Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline contest pits the two most practical, least expensive, and most effective designs against one another. So which one walks away with the crown?
I pick the Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo as the winner. This machine has an outstanding 54oz water tank and has good temperature control. Its espresso tastes nutty and very rich. This model, which also has an auto shut-off feature, is perfect for novices who like to make good espresso shots quickly.
The Breville Nespresso Vertuoline features a 15-second heat-up time as well as similar conveniences to the Delonghi, such as auto shut-off and descaling warning. But, it lacks a large enough water tank, and occasionally you need to warm the cup for better espresso flavor and temperature.
Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline: Differences
Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo wins 2-0 and twice ties Breville Vertuo. Despite being in the same product line, Delonghi succeeds in brewing hotter cups and keeping water from leaking out of the water tank’s trajectory. There are so many other small details that you need to know below!
Coffee flavor and Brewing system
Tie!
Heating system
Both machines are equipped with the Thermoblock system, ensuring water is heated swiftly and efficiently. With the ability to boil water in approximately 25 seconds and complete the brewing process within 60 seconds, these machines score well in the ‘quick coffee fix’ department. However, the Breville Vertuo offers more stable operation over time.
While the Breville Vertuo is more stable, it does generate some noise during the brewing process. This might not be a significant drawback for everyone, but it could be a minor annoyance if you’re looking for a quieter machine.
One downside to the Delonghi machine was its tendency to leak through the bottom of the water tank after a few months of usage. While this is likely not an issue that affects all units, it does raise questions about long-term durability, particularly in comparison to the more stable Breville Vertuo.
Though quick and powerful, both machines seem to hit a temperature ceiling of approximately 160°F. While this is hot enough for immediate consumption, it poses a problem when adding mix-ins like cream or ice cream, which significantly lower the temperature of your beverage.
As a workaround, I’ve taken to rinsing the coffee cup with boiling water prior to brewing. This helps retain the coffee’s heat and enhances flavor but adds an extra step to your coffee-making routine, which might negate some of the convenience of a Nespresso machine.
Brewing system
Both Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline machines incorporate cutting-edge technologies to optimize the espresso-making process. Each utilizes capsule recognition technology and CENTRIFUSION™ technology. The capsule recognition system scans the barcode on the inserted capsule to dispense the precise amount of water required for that specific espresso blend. This ensures that you get a consistent brew each time without having to fuss over settings.
The CENTRIFUSION™ technology takes the brewing process to the next level by utilizing centrifugal force to produce a smooth, rich cup of espresso topped with a thick layer of “crema.” I’ve tested both machines with various cups of cappuccino and latte, and the results were impressively similar.
Both produced espresso that was rich in flavor and fully captured the essence of the coffee. In essence, either machine offers a highly automated, quality brewing system that makes it difficult to discern a significant difference in the taste profile of the espresso it produces.
Milk system
The Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo
Milk-based coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are favorites among many coffee lovers, making the milk system a crucial component to consider when comparing the Breville Vertuo and Delonghi Nespresso machines.
One notable difference lies in the temperature of the coffee, particularly after the warm-up period. The Delonghi machine tends to deliver hotter cups compared to the Breville Nespresso Vertuo. This issue with the Breville machine is not an isolated one; several other users have reported the same problem. If you like your coffee especially hot, you might find the Breville falls short in this area.
In terms of taste, Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline impress with their Centrifugation technology, efficiently extracting rich and nuanced flavors. I found the coffee to have a slightly floral note, particularly when opting for a more concentrated espresso over a lungo. Both machines offer consistency in flavor extraction, making either a good choice for those who prioritize taste in their coffee experience.
While a thick layer of coffee crema often indicates a quality espresso, the Breville sometimes takes it to the extreme. I’ve experienced layers of crema that were 3-4 cm (around 1.5 inches) thick, which, rather than impressing me, had me questioning the machine’s Centrifugation logic. This isn’t a common occurrence but is something to note if the ideal thickness of crema is important to you.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo
Design
Breville’s machines usually feature a more rounded top, giving the machine a softer, more organic appearance. This design choice is not only visually pleasing but also subtly evokes a sense of comfort and warmth. The rounded corners might make the machine feel more approachable, and they can seamlessly integrate into kitchens with a variety of design themes, from modern to rustic.
On the other hand, DeLonghi often opts for sharper edges, imparting a more geometric, angular look. This design feature gives DeLonghi machines a slightly more contemporary and sleek vibe. The sharper edges often result in a more compact look, which might appeal to consumers who are seeking a minimalist or industrial aesthetic for their kitchen appliances.
Despite these differences in the top design, both brands share similarities in other design aspects. For instance, both have a cylindrical water tank and a used capsule container situated at the back of the machine, ensuring that they don’t interfere with the machine’s overall aesthetic when viewed from the front. Both also feature a faucet and a drip tray, common elements that are essential for the machine’s functionality but also maintain a uniform look across brands.
Water tank
The DeLonghi Vertuo comes equipped with a 54-ounce water tank, substantially larger than Breville’s 40-ounce counterpart. This increased capacity makes the DeLonghi machine a more convenient choice for households or offices where 3–4 large coffee drinks are consumed per day. The larger tank means fewer refills, saving time and effort over the course of a busy day.
Breville’s water tank, on the other hand, is better suited for single users or, at most, a two-person scenario. If your coffee consumption pattern involves making just a cup or two each day, the Breville machine can be a suitable choice. However, it’s worth noting that the smaller tank size isn’t well-suited for frequent, high-volume usage. Making a large number of cups daily could lead to faster wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the machine. So, if you’re planning on heavy daily use, the Breville might not be the most durable option.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Tie!
One of the standout features of the Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline is its user-friendly cleaning process. The machine is compatible with cleaning capsules that are filled with specialized liquid soap, streamlining the maintenance routine. Inserting a cleaning capsule into the Vertuo mimics the process of making coffee, only instead, the machine undergoes a thorough internal cleaning. This not only simplifies the cleaning process but also ensures that the machine stays hygienic and functional.
Additionally, the Delonghi vs Breville Nespresso Vertuoline comes equipped with descaling alerts. Descaling is essential for the longevity of any coffee machine, as it helps to remove mineral buildup that can affect performance over time. The descaling alerts on the Vertuo take the guesswork out of maintenance by notifying the user when it’s time for a descale. This automated alert system eliminates the need for you to keep track of a descaling schedule, which can be particularly useful for those who may not use their coffee machine on a regular, predictable basis.
Quick Rundown of Delonghi 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 VertuoPlus Deluxe 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: Extra-large 54 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 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Breville Nespresso Vertuo
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Nespresso Vertuo by Delonghi: https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/nespresso-vertuo-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-longhi-with-aeroccino-black-env135bae/p/ENV135BAE
- Nespresso Vertuo by Breville: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bnv220.html
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.