – | – |
| Cappuccino | Espresso | Steamed Milk | Milk Foam | Chocolate Powder |
| Mocha | Espresso | Hot Chocolate | Steamed Milk | – |
| Doppio | Espresso | Espresso | – | – |
| Long Black | Espresso | Water | – | – |
If you need a quick pick me up, this is the drink for you. Make a Long Black, and it will taste just like an Americano from your espresso machine!
The VertuoLine Barcode Scanning System
OriginalLine machines are the perfect way to offer you a quick, easy and affordable drink. Plus, they don’t have any kind of barcode scanning system, so you can go right ahead with pouring your favorite drink!
VertuoLine machines are a great way to tailor your brew. They have a barcode scanning system similar to Keurig’s 2.0 technology. The system tells the machine what kind of capsule you have inserted in the machine and what type of coffee you want, and then it’s up in there with all kinds of settings for water volume, capsule spin rate, flow rate, water contact time, and brew temperature etcetera!
Our Complete Guide To VertuoLine Pods is chock-full of useful information on the VertuoLine brewing system.
Why did Nespresso add a barcode scanning system to their VertuoLine machines?
Why did Nespresso add a barcode scanning system to their VertuoLine machines?
There are four major reasons:
- Nespresso wanted an easier way for customers so that it wouldn’t take as long or require any special knowledge.
- They wanted to ensure that the right product was being dispensed for each customer.
- The machines can be tailored to meet the parameters of the capsule you’re using
- Using an unlicensed Nespresso capsule will make brewing more difficult and may even damage the machine
I’ve found a bunch of companies that sell discounted Nespresso compatible capsules, but they all have one thing in common: None of them sells VertuoLine capsules except Starbucks because, in August 2019, Nestle partnered with Starbucks to launch coffee pods.
Now Starbucks is selling both Nespresso OriginalLine and VertuoLine pods:
View Starbucks OriginalLine pods on Amazon
View Starbucks VertuoLine pods on Amazon
We can expect that just as Nespresso has partnered with Starbucks, so will other companies, and thus open the door to competition between different brands for the production of VertuoLine capsules.
VertuoLine vs. Original Capsule Extraction Method
OriginalLine machines brewing system: With OriginalLine machines, you can enjoy espresso like it was made in a time before. Traditional espresso machines use pressure to force hot water through a puck of coffee grounds and then serve yourself from the spout on top. The OriginalLine machines do things differently; they apply this same compression principle with an internal pump for optimal flavor extraction every time!
VertuoLine machines brewing system: With their advanced technology, VertuoLines are able to extract the coffee pods in a better way. Unlike OriginalLine machines, VertuoLines uses centrifugal force instead to brew a more advanced coffee.
What’s Centrifusion? Nespresso uses its Centrifusion technology in its Vertuoline machines, which combines centrifugal action with water infusion to spin capsules around at speeds up 7,000 rpm’s and make espresso out of them!
Through this technology, the VertuoLine machines penetrate each capsule in the center as well as on its outer edges so that when you drink your caffeinated beverage, it tastes like victory.
After the capsule is done with the Centrifusion process, it’s spun at high speed to remove all water. The end result is a clean capsule and dry coffee inside! It only requires minimal cleanup for regular use- what an amazing machine!
What is the end result? The espresso brewed by VertuoLine machines is not as hot as OriginalLine machines and seems under-expressed.
VertuoLine vs Original Cost Per Capsule
Original line capsule price: It is around $0.70-$0.85 per capsule.
VertuoLine capsule price: It is around $0.90-$1.25 per capsule.
The market survey tells us: The Nespresso is definitely one of the most expensive pods and capsule coffee makers on the market.
There is good news for OriginalLine machine users!
They can save money by using third-party capsules.
The table below shows what is your annual cost and saving by using different plate forms for your caffeine fix.
| Capsule or Pod | Cost, 1 Serving | Cost, 365 Servings | Savings Over Coffee Shop |
| Keurig K-Cup | $0.35-$0.65 | $219 | $1,241 |
| Nespresso Vertuo | $0.90-$1.25 | $402 | $1,058 |
| Nespresso Original | $0.70-$0.85 | $292 | $1,168 |
| Coffee Shop | $3.50-$4.50 | $1,460 | $0 |
The above table shows that by using 3rd-party OriginalLine compatible capsules, you can save maximum money throughout the year. Although their average cost is $50 per capsule, you can purchase as much as $40 per capsule from brands like Gourmesso and Caffesso, but we prefer a better HiLine Coffee. HiLine Coffee capsules cost a little more than dirt-cheap capsules of Gourmesso and Caffesso, but they’re of high quality, and they’re still cheaper than Nespresso brand capsules.
