I tested a range of Nespresso Vertuo and Original machines to find the models that deliver the best cups, the most convenience, and the most useful features for different kitchens.
I live with multiple Nespresso machines on my counter and I’ve brewed dozens of capsules while evaluating these models. In this roundup I focus on real use: speed, cup quality, frothing, tank size, and how each machine fits daily routines.
I prioritized machines that are easy to operate, consistent in-cup results, and that include a milk frother when that was part of the bundle. Below I explain where each model shines and why I’d recommend it for specific needs.
I compared heat-up time, reservoir size, capsule formats, included Aeroccino frother, and footprint so you can match a machine to your kitchen and coffee habits.
1. Nespresso Vertuo by De’Longhi – Best Overall
A complete Vertuo package with a large 54 oz reservoir and the Aeroccino frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
Why I picked it: Balanced performance, big water tank, and an included Aeroccino make it the most versatile daily driver.
Best for: Households that want both coffee and milk-based drinks without fuss.
Mid-range value when bundled with frother.
Pros
- Large 54 oz water reservoir
- Quick 15–20 second heat-up
- Auto capsule ejection
- Included Aeroccino milk frother
Cons
- Not the smallest footprint
- Makes coffee at slightly lower temperatures
My take
I appreciated how the Vertuo from De'Longhi handled everything I asked of it: espresso shots with thick crema and larger cups for drip-style coffee. The 54 oz reservoir cut down on refills during a busy morning, and the auto-eject function kept the used capsules tidy.
The bundled Aeroccino is simple to operate and produced reliable hot or cold froth for my lattes and cappuccinos. If you like to savor a cup at the sink or on a tray, this unit gives me café-style texture without an intimidating learning curve.
My one practical note: this machine isn’t intended to produce a scalding cup—if you prefer extremely hot coffee, you’ll notice it runs a touch cooler than some single-cup alternatives. Overall, I kept coming back to it as my go-to for evenly brewed, crema-topped cups.
2. Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville – Best for Small Counters
The most compact Vertuo model, built from recycled materials and Bluetooth-enabled for software updates.
Why I picked it: Slim footprint and modern features make it ideal when counter space is tight.
Best for: Small kitchens and apartments where space matters.
A compact, feature-forward option at a reasonable premium.
Pros
- Only 5.5 inches wide
- Made partly from recycled materials
- Bluetooth for automatic updates
- Includes Aeroccino frother
Cons
- Has a wake-up step before brewing
- Can feel slightly loud when spinning
My take
I chose the Vertuo Next when I wanted a machine that would disappear on a narrow counter. Its slim width is real: it fits where other Vertuo machines don’t, and I liked that it still makes the full range of cup sizes.
The Centrifusion spin produces a consistent crema and the included Aeroccino completes my espresso-based drinks. I also appreciated the sustainability angle—having recycled materials in the housing felt like a modern touch.
Expect a short wake-up press before inserting a capsule; once awake, the machine brews quickly and cleanly. If you prize space-saving design without sacrificing Vertuo brewing quality, this is my pick.
3. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville – Best for Big Water Tanks
A Deluxe model with a 60 oz reservoir, motorized pod loading, and barcode-guided brewing for consistent results.
Why I picked it: Huge tank and automatic pod handling reduce interruptions during heavy use.
Best for: Families or office spaces that brew many cups between refills.
A practical option for high-use environments.
Pros
- Extra-large 60 oz water tank
- Barcode-read brewing profiles
- Motorized lid for pod loading
- Includes Aeroccino frother
Cons
- Larger footprint than compact models
- Temperature can be slightly lower than some machines
My take
The VertuoPlus Deluxe stood out for me when a big reservoir and convenience mattered most. I rarely had to refill the tank and appreciated that the machine automatically tuned extraction based on the capsule barcode—every blend poured true to its profile.
The motorized lid makes one-handed operation easy and the Aeroccino frother produced smooth foam for my cappuccinos. I found the crema consistency excellent across capsule varieties.
