When it comes to Nespresso, one of the biggest differences between the two systems—OriginalLine and VertuoLine—is the range of cup sizes and brewing styles they support.
If you’ve ever wondered why some machines only make tiny espressos while others brew an entire carafe, the answer lies in how each line is designed.
In this article, we’ll break down the full scoop on Nespresso Cup Sizes and Brew Styles: Original vs Vertuo. Whether you’re new to the world of single-serve espresso or wondering which Nespresso line fits your daily coffee rituals, understanding the differences in cup sizes, brew technology, and flavor profiles will help you sip smarter. We’re talking crema, caffeine, convenience—all decoded.
Why Cup Sizes Matter in Nespresso Machines
Different Coffee Cultures, Different Needs
• European coffee culture → favors short, strong drinks (ristretto, espresso, lungo).
• North American coffee culture → favors larger mugs and filter-style coffee.
Nespresso designed:
• OriginalLine for espresso lovers and milk-based drinks.
• VertuoLine for versatility, bigger mugs, and family brewing.
How Brewing Technology Affects Size
• OriginalLine uses pump pressure, best for concentrated shots.
• VertuoLine uses Centrifusion and barcodes, allowing different water volumes up to a carafe.
Nespresso OriginalLine Cup Sizes & Styles
Ristretto (25ml / 0.85oz)
• Shortest, most intense shot.
• Flavor: bold, high concentration of coffee oils.
• Best for: purists who like powerful espresso, or for macchiatos.
Espresso (40ml / 1.35oz)
• The classic Nespresso serving size.
• Flavor: balanced, rich body with crema.
• Best for: straight espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, or americanos.
Lungo (110ml / 3.7oz)
• “Long espresso” brewed with more water.
• Flavor: lighter, less intense than espresso.
• Best for: people who want a bigger sip but still espresso-based.
Specialty Variations (with Milk Systems)
• Machines like Lattissima and Creatista use these bases for cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes.
• Example: Espresso + steamed milk = Latte; Ristretto + milk foam = Cortado.
Nespresso VertuoLine Cup Sizes & Styles
Espresso (40ml / 1.35oz)
• Similar in volume to Original, but lighter in taste.
• Crema: thicker, foamy, sometimes bubbly.
Double Espresso (80ml / 2.7oz)
• Twice the size of a standard espresso.
• Best for: stronger lattes or people who want more caffeine in a shot.
Gran Lungo (150ml / 5oz)
• Unique to Vertuo.
• Flavor: smoother, more balanced than a Lungo.
• Best for: mid-sized morning coffee without bitterness.
Mug (230ml / 8oz)
• Vertuo’s most popular size.
• Flavor: designed to mimic drip-style American coffee.
• Best for: everyday morning drinkers.
Carafe (535ml / 18oz)
• Available on Vertuo Next.
• Brews a shareable pot of coffee in one capsule.
• Best for: families, entertaining, or all-day sipping.
Side-by-Side Cup Size Chart
| Cup Style | OriginalLine (ml / oz) | VertuoLine (ml / oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 25ml / 0.85oz | — |
| Espresso | 40ml / 1.35oz | 40ml / 1.35oz |
| Double Espresso | — | 80ml / 2.7oz |
| Lungo | 110ml / 3.7oz | — |
| Gran Lungo | — | 150ml / 5oz |
| Mug / Coffee | — | 230ml / 8oz |
| Carafe | — | 535ml / 18oz |
aste & Crema Differences by Size
Small Cups (Ristretto, Espresso)
• OriginalLine → Stronger, more concentrated flavor.
• VertuoLine → Smoother, lighter, with thicker crema.
Medium Cups (Lungo vs Gran Lungo)
• OriginalLine Lungo → More watery espresso.
• Vertuo Gran Lungo → Balanced, smoother, designed for daily drinkers.
Large Cups (Mug, Carafe)
• OriginalLine → Not available.
• VertuoLine → Excellent for households that prefer filter-style coffee.
Which Line is Better for Each Coffee Style?
- Best for Espresso Shots
- OriginalLine → more authentic taste, cheaper pods.
- Best for Lattes & Cappuccinos
- OriginalLine → stronger espresso base, especially with Lattissima/Creatista.
- Best for American-Style Mugs
- VertuoLine → larger pods designed for 8oz mugs.
- Best for Families & Sharing
- VertuoLine → only option with carafe brewing.
Cost Considerations by Cup Size
• OriginalLine
• Ristretto/Espresso: $0.40–$0.80 per cup
• Lungo: same capsule cost, just more water
• VertuoLine
• Espresso: $0.90–$1.20
• Mug: $1.10–$1.50
• Carafe: $2.00–$3.00 per brew
Vertuo’s larger pods cost more, making long-term costs higher if you drink big mugs daily.
Final Verdict on Cup Sizes
• If you’re an espresso drinker, stick with OriginalLine. It delivers authentic taste and works best for milk-based recipes.
• If you’re a mug or carafe drinker, go with VertuoLine. It’s built for larger servings and more variety.
👉 Quick Recap:
• Original = Short, strong, authentic
• Vertuo = Big, smooth, versatile
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
