Vertuo or Original? Choosing a Nespresso Machine for Your Setup

Best for
Compact desks wanting mugs and espresso

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi is a compact Vertuo machine that brews five formats: 5, 8 and 12 oz coffees plus single and double espressos, hot or over ice. It heats up in 30 seconds, has one-touch brewing, a descaling alert and an adjustable drip tray, and its removable 25 fl oz water tank sits on the side for easy refills.

Like all Vertuo machines, it reads the code on each capsule and adjusts brewing, using Centrifusion to spin the capsule and produce a foam layer on top. The listing notes over 40 permanent Vertuo coffees and includes a complimentary tasting pack. The spec sheet also lists app control and auto shut-off. Its trade-off against the original Vertuo is tank size: 25 fl oz versus 54 oz, so you refill more often. It suits anyone who wants mugs and espresso from one small machine on a desk or a narrow counter.

• 5 sizes, hot or iced
• 30 second heat up
• Side-mounted 25 fl oz tank
• Complimentary tasting pack

Best for
Long sessions without refilling water

The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Maker by De’Longhi is the original Vertuo model, and its standout feature is an extra-large 54 ounce water tank with a 17-capsule used pod container. For marathon sessions where you do not want to get up to refill water, that capacity matters more than any other spec here.

It brews four sizes: 5 oz and 8 oz coffee plus single and double espresso, and you can pour over ice for iced coffee or lattes. The description gives a 15-20 second heat up (the feature list says 25 seconds), automatic capsule ejection, an adjustable tray and energy-saving shut-off after 9 minutes of inactivity. A starter set of capsules is included. It gives way to the Vertuo Next if you want mug sizes above 8 oz. Our Nespresso coffee maker guide covers more of the range.

Best for
Tiny spaces using Original pods

The CHULUX RectoCafé Espresso Machine for Nespresso Original Pod is made by CHULUX, not Nespresso. It is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules and stands out for size: just 3.3 inches wide and about 5 lbs, which lets it squeeze beside a monitor or into a dorm room shelf.

It has a 20-bar pump and 1200W heating that preheats in 40 seconds, then brews espresso or lungo in 25-50 seconds. An NTC sensor monitors water temperature. Used capsules drop into a bin when you open the lid, it shuts off after 5 minutes of inactivity, and it has a descaling program. The listing says every part of the water circuit is food-safe and non-BPA. It suits shots-only drinkers with very little space. It does not brew Vertuo capsules or large mugs.

• 3.3 in. wide, about 5 lb
• 20-bar pump, 1200W heating
• Espresso or lungo in 25-50 s
• Auto capsule drop and descaling program

The CASABREWS CM7036E 20Bar Espresso Machine is a CASABREWS product designed only for Nespresso Original capsules. Its advantage over the CHULUX is flexibility: four brew sizes, Ristretto (0.9 oz), Espresso (1.2 oz), Lungo (3.9 oz) and Americano (5.3 oz).

It is 3.9 inches wide with a 21 oz removable tank that brews up to 12 cups and an 8-capsule container. Espresso is ready in 25 seconds according to the listing. It has an adjustable cup support, a removable drip tray, descaling reminders and auto power-off after 15 minutes. For a closer look at the brand’s other machines, see our guide to its espresso machines.

The Nespresso Pixie Compact Espresso Machine by DeLonghi is sold here as an Amazon Renewed unit. It uses Nespresso Original capsules and a 19-bar pump, heats in about 25 seconds, and has two programmable selections for espresso and lungo with automatic flow stop. It turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity and has a 1 liter capacity.

Check one detail carefully: the spec table lists 240 volts, which does not match standard 120V US outlets. That may be a listing error or a regional model, so confirm the voltage with the seller before ordering. If it matches your outlets, it is the Nespresso-branded option for espresso purists who prefer Original pods.

Best for
Big-mug drinkers wanting 18 oz coffee

The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi brews the widest range here: 5, 8, 12 and 18 oz coffee plus single and double espresso. Its 5.5-inch slim design uses partially recycled materials, and Centrifusion with automatic capsule recognition delivers one-touch brewing with crema.

The listing says a milk frother is included, but adds “if applicable”, so confirm whether your bundle has one. A capsule sample pack and voucher are included. It is the Vertuo to pick if you want a large 18 oz mug for a long session.

• 6 brew sizes, up to 18 oz
• 5.5 in. slim design
• Automatic capsule recognition
• Sample pack and voucher