Is Nespresso Vertuo or Original Better? Everything You Need to Know to Decide

Lots of people I know easily get confused by Nespresso’s two lines of machines with different pods. The truth is, the Vertuo and Original lines differ more than you probably think. In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between the two and how to figure out if Nespresso Vertuo or Original Line machines and pods will suit you better.

Nespresso Vertuo and Original: Main Differences

The main differences between Nespresso’s Vertuo and Original lines are the brewing systems, coffee volumes, and capsule designs. Vertuo machines use an innovative Centrifusion brewing technology to spin the capsules and produce larger coffee sizes—most brew from 7.7 oz all the way up to 17 oz, although there are exceptions to that. In contrast, Original line machines use a more traditional 19-bar pump system to brew straight espresso and lungo (long espresso) shots in the 1 to 5 oz range.

Vertuo capsules are distinctively larger and have a fancy dome shape with barcodes on the rim. The Vertuo machine reads these barcodes to adjust brewing parameters like volume, temperature, and brew time for each specific capsule. Original line capsules are smaller and don’t have any special barcode technology.

What Is Nespresso VertuoLine?

Nespresso VertuoLine is the newer generation of Nespresso’s single-serve brewers designed to craft larger, American-style coffee drinks. Launched in 2014, Vertuo machines use an innovative Centrifusion brewing technology that spins the capsules up to 7,000 RPM to blend the coffee grounds evenly with water. This creates centrifugal force that mimics the high pressure used by traditional espresso machines.

Here’s how the Vertuo brewing process works:

You insert a Nespresso Vertuo capsule into the machine. Each capsule has a barcode imprinted on the rim with specific brew settings that are set to make the best coffee possible for the grounds in the pod.
The machine reads the barcode and automatically adjusts its settings for that specific capsule.
The capsule is spun at up to 7,000 RPM, creating a powerful centrifugal force.
While spinning, hot water is injected into the capsule through three holes in the top foil.
The centrifugal force allows the water to blend perfectly with the coffee grounds inside the capsule.
The brewed coffee is extracted from the capsule and into your cup.

This spinning process helps fully saturate the coffee grounds while gently extracting their full flavor and aroma. The result is a rich coffee with a nice crema (the luscious foam topping).

Most Vertuo machines can brew five different cup sizes ranging from a 7.7 oz coffee all the way up to a massive 17 oz Alto size. Some can go much smaller and offer an espresso-like beverage that you’d expect from an OriginaLine machine, while the Vertuo Next can also brew entire carafes.

The capsules contain a blend of finely ground coffee and coffee extracts that creates a more authentic American-style coffee rather than a straight espresso shot.

In my opinion, Vertuo coffees taste more like high-quality Americanos than traditional espresso-based drinks. The larger volumes are ideal if you want a proper cup of coffee rather than just a few ounces of intense espresso.

Benefits of Nespresso VertuoLine

Larger coffee sizes made for bigger mugs and travel cups
Produces a nice crema
Barcode reading for dialed-in coffee
Simple to operate with one-touch brewing

Drawbacks of Nespresso VertuoLine

Limited options compared to OriginalLine machines
Most can’t make espresso
Pods can be expensive if you stick to Nespresso brand
Vertuo machines are more costly than many Original models
Can’t adjust coffee volume outside pre-set sizes

What is Nespresso OriginalLine?

Nespresso’s Original line predates the Vertuo line, launching way back in 1986. These machines use a more traditional 19-bar high-pressure pump system to brew concentrated shots of espresso or lungo (long espresso).

The Original brewing process goes like this:

You insert a small Nespresso capsule into the machine.
High pressure (up to 19 bars) forces hot water through the capsule and coffee grounds.
A small paper filter prevents grounds from making their way into your cup as the espresso brews.

Original line Nespresso makers are designed to produce rich, intense shots of espresso to be enjoyed as is or used as a base for milk beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. You can optionally use the machine’s built-in milk frother to steam dairy or non-dairy milk. Not all Original machines come with a frother, though.

While Vertuo is focused on delivering a great filtered cup of coffee, the Original line aims to recreate the experience of a true Italian-style espresso. Original capsules contain finely ground espresso coffee, allowing these machines to pull smooth yet robustly flavored shots with a nice crema on top.

Of course, you can always add hot water to an Original line espresso to create an Americano-style drink. But if you primarily want a larger drip-style coffee, Vertuo is the way to go. Original is all about espresso and crafting specialty beverages like cappuccinos and macchiatos.

Benefits of Nespresso OriginalLine

Makes an espresso-like drink with nice crema
Can add frothed milk to craft cappuccinos, lattes, etc.
Huge range of capsule varieties and intensities to choose from
Compatible with bargain third-party capsules for cost savings
Original machines are generally less expensive than Vertuo
You can make either single or double espresso or lungo shots
Better for true espresso fans and milk beverage lovers

Drawbacks of Nespresso OriginalLine

Doesn’t make full 8-12 oz cups of coffee
More limited in serving sizes compared to Vertuo
Espresso has a strong, bold flavor that not everyone enjoys
You can’t adjust factors like temperature and volume

Nespresso Original or Vertuo: Which Is Right for You?

Making the choice between Nespresso Vertuo and Original lines comes down to your personal preferences for coffee style, beverage sizes, and convenience factors. Let’s look at how they compare across key areas to help determine which is the better fit.

Coffee Style: Tie

Both Vertuo and Original line Nespresso machines produce high-quality coffee—they just take different approaches.

