What Is The Difference Between The Vertuo and Vertuoplus?

If you’ve ever wandered the coffee aisle and stared at the Nespresso machines, you’ve probably noticed the Vertuo and VertuoPlus sitting there looking suspiciously similar. They both promise rich crema, effortless brewing, and that satisfying “barista-style” coffee at home. But if you’ve ever tried to figure out which one to buy, you know it’s not as simple as “they both make coffee, pick one.”

I’ve spent months testing these machines, swapping pods, filling water tanks, and watching friends struggle with them. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real, practical differences between the Nespresso Vertuo and VertuoPlus. I’ll cover design, capacity, brewing, usability, and even the little quirks that only show up after repeated use.

By the end, you should know which machine fits your kitchen, lifestyle, and coffee habits  without having to waste money on trial and error.

Overview of the Vertuo Series

The Vertuo line is Nespresso’s answer to the single-serve coffee craze. Unlike the original Essenza and CitiZ lines, which are strictly espresso machines, Vertuo machines are built to handle multiple cup sizes. They use barcode-reading pods to automatically adjust brewing parameters  extraction time, temperature, and spin speed  to match the specific coffee capsule.

In practice, this means you don’t have to fiddle with buttons or guess how long to brew. Pop in a pod, and the machine does the rest. It’s clever, but also a bit rigid. I’ve seen people try to hack it with other pods or pods that aren’t officially Vertuo, and most of the time it doesn’t go well. The machine simply refuses to brew.

The main models most people consider are the Vertuo and the VertuoPlus. On paper, the differences look minor. But in everyday use, they affect convenience, water refilling, counter space, and even how your coffee tastes if you’re not careful.

Design & Build Differences

Let’s start with the obvious: they don’t look the same.

The original Vertuo is boxy and compact, almost industrial-looking. It sits firmly on your counter, and the feel of the lid when you open and close it is solid  no wobbly parts. In my experience, that stability means fewer “oops” moments when inserting capsules.

The VertuoPlus, on the other hand, went for a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. It’s got a rounded top and a pivoting water tank. That tank can swing out or rotate, which is great if you have limited counter space.

But here’s the thing: the moving parts mean there’s more to clean, and if you’re rough with it, it can feel a bit flimsy compared to the original Vertuo. I’ve had one friend accidentally crack the tank hinge after leaning on it while reaching for the pod compartment.

Build materials are similar: mostly plastic with a few metal accents. Neither machine feels “cheap,” but don’t expect the durability of a fully metal espresso machine. Treat it carefully, and it’ll last years. Treat it like a rugged office coffee maker, and you might regret it.

Capacity Differences

Capacity is more than just water. It’s about convenience during busy mornings or when you’re entertaining:

Water Reservoir

• The Vertuo usually comes with a fixed 40-ounce tank (varies slightly by region). That’s decent for 3–4 large coffees without refilling.

• The VertuoPlus has a slightly larger and adjustable reservoir, usually around 60 ounces. The tank can pivot to fit tight spaces, which is handy if you don’t want it constantly on your countertop.

Pod Bin

• Both machines hold roughly 10–12 used capsules before you need to empty them. The VertuoPlus bin is sometimes a bit easier to remove and clean because of the angled design. That’s a small thing, but trust me, after a week of daily use, it becomes noticeable.

For single coffee drinkers, either is fine. But if you make multiple drinks or host friends, the VertuoPlus’ larger, more flexible tank makes life easier.

Performance & Brewing Features

Here’s where most people think the machines are identical, but there are subtle practical differences:

Brewing Times and Coffee Quality

Both machines use Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology  spinning the pod at up to 7,000 rpm to extract flavor. In practice, this creates the signature crema and richer taste. I’ve compared cups side by side, and the difference in extraction is negligible. A double espresso or a large Alto tastes virtually the same.

Heat-Up Time

• Vertuo: heats up in about 25–30 seconds. Quick, reliable, consistent.

• VertuoPlus: similar, maybe a hair slower if the tank is large and mostly full. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you’re timing your mornings.

Pod Recognition

Both read barcodes and automatically adjust brewing parameters. That works beautifully, but it also means if you try to use third-party capsules, the machine may reject them. In my testing, some compatible capsules slipped through, but consistency is not guaranteed.

Cup Sizes

The VertuoPlus sometimes ships with a larger set of default cup size options  including the Alto (14 oz). If you frequently drink larger cups, that’s convenient. But if you’re just making espresso or double espresso, this is a negligible difference.

Usability & Convenience

This is where real-world experience counts.

Opening and Closing the Lid

The Vertuo has a top lever that you lift and push down. Feels solid and predictable.
The VertuoPlus has a rounded lever with a smoother motion. It feels fancy but can be tricky if you’re in a hurry or have wet hands I’ve seen it slip under pressure.

Water Refilling

The VertuoPlus pivoting tank is a game-changer for cramped kitchens. I’ve personally kept mine on a shelf under a cupboard, swinging the tank out to refill without moving the entire machine. The original Vertuo’s fixed tank requires sliding the machine forward if you want to refill in tight spaces. Small inconvenience, but repeated daily, it adds up.

Cleaning

Both machines need regular descaling and occasional pod bin emptying. The VertuoPlus’ removable water tank and pivoting design make cleaning slightly easier. However, more moving parts also mean more areas where mold or grime can build up if neglected.

