Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus: Find The Better Pod-based Coffee Maker

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Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus: I’ve had the chance to use both these pod-based coffee makers, and they’re both fantastic at making espresso. But if I had to choose between the two, my preference leans towards the VertuoPlus. It just feels more convenient and automated.

The thing about the Vertuoplus that really stands out for me is its user-friendly design. It has the automatic features like a motorized brew head and automatic capsule ejection which make brewing coffee almost effortless. The design of its water tank also gets a big thumbs up from me.

That being said, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo is also a solid choice. Its coffee is also high-quality with a thick crema layer. What I particularly appreciate is its power – it heats up so quickly, in just about 15 seconds. So, if you’re looking for speed, the Vertuo is impressive.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuoplus – Comparison Chart

Image
The Winner (#1)
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother,60 Fluid Ounces, Ink Black
The Runner-up (#2)
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, 5 Cups, Black
Model
Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus BNV450IBL
Breville Vertuo BNV220BLK
Dimensions
16.2 x 5.6 x 12.8 Inches
8.32 x 11.91 x 11.93 Inches
Material
Plastic
Metal & Plastic.
Color
Ink Black
Black
Weight
13.55 Pounds
12 Pounds
Water Tank Capacity
60 oz
40 oz
Coffee Preparation
Espresso, Lungo, Mug, Alto.
Espresso & Mug
Settings
4 cup sizes (1.35, 5, 8 and 14 oz)
2 cup sizes (8 oz and 1.35 oz)
Drip Tray
4 position adjustable cup support
Adjustable cup support
Capsule Container Capacity
10 used capsules
13-20 used capsules
Heatup Time
20 seconds
15 seconds
Power
1300 Watts
1350 Watts
Pump Pressure with CENTRIFUSION™ Technology.
Powersave Mode
Auto-off after 9 mins
Auto-off after 9 mins
One Touch Operation
Warranty
1 year
1 year
What I Like
Price
$209.95
$153.97
The Winner (#1)
Image
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother,60 Fluid Ounces, Ink Black
Model
Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus BNV450IBL
Dimensions
16.2 x 5.6 x 12.8 Inches
Material
Plastic
Color
Ink Black
Weight
13.55 Pounds
Water Tank Capacity
60 oz
Coffee Preparation
Espresso, Lungo, Mug, Alto.
Settings
4 cup sizes (1.35, 5, 8 and 14 oz)
Drip Tray
4 position adjustable cup support
Capsule Container Capacity
10 used capsules
Heatup Time
20 seconds
Power
1300 Watts
Pump Pressure with CENTRIFUSION™ Technology.
Powersave Mode
Auto-off after 9 mins
One Touch Operation
Warranty
1 year
What I Like
Price
$209.95
More Info
The Runner-up (#2)
Image
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, 5 Cups, Black
Model
Breville Vertuo BNV220BLK
Dimensions
8.32 x 11.91 x 11.93 Inches
Material
Metal & Plastic.
Color
Black
Weight
12 Pounds
Water Tank Capacity
40 oz
Coffee Preparation
Espresso & Mug
Settings
2 cup sizes (8 oz and 1.35 oz)
Drip Tray
Adjustable cup support
Capsule Container Capacity
13-20 used capsules
Heatup Time
15 seconds
Power
1350 Watts
Pump Pressure with CENTRIFUSION™ Technology.
Powersave Mode
Auto-off after 9 mins
One Touch Operation
Warranty
1 year
What I Like
Price
$153.97
More Info

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuoplus: Differences

In this match, the Breville VertuoPlus came out on top with a score of 2-1.  Let’s continue to explore the details of this comparison.

Power 

The Winner: Breville Nespresso Vertuo

The Vertuo takes the lead in the power department with a solid 1350 watts, while the VertuoPlus follows closely behind with 1300 watts. It might not seem like a massive difference, but I found it made a noticeable impact on my coffee experience.