Vertuo uses capsules filled with finely ground coffee and coffee extracts to brew larger 7.7 oz to 17 oz servings. The end result is similar to drip coffee or an Americano, with a nice layer of crema on top.

In contrast, Original capsules contain finely ground espresso coffee. The high-pressure 19-bar system extracts thick, concentrated shots of espresso in the range of 1 to 5 oz. You can drink these as is or add hot water for an Americano.

If you want an authentic espresso experience to sip or use as a base for milk drinks, go with an Original machine. For regular drip-style coffee in larger cup sizes, Vertuo is ideal. Both make excellent coffee, just in different styles.

Flavor Options: Original

While Nespresso Vertuo has expanded its capsule range over time, the Original line still dominates when it comes to sheer variety of coffee flavors and intensities. There are around 28 different Vertuo capsules compared to over 50 Original capsule blends. And that’s not even counting third-party options.

Thanks to being around for 35+ years, the Original collection offers everything from light, fruity single origins to intense dark roasts and flavored coffees. Nespresso continuously introduces cool new limited edition and seasonal blends for Original, too.

If you want to sample diverse coffee flavors and origins or need a wide intensity range, Original provides way more options than the newer Vertuo line. However, keep in mind that most Vertuo drinkers seem perfectly happy with the selection available.

Pod Options: Original

Sticking with Nespresso’s own branded capsules for either line isn’t cheap, which is why many coffee fans love that the Original system is so widely compatible with lower-cost third-party pods.

While you can find some off-brand Vertuo capsules, there are WAY more variety packs and brands making compatible capsules for the Original system. Companies like Peet’s, Cafe La Llave, Bestpresso, Jones Brothers, and many more offer high-quality yet affordable alternatives to Nespresso’s own capsules.

Having so many third-party Original capsule options provides cost savings and even more flavor variety to explore. If you want to experiment with different roasters and origins while keeping costs down, the Original line gives you that flexibility.

However, the disparity here is likely due to the fact that the OriginalLine has been around for so much longer. Eventually, the VertuoLine should catch up.

Coffee Quality: Tie

Despite using different brewing methods, both the Vertuo and Original Nespresso systems are capable of producing excellent quality coffee when used properly.

As long as you use fresh, unexpired capsules and give the machines proper care, you can absolutely get cafe-quality results from either the Vertuo or Original line. Nespresso puts a ton of R&D into perfecting capsule blends and brew methods.

That said, true coffee connoisseurs may slightly prefer the more hands-on control you get with the Original system’s straightforward espresso shots as a building block for crafting drinks just so. But Vertuo has made impressive strides in recent years.

Cost: Original

Nespresso machines and capsules aren’t cheap, regardless of whether you go Vertuo or Original. But the Original system does have a slight overall cost advantage in a few ways.

First, Nespresso’s Original line includes some very affordable machine models like the Essenza Mini and Inissia that frequently go on sale for under $100. Entry-level Vertuo brewers start at around $150 to $200.

While capsule costs per serving even out if you always buy direct from Nespresso, the wide availability of bargain-priced third-party capsules compatible with Original gives it an edge for driving down daily operating costs.

You can find killer deals on variety packs of 50-100 Original capsules from brands like Peet’s, Brooklyn Beans, Bestpresso and others for way less than Nespresso charges. These aren’t as readily available for the VertuoLine yet.

If budget is your prime concern and you want to save money both upfront and ongoing, go with Nespresso’s Original brewers and scoop up affordable third-party capsules.

Choosing Between Nespresso Vertuo and Original

So, which is better: Nespresso VertuoLine or OriginalLine? It really comes down to your personal preferences for brew style, convenience factors, and budget priorities.

If you simply want delicious coffee in the classic drip or Americano style made quickly with no fuss, Nespresso Vertuo is tough to beat. The Nespresso VertuoPlus is my pick as far as machines go—it has a huge 60oz water tank and brews five different cup sizes up to 17oz Alto for travel mugs. Just pop in a capsule and it reads the code to brew perfection every time.

However, for those who crave an authentic espresso experience or need to craft specialty milk beverages, the OriginalLine delivers. The compact Nespresso Pixie is a versatile brewer that makes stellar espresso-like coffee at an affordable price. And you can’t beat the limitless flavor options and cost savings from third-party capsules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Original capsules in Vertuo machines or vice versa?

No, Vertuo and Original line Nespresso machines and capsules are not cross-compatible. The capsule sizes and brewing systems are completely different between the two lines. Trying to force the wrong capsule into the machine will jam it and potentially cause damage. Always double check that you’re using Vertuo capsules in Vertuo brewers and Original capsules in Original brewers. The capsules are distinctively shaped so they aren’t easy to mix up.

Which Nespresso system makes better espresso - Vertuo or Original?

The OriginalLine Nespresso machines are designed specifically to brew authentic espresso using 19 bars of pressure. Vertuo can’t quite match that intense extraction, though it does aim to mimic an Americano coffee drink with crema. If you want a proper shot of thick, syrupy espresso to sip or use as a base for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, the Original line is superior. However, Vertuo makes a solid alternative if you don’t need a true high-octane espresso experience.

Are there reusable capsules I can use with Nespresso?

Yes, there are a number of third-party reusable capsules on the market that allow you to use your own fresh ground coffee with both Vertuo and Original Nespresso machines. These are made of durable stainless steel or plastic and have removable lids to refill the capsules. Options like Rosepill, Bayonet, and XCaps work with the Original line, while brands like Swick and Recaps offer reusable capsules for Vertuo. Using reusable capsules lets you explore any coffee you want while still utilizing Nespresso’s convenient single-serve brewing.