Nespresso Vertuo Vs. Vertuo Plus: A Coffee Lover’s Quest For The Perfect Brew

I’m a coffee enthusiast who’s spent countless mornings tinkering with espresso machines, chasing that perfect cup.

When it came to choosing between the Nespresso Vertuo and Vertuo Plus, I found myself weighing their features, designs, and performance to find the best fit for my kitchen.

This article compares these two popular Nespresso machines, breaking down their pros and cons to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter. From brew quality to ease of use, I’ll share my experience to guide you toward your ideal coffee maker.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Nespresso

As someone who’s worked as a barista and now brews coffee daily at home, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience of single-serve machines like the Nespresso Vertuo and Vertuo Plus.

These machines promise café-quality coffee with minimal effort, which is a game-changer for busy mornings or when I’m craving a quick espresso.

Both models belong to Nespresso’s VertuoLine, designed to brew both espresso and larger coffee sizes using barcode-scanning technology and Centrifusion extraction.

But which one suits your needs better?

Let’s break it down by exploring their features, performance, and quirks.

Design and Build: How They Fit on Your Counter?

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Nespresso Vertuo and Vertuo Plus was their aesthetic. The Vertuo, released in 2014, has a sleek, compact look with a black, red, or silver finish.

Its rounded edges and fixed 40-ounce water tank at the back give it a no-nonsense vibe. It measures 8.3 x 11.9 x 11.9 inches and weighs about 12 pounds, making it slightly heavier but narrower than its successor.

The Vertuo Plus, launched in 2017, feels like a refined version. It’s slightly larger (8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 inches) but lighter at 9.7 pounds.

The standout feature is its adjustable water tank, which you can position at the back, side, or at a 45-degree angle to fit tight counter spaces.

The Deluxe version of the Plus even offers a 60-ounce tank and metal accents for a premium look.

I found the Plus’s design more versatile for my small apartment kitchen, where counter space is a constant negotiation.

However, the Vertuo’s simpler design has its charm. Its uniform drip tray feels sturdier for larger mugs, and I didn’t have to fiddle with adjusting anything. The Plus’s elevated drip tray, while adjustable, felt less stable with my oversized travel mug.

If you’re eco-conscious, the Plus has a slight edge—some models use 54% recycled plastic, which is a nice touch.

Ease of Use: Brewing Without the Fuss

Both machines aim for simplicity, and they deliver. The Vertuo’s manual lid requires you to turn a lever to lock and unlock the brewing chamber.

It’s straightforward but demands a bit of effort, especially if you’re brewing multiple cups back-to-back. I found myself occasionally frustrated when the lever felt stiff, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

The Vertuo Plus, on the other hand, spoiled me with its motorized lid. A gentle push on the lever, and the lid opens and closes automatically, ejecting the used capsule into the container. This feature feels luxurious, especially on groggy mornings when I’m not fully awake.

However, the Plus’s mechanism can be finicky—some users report it jamming over time, though I haven’t experienced this after months of use.

Both machines use a single-button interface, and the barcode on VertuoLine capsules tells the machine exactly how much water, temperature, and spin speed to use. This means you don’t need to tweak settings for a perfect espresso or mug of coffee.

The Vertuo heats up in 15 seconds, slightly faster than the Plus’s 20 seconds, which matters if you’re impatient like me. The Plus’s programmable auto shut-off (default 9 minutes) is a nice upgrade over the Vertuo’s fixed 9-minute shut-off, giving you more control over energy use.

Brew Quality: Does It Taste Like a Coffee Shop?

The heart of any coffee machine is the brew, and both the Vertuo and Vertuo Plus use Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology, spinning capsules at up to 7,000 RPM to create a thick, foamy crema.

I tested both with the same VertuoLine capsules—Fortado Gran Lungo and Stormio Mug—and the results were nearly identical.

The espresso is rich with a velvety crema, and the larger coffee sizes have a bold, slightly bitter profile that reminds me of Starbucks’ dark roasts.

However, the Vertuo has a slight edge for those who love piping-hot coffee. Its 1350W heating element outperforms the Plus’s 1300W, delivering a hotter brew.

I measured the Vertuo’s espresso at about 165°F, while the Plus hovered around 160°F.

It’s a small difference, but if you’re particular about heat, the Vertuo wins. That said, the Plus’s coffee was still plenty hot for my taste, and its consistency across brew sizes was impeccable.

Both machines brew five drink sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Mug (7.7 oz), and Alto (14 oz). The barcode system ensures each size is perfectly calibrated, so you don’t have to guess water volumes.

My only gripe is that neither machine has a built-in milk frother, so lattes require a separate Aeroccino or Barista frother, which adds to the cost.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Machine in Top Shape

Maintaining a coffee machine can feel like a chore, but both the Vertuo and Vertuo Plus are low-maintenance. The Vertuo’s 13-capsule container means less frequent emptying compared to the Plus’s 10-capsule capacity.

I found myself emptying the Vertuo every 6–7 days with daily use, while the Plus needed attention every 4–5 days. Both have a 40-ounce water tank (or 60 ounces for the Deluxe), which lasts about 5–6 large coffees before refilling.

Descaling is required every three months or so, and both machines have clear alerts: the Vertuo flashes an orange light three times, while the Plus shows a half-red, half-green light.

The process is simple—run a descaling solution through the machine—but the Plus’s adjustable tank makes refilling easier in cramped spaces. I also noticed the Vertuo’s uniform drip tray was easier to clean than the Plus’s elevated one, which sometimes trapped coffee splashes.

