Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus: 4 Differences To Find The Better Home Coffee Machine

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Both Breville Nespresso Vertuo and VertuoPlus are pod-system espresso machines that offer you great espresso tastes. However, in the competition of Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus, I would give my vote to the VertuoPlus model due to its better utility and automaticity.

I can say that the VertuoPlus is a more luxurious upgrade as it offers a bigger water tank for the deluxe base, allowing you to make more tasty espresso shots without frequent refilling. Moreover, the machine’s water reservoir is rotatable, making it easier to take out without moving the device too much.

On the other hand, the Vertuo is slightly heavier than the VertuoPlus though it has a smaller size. Its water tank is a bit smaller than the VertuoPlus (deluxe base). Apart from this, the Vertuo is still a good machine for making your home espresso drinks.

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
Nespresso VertuoPlus (BNV450IBL1BUC1)
Nespresso Vertuo (BNV220BLK1BUC1)
Color
Ink Black
Black
Material
Metal & Plastic
Metal & Plastic
Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.2 x 9.1 x 12.8 Inches
11.91 x 8.32 x 11.93 Inches
Weight
9.72 Pounds
12.34 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1300 W / 120V
1350 W / 120 V
Water Tank Capacity
Standard: 40 oz (Deluxe: 60 oz)
40 oz
Capsule Container Capacity
10 capsules
13 capsules
Heat-up Time
20-25 seconds
15 seconds
Coffee Preparation
Espresso, Lungo, Mug
Espresso & Mug
Brewing Technique
CENTRIFUSION™ technology
CENTRIFUSION™ technology
No. of Cup Sizes
4 (1.35 oz. Espresso, 2.7 oz. Double Espresso, 5 oz. Gran Lungo, 8 oz. Coffee)
4 (1.35 oz. Espresso, 2.7 oz. Double Espresso, 5 oz. Gran Lungo, 8 oz. Coffee)
Removable Drip Tray
Descaling
Powersave Mode
One Touch Operation
What I Like
Price
$219.95
$160.00
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville with Milk Frother,60 Fluid Ounces, Ink Black
Model
Nespresso VertuoPlus (BNV450IBL1BUC1)
Color
Ink Black
Material
Metal & Plastic
Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.2 x 9.1 x 12.8 Inches
Weight
9.72 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1300 W / 120V
Water Tank Capacity
Standard: 40 oz (Deluxe: 60 oz)
Capsule Container Capacity
10 capsules
Heat-up Time
20-25 seconds
Coffee Preparation
Espresso, Lungo, Mug
Brewing Technique
CENTRIFUSION™ technology
No. of Cup Sizes
4 (1.35 oz. Espresso, 2.7 oz. Double Espresso, 5 oz. Gran Lungo, 8 oz. Coffee)
Removable Drip Tray
Descaling
Powersave Mode
One Touch Operation
What I Like
Price
$219.95
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, 5 Cups, Black
Model
Nespresso Vertuo (BNV220BLK1BUC1)
Color
Black
Material
Metal & Plastic
Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.91 x 8.32 x 11.93 Inches
Weight
12.34 Pounds
Power / Voltage
1350 W / 120 V
Water Tank Capacity
40 oz
Capsule Container Capacity
13 capsules
Heat-up Time
15 seconds
Coffee Preparation
Espresso & Mug
Brewing Technique
CENTRIFUSION™ technology
No. of Cup Sizes
4 (1.35 oz. Espresso, 2.7 oz. Double Espresso, 5 oz. Gran Lungo, 8 oz. Coffee)
Removable Drip Tray
Descaling
Powersave Mode
One Touch Operation
What I Like
Price
$160.00
More Info

Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuoplus: Differences

In this comparison, the VertuoPlus wins 3-1 against the Vertuo. Though the two espresso machines seem identical, they have some differences, especially in terms of tank capacity & mobility, automaticity, and coffee preparation option.

