It’s no mystery that the espresso, latte, and cappuccino market has really exploded in the last decade. Although most of us enjoy a nice stroll to the local coffee shop for a delicious specialty coffee, we don’t have the time, or the money, to take advantage of these delights regularly.
Hence the need for household espresso machines. Nespresso saw this need and began to dominate the home coffee brewer market.
If you are researching the best Nespresso machine to buy, you have probably come across two very popular options: The VertuoPlus and the Evoluo.
Choosing between the two can be very difficult. They both produce single-serve delicious cups of espresso with a creamy and dense crema that will satisfy those sophisticated coffee taste buds.
Is the higher cost of the Evoluo worth it? What are the major differences between these two models?
Keep reading for a full review on each model, how they compare, how they differ, and which one is ultimately best for you!
Contents
Nespresso VertuoPlus Review
Let’s start with the Nespresso VertuoPlus. The VertuoPlus has 5 brew options including espresso, double espresso, 5 oz, 8 oz, and 14 oz. Each brew is made using Nespresso’s centrifusion technology to produce smooth and slightly foamy crema on top. This crema is quite different than one would expect from a traditional espresso shot. It’s bitter like traditional crema, but thicker and denser. Might be overwhelming for some people.
This coffee maker has a 20-second heat-up time with a power rating of 1300 watts so that you can enjoy your coffee or espresso efficiently.
Right off the bat, you will notice with the VertuoPlus model the 40-ounce water reservoir swivels in order to customize how it can be positioned on your counter. This is a unique feature of the VertuoPlus.
The VertuoPlus also contains a capsule deposit on the back of the machine which holds 10 used capsules. A very useful feature that prevents the need to remove hot, dripping coffee pods between multiple cups of coffee!
Nespresso is amazing for having small and efficiently sized machines. The VertuoPlus dimensions are 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 in which is just amazingly small for something that can produce delicious espresso. And once again, the swivel feature of the water tank makes it even easier to fit it where you want it.
All of the Nespresso Vertuo machines have the ability to read the unique barcode of each capsule to automatically produce the perfect extraction. This is what allows for the simplistic one-button design of the VertuoPlus. A great feature indeed, however, this does force you to purchase the more expensive Nespresso branded coffee pods. We are all hoping for the option to have off-brand capsules on the Vertuo Line soon, however, due to Nespresso’s patent, that could be far away.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus model has an automatic motorized head that does all the work for you. Simply insert the pod and slightly push the head down to have the machine automatically load the capsule. Although this feature is very convenient, there have been reports of used capsules getting stuck prior to depositing in the disposal chamber in the back as the motorized head opens. Perhaps this is just slightly inconvenient, but it makes you wonder how the machine will act after months to years of service.
Pros
- Multiple brew sizes
- Brews both coffee and espresso
- Smart brew feature reads bar code and brews a perfect cup
- Swivel feature of water reservoir
- Motorized head
- Capsule deposit
Cons
- A common complaint is that coffee doesn’t brew hot enough
- Must purchase milk frother separately
- Limited to capsule selection, more expensive
This Nespresso coffee and espresso maker features 5 different brew methods, a 40-ounce movable water reservoir, motorized head, capsule deposit. and smart brew technology.
What Is The Difference Between The VertuoPlus And VertuoPlus Deluxe?
The biggest difference is the water reservoir. The deluxe model comes with a larger 60 oz water reservoir as opposed to the normal 40 oz.
In addition to the larger reservoir, the deluxe model has additional colors which are arguably prettier looking than the non-deluxe.
Finally the VertuoPlus Deluxe is slightly larger at 9.7 x 13.2 x 12.8 in.
The Deluxe model has all the same features as the regular model with a larger 60-ounce water reservoir and additional colors.
Nespresso Evoluo Review
Similar to the Nespresso VertuoPlus, the Evoluo offers 5 brewing options: espresso, double espresso, lungo, coffee, and alto. And of course, consistent with the rest of the Vertuo Line of Nespresso machines, the Evoluo also utilizes the centrifusion brewing technology.
With a higher power rating of 1350 Watts, you can expect the Nespresso Evoluo to heat up coffee faster (15 seconds as opposed to 20) and produce slightly hotter coffee.
The dimensions of the Evoluo are 9.0 in x 12.2 in x 12.3 in making it shorter and stalkier. The water reservoir detachable but does not come on a swivel like the VertuoPlus. It sits on the side of the machine and is able to hold 54 ounces. There is no deluxe model for the Evoluo and it comes in 5 different colors: Graphite, silver, titan, red, and black.
The Evoluo has a very handy 17 capsule deposit container allowing you to brew cup after cup without any trips to the trash can!
Just like the VertuoPlus, the Evoluo has a smart brew feature that automatically reads the bar code of the pod inserted and makes the perfect cup of coffee or espresso for you. However, the Evoluo doesn’t have a motorized head, so you must manually close and open the capsule chamber to change pods.
One unique feature of the Evoluo is that it has a removable and adjustable drip tray that lets you alter the height in order to fit different mug sizes.
