Delonghi Nespresso Machine Vertuo

Last updated: October 2, 2026

DeLonghi doesn’t actually make the coffee inside a Nespresso Vertuo machine — they build the hardware around Nespresso’s system. If you’ve been shopping, you’ve probably seen the same Vertuo models sold under two names: DeLonghi and Breville. Internally they’re the same Nespresso design; the difference is exterior styling, button placement, and finish. DeLonghi tends to be a bit more rounded and matte, Breville a bit more angular and glossy. Functionally, a DeLonghi Vertuo Next and a Breville Vertuo Next brew the exact same way.

That matters because you’re not choosing between DeLonghi engineering and Breville engineering. You’re choosing a Vertuo system, and then picking which shell you prefer. The more important decision is whether Vertuo itself is right for you versus OriginalLine, and which Vertuo model fits your kitchen.

How Vertuo Is Different From Original

OriginalLine Nespresso machines (Essenza Mini, Pixie, CitizOne) use 19-bar pressure to pull a short, 1.35oz espresso or 5oz lungo. Vertuo uses Centrifusion — the capsule spins at up to 7,000 RPM and Nespresso reads a barcode on the rim to set volume, temperature, and flow automatically. No settings to dial in.

That barcode system is the defining trade-off of Vertuo. You get five sizes from one machine without thinking about it: 1.35oz espresso, 2.7oz double espresso, 5oz gran lungo, 7.7oz coffee, and 18oz carafe on some models. You also get a thick, foamy crema on everything, even the large coffees. What you lose is control and choice. You can only use Nespresso-branded Vertuo capsules. No third-party pods, no reusable pods that work reliably, no grinding your own beans. If you like to tinker with grind and dose, this will frustrate you. If you want one button and consistent results, it’s ideal.

Taste is also different. Vertuo coffee is fuller-bodied and more drip-like than Original espresso, even in the small sizes. The crema is aerated, light, and abundant — not the tight, oily crema of a traditional espresso machine. People who own a real espresso machine often find Vertuo’s espresso a bit thin. People who want a quick large coffee with crema love it.

DeLonghi Vertuo Models Compared

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

DeLonghi currently sells four main Vertuo platforms in the US. All use the same capsules and Centrifusion brew unit. Differences are tank size, heat-up time, capsule handling, and whether it makes milk drinks automatically.

For most people, the decision is between the DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Next and the VertuoPlus. The Pop+ is genuinely compact — about 5.5 inches wide — but the 25oz tank means refilling daily if you brew the 7.7oz coffees, and the used capsule container fills quickly. It’s fine for a dorm, office desk, or single-person apartment where space beats convenience.

The Next is the better all-rounder. It heats faster than the Plus, takes up less counter depth than the Plus, and includes the carafe size. The downside is build quality. The Next has a lighter, more plasticky feel and a history of more early failures than the Plus series, particularly around leaking and the lock mechanism. Nespresso has revised it since launch, but it remains the most return-prone Vertuo in shop forums.

The DeLonghi Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is the tank. Literally — 60oz water tank and a motorized brew head that opens and closes at the push of a lever. You don’t manually lock it like the Pop and Next. It’s taller when open, so measure under cabinets, but it’s quieter and feels sturdier. If you brew 2-3 large coffees back-to-back, you won’t be refilling mid-morning.

The Vertuo Lattissima is a different proposition. It adds a fresh milk system with a detachable carafe you can keep in the fridge. It makes espresso, then steams and pours milk automatically for cappuccino, latte, and flat white. The milk foam is decent, hot, and hands-off, but it’s not microfoam for latte art and the carafe system needs daily rinsing or it clogs. If you drink mostly black coffee, don’t pay extra for it — buy a separate Aeroccino milk frother or a handheld frother when you need it. It’s cheaper to replace and easier to clean.

Who Should Buy a DeLonghi Vertuo (And Who Shouldn’t)

Buy a Vertuo if you want variety of sizes without a grinder, scale, or learning curve. It’s excellent for households where one person wants a 7.7oz coffee and another wants a double espresso after dinner. It’s also good if you value speed and cleanup: no puck to knock out, no portafilter to rinse, just eject the capsule.