Water Tank

Winner: VertuoPlus

The water tank of VertuoPlus is rotatable
The water tank of VertuoPlus is rotatable

For the VertuoPlus, you will have 2 options for the machine’s water tank, including 40 ounces for the standard base and 60 ounces for the deluxe base. The former is similar to the capacity of the Vertuo’s water reservoir; however, the latter is 20 oz. bigger than the Vertuo’s, allowing you to brew more espresso shots without refilling the water frequently.

In addition, the VertuoPlus water tank is rotatable. This means I can adjust the position of the tank to fit my corner or cabinet. To me, this feature is interesting and seems to be compensation for its slightly bigger dimension compared to the Vertuo one.

Automaticity

Winner: VertuoPlus

The automaticity of VertuoPlus is actually a big plus, compared to that of Vertuo. The VertuoPlus has a motorized opening and closing of the brew head, with an automatic capsule ejection. I just need to perform a single touch on the brew head to open it and double touches to close it after placing the capsules. Meanwhile, to open or close the Vertuo, I need to rotate the capsule slot on the brew head, which I find a bit difficult to do with one hand. Therefore, I prefer using the VertuoPlus at this point.

Brewing technique & Coffee flavor

Winner: VertuoPlus

The point that makes me choose the VertuoPlus winner is not mainly about the espresso flavor but the option for coffee preparation. The VertuoPlus has the “Lungo” coffee preparation, which is a selling point, especially for people who love enjoying this hot, large serving and high-level caffeine drink.

Vertuoplus has "Lungo" coffee preparation
Vertuoplus has “Lungo” coffee preparation

To me, the taste of espresso shots from these two machines is quite similar. I find my espresso shots from these machines a little bit strong and bold in flavor, with a creamy and dense crema on top, thanks to the applied Centrifision technology of Breville for its Vertuo line.

However, I think that “crema” looks more like “foam” because it is thicker than the crema layer on the espresso extracted from other semi-automatic machines. If you do not care much about the crema, this is not a problem, and these machines are still worth trying.

Power & Heat-up time

Winner: Vertuo

The Vertuo is more powerful than the VertuoPlus. According to the specifications on the website, the Vertuo’s power is 1350 W, while that of the Veruto Plus is just 1300 W. Such a higher power in the Vertuo may contribute to its faster heat-up time (~10-15 seconds) than the VertuoPlus’ (~20-25 seconds).

I think a minor reduction in the power of the VertuoPlus may be the trade-off for the upgrade in its automaticity and luxurious design. Thus, if you want a machine that can make both good espresso cups and give a luxury and modern sense to your coffee corner, the VertuoPlus is a good selection. But if you prefer a powerful operation with a faster heat-up time, the Vertuo is what you need.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo vs VertuoPlus: Similarities

Brewing technique

The brewing processes of both Vertuo and VertuoPlus are supported by capsule recognition technology and CENTRIFUSION™ technology. The former technology is applied to read the bar code on the capsule you placed into the machine, and then it will dispense the suitable amount of water for extracting that espresso capsule. The latter technology, centrifugal brewing, will help the machines creates a fine and bold espresso pull with a thick “crema” on top.

I have tried making some cups of cappuccinos and lattes, and the taste is good, which can stop me from buying Starbucks every day. When I make lattes, after adding the milk to the espresso shot, I still taste a little bitterness and bold flavor.

The number of cup sizes

Both machines offer 4 cup sizes, including single espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), gran lungo (5 oz), and 8 oz. regular coffee. The machines will extract the espresso amount depending on the pod you select.

Auto-off mode

The VertuoPlus and Vertuo all have the auto-off mode, which allows the machine to turn off automatically after 9 minutes of no-using. This will help you save energy if you forget to turn the machine off after finishing brewing.

Quick Rundown of Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus

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 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Adjustable water tank position
  • Have more options for coffee preparation
  • Quick brewing process
Cons
  • A bit bigger in dimension

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 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Sturdy design
  • Faster heat-up time than the VertuoPlus
  • More compact than the VertuoPlus
Cons
  • Need to pre-heat to brew hot espresso

Product Videos

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5/5 - (3 votes)