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Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods Compatible With All Nespresso Machines?

Dan

By: Dan

Updated on: 4/24/2024

Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods Compatible With All Nespresso Machines?

Nespresso has two main lines of coffee makers: the OriginalLine and the VertuoLine. While it’s not nearly as confusing as Keurig’s 100,000 different machines with nearly identical model names, it’s still easy to get confused. And the tough thing is, the pods are NOT compatible between the two lines. Nespresso Vertuo pods are not compatible with the OriginalLine machines.

So if you excitedly picked up some Vertuo pods without realizing you have an OriginalLine Nespresso, or you received Vertuo pods as a gift even though you have the “wrong” machine, don’t panic! This guide will explain exactly which Nespresso machines are compatible with the Vertuo pods to help you figure out if yours is one of them. I’ll also give suggestions on what to do if your machine isn’t compatible so that the coffee doesn’t have to go to waste.

What Machines Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods Compatible With?

The good news is that if you know for sure that you have a VertuoLine coffee maker, then any VertuoLine pods will absolutely work with your machine.

But if you’re not certain whether your Nespresso is a Vertuo model, check the list below. All of these Nespresso coffee machines are part of the VertuoLine and are compatible with Vertuo pods:

  • Nespresso Vertuo
  • Nespresso VertuoPlus
  • Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe
  • Nespresso Vertuo Creatista (NOT the Creatista Pro or Creatista Plus!)
  • Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima (NOT the Lattissima One!)
  • Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
  • Nespresso Vertuo Next
  • Nespresso Vertuo Next Premium
  • Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo

The VertuoLine uses a completely different brewing system than the OriginalLine, and the pods are a totally different shape (domed instead of cup-shaped) and size. They also contain about two times the coffee grounds as the OriginalLine pods, so in all areas, they’re not compatible.

Anyway, if your Nespresso model is on this list, you’re all good to use Vertuo pods without worries. Brew away!

What Machines Are Nespresso Vertuo Pods NOT Compatible With?

Now for the not-so-good news. If you have an OriginalLine Nespresso maker, unfortunately, Vertuo pods won’t work with it.

The OriginalLine machines use a high-pressure extraction system that’s completely different from the Centrifusion technology of the VertuoLine. So the shape, size, and barcode reading of Vertuo pods are incompatible with OriginalLine models.

If you’re unsure whether your Nespresso maker is an OriginalLine model, check below. The following machines are ALL incompatible with Vertuo pods:

  • Nespresso Creatista Pro (NOT the standard Creatista!)
  • Nespresso Creatista Plus (NOT the standard Creatista!)
  • Nespresso Lattissima One (NOT the standard Lattissima!)
  • Nespresso Gran Lattissima (NOT the standard Lattissima!)
  • Nespresso CitiZ
  • Nespresso CitiZ Platinum
  • Nespresso Essenza Mini
  • Nespresso Pixie

As a longtime Nespresso fanatic, I feel your pain if you have one of these machines and accidentally bought Vertuo pods. But don’t worry, you still have options if your pods are incompatible.

What Do I Do If My Nespresso Pods Aren’t Compatible With My Machine?

Uh oh. The moment of truth has arrived and you now know you bought the wrong Nespresso pods. While inconvenient, there are still a few ways to remedy the situation:

  • Return or exchange the pods. If you just bought them, return or exchange the Vertuo pods for OriginalLine pods that will work with your machine. Most retailers, including Nespresso, accept returns of unused coffee pods. Just don’t open the box or try using them!
  • Gift them to a Vertuo owner. If returning isn’t an option, give the pods to a lucky friend or family member with a VertuoLine machine. It makes a great, useful gift! And if they accidentally bought OriginalLine pods, swap them.
  • Resell them. You can try selling unopened Vertuo pods on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, etc. Of course you likely won’t get full price, but you’ll recuperate some of the cost.
  • Empty the pods into a reusable one. This is a bit labor intensive, but you can cut open Vertuo pods and empty the coffee grounds into a reusable pod basket that works with OriginalLine machines. This allows you to use the coffee without waste. However, since there’s no barcode on the reusable pod, the brew parameters won’t be ideal. It can work in a pinch, although you might also get subpar coffee if the reusable pod doesn’t have the proper silicon seal around the underside of the rim. That seal creates the pressure needed for delicious Nespresso coffee, so you’ll likely be disappointed if you have a pod without the seal.
  • Use them as instant coffee. Open the pod, pour the grounds into hot water, and stir to make instant coffee. The grounds won’t dissolve like real instant coffee, so you’ll be drinking sludge if you don’t filter it. And even then, it won’t be as delicious as espresso, but it’ll do in a pinch!

The Bottom Line: Nespresso Vertuo Pods Only Work in Vertuo Machines

Nespresso Vertuo pods are only compatible with the VertuoLine of Nespresso coffee makers. They will NOT work in OriginalLine machines.

The OriginalLine uses a high-pressure brewing system while the VertuoLine relies on Centrifusion technology. This means the shape, size, and barcode reading is completely different between the two pod types.

So check both your Nespresso model and the pod type before purchasing or trying to use them. If you have the wrong pods for your machine, try returning or exchanging them, gifting them to a Vertuo owner, reselling them, or repurposing the grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t Nespresso Vertuo pods fit in my OriginalLine machine?

Vertuo pods don’t fit OriginalLine machines because of major differences in the two brewing systems. OriginalLine uses high-pressure extraction that requires smaller, cup-shaped pods with a barcode on the rim. VertuoLine uses Centrifusion technology that spins the pod at 7,000 RPM, requiring larger, rounder pods with a bottom barcode. The different pod sizes, shapes, coffee ground volume, and barcode placement make them completely incompatible between the two lines.

Can I reuse a Nespresso Vertuo pod in an OriginalLine machine?

You could reuse a Vertuo pod in an OriginalLine machine by emptying out the grounds and putting them in a reusable pod basket. However, this is very labor intensive, and the resulting coffee will likely not be good. The two machines brew in totally different ways, so everything from the grind size and brewing parameters to the amount of coffee grounds is different between the two.

What’s the easiest way to use Nespresso Vertuo pods if I have an OriginalLine machine?

The easiest option if you have Vertuo pods but an OriginalLine machine is to gift or resell the pods, unfortunately. Or sell the pods still sealed via Facebook Marketplace, eBay etc. While you likely won’t get back the full price, you can get some value back to put towards compatible OriginalLine pods. This avoids the hassle of returns and reusing grounds. You could also put them in a reusable pod designed for OriginalLine machines, but chances are you won’t like the coffee you get because the machines use different brewing methods.