Pros
- Multiple brew sizes
- Brews both coffee and espresso
- Smart brew feature reads bar code and brews a perfect cup
- More power = faster and hotter coffee
- Larger capsule deposit
- Moveable drip tray
Cons
- No motorized head
- Milk frother must be purchased separately
- Limited to capsule selection, more expensive
This Nespresso coffee and espresso maker features 5 different brew methods, a 54-ounce removable water reservoir, capsule deposit. movable drip tray, and smart brew technology.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Vs Evoluo
Now that I have given you an overview of the Nespresso VertuoPlus and Evoluo, lets dive in deeper and compare the different features!
Price
Nespresso machines are not the cheapest coffee makers on the market. And for a good reason, they are pretty darn good. Compared to a high-end espresso machine, you are getting a great deal.
That being said, the VertuoPlus is less expensive than the Evoluo. About $50 cheaper. Although this is dependent on where you purchase these coffee machines, the price does fluctuate.
Dimensions
Both the VertuoPlus and the Evoluo are surprisingly small espresso/coffee machines. You really can’t go wrong with either option if the plan is to conserve as much room as possible.
That being said, the Evoluo is slightly shorter if you are trying to fit it under a low-hanging cabinet. The VertuoPlus has the added benefit of having its water reservoir on a swivel so that you can alter how it fits on your counter.
Brew Options
Both the VertuoPlus and the Evoluo have the same 5 brew options. This is Nespresso’s Vertuo line claim to fame, giving you the option to enjoy an espresso or more traditional cup of coffee.
Although the multiple brew sizes are great, if you need a machine that can make a half or full carafe then Nespresso is not for you. All of these options are single-serve.
Brewing Temperature And Quality
As stated above, the Nespresso Evoluo has a higher watt output. Because of this, the Evoluo heats up about 5 seconds faster than the VertuoPlus and also produces coffee at roughly 5 to 8 degrees hotter.
This is a big benefit for the Nespresso Evoluo since one of the complaints of the VertuoPlus is that it produced “warm” coffee instead of “hot.”
As far as quality goes, both machines use the same centrifusion and capsule sensing technology so you can expect stellar coffee whether you purchase the Evoluo or the VertuoPlus.
Motorized Head
One of the coolest exclusive features of the Nespresso VertuoPlus is the motorized head.
A simple tap is all you need to open and close it. Opening the machine automatically deposits your old capsule. Then Instead of having to manually close and puncture the pod, the machine will do it for you. Is it really that big of a deal to open and close the machine yourself? No, but regardless it’s a fun feature.
One quick note, there have been reports of the old capsules getting stuck during the depositing phase with the VertuoPlus. A quick little nudge to help the little bugger fall into the used capsule chamber is all that is needed. I’m just speculating, but it could be that the motorized head contributes to the problem with the capsule getting stuck.
Brewing Noise
Nespresso machines are inherently louder than your average coffee maker. This makes sense considering the centrifusion process.
That being said, the VertuoPlus is quieter out of the two. This could factor into your decision if you are an early riser and the rest of your family is not.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir for the VertuoPlus is 40 ounces and the Evoluo is 54 ounces. If you opt for the VertuoPlus Delux model you increase that reservoir capacity to 60 ounces.
Both the VertuoPlus and the Evoluo reservoirs are easy to remove making it convenient to refill them with water.
As mentioned above, the VertuoPlus has the added benefit of having its reservoir on a swivel. This means you can place the reservoir behind, to the left, or to the right of the machine. This makes it more convenient for fitting the VertuoPlus in a variety of counter spaces.
Auto Shut-off Feature
One of the unique features of the Nespresso VertuoPlus and Evoluo is that they have a very minimalistic operation. Both machines use a single button to operate.
You can shut off the machine manually by holding down the single button for 3 seconds. If you forget to do this, both machines are designed with an auto shut-off feature that turns the machine off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
Milk Frother
As previously mentioned, neither Machine has a built-in milk frother. I know, it’s a bummer. But part of Nespresso’s Vertuo Line shtick is efficiency in operation and size. If they added an attached milk frother, you would expect a much larger machine.
Instead, you can purchase the Aeroccino Milk Frother separately or as a bundle with the Nespresso coffee maker. This Aeroccino Milk Frother is all you need to make specialty drinks with the ability to produce cold milk foam, hot milk foam, and hot milk.
The Aeroccino 3 is an automatic milk frother. Simply pour in the milk and it will make either hot milk, hot frothed milk, or cold frothed milk.
Nespresso VertuoPlus vs Evoluo: Which One Is better?
Now that we have covered all the similarities and differences, which is the better Nespresso machine to purchase?
Most coffee machine review sites will tell you the cliché answer: “It depends.” Ugh, annoying, you want to make a decision now!
So, although both the Nespresso VertuoPlus and the Evoluo are amazing espresso/coffee makers and you won’t be disappointed with either, I will tell you which one I think is better. Because after all, you are here for my opinion!
My answer: Nespresso Evoluo.
Here is why.
Although the Nespresso VertuoPlus has more added features like the reservoir on a swivel and the motorized head, I prefer an espresso machine that has fewer moving parts.
