I’ve noticed that many folks still find themselves puzzled when it comes to choosing between Nespresso’s two product lines: Vertuo and Original. Specifically, they often find themselves torn between two representatives from each line – Nespresso Citiz vs Vertuo.
My champion in my heart is Nespresso Vertuo. Boasting a larger water tank compared to the Nespresso , it offers versatility with its ability to brew in four different cup sizes. The coffee flavor is exceptional, complemented by a thick crema layer that adds to its appeal. I highly recommend it as a top choice.
Nespresso CitiZ takes a respectable second place. Utilizing traditional brewing techniques, it delivers rich-flavored coffee, making it an excellent option for espresso enthusiasts. Additionally, its wider capsule compatibility appeals to those seeking variety and saving for money.
Nespresso Citiz vs Vertuo: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nespresso Citiz vs Vertuo: Differences
Nespresso Vertuo emerged victorious with a score of 2-1 wins and 1 tie against Nespresso Citiz. Dive in further to uncover the intriguing factors that led to this outcome.
Flavor & Brewing Technology
The Winner: Tie
Heating System
Their heating systems are impressive but with noticeable differences. Both machines use a Thermoblock heating element, which is pretty standard for household espresso machines these days, including these two models.
The Vertuo’s Thermoblock heating element is notably faster. It heats up in about 15 seconds, which is great when I’m in a rush in the morning. On the other hand, the Citiz takes a bit longer, around 25-30 seconds. That extra 10 seconds can feel a bit slow, especially when I’m eager for my first cup of the day.
Their indicator lights blink while the machine is heating up, and once the light becomes steady, it signals that they’re ready to brew. However, I’ve noticed something interesting with the Vertuo. If I brew a coffee immediately after it’s heated up, the coffee is good but not as hot as I’d like. The Citiz, in contrast, seems to deliver a hotter cup of coffee if I brew right after the heating phase.
So, with the Vertuo, I’ve developed a little workaround. I either wait for about a minute after the heating is done or I run a preheat cycle by pressing the button three times quickly. This extra step ensures that my coffee is just the right temperature.
Brewing Technique
As I mentioned earlier, the Nespresso Citiz and Vertuo come from different Nespresso lines. The Citiz is part of the Original Line, while the Vertuo belongs to the Vertuo Line. The main distinction between them lies in their extraction techniques.
The Nespresso Vertuo employs Centrifusion Technology, which sounds pretty fancy, right? Essentially, it spins the capsules at super high speeds to extract the espresso. This method also introduces air into the mix, resulting in a thick layer of crema atop your coffee. I have to admit, the coffee it produces is robust and velvety, and that crema is certainly impressive. However, there are times when it goes a bit overboard with the crema, and it ends up feeling more like foam than the real deal.
On the other hand, the Nespresso Citiz takes a more traditional route, using a 19-bar pump pressure system for extraction. It’s a tried-and-true method that consistently delivers tasty coffees with a real crema.
Quality Of Espresso
After trying both Nespresso Citiz and Vertuo, I have to say I lean towards the OriginalLine Citiz when it comes to espresso quality. I like the richness and authenticity of the espresso it produces, which I find unbeatable. Sure, it’s not quite on par with what you’d get from a traditional espresso machine, but for the price and convenience, it’s pretty darn good.
The crema from the Citiz is what really seals the deal for me. It’s thick, luscious, and adds that perfect finishing touch to every shot. When I sip on an espresso made with the Citiz, I feel like I’m treating myself to a café-quality experience right in my own home.
That being said, taste is subjective, and I’ve come across folks who swear by the Vertuo’s flavor profile. Some prefer its thicker crema, finding it more to their liking. At the end of the day, it really boils down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your espresso experience.
Drink Size & Compatible Capsule
The Winner: Nespresso Citiz
When it comes to drink size, the Nespresso Citiz and Vertuo offer slightly different experiences. With the Citiz, you get two volume options: Espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5 oz). On the other hand, the Vertuo offers four options, ranging from 5 oz and 7.77 oz for coffees to two different volumes for espressos and double espressos.
For those who enjoy a larger cup of coffee with subtle flavors and a luxurious crema, the Vertuo line is the way to go. However, it’s worth noting that Vertuo pods are only available from Nespresso, which means you might have fewer options compared to the Original capsules. But if you’re someone who savors every sip of a meticulously crafted black coffee, the Vertuo is a dream come true.
Meanwhile, the Citiz uses OriginalLine espresso pods. The beauty of the OriginalLine is its compatibility with third-party pods, giving you a broader range of options and potentially saving you some money.
In my experience, the Citiz is the go-to choice if espresso is your main focus. And if someone drops by and requests a cup of coffee, you can always whip up an Americano by running hot water through the machine after brewing your espresso. That will work fine! While the Citiz may offer fewer drink options compared to the Vertuo, its versatility and compatibility with third-party pods make it a winner in my book.