Noise

Both machines are louder than typical espresso machines. The spinning pod creates a distinctive hum. VertuoPlus sometimes sounds slightly higher-pitched during large cup brews  not annoying, just noticeable if your kitchen is quiet.

Pod Compatibility

Both only accept Vertuo capsules. If you’re thinking of cheaper third-party pods, don’t expect perfect results. This is not the Nespresso Original line where generic pods work more consistently. In real life, trying to cheat the system usually ends in error messages or weak coffee.

Price & Value Considerations

Price difference is modest, but practical value differs.

Vertuo

• Generally cheaper.

• Better if you want a stable, solid machine with fewer moving parts.

• Works perfectly if you mostly drink standard cup sizes.

VertuoPlus

• Slightly more expensive.

• Adds convenience features: larger, pivoting tank, slightly sleeker design.

• Worth it if you make multiple drinks a day, have counter space issues, or just enjoy the modern aesthetic.

I’ve seen people overspend on the Plus thinking the coffee itself will taste better. It won’t. The difference is purely in convenience and ergonomics.

Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s my practical take:

• Buy the Vertuo if you value stability, simplicity, and want to spend a little less. It’s reliable, solid, and does everything it promises with minimal fuss. Perfect for 1–2 cups a day.

• Buy the VertuoPlus if you want flexibility, a larger water tank, or you entertain frequently. It’s a better fit for kitchens with tight counter space or for people who like the pivoting design. It’s also slightly more “forgiving” if you forget to empty the capsule bin or want to make multiple drinks in a row.

• If you’re debating based on taste alone, neither wins. They brew almost identically.

Key Differences

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Conclusion

After hands-on testing, it’s clear the choice between the Vertuo and VertuoPlus isn’t about coffee quality it’s about lifestyle. If you’re a single coffee drinker or want a reliable, no-nonsense machine, the original Vertuo is a solid pick. If you make multiple drinks daily, value a larger, pivoting tank, or just like the modern design, the VertuoPlus adds real convenience.

In real-world use, both machines deliver that rich, creamy coffee Nespresso promises. The differences show up in ergonomics, counter space management, and daily ease of use. Knowing this, you can pick the machine that fits your kitchen, your habits, and your mornings  without paying extra for features you’ll never use.

FAQs

What makes the VertuoPlus better than the Vertuo?

In practice, the VertuoPlus shines not because the coffee tastes better  it doesn’t but because of the small conveniences it adds to your daily routine. The pivoting water tank, for example, makes it much easier to refill the machine without sliding it around, which is a lifesaver if you have limited counter space.

The slightly larger tank and more flexible cup size options also make it easier to make multiple drinks in a row without constantly stopping to refill.

That said, these are ergonomic improvements rather than performance upgrades. If you’re someone who mostly makes one espresso or double espresso per day, the VertuoPlus won’t feel dramatically better. Where it really pays off is in kitchens where space is tight, or for households where coffee consumption is high, and convenience becomes a bigger factor than a few extra ounces of water.

Can I use third-party pods in either machine?

Both the Vertuo and VertuoPlus are designed to work specifically with Nespresso Vertuo capsules. In my experience, the barcode recognition system is strict.

While a few third-party capsules might slip through occasionally, most will be rejected or produce a weak, under-extracted cup. This isn’t a flaw; it’s the way the machines ensure consistent brewing and protect the internal brewing mechanism.

If you’re curious about experimenting with flavors or cheaper alternatives, know that results are unpredictable. Using non-official pods can save money in theory, but in practice, I’ve seen frustrated users end up with messy brews, error messages, or wasted coffee. Sticking with official Vertuo pods is the only way to get reliable results every time.

Are there differences in maintenance?

In terms of core maintenance, both machines are very similar: you need to descale every 3–6 months, clean the drip tray, and empty the used pod bin regularly. The VertuoPlus does have a slightly easier-to-clean water tank because it pivots and is fully removable. This small feature can make descaling and tank cleaning less awkward, especially in tight kitchens.

However, the additional moving parts on the VertuoPlus mean you should occasionally check the hinges and the connection points for buildup or mold. The original Vertuo’s fixed tank is simpler and less likely to harbor hidden grime, making it slightly more foolproof for people who don’t want to fuss with regular inspections.

Which machine is quieter?

Neither machine is silent  the Centrifusion technology requires spinning the pod at high speeds, which produces a noticeable hum. In my experience, the VertuoPlus sometimes sounds a little higher-pitched or sharper during large cup brews, but it’s not dramatically louder. For most kitchens, this is just a brief background noise.

If you’re brewing early in the morning while others sleep, expect a few seconds of spinning and humming before your coffee is ready. Both machines have similar noise patterns overall, and any difference is subtle enough that it shouldn’t be the deciding factor between the two.

Does the coffee taste the same in both?

Yes. I’ve brewed the same capsule in both machines side by side multiple times, and the results are almost identical. The crema, flavor profile, and strength match very closely, even across different cup sizes. Any perceived difference usually comes from external factors like water quality, cup temperature, or how freshly the pod was stored.

One small thing to note is that because the VertuoPlus can handle larger cups more comfortably, you might notice subtle differences if you use the same pod for a bigger drink. The coffee is still excellent, but the extraction can feel slightly different simply because the machine adjusts brewing parameters for the larger volume. That’s a feature, not a flaw.