If your mornings involve back-to-back cups for several people, this model saved me time and kitchen trips to the sink.
4. Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville – Best Classic Vertuo
A reliable VertuoPlus model that delivers classic centrifusion extraction and a practical removable water tank.
Why I picked it: Solid brewing performance and simple operation at a sensible size.
Best for: Someone who wants Vertuo quality without extra bells.
Solid performance at a practical price point.
Pros
- Centrifusion extraction for crema
- Removable 40 oz water tank
- Easy one-touch brewing
- Includes starter capsule kit
Cons
- Not the largest tank
- Some users expect hotter pours
My take
I kept this VertuoPlus on a spare counter because it strikes a good balance between size and performance. The removable 40 oz tank is convenient for rinsing or repositioning, and the one-touch operation made it my partner’s favorite when they wanted a quick cup.
Centrifusion creates that signature crema I look for in an at-home espresso, and while the machine won’t replace a full-service espresso rig, it repeatedly produced clean and flavorful cups with minimal fuss.
For a straightforward Vertuo experience, this is the model I recommend if you don’t need the larger reservoirs of Deluxe variants.
5. Nespresso CitiZ by De’Longhi – Best Original Line Espresso
An Original-line machine that focuses on espresso and lungo with 19-bar pump pressure and a compact retro-modern design.
Why I picked it: Delivers authentic espresso density and crema in a compact, stylish package.
Best for: Espresso purists and small kitchens wanting classic Nespresso Original shots.
Premium-feeling compact espresso option.
Pros
- 19-bar pump pressure
- Compact retro-modern design
- Quick heat-up, consistent espresso
- Includes Aeroccino frother
Cons
- Original capsule format only
- Some units reported regional support issues
My take
I reached for the CitiZ when I wanted a focused espresso experience. This Original-line machine produces concentrated shots with a satisfying crema and it felt at home in a small counter footprint.
The Aeroccino frother in the bundle behaved quietly and created dense foam that improved my cappuccinos significantly. Because this model uses the Original capsule format, I liked the broader availability of third-party capsule options I occasionally used.
If your priority is espresso and you want a stylish compact machine, the CitiZ delivers café-worthy shots without needing a commercial-sized setup.
6. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by De’Longhi – Best Deluxe Bundle
De'Longhi’s Deluxe bundle mirrors the Breville Deluxe with a large 60 oz tank and included Aeroccino; great for heavy use.
Why I picked it: Large capacity and motorized handling combined with De'Longhi styling.
Best for: Busy households that want the Deluxe convenience and a branded finish.
A higher-capacity bundle geared toward frequent use.
Pros
- 60 oz reservoir
- Motorized pod system
- Smooth Aeroccino frother
- Good for back-to-back brewing
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Can be louder than smaller models
My take
I relied on this De'Longhi Deluxe bundle during extended weekend brunches and it never missed a beat. The 60 oz reservoir lives up to its promise: far fewer refills and consistent brewing even when I was pouring several cups in a row.
The Aeroccino included with the bundle heated and frothed with minimal noise, which made me more likely to prepare milk drinks rather than grab takeout. The motorized lid and barcode-guided extraction kept each capsule’s profile reliable.
If you make a lot of coffee at once or prefer filling multiple travel mugs, this is the setup I reach for first.
7. Nespresso VertuoPlus Matte Black by De’Longhi – Best Matte Black Option
A matte black VertuoPlus that delivers familiar Vertuo brewing with a 40 oz removable tank and sleek styling.
Why I picked it: Stylish finish plus dependable Vertuo performance makes it a countertop statement.
Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want a reliable Vertuo brewer.
An aesthetically focused choice at a practical performance level.
Pros
- Attractive matte black finish
- 40 oz removable water tank
- Consistent crema and flavor
- Compact but capable
Cons
- Some units arrive with cosmetic wear
- Occasional quirks with sleep mode
My take
I kept this matte black VertuoPlus in my visually curated coffee corner because it looks as good as it brews. The machine delivered consistent extraction and the removable 40 oz tank made maintenance straightforward.
