Nespresso Vertuo vs. Original: Which Should You Buy?
Pressure vs. spin, crema vs. foam, and capsules sold everywhere vs. only by Nespresso: how Vertuo and Original machines compare, and which to buy.
Nespresso sells two machine lines that use completely different capsules. The Original line makes small, espresso-style shots with a pressure pump, and its capsules are sold by dozens of coffee brands. The Vertuo line spins a barcoded capsule to brew everything from an espresso to a large mug of coffee, topped with a thick layer of foam, and its capsules come only from Nespresso. The real decision is what you drink and which capsules you want to buy for years.
This guide covers how the two systems actually differ in the cup, at the counter and over time, and which Nespresso machine fits which coffee drinker.
Quick verdict
- Best for espresso and milk drinks: an Original machine like the Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine. A pressure pump makes a creamier, more traditional crema, and the capsules are cheaper and sold almost everywhere.
- Best small Original machine: the Nespresso Essenza Mini. The same espresso and lungo shots in a much smaller, lighter body.
- Best for a big mug of coffee: the Nespresso Vertuo Next. One button brews six sizes, from espresso up to an 18-ounce coffee, with no settings to think about.
- Best compact Vertuo: the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. A compact Vertuo with a quick heat-up and a side water tank.
The Nespresso machines side by side
| Machine | Shop | System | How it brews | Drink sizes | Capsules | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine |  View on Amazon
| Original | 19-bar pressure pump | Espresso and lungo buttons, programmable | Nespresso plus many other brands | Espresso, lattes, a classic look |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini |  View on Amazon
| Original | 19-bar pressure pump | Espresso and lungo buttons, programmable | Nespresso plus many other brands | Small counters, espresso drinkers |
| Nespresso Vertuo Next |  View on Amazon
| Vertuo | Spinning capsule, barcode-set recipe | Espresso, double espresso, 5, 8, 12 and 18 oz | Nespresso and Starbucks by Nespresso only | Large mugs of coffee |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop |  View on Amazon
| Vertuo | Spinning capsule, barcode-set recipe | Espresso, double espresso, 5, 8 and 12 oz | Nespresso and Starbucks by Nespresso only | A compact entry into Vertuo |
Best for espresso
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine
A proper espresso-style shot with a fine, lasting crema, two reprogrammable buttons and the Original capsule system with coffees from many roasters.
- 19-bar pump
- Espresso and lungo
- Original capsules
Good for
- Espresso and milk drinks (add a frother)
- Capsules from many brands
Skip it if
- Big mugs of coffee
How the two systems differ
Pressure versus spin
Original machines work like a small espresso machine. A pump pushes hot water through about 5 to 6 grams of coffee in an aluminum capsule at high pressure, and the result has a crema that looks and behaves like one from a regular espresso machine. You choose the size with two buttons, espresso or lungo, and you can reprogram either one.
Vertuo machines don't use a pressure pump in the same way. The machine spins the capsule, reads a barcode printed around its rim, and that barcode sets the water volume, temperature, brew time and spin speed. Then the capsule spins at thousands of RPM while water flows through it at fairly low pressure. That's why a Vertuo has a single button. It's simple, but you can't change much: you can press and hold the button to brew a different volume, but the capsule decides the recipe.
The foam: love it or not
The most visible difference is in the cup. Vertuo coffee comes out with a thick, airy, bubbly head of foam. It isn't true crema; the spinning whips air into the coffee, much like running brewed coffee through a blender. On an espresso-size Vertuo capsule, the shot looks similar to an Original one. On the big mug capsules, the foam is tall and lingers for minutes, and as it breaks down it turns bubbly and leaves a film down the inside of the mug instead of fading cleanly. Some people love the texture; others find it unappetizing. There's no setting to turn it down, because the barcode controls it.
