Nespresso Vertuoline Vs Original – Which is better?
Are you wondering the differences between Nespresso Vertuoline vs Original espresso makers? Let’s examine the differences and find out which line might contain the right product for us.
Nespresso is a well-known maker of high-end coffee machines. They are renowned for their elegant, streamlined products. When people think of Nespresso, they think of the good quality and convenience of the appliances, not necessarily the distinctions between the appliances that Nespresso offers. While all Nespresso machines are crafted with grace and efficiency from high-end materials, each Nespresso model has features that differentiate it from the others.
Nespresso separates its products into two distinct “lines.” A line is simply a grouping of machines that all share some common features. The two “lines” that Nespresso has created are the “OriginalLine” and the “VertuoLine”.
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The OriginalLine – Unique Features
The OriginalLine, as you can tell from the name, is the first line of machines that Nespresso produced. The primary difference between these machines and the machines in the VertuoLine is the method used to extract the coffee.
Machines in the OriginalLine use a 19 bar pressure system to produce coffee. This is similar to the type of system that is used in an ordinary coffee shop. However, where baristas must go through rigorous training to be able to make the perfect cup of coffee, Nespresso does the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
Let’s look at the Essenza mini, for example. The Essenza mini, the least expensive model on the OriginalLine, does not require the calculated work of pulling levers and pouring espresso that baristas usually do when you purchase from a coffee shop.
Instead, the Essenza mini offers a quality cup, using the same pressure technology, with just a push of a button. You simply insert a capsule into the machine and press the start button once you have added water, and the work is done for you. With this machine from the OriginalLine, you can have ristretto, espresso, lungo, americano, and even milk drinks (if you purchase the aeroccino milk frother bundle) at your fingertips.
Importantly, the capsules used for the Essenza Mini and all of the OriginalLine machines are different from those used for the VertuoLine machines. The capsules for the OriginalLine are more cylindrical, whereas the capsules for the VertuoLine have a distinct, half-sphere shape. The OriginalLine capsules range from $0.70/capsule to $1.25/capsule and come in a variety of flavors and decaffeinated options.
The VertuoLine – Unique Features
The VertuoLine, named to conjure up Virtuoso performance, was the second line that Nespresso created.
In contrast to the OriginalLine which uses bar pressure to create the coffee, the machines on the VertuoLine produce coffee using Nespresso patented Centrifusion extraction. Just as a centrifuge is a scientific instrument that spins rapidly, Centrifusion technology relies on the rapid spinning of the capsule, not pressure, to create coffee.
Another unique feature of the VertuoLine which sets it apart from the OriginalLine is that its machines come equipped with barcode reading technology. When you place your capsule of choice into the machine, the machine will recognize what type of drink you want and make it perfectly. This barcode technology, while extremely helpful and convenient, raises the cost of the Nespresso VertuoLine capsules. Each capsule is between $0.85 and $1.20.
While much cheaper than buying a cup of coffee each morning, the expense of the capsules can compound. Some consumers find it valuable to be able to buy off-brand capsules for their units that are less expensive. Unfortunately, this is not an option with the VertuoLine. OriginalLine units can take off-brand capsules, but the barcode technology on the dome-shaped capsules of the VertuoLine prevents those machines from accepting foreign capsules.
Finally, whereas the OriginalLine machines are limited to ristretto, espresso, lungo, americano, and some milk drinks, the VertuoLine provides the option of creating larger drinks. With a VertuoLine machine, any user can create espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, or alto beverages. Having greater flexiblity with the size of the drink outweighs the extra cost incurred from purchasing a VertuoLine machine for some users.
Nespresso Original vs Vertuoline – Evoluo vs Essenza Mini
We have already briefly examined the Essenza Mini, the least expensive model of the OriginalLine. Here, we will compare it to the Evoluo, the least expensive model of the VertuoLine. Of course, the capsules and process of making the coffee are different between the machines. Do they have different features, though?
Evoluo Coffee Maker
The Evoluo boasts the following features:
- A 15-second heat up time
- Automatic OFF mode after 9 minutes
- Automatic capsule disposal with storage for up to 17 large mug capsules
- Descaling alerts
- Barcode-reading technology that detects capsule size andmakes your drink appropriately
- One button operation
- 54 oz Water Tank
- Cup Support Versatility.
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’LonghiGET IT NOW
A few notes about these features:
Fast 15-second heat up time
There are Nespresso machines that heat up in fewer than 15 seconds, but the 15 second heat up time is pretty standard for most models.
Automatic OFF mode
Automatic shut off is a built in safety feature on all units in both lines. It can be changed to 30 minutes if necessary.
Automatic capsule disposal
Automatic disposal is a very convenient feature. Instead of having to remember to remove your capsule when you are done making your coffee, you simply let the machine take the capsule to the used capsule container.
And it gets better. There is no need to bother about emptying the container until you have used the coffee machine for 17 times. Talk about convenience!
Descaling alerts
Descaling is a little known, but vital, cleaning process for the longevity of your machine. Nespresso sells descaling kits on its website that may be used. Some users have reported an odd aftertaste after descaling, but this typically goes away with enough rinsing.
Cup Support Versatility
This coffee maker offers four cup support positions. In addition, you can also temporarily remove the cup support. Indeed, cup support versatility is one of the things that differentiates the VertuoLine from the Original. With a Vertoline coffee maker, you can have more different sized glasses to fit under the machine.