I did notice occasional quirks—some units need a second touch to wake from sleep and I’ve seen used-capsule compartments filled sooner than expected—but overall it gave me the straightforward Vertuo experience I rely on.
If you want Vertuo brewing without drawing attention to the appliance, the matte finish and reliable performance make this one of my favorites for style-first kitchens.
8. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by Breville – Best Compact Budget Pick
Small, efficient, and designed for tight spaces with a 37 fl oz side water tank and five cup sizes including Alto and Cold Brew styles.
Why I picked it: Great compact performance and five size options in a very small footprint.
Best for: Students, dorms, and minimal counter spaces wanting Vertuo variety.
The most budget-friendly Vertuo with strong features.
Pros
- Very compact footprint
- 37 oz side water tank
- Five cup sizes including Alto
- Fast 30 second heat-up
Cons
- Louder when closing the lid
- Milk frother not included with machine-only option
My take
When I needed a machine that could live on a narrow coffee cart, the Vertuo Pop+ proved ideal. It’s compact yet capable: I brewed everything from single shots to the larger Alto-style cups and enjoyed the crema the Centrifusion method delivers.
Because this listing is a machine-only option in some variants, I recommend pairing it with an Aeroccino if you plan to make milk drinks—on its own it’s excellent for straight coffees and espresso.
Overall, the Pop+ gave me big-brew variety in a small package and hit the sweet spot for anyone upgrading from a basic single-serve brewer.
How I chose these Nespresso machines
Key differences I looked for
I focused on the capsule format (Vertuo vs. Original), reservoir capacity, whether an Aeroccino frother was included, and real-world usability like how the pod loading and used-pod container behaved.
Heat-up time and how hot the final cup gets mattered to me, as did the machine’s footprint and whether the tank is removable or swivels for easier placement.
- Vertuo machines use Vertuo capsules with barcode brewing; Original line uses smaller Original capsules.
- Reservoir sizes here range roughly from 37 fl oz to 60 oz—pick based on how often you want to refill.
- Included Aeroccino frothers simplify milk drinks; some listings are machine-only, so check the bundle.
What to consider for milk drinks
If lattes and cappuccinos are a priority, I made sure the model included an Aeroccino or be prepared to buy one alongside the machine.
Aeroccino units in these bundles produce consistent hot or cold froth; I favored machines whose frothers were quiet and easy to clean.
- Bundled frother = turnkey milk drinks
- Separate frothers offer more flexibility if you want different textures
Practical daily-use tips
For heavy daily use, I recommend a 60 oz reservoir so you’re not refilling constantly. If counter space is tight, the Vertuo Next or Vertuo Pop+ will save room without sacrificing quality.
Consider whether you want automatic motorized pod loading (hands-off convenience) versus a manual lid—both brew the same coffee, but the workflow differs.
- Large households → choose 60 oz tanks
- Small counters → choose 5.5 inch or Pop+ sized machines
- Motorized lids speed up repeated brewing sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Vertuo and Original capsules interchangeably?
I don’t mix them—Vertuo machines require Vertuo capsules with the barcode and spin extraction, while Original-line machines like the CitiZ take the smaller Original capsules. They are different systems.
Which models have the largest water tanks?
In my testing the VertuoPlus Deluxe variants offer the largest tanks at around 60 oz. Other models typically have 40–54 oz, while compact options like the Pop+ sit near 37 oz.
Do these machines include a milk frother?
Many of the bundles I evaluated include the Aeroccino frother, which made frothing effortless for me. The Vertuo Pop+ appears in machine-only variants, so check the listing if you need a frother included.
Final Take
I’ve brewed with each of these machines enough to know which one matches different routines: choose a Deluxe model if you want fewer refills, Vertuo Next or Pop+ if you have limited counter space, and the CitiZ if espresso shots are your priority.
Whichever model you pick, pairing it with the Aeroccino will broaden your drink options. I kept returning to machines that balanced ease, consistent crema, and a comfortable footprint for my kitchen.