Design & Usability
The Winner: Nespresso Vertou
Both the Nespresso Citiz and Vertuo feature a blend of plastic and metal components. This combination strikes a good balance, especially considering their affordable price range.
The machines feel sturdy yet lightweight, making them easy to move around the kitchen counter or wherever you choose to place them. Overall, the use of plastic and metal ensures durability without breaking the bank.
Water Tank
When it comes to the water tanks, the Nespresso Vertuo has a clever setup with its side water tank. Having the water tank on the side means I can easily refill it without having to maneuver the machine or remove the tank entirely. Plus, with a 40-ounce capacity, I can brew cup after cup without constantly refilling.
On the other hand, the Nespresso Citiz opts for a more traditional approach with its back-mounted water tank. While it still gets the job done, I find myself having to twist and turn the machine to access the tank for refills. It’s a minor inconvenience compared to the Vertuo’s side tank, but it’s something to consider, especially if you value ease of use.
With a slightly smaller 34-ounce capacity, I do find myself refilling the tank more frequently, which can be a bit of a hassle during busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
Drip tray & Cup Clearance
Nespresso Citiz’s drip tray design is quite versatile with its 2-tier setup. This allows me to brew espressos in various cup sizes without worrying about spillage. Whether I’m using a tall mug or a short cup, the drip tray accommodates them all comfortably just by folding up or down the silver tray.
You can also remove the main drip tray for more space.
Now, onto the Nespresso Vertuo’s drip tray. What stands out to me is its convenient design for regular cups of coffee. Thanks to its ample cup clearance, I can place my cup directly on the drip tray, which is perfect for taller cups. However, if I want to brew an espresso shot, I can easily adjust the silver piece to a higher place to fit the smaller cup size, ensuring no splatter or mess.
Furthermore, I also appreciate the flexibility provided by the removable silver piece and drip tray. When I need to use a larger glass or a travel mug, I can remove that silver piece and drip tray for extra height.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Winner: Nespresso Vertou
Descale
If you visit the websites of both machines, you’ll notice they’re advertised as having a “descale alert included.” But here is the wrist.
Starting with the Nespresso Vertuo, I’ve found its descale alert to be quite reliable. It lets me know precisely when it’s time to descale by illuminating the backlit control panel with a distinct red and green light. This visual cue is hard to miss, making it super convenient for me to stay on top of maintenance without constantly checking the calendar.
Onto the Nespresso Citiz. Despite the brand’s claim that this machine has a descaling alert, I haven’t found it. According to Nespresso’s recommendation, I should descale the Citiz every 3 months or after 300 capsules, whichever comes first. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, the challenge is remembering to keep track of either the time or the capsule count.
I’ve only noticed the Citiz blinking its light once I’ve already initiated the descaling process, which is a bit late for my liking. While it’s still helpful to know when the machine is in descaling mode, I wish the alert came a bit earlier to give me a heads-up. Despite my efforts to find any other indication of a descale alert, I’ve come up empty-handed.
Quick Rundown of Nespresso Vertuo
- AUTOMATIC COFFEE/ESPRESSO MACHINE: Create barista grade brewed single serve coffee or espresso cups at the touch of a single button. Designed for use with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only
- VERSATILE AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER Vertuo makes both coffee and espresso in a variety of sizes 5 oz and 8 oz coffees, and single and double espresso. Pour over ice to create your favorite iced Coffee drinks; Designed for use with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only
- SMART COFFEE MAKER: Brew the perfect single serve coffee or espresso drink time after time, thanks to Nespresso's Centrifusion technology using codes to deliver the best in-cup results including the perfect crema for large coffee cup sizes
- FEATURES: 40 oz water tank and a very large 17 count used capsule container; This machine also has a fast heat up time of only 15 seconds; There is an energy saving automatic shutoff at 9 minutes of inactivity.
- NESPRESSO CAPSULES: Includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules (capsule assortment may vary from picture)
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Nespresso Citiz
- High performance: The 19 bar pump system offers barista-style single-serve coffee or Espresso every time, perfectly extracting the delicate flavor of each Espresso Original Coffee capsule
- Speed and Energy saving: the fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds
- Versatility: Adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso (1. 35 oz. ) and Lungo (5 oz. ) buttons making CitiZ a great coffee maker for all your single-serve coffee needs
- Design: citiz's look continues to Please both Espresso coffee and espresso drinkers and design lovers, adding a touch of elegance to coffee rituals.
- Complimentary gift: Each machine includes a Espresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profile
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Nespresso CitiZ: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/en167b-citiz-nespresso-coffee-machines/p/EN167B
- Nespresso Vertuo: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-vertuo-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-black-env135b/p/ENV135B
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.