The first thing I noticed was the heat-up time. The Vertuo, with its higher power, boasts a swift 10-15 seconds to get ready, which is fantastic for those moments when I need a coffee pronto. On the other hand, the VertuoPlus takes a little longer, about 20-25 seconds. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re in a hurry in the morning.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The extra power of the Nespresso Vertuo also translates to brewing at a higher temperature compared to the VertuoPlus. If you’re like me and enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee, this might sway your decision. The Vertuo, in my experience, serves up a slightly hotter brew.

But, and here’s the but, I have to be honest – neither of these coffee makers gets as hot as I’d ideally like. If you’re someone who prefers their coffee scorching, you need to use a pre-warmed cup.

Design & Usabilities

The Winner: Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus 

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus
Dimensions (WxDxH)8.3″ x 11.9″ x 14.6″5.6″ x 16.7″ x 12.8″
Weight10.8 lbs10.1 lbs

In terms of dimensions, the Vertuo is a bit more compact than the VertuoPlus. I’ve got a studio apartment with a kitchen counter that’s always at a premium for space. So, when I placed the Vertuo there, it didn’t feel like it was invading my space at all. It’s just slightly smaller, but in a small kitchen, every inch counts.

Then, there’s the VertuoPlus. It’s a tad bigger, but don’t get me wrong – it’s still quite compact. When I switched to the VertuoPlus, the difference in size was noticeable, but not overwhelming.

Now, the weight. Both machines weigh just under 11 lbs., which is pretty light for a coffee machine, if you ask me. The lightweight design is a real game changer. Whenever I have to move them for a kitchen clean-up, it is a breeze to lift and shift them around – no grunting or straining.

Color Options

When it comes to color options, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo only offers just three colors: Chrome, Black, and Matte Black. They’re like the little black dress of coffee machines – always stylish, always a safe bet.

But then, the VertuoPlus is like a paintbox explosion of options, with Silver, White, Black, Grey, Titan, and Ink Black to choose from. With this variety, you can match your coffee maker to your kitchen’s aesthetic, whether it’s modern, rustic, or somewhere in between. Or, you can let your personality shine by picking a color that speaks to you.

For me, the color variety of the VertuoPlus won me over. It adds a pop of personality to my kitchen.

WATER TANK

Both of these beauties come with a decently sized 40-ounce water tank. That’s more than enough to fuel my daily caffeine needs without constantly refilling.

I prefer the water tank of the VertuoPlus as it is adjustable. This clever tank can be adjusted and moved  in 3 different places, from the side to the back of the machine. I can tweak the position to fit whatever space I’m working with, and it’s a breeze to refill. Plus, the tank is transparent, so I can easily keep an eye on the water level. No more mid-brew surprises when I suddenly run out of water.

Meanwhile, the Nespresso Vertuo’s water tank sits on the right side of the machine, and it’s also clear, but with a wavy design. It looks pretty neat, but  those waves make it a tad harder to get an instant read on the water level compared to the straightforward transparency of the VertuoPlus.

Utilities

The Winner: Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus 

USER INTERFACE

Both machines have a really simple user interface with just a single button that does it all. You press it to wake the machine up, to start brewing your coffee, and even to kick off the cleaning or descaling process.

AUTO-OFF

After nine minutes of inactivity, these machines take matters into their own hands and power off automatically. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, buddy, I’ve got your back.” And you know what? I absolutely love it.

There have been times when I’ve been in such a rush or preoccupied that I forgot to turn off the coffee maker. That’s when this automatic shut-off feature becomes my caffeine-saving grace. It prevents any unnecessary energy consumption, which means a lower electric bill and a clearer conscience.

AUTOMATIC Features

The VertuoPlus is a dream for anyone who loves their coffee but not the hassle that sometimes comes with making as it is an entirely automated machine.

It has a motorized brew head that is really handy. In the early morning, you’re barely awake, and the last thing you want is to wrestle with a coffee machine lid. That’s where the VertuoPlus shines. A simple touch and voilà – the head opens gracefully, ready for your capsule. No more twisting or turning like you have to do on the Vertou, just effortless elegance.