One downside to the Plus is occasional reports of water tank leaks, though I didn’t encounter this. Nespresso’s one-year warranty covers such issues, so it’s worth registering your machine.

Overall, both are easy to maintain, but the Vertuo’s larger capsule container gives it a slight edge for less frequent upkeep.

Pros And Cons of Nespresso Vertuo And Vertuo Plus

Nespresso Vertuo Pros

• Faster Heat-Up: 15 seconds to brew-ready, perfect for rushed mornings.
• Hotter Coffee: 1350W heating element delivers a slightly hotter brew.
• Larger Capsule Container: Holds 13 used capsules, reducing emptying frequency.
• Sturdy Drip Tray: Uniform platform feels more stable for large mugs.
• Affordable Price: Typically $20–$30 cheaper than the Vertuo Plus.

Nespresso Vertuo Cons

• Manual Lid: Requires more effort to open and lock, which can feel clunky.
• Fixed Water Tank: Less flexible for small or awkward counter spaces.
• Heavier Build: At 12 pounds, it’s less portable than the Plus.
• Limited Shut-Off Options: Fixed 9-minute auto shut-off, no programmability.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Pros

• Motorized Lid: Automatic open/close mechanism feels effortless and premium.
• Adjustable Water Tank: Swivels to fit various counter configurations.
• Lighter Weight: At 9.7 pounds, easier to move or store.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Some models use 54% recycled plastic.
• Deluxe Option: 60-ounce tank and metal accents for a premium feel.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Cons

• Slower Heat-Up: 20 seconds, a bit slower than the Vertuo.
• Smaller Capsule Container: Holds only 10 capsules, requiring more frequent emptying.
• Slightly Cooler Brew: 1300W element produces marginally cooler coffee.
• Potential Leaks: Some users report water tank issues, though rare.
• Higher Price: Starts at $169, with Deluxe models up to $229.

Performance in Real Life: My Daily Brew Routine

To really understand these machines, I integrated them into my daily routine.

Mornings usually start with a Double Espresso for a quick jolt, followed by a Gran Lungo for sipping while I work.

The Vertuo’s speed was a lifesaver on hectic days—15 seconds from cold to brewing meant I wasn’t waiting around.

Its hotter coffee also paired better with my preference for black espresso, where temperature really shines.

The Vertuo Plus, however, won me over with its ease of use. The motorized lid felt like a small luxury, especially when I was juggling breakfast prep. I also rearranged my kitchen counter to test the adjustable tank, and it fit perfectly in a tight corner where the Vertuo’s fixed tank wouldn’t.

For larger brews like the Mug or Alto, both machines performed equally well, delivering rich coffee with a thick crema that held up even after adding a splash of milk.

One surprise was how much I appreciated the Plus’s lighter weight when I needed to move it for cleaning. The Vertuo’s heft made it feel more permanent, which could be a pro or con depending on your setup.

Ultimately, both machines made my mornings smoother, but the Plus’s design flexibility tipped the scales for my small space.

Price and Value: Is the Plus Worth the Extra Cost?

Price is a big factor when choosing between these machines. The Vertuo typically retails for $149–$169, while the Vertuo Plus starts at $169–$199, with the Deluxe version hitting $199–$229.

The Vertuo’s lower price makes it attractive if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a manual lid or fixed tank. Its hotter brew and larger capsule container add value for frequent coffee drinkers.

The Plus’s higher price is justified by its motorized lid and adjustable tank, especially if you value convenience or have limited counter space. The Deluxe version’s 60-ounce tank is a bonus for households with multiple coffee drinkers, reducing refills.

However, the extra $30–$60 for the Plus didn’t feel worth it for everyone I spoke to—some friends preferred the Vertuo’s simplicity and lower cost.

Both machines use the same VertuoLine pods, priced at $0.80–$1.10 each, so ongoing costs are identical. Reusable WayCap tops can lower costs to about $0.54 per shot, but they require more effort.

For me, the Plus’s features aligned better with my lifestyle, but the Vertuo’s value is hard to beat if you prioritize heat and affordability.

Who Should Choose Which Machine?

Your choice depends on your priorities.

If you want the hottest coffee, fastest heat-up, and don’t mind a manual lid, the Vertuo is your pick.

It’s ideal for those who value simplicity, brew multiple cups daily, and have ample counter space.

Its lower price and larger capsule container make it a practical choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers.

The Vertuo Plus is better for those with limited space or who crave convenience.

The motorized lid and adjustable tank make it user-friendly and adaptable, especially in small kitchens.

The Deluxe version suits heavy coffee drinkers who want a larger tank and premium aesthetics. If you’re torn, consider how often you brew and whether you prioritize ease over a few extra seconds of heat-up time.

Which One Wins?

After weeks of testing, I lean toward the Vertuo Plus for its versatility and ease of use. The motorized lid and adjustable tank made my mornings feel effortless, and the lighter build was a bonus for my small kitchen.

However, the Vertuo’s hotter coffee and lower price are compelling if you’re after a no-frills machine that still delivers excellent brews.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either. If you love piping-hot coffee and want to save a few bucks, go for the Vertuo. If convenience and counter space are your priorities, the Vertuo Plus (or Deluxe) is worth the splurge.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be sipping café-quality coffee at home in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Perfect Brew Awaits

Choosing between the Nespresso Vertuo and Vertuo Plus comes down to what you value most in your coffee routine. I’ve shared my experience to help you weigh their strengths—whether it’s the Vertuo’s hotter brew and lower price or the Plus’s convenience and sleek design.

Both machines deliver exceptional coffee, so you’re in for a treat either way. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be brewing café-quality drinks at home. Let me know which one you choose and how it transforms your mornings!