Nespresso Original versus Nespresso Vertuo: What's the difference and how to choose?

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If you are considering a more convenient coffee solution, you're likely looking into Nespresso machines. These machines use special coffee pods to create a variety of espresso-based drinks and some will also make regular coffee. But what is the difference between these two systems and which one is ultimately better? I went hands on with both the Original line and Vertuo to try them out side by side to see.

I’m comparing the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi to the Nespresso by De'Longhi Lattissima One here in this video, but I’ve reviewed many more models. Head to tcg or surf the channel here to see more machine reviews.

Both machines make espresso, the Vertuo line is also designed to brew regular coffees to - all in the same machine.

Nespresso launched the VertuoLine in about 2014 as a way to lure North American coffee drinkers, who are less about espressos than they are about full size coffees.
Difference in pods
The original pods are small and narrow and come in one size only (since they’re really meant for espresso), while the Vertuo pods are wide and round and may differ in height depending on what’s inside.
With an original pod you can make espresso, double espresso or add water for an Americano.
Vertuo coffee pods have special barcodes on the pod that carry specific instructions for how each coffee is to be extracted. The Virtuo lineup offers drinks in five sizes, from a single espresso, to double espresso, a 5 ounce gran luongo/Americano (150ml), a 230ml/8 oz ‘mug’ coffee to a 14 oz Alto coffee.
What you get: milk or no milk?

One of the key differences between these two set ups is that none of the Vertuo models come with built-in milk frothers, while Nespresso Original does offer machines that will handle the milk, like the automatic Lattissima here.

But you can bundle a Vertuo with Nespresso’s popular Aeroccino frother —often at a discounted price.

Choice and availability

The Nespresso OriginalLine has a far bigger selection of capsules. And because the patent on the capsules has expired, you can get them everywhere - and even fill them with your own coffee.

Vertuo capsules by contrast are available only from Nespresso because they need a proprietary barcode to be recognized by the Vertuo machine.

Drink Sizing

Nespresso VertuoLine capsules come in three different sizes, so larger drinks can be as strong as smaller ones. In total those three sizes will make 5 different coffee drinks.
Nespresso Original Pods only come in one size and are meant to make espresso, double espresso or a luongo. Now, you can make a bigger coffee by adding more water, but it is obviously more diluted… something you don’t get with the Vertuo.
With that said, both the Nespresso and Virtuo machines let you permanently alter the drink size to your tastes - yes even the Nespresso Vertuo capsules with the special barcode can be easily reprogrammed to make the drink you want. I’ve got videos here on the channel that show you how to do that on both types of machines.
Crema
Both Original and Vertuo machines and their coffee pods give you a beautiful crema on top of the coffee which a lot of folks really love.
Some say the Vertuo Nespresso capsules produce a thicker layer of crema, and I guess that’s true, but it begins to dissipate almost immediately since it’s mainly a product of all the air in the spinning process.

Which to choose?

Now you know how the features of Original and Vertuo stack up against each other. In my opinion you should buy a Nespresso Original machine if you want it for espresso or espresso-based drinks. You’ll pay less for the machine and the Nespresso capsules, and you’ll have way more espresso pod choices.

Buy a Nespresso Vertuo machine if you’re more of a coffee drinker and you want the option of making espresso and coffee from the same machine. With the barcoded capsule brewing system, the VertuoLine makes brewing any style and size of drink foolproof, but it is adjustable.
For me, since I want it mainly for espresso, I’m going to stick with my Nespresso Original machine, but I think both of these systems have their benefits. The choice is up to you. I’d love to hear which line you chose and why, so share your story in comments below.