Not sure which Nespresso universe you belong? You’re definitely not alone. These two Nespresso systems might look similar on the outside, but under the hood, they’re totally different when it comes to how they brew, what pods they use, and the kind of coffee you’ll end up sipping.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into VertuoLine vs OriginalLine, breaking down the pros, cons, flavor profiles, and who each system is really for.
Choosing the wrong one could mean being stuck with pods you don’t love or paying more than you need to. In this guide, we’ll break down:
• The main differences between Original and Vertuo
• The pros and cons of each system
• And, most importantly, who each one is designed for
The Core Difference Between Original and Vertuo
Brewing Technology
• OriginalLine uses a 19-bar pressure pump to brew espresso. This mimics the way baristas pull espresso shots, giving you a more authentic flavor profile.
• VertuoLine uses Centrifusion technology, which spins capsules at 7,000 RPM and reads a barcode on each pod to set brewing parameters automatically. This makes it more versatile but also more restrictive.
Drink Styles
• OriginalLine → Focused on small coffee drinks (Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo).
• VertuoLine → Designed for variety, from espresso all the way up to a 17oz carafe.
Nespresso OriginalLine – Overview
Strengths of OriginalLine
✅ Authentic espresso taste – Stronger, more café-like shots.
✅ More pod options – Nespresso, Starbucks, and dozens of third-party brands.
✅ Cheaper per cup – Third-party pods cost as little as $0.40.
✅ Reusable capsules available – Eco-friendly and customizable.
✅ More milk-based machines – Lattissima and Creatista lines built for lattes and cappuccinos.
Weaknesses of OriginalLine
❌ No large coffee sizes – Max is Lungo (110ml). Not ideal for American-style mugs.
❌ Less automated – No barcode scanning; users choose pod manually.
❌ Fewer limited editions – Nespresso focuses its seasonal flavors more on Vertuo.
Best For
OriginalLine is best for:
• Espresso lovers
• Latte and cappuccino fans
• People on a budget (thanks to third-party pods)
• Environmentally conscious users (reusable capsules available)
Nespresso VertuoLine – Overview
Strengths of VertuoLine
✅ Multiple drink sizes – Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug, Carafe.
✅ Thick crema – Very foamy and impressive visually.
✅ Barcode automation – Machine auto-adjusts brewing for each pod.
✅ Wide mug selection – Appeals to households that want variety.
Weaknesses of VertuoLine
❌ Pods are exclusive – Only Nespresso sells them. No third-party options.
❌ More expensive per cup – $0.90–$1.50 per pod.
❌ Less authentic espresso – Crema is foamy, but flavor is lighter compared to OriginalLine.
❌ No reusable pods – Higher long-term environmental impact.
Best For
VertuoLine is best for:
• Families who want different cup sizes
• American-style coffee drinkers who prefer mugs over espresso shots
• Users who want maximum convenience (barcode automation)
• Households where one machine needs to serve everyone
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | OriginalLine | VertuoLine |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | 19-bar pump pressure | Centrifusion (7,000 RPM) |
| Crema Style | Velvety, authentic | Thick, foamy, bubbly |
| Pod Options | Nespresso + 3rd party + reusable | Nespresso-only, barcode locked |
| Drink Styles | Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo | Espresso → Carafe (up to 17oz) |
| Cost per Pod | $0.40–$0.80 (cheaper with 3rd-party) | $0.90–$1.50 |
| Milk Systems | Lattissima, Creatista, Aeroccino | Mostly Aeroccino; Vertuo Creatista |
| Sustainability | Compostable + reusable options | Limited to aluminum recycling |
| Best For | Espresso lovers, budget-friendly | Families, variety seekers |
Pros & Cons at a Glance
OriginalLine Pros
• True espresso flavor
• Lower cost per cup
• More variety of pods
• Supports reusables and compostables
OriginalLine Cons
• No large coffees
• Less flashy crema
• More manual (no barcode automation)
VertuoLine Pros
• Huge range of drink sizes
• Thick, Instagram-worthy crema
• Easy, automated brewing
• Good for multi-user households
VertuoLine Cons
• Higher pod costs
• No third-party capsules
• Less authentic espresso flavor
• Less sustainable
Who Each Is For
Choose OriginalLine If…
• You mostly drink espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes
• You want to keep your coffee costs low
• You want the freedom of third-party pods or reusable capsules
• You value sustainability
Choose VertuoLine If…
• You want one machine for the whole family
• You love American-style large mugs of coffee
• You value convenience more than customization
• You don’t mind higher pod prices for automation and variety
Final Verdict
Both systems are excellent—but they’re built for different people.
• If you want café-style espresso, cheaper pods, and flexibility, go with OriginalLine.
• If you want large coffees, versatility, and family-friendly convenience, go with VertuoLine.
Think of it like this:
• OriginalLine = Espresso purist’s choice
• VertuoLine = Household all-rounder
Either way, you’re getting high-quality coffee at home with less effort than a traditional espresso machine.
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.