The reality is that both will produce almost identical delicious espresso drinks (Although the Evoluo will be a bit warmer!) which is the important part. In my experiences, extra features that do nothing to improve the taste, only the physical appeal, tend to break sooner. Sure I’ll have to manually open and close the Evoluo’s head, but I am confident it will last longer with less breakable pieces.
Most of us will purchase a new coffee maker within 2 years anyway, so maybe it’s not a big deal. But still, my personality leans toward simple, reliable, and efficient. The Nespresso Evoluo meets these qualities.
This Nespresso coffee and espresso maker features 5 different brew methods, a 54-ounce removable water reservoir, capsule deposit. movable drip tray, and smart brew technology.
Should You Purchase The Bundle With the Aerociino Milk Frother
If you enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, or macchiatos, you will need a milk frother. There are probably cheaper milk frothers out there than the Aerociino Milk Frother that will probably work just fine.
However, there are some cool features with the Aerociino Milk Frother.
Like the Nespresso Vertuo machines, the Aeroccino has a simple 1 button design that, depending on how long you press it, can produce hot foam, hot milk, or cold foam. All you need to do is simply pour in the milk to the indicated level and the machine does the rest.
Super simple!
This Nespresso coffee and espresso maker features 5 different brew methods, a 54-ounce removable water reservoir, capsule deposit. movable drip tray, and smart brew technology.
How Does The Nespresso Vertuo Line Compare To The Original Line?
Nespresso introduced the new Vertuo line of coffee makers in 2014 primarily to appease the North American culture who also enjoys drinking larger cups of coffee instead of only espressos
The biggest difference between the Vertuo and the Original machines is that the Vertuo Line machines introduced more brewing methods that give you the option to enjoy espresso or larger coffee drinks.
The Vertuo Line machines tend to be cheaper but keep in mind they don’t have the integrated milk steamer like most original models have.
Also, the Vertuo Line use a different capsule than the original.
FAQ
Q: What Are The Major Differences Between NEspresso Evoluo and Vertuoplus?
A: There are 3 major differences:
- The VertuoPlus has a motorized head while the Evoluo is manual
- The water reservoir on the VertuoPlus is on a swivel while the Evoluo is fixed.
- The Evoluo has a slightly higher power output which allows it to make espresso faster and hotter.
Q: Can you buy Nespresso pods at Walmart?
A: For the Original Line of Nespresso you can purchase off-brand capsules at stores like Walmart or Target. However, the Vertuo Line capsules (The only capsules that the VertuoPlus and Evoluo use) have a patent on the capsule-style which they are pretty aggressive about enforcing.
Therefore you won’t be able to purchase off-brand models at Walmart. But you can still purchase the Nespresso brand pods online through Walmart’s website.
Q: Is Nespresso coffee good?
A: Nespresso is known for delivering high-quality coffee in their coffee pods meticulously chosen by coffee experts. The pods are sealed in such a way as to preserve the freshness of the grounds. So yes, the coffee is good.
Q: Is Nespresso coffee or espresso?
A: If we are talking about the Original Line of Nespresso, then it is strictly espresso. The Vertuo Line is technically both. With the 5 brew options, you can produce both espresso and traditional coffee. Although the centrifusion technology doesn’t produce the same exact crema you would expect with a coffee shop-style espresso, it tastes almost identical and creates the same pressure atmosphere that creates traditional espresso.
Q: Is Nespresso stronger than coffee?
A: If by stronger you mean bolder then yes. You can expect the more bitter taste associated with espresso. As far as caffeine content goes, this is answered with the next question.
Q: How much caffeine is there in the Nespresso capsules?
A: According to Nespresso, 300-400mg of caffeine is roughly 4-5 cups of Nespresso Original coffees or 2 to 5 cups of coffee for Vertuo coffees. This is a pretty broad range but basically, you can expect Nespresso capsules to have an average amount of caffeine per cup with the ability to make a stronger option depending on your brew setting and capsule. The average caffeine content per coffee cup is 95 mg.
Q: Why is Nespresso so popular?
A: Nespresso uses innovative technologies to produce rich coffees and espressos that are really unmatched in today’s coffee market. Patents on their designs and a really good marketing team also help.
Q: What is centrifusion?
A: Centrifusion is the trademarked technology that Nespresso uses to make their delicious espresso. It’s essentially your typical centrifuge. The machine rotates the capsule around 7000 RPM creating a high-pressure environment before brewing the espresso.
Q: What are the water reservoir differences?
A: The VertuoPlus has a water reservoir with 40 ounces (60 ounces if you purchase the deluxe) that can be moved around on a swivel. The Evoluo has a fixed water reservoir that can hold 54 ounces.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Nespresso machine?
A: Everything depends on how well you care for your machine and how often you use it. On average, a well-kept Nespresso machine can last you 6 to 10 years. You need to make sure you are consistently descaling the coffee maker!
Q: Nespresso Vertuo Machines are made by 2 different companies?
Yup, De’Longhi and Breville both manufacture Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. You can find slight differences between the two. For example, the VertuoPlus Brevile version has a dome-shaped top while the De’Longhi is more square-shaped.