Skip it if you care about espresso quality above convenience, want to use your own beans, or are sensitive to pod cost. Vertuo capsules run $0.85 to $1.20 each for coffee and $1.10 to $1.40 for espresso, and only Nespresso sells them. Over a year at two pods a day, that’s $700-$900 in capsules. An OriginalLine machine has cheaper third-party options; a proper grinder and semi-automatic machine is cheaper per shot long-term if you’re willing to learn.

Also skip it if you drink very dark, oily roasts or want low-acid coffee. Vertuo’s lineup leans medium to medium-dark, and you can’t adjust extraction to compensate. What you taste in the store is what you get.

Real-World Trade-Offs and Failure Modes

After the first year, three issues come up repeatedly:

1. Descaling and barcode reading errors. Vertuo is more sensitive to scale than Original because the centrifusion reader needs a clean lens. If you have hard water, descale every 2-3 months with Nespresso’s solution, not vinegar. When the machine blinks orange/red and refuses to read capsules, it’s usually scale on the reader or the centrifugal plate. Cleaning the capsule holder under running water fixes most non-descale errors.

2. Leaking from the head gasket. Particularly on the Next, the rubber seal around the brew head can deform if you force it closed with a misaligned capsule. Don’t slam the lever. Place the capsule dome-side down, let it sit flat, then close gently. If water appears around the base after brewing, the gasket needs replacing — Nespresso will usually swap the machine within warranty if you call.

3. Noisy brewing on large coffees. Centrifusion is loud, especially on 7.7oz and 18oz pours. It’s a 20-30 second whirr that is noticeably louder than a pump-driven Original machine. Not a defect, just physics.

Capsule freshness is another quiet trade-off. Vertuo pods are nitrogen-flushed and stay fresh for about 12 months, but they are not as airtight long-term as Original aluminum pods due to the larger dome. Buy what you’ll use in 2-3 months, not a six-month stockpile.

On energy and waste: Vertuo machines auto-shutoff after 2-9 minutes (adjustable on Next/Plus). Capsules are aluminum and recyclable, but only through Nespresso’s bag program — not curbside. If you won’t actually mail them back, factor that in.

Which DeLonghi Vertuo To Pick Right Now

If you want the cheapest way to try the system and counter space is tight, the Pop+ is fine. Don’t expect refinement — it’s loud, light, and basic. It’s the one to buy when the cheaper option is genuinely enough.

If you want the best balance of size, features, and capsule options, get the Vertuo Next. Choose DeLonghi if you prefer the matte black/white finish and slightly softer edges; choose Breville if you prefer chrome accents. Otherwise flip a coin.

If you brew large coffees daily or hate refilling, get the VertuoPlus Deluxe. The bigger tank and motorized head are worth the extra $30-50 over the Next for a busy kitchen, and it has a better reliability record.

Only get the Lattissima if you make milk drinks almost every day and want one-touch. For occasional lattes, a standalone frother is more flexible and fails less expensively.

FAQ

Is there any difference between DeLonghi and Breville Vertuo machines?

No internal difference. Both are built to Nespresso’s spec, use the same capsules, and brew identically. DeLonghi and Breville just handle industrial design, finishing, and retail distribution in different regions. Pick based on price and which look you prefer, and check warranty — both are serviced through Nespresso directly.

Can you use Starbucks or other pods in a DeLonghi Vertuo?

You can use Starbucks *Vertuo* pods because Starbucks makes them for Nespresso’s Vertuo system. You cannot use OriginalLine pods, Dolce Gusto, K-Cups, or unlicensed “Vertuo-compatible” pods — they won’t read and will jam the centrifusion. Only pods with a Nespresso Vertuo barcode work.

How much do Vertuo capsules cost and where should I buy them?

Expect $0.85-$1.20 per coffee pod and more for espresso and carafe sizes, sold by Nespresso online, in boutiques, and increasingly in grocery stores. Grocery stock is limited to bestsellers. For full variety and fresh roast dates, ordering from Nespresso is usually better, especially during sleeve promotions.

Do I need to descale a Vertuo and how often?

Yes. Every 3 months with soft water, every 6-12 weeks with hard water, or when the machine shows a half-red, half-green light. Use Nespresso descaling liquid and follow the 15-minute cycle. Skipping it causes barcode errors, weak crema, and eventually pump failure.