It’s no secret that your tastes may vary, but espresso quality is universal. After all the research I did on different machines and their compatibility with capsules (which can be an issue), it became clear OriginalLines are the perfect machines where you want to be if this interest of yours also includes great coffee at affordable prices!
Related: Where to buy Nespresso Pods.
Which Nespresso models are available?
For anyone who’s tried to decipher the myriad Keurig models, you’ll be happy to know there are far fewer Nespresso models.
The coffee machine wars are in full swing, and the good news for anyone who’s trying to figure out which Keurig model is right for them – there’s finally an answer. There really aren’t as many Nespresso models after all!
I’ve taken note of everyone that is available across both Nespresso lines: OriginalLine and VertuoLine – which means there are 25+ varieties in total.
All Nespresso models have their own unique features. For example, one might offer a better-tasting coffee while another has more customizable options in your drink or some that allow you to use an integrated frother and make your own latte art at home!
One thing is certain, though – it doesn’t matter which one suits your needs because before buying, get acquainted with our Nespresso machines comparison post, so check it out.
Nespresso machines are a great way to get your caffeine fix without wasting money on overpriced coffee. They come with all the major features, including:
- Manufacturing Partners: (US/CA Partners: Breville, DeLonghi UK Partners: Krups, Magimix)
- Water reservoir size: (between 1.3 and 1.5 liters)
- Brew sizes (Alto (414ml), Mug (230ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Double Espresso (80ml), Espresso (40ml))
- Integrated Milk Frother: (Some machines, e.g., the Lattissima series, come with an integrated frother others not)
- Wireless app connectivity (Some like Prodigio have this quality others do not)
- Weight and dimensions: This feature let you decide whether this machine may fit at your kitchen counter or not
Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original: The Verdict
Nespresso VertuoLine vs. Original: How are they different?
| Difference | OriginalLine Machines | VertuoLine Machines |
| Brew Size | 0.85 oz to 3.7 oz | 1.35 oz to 18 oz |
| Brew Types | 3 | 5 |
| Capsule Scanning System | No Use of Barcode | Barcode Scanning System |
| Capsules Cost Per Serving | $0.40-$0.55 | $0.90-$1.25 |
| 3rd Party Alternatives | Available | You can’t find |
| Coffee Extraction System | 19 Bar Pressure Pump | Centrifusion |
| Water Temperature to Extract | Higher Temprature Water | Lower Water Temperature |
| Coffee Body & Taste | Come closer to an authentic espresso taste | Make more crema |
| Variety-pack Options | Better Variety-pack Options | Lack of Varieties |
| Shape of Capsules | Cup Shape | Dome Shape |
Our recommendation: The OriginalLine machine is the best choice when it comes to making espresso. They have a lower cost of acquisition, use less restrictive and cheaper capsules that create better beverages with more authenticity than VertuoLine machines do- so if you want your drink just like in Italy, I recommend getting an originalLine!
Nespresso CitiZ is our recommended Nespresso OriginalLine machine.
Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original
The Coffee Aim’s Official Comparison
Best VertuoLine Machine: Nespresso Vertuo Next
Our Recomendation
The Nespresso Evoluo line is the best choice if you’re looking for a large cup of coffee from 0.3 oz to 18 oz. The brew time with this machine takes 15 seconds, moreover the new pour–over style caraffe (18 oz) coffee of Nespresso is exclusively for Vertuo Next. It delivers the same coffee in a compact unit!
Best Value OriginalLine Machine: Nespresso CitiZ
Our Recommendations
The CitiZ is a more compact, reliable brewer with the largest 34-ounce reservoir of any mid-range Nespresso machine. Its CitiZ & Milk version also features an integrated frother for making cafe latte’s or macchiatos that are just as good in aesthetic appeal!
FAQs
Can You Use Nespresso Pods in Vertuo Machines?
No, Nespresso pods cannot be used in Vertuo machines. Nespresso Vertuo machines are designed to work with Vertuo pods, which are a different shape and size than the original Nespresso pods. The Vertuo pods are larger and feature a unique barcode that the machine uses to determine the brewing parameters, such as water temperature, coffee volume, and brewing time. Therefore, attempting to use Nespresso pods in a Vertuo machine will not work and may damage the machine or affect the quality of the coffee. It’s essential to use the correct type of pod designed for your specific machine to ensure a perfect cup of coffee every time.