The coffee under the foam is good. Large Vertuo cups are thoroughly extracted without tasting over-extracted, and the foam adds a soft, full texture. The capsules lean toward darker roasts, which suit the system, so expect bitterness more than bright acidity. A Vertuo espresso tastes more like strong black coffee than a traditional shot; an Original shot is closer to a café espresso.
Capsules: the long-term decision
This is the biggest practical difference. Original-style capsules are made by Nespresso and by many coffee brands and grocery store labels, so you can pick them up at the supermarket and choose from a wide range of roasts. Vertuo capsules come only from Nespresso, plus Starbucks by Nespresso, so you order online or visit a Nespresso store. The Vertuo range is still large, but it's narrower, and Vertuo capsules generally cost more per cup than comparable Original ones, especially the large mug sizes. The capsules are bigger too, so they use more material. Nespresso runs a capsule recycling program for its aluminum capsules in both systems.
If you like a long black coffee, there's a cheaper route on an Original machine: brew a lungo or double shot and top it up with hot water from a kettle. It costs less per cup than a Vertuo mug capsule and skips the heavy foam.
Everyday use
- Both are simple. One or two buttons, a fast heat-up and an automatic shutoff.
- Vertuo lids take a firmer hand. The Next's lid closes with a firm push; the Pop uses a lever you turn to lock and unlock.
- Vertuo uses more water. Tanks are similar in size, but mug-size capsules empty them faster.
- A forgotten capsule. The Vertuo Next will let you brew again through a used capsule if you forget to eject it. The CitiZ won't start again until the old capsule is ejected, which prevents a watery second cup.
- Noise. The Vertuo Pop is a little louder than an Original machine while it spins.
The picks in detail
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine: best for espresso
The CitiZ makes a proper espresso-style shot with a fine, lasting crema, and its two buttons (espresso and lungo) can be reprogrammed to the volume you like. It's easy to use one-handed, its footprint is about the same as a Vertuo Next, and it refuses to brew through a used capsule until you eject it. Its biggest advantage is the Original capsule system: lower cost per cup and a huge choice of coffees from other roasters, sold in ordinary grocery stores. For lattes and cappuccinos, pair it with a frother.
Best for espresso
Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine
A proper espresso-style shot with a fine, lasting crema, two reprogrammable buttons and the Original capsule system with coffees from many roasters.
- 19-bar pump
- Espresso and lungo
- Original capsules
Good for
- Espresso and milk drinks (add a frother)
- Capsules from many brands
Skip it if
- Big mugs of coffee
Nespresso Essenza Mini: best small Original machine
The Essenza Mini is the most compact way into the Original system, noticeably smaller and lighter than a Vertuo Pop. It has the same two programmable buttons, makes the same creamy, traditional-style crema and uses the same widely available capsules. It's a good fit for a small kitchen, an office or a second machine.
Best small Original machine
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The most compact way into the Original system, with the same two programmable buttons and the same creamy, traditional-style crema.
- Compact
- Espresso and lungo
- Original capsules
Good for
- Small kitchens and offices
- A second machine
Skip it if
- Big mugs of coffee
Nespresso Vertuo Next: best for big cups of coffee
The Vertuo Next is for people who want a mug of coffee, not an espresso. It brews single and double espressos plus 5, 8, 12 and 18-ounce coffees with one button, and every capsule sets its own recipe, so there's nothing to adjust. Mug-size coffees are smooth, well-extracted and topped with that thick foam. It's slim, about 5.5 inches wide.
The trade-offs: capsules only from Nespresso, a higher cost per cup, foam you can't turn down, and a lid that needs a firm push. If you drink mostly espresso, the Original machines do it better.
Best for big cups
Nespresso Vertuo Next
One button brews six sizes, from espresso up to an 18-ounce coffee, and each capsule sets its own recipe; mug-size coffees come out smooth and well extracted.