Essenza Mini Coffee Maker
By comparison, the Essenza Mini has the following features:
- Light weight of just 5 pounds
- Compact
- Fast build-up of pressure in 2 seconds.
- 2 programmable cup sizes (espresso and lungo)
- Used capsule container capacity for 6 capsules
- 20.3 oz water tank
- Automatic off mode after 9 minutes
- Comes in 2 styles and 5 colors
- Able to use 3rd party compatible Nespresso Capsules
Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso Machine by De’Longhi
Compact
This coffee maker weighs only 5 pounds. With a footprint of just 4.3 inches x 8 inches and a height of less than 13 inches, the Nespresso original coffee maker is no doubt an extremely compact machine. You can’t find a unit this small in the VertuoLine.
Fast build-up of pressure
The Essenza coffee maker goes from zero pressure to a full 19 bars of pressure in about 2 seconds. Remember that the OriginalLine creates coffee with pressure instead of Centrifusion technology. Both methods produce great tasting coffee. The OriginalLine does not have barcode-reading technology.
2 programmable cup sizes
These two cup sizes offer far less variety than what the Evoluo can produce, but there are machines on the OriginalLine that can produce more varieties of coffee such as the Lattissima Pro and compete with the Evoluo.
Used capsule container capacity
6 capsules is much smaller than 17, but remember that this is a much smallerunit meant for travel.
Water Tank Capacity
Again, 20.3 oz is smaller than 54, but it’s the price you pay for a travel or compact unit.
Automatic off mode
Automatic shutoff is the standard safety feature on every unit.
Design
The variety of styles and colors makes it more playful than the serious and sophisticated Evoluo.
There are several similarities between the machines. For one, they both have the automatic shut off after 9 minutes. This is a standard feature on all Nespresso machines, both in the OriginalLine and the VertuoLine. Furthermore, both machines can be bundled with an Aeroccino frother. There are machines in each line that come with a built in frother as well.
Nespresso Vertuoline vs Original Line – More Differences
Size
However, these two units are also quite different. They have an obvious size difference. the Essenza Mini was created to be highly portable and versatile in small spaces, and it is. For that reason, many of the metrics, such as the used capsule container capacity, are not equivalent between machines. The Evoluo simply is a much bigger machine.
That isn’t to say that you can’t find big machines on the OriginalLine. The Creatista has a water tank that, at 50 oz, is almost comparable to the 54 oz tank on the Evoluo. What all of this does mean, however, is that if you are looking for the smallest machine that Nespresso offers, you won’t find that machine as part of the VertuoLine. In the end, you may have to trade off size for barcode and Centrifusion technology.
Milk Frothing Capability
Another difference between the two lines is the OriginalLine also includes machines that have built in milk containers. While you could conceivably create milk drinks with the VertuoLine, those machines were not specifically designed for that purpose. The milk frother on those machines is always external to the machine itself.
The OriginalLine, however, has models that will create crema at the touch of a button without having to separately operate the Aeroccino system. One such model is the Lattissima Pro. This is very handy for people who regularly drink milk drinks. People who want to attempt latte art will also appreciate the built in feature on the OriginalLine units that will afford them that opportunity.
Style and color
In terms of style and color, OriginalLine is overall more playful than the VertuoLine. The OriginalLine contains machines that come in colors like bright red and lime green, among others. The VertuoLine boasts amore sophisticated color pallet. The machines in that line have muted tones of silver, gray, and black with the occasional red thrown in. While it is possible to get units in those colors on the OriginalLine, it is not possible to get a lime green VertuoLine unit. Therefore, people who definitely want a playfully colored machine should look at the OriginalLine first.
Should I buy from the OriginalLine or the VertuoLine?
Nespresso Vertuoline vs Original: This article has described the main differences between these two lines of products. They have different capsules, different methods of extracting coffee, and different abilities to create milk drinks. So, which one to buy?
If you are very fond of milk drinks and want to try latte art, the OriginalLine will be more suitable to meet your needs. These machines have the built in milk frother units that are more advanced than the separate Aeroccino system that can be bundled with machines from both the OriginalLine and the VertuoLine.
If you want the smallest machine that Nespresso has to offer, take a look at the OriginalLine first, specifically the Essenza Mini. This compact unit is great for travel.
If you are somewhat price sensitive and would like to use off-brand capsules, you should only consider the OriginalLine. There is currently no Nespresso-compatible 3rd party coffee pods for the for the VertuoLine.
Finally, if you who want a machine that comes in playful colors, you should also consider an OriginalLine machine. While the OriginalLine does have sophisticated color tones, only the OriginalLine has bold colors like lime green.
If the barcode technology perked your ears up during this article, you need to try a VertuoLine machine. This technology makes creating the perfect cup of coffee so easy. All you have to do is put the capsule you want in the machine and the machine does the rest. Remember that this does limit you to only using Nespresso brand capsules. But if price is not a hindrance to you, the barcode technology is worth it. This is the primary technology that differentiates the VertuoLine from the OriginalLine. Centrifusion technology is also unique to the VertuoLine, but this is more of an internal process than something that you can detect, so this should not makemuch of a difference in your decision-making process.
Whether you choose an OriginalLine or VertuoLine, it’s hard to go wrong with Nespresso. There are good options in both lines, sure to please even the pickiest consumer. Happy hunting!