And it doesn’t stop there. After the coffee is brewed, which, by the way, is a delightful experience in itself, the VertuoPlus takes over again by automatically ejecting the used capsule into its own container. The Vertuo model also has this feature.

Now, I’ll be honest – these automatic features, as snazzy as they are, don’t make or break the deal for me. Sure, manually opening and closing a lid isn’t the toughest job in the world. But, on those groggy mornings or when I’m multitasking and have my hands full, these little luxuries make all the difference.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus: Similarities

Coffee Preparation

Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus Capsules Size

Both these machines offer four basic coffee sizes: single-shot espresso (1.35 oz), double-shot espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), and a full-sized coffee(7.77 oz). I’m the kind of person who loves variety in my coffee routine, and these options might seem a bit limited. 

But you can reprogram the cup sizes. Just press and hold the button, and you can tailor the size to your current craving.

But the downside is you’re locked into using Nespresso-brand pods. I’m all for exploring different coffee brands and blends, and being restricted to Nespresso pods seemed like a limitation. 

It might not cater to every possible coffee whim, but it certainly delivers a satisfying and customizable coffee experience within its own Nespresso universe.

Coffee Flavor & Brewing Technique

CENTRIFUSION TECHNOLOGY

Forget about traditional pumps – these machines have something called Centrifusion. Here’s the play-by-play: as soon as the brewing starts, the machine punctures about 20 tiny holes around the edge of the coffee pod. Then, it injects water and starts spinning the pod at a crazy 7,000 RPM. It’s like a coffee tornado in there!

This whirlwind process isn’t just for show. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance in water distribution and creating a luscious crema that takes your coffee texture to the next level. I mean, who doesn’t love a smooth, velvety crema on their coffee, right? It’s like a little luxury in every cup.

But wait, there’s more. These machines use advanced capsule scanning technology. This tech reads the unique barcodes on each coffee capsule and then goes on to program the brewing temperature, rotational speed, flow rate, and precise contact time between water and coffee.

FLAVOR

To me, their coffee taste are like two siblings – similar. The espresso shots are bold and strong. But, let’s be real – it’s not quite on par with the traditional pump-powered brewers. There’s a certain level of finesse that those machines bring to the table, and the Vertuo siblings come close but don’t quite reach it.

They also have a really thick crema layer. To be honest, it’s more like a foam than the traditional crema you get from other machines. It’s airier, fluffier, almost like it’s been whipped up during the brewing process. Some might call it “crema,” but I’d say it’s more like a coffee cappuccino foam. But if you’re not too hung up on the crema, it’s not a deal-breaker at all. The flavor still shines through, and these machines have their own unique charm.

Anothet thing I have noticed, though, is that the coffee isn’t as piping hot as I’d like it to be. It’s hot, for sure, but not that scald-your-tongue hot that some folks prefer. So, if you’re a fan of super hot coffee, this might be a slight letdown.

Quick Rundown of Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus

Sale
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother,60 Fluid Ounces, Ink Black
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
  • SINGLE SERVE COFFEE and ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up and energy saving automatic shut off.
  • COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine. Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
  • VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz and 8oz coffee, single and double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
  • AEROCCINO MILK FROTHER INCLUDED: The Nespresso Aeroccino3 provides smooth hot or cold milk froth for your coffee recipes in a few seconds with one touch.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Centrifusion technology delivers coffee with a deep, rich crema and robust flavor.
  • Its automated capsule ejection and automatic open/close brewing head streamline the brewing experience.
  • Fast heat-up time.
  • The water tank’s placement is adjustable.
Cons
  • The coffee is not piping hot.
  • Limited to Nespresso Vertuo capsules.

Quick Rundown of Breville Nespresso Vertuo

Sale
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, 5 Cups, Black
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Centrifusion technology creates rich coffee with a thick crema.
  • It heats up faster than the VertuoPlus thanks to its higher power.
  • Fast heat-up time.
Cons
  • The coffee is lukewarm.
  • Limited to Nespresso Vertuo capsules.

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