- 6 sizes up to 18 oz
- About 5.5 in wide
- Vertuo capsules
Good for
- Big-mug coffee drinkers
- One-button simplicity
Skip it if
- Mostly espresso (Original machines do it better)
- You dislike thick foam
Nespresso Vertuo Pop: best compact Vertuo
The Vertuo Pop is the most compact Vertuo. It brews single and double espressos and 5, 8 and 12-ounce coffees, hot or over ice, heats up in about 30 seconds and has a removable side water tank and an adjustable drip tray. A lever on top locks the lid, and the capsule drops out when you open it. It's a little louder than an Original machine and skips the 18-ounce size, and like every Vertuo, it locks you into Nespresso's capsules.
Best compact Vertuo
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Single and double espressos and 5, 8 and 12-ounce coffees, hot or over ice, with a 30-second heat-up and a removable side tank.
- Up to 12 oz
- About 30 s heat-up
- Side water tank
Good for
- A first Vertuo
- Iced coffee
Skip it if
- 18-ounce mugs (it skips that size)
How to choose
- Drink espresso, lattes or cappuccinos? Original. The shot and crema are closer to a real espresso.
- Drink a big mug of coffee every morning? Vertuo, unless you're happy topping a lungo up with hot water.
- Want to buy capsules at the grocery store or try other roasters? Original.
- Care about cost per cup? Original capsules are cheaper, and the gap grows with Vertuo's large sizes.
- Not sure about the foam? Try a Vertuo coffee before buying. The thick head is the system's signature, and it can't be switched off.
- Want more control or better espresso? Neither line is a real espresso machine. See the beginner espresso machine guide.
For milk drinks with either system, see the milk frother comparison. If you mostly want a pot of good coffee, the drip coffee maker guide may suit you better than any capsule machine.
Best small Original machine
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The most compact way into the Original system, with the same two programmable buttons and the same creamy, traditional-style crema.
- Compact
- Espresso and lungo
- Original capsules
Good for
- Small kitchens and offices
- A second machine
Skip it if
- Big mugs of coffee
Who should buy which
- Espresso and milk-drink lovers: the Nespresso CitiZ.
- Small kitchens and offices: the Nespresso Essenza Mini.
- Big-mug coffee drinkers who want one-button simplicity: the Nespresso Vertuo Next.
- A first Vertuo: the Nespresso Vertuo Pop.
Posted by Kristopher Larson
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Nespresso Vertuo and Original?
Original machines brew small espresso-style drinks with a pressure pump and use capsules sold by Nespresso and many other brands. Vertuo machines spin a barcoded capsule to brew sizes from espresso up to a large mug, with a thick layer of foam on top, and use capsules sold only by Nespresso and Starbucks by Nespresso.
Can you use Original capsules in a Vertuo machine?
No. The two systems use different capsule shapes, and Vertuo machines read a barcode on each Vertuo capsule to set the recipe. Original capsules only work in Original machines, and Vertuo capsules only work in Vertuo machines.
Which Nespresso is better for lattes?
An Original machine like the CitiZ or Essenza Mini. Its pressure-brewed shot has a creamier, more traditional crema that works well under steamed or frothed milk. Vertuo can make espresso too, but its shots taste more like strong black coffee.
Are Vertuo capsules more expensive than Original?
Generally, yes. Comparable Vertuo capsules cost more per cup, and the gap is widest on the large mug sizes. Original-style capsules also come from many other coffee brands and store labels, which adds cheaper options.
Why does Vertuo coffee have so much foam?
The capsule spins at thousands of RPM while it brews, which whips air into the coffee and creates a thick, airy head. It isn't true espresso crema, and there's no setting to reduce it, because the capsule's barcode controls the brew.
Can you make a large cup of coffee with an Original Nespresso?
Yes, though not in one capsule. Brew a lungo or a double shot and top it up with hot water for an Americano-style mug. It costs less per cup than a Vertuo mug capsule and skips the thick foam, but if you want one-button large cups, Vertuo is easier.
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