Nespresso machines are the most popular for single-serve espresso makers. I’d say they are the obvious choice for those looking to buy single-serve espresso machines. A very interesting choice here comes from two popular models, the Nespresso VertuoLine and Nespresso Evoluo.
So here is a comparison of the Nespresso Vertuoline vs Evoluo to help you decide what model to pick. Both of these are excellent machines, and you can’t go wrong with either. However, you can pick one that suits your requirements better.
About Nespresso VertuoLine, Vertuo, And Evoluo
Nespresso VertuoLine represents one of the major product categories offered by the company. To be clear, both Vertuo and Evoluo belong to this line. As such, you’ll see a lot of similarities between these products.
VertuoLine range is also interesting for the way it makes espresso. These machines are fairly unique in the way they manage pressure. VertuoLine doesn’t have a pump, so unlike the Nespresso Original Line, the water is not at 19 bars of pressure.
How Do VertuoLine Machines Get Espresso Right?
These machines use centrifusion technology to brew espresso at the right pressure. Pods inside the machine are rotated, thus creating a pressure that can brew espresso right. The rapid pod spinning doesn’t generate as high a pressure as 19 bars, but it is well over the 9 bars generally recommended for brewing espresso.
Therefore, the VertuoLine machines are capable of making delicious espresso without being encumbered by a pump. This also allows an additional advantage where the VertuoLine can also brew regular coffee pods.
This adds additional usability to the machine. Espresso is great. Coffee is the icing on this cake! VertuoLine machines can brew several cup sizes to meet user requirements. The machines focus on ease of use and user experience.
Switching Between Coffee And Espresso On The Nespresso VertuoLine Series
There is no need to explicitly switch between coffee and espresso modes. VertuoLine machines automatically read a code on the pod and brew the right beverage. It can also adjust its brewing to instructions from the pod and therefore deliver the perfectly brewed espresso or coffee.
In most cases, you will have to set the brew size manually. While the machine will automatically switch to espresso or coffee sizes, more variations are up to the customer.
Pods and capsules for the machines are available in two sizes. The smaller pods are used to make espresso, while the larger ones are used for coffee and alto coffee.
Nespresso VertuoLine Machine – The Old Faithful Still Goes Strong
As a machine, the Nespresso VertuoLine pretty much sticks to the characteristics defined above. With a centrifusion speed of 7000rpm, it can make delicious espresso. When needed, it can quit the pod rotation and brew regular coffee. Nespresso Vertuo machines can brew five cup sizes:
- Espresso 1.35oz
- Double espresso 2.7oz
- GranLungo 5oz
- Coffee 8oz
- Alto Coffee 14oz
The machine has a reservoir size of 40oz so it won’t need refilling often. An impressive thing is probably the speed at which the coffee is delivered. Your cup will begin to pour after a heating time of just 15-20 seconds. Now that’s fast! To save on electricity consumption, the machine automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity.
The pods are ejected automatically after use for added convenience. Vertuo by Breville has a used capsule capacity of 13 coffee pods or 20 espresso pods. The adjustable drip tray can be moved to three locations to best meet the size requirements for your beverage cup.
It’s worth noting that the Nespresso Vertuo is no longer in direct production from Nespresso. However, the machine is still available at various retailers. New units of the Vertuo are also being produced by other manufacturers, including Breville. So yup, it’s still a good choice to buy.
Nespresso Evoluo – Small Changes For Greater Convenience
Nespresso Evoluo is pretty much the bigger sibling of the Vertuo. Belonging to the Nespresso VertuoLine, it is quite similar to its sibling in most regards. Except it is bigger. And that’s about the major difference between these two coffee makers.
The technical specifications of this machine are pretty much the same as the Evoluo. Its centrifuge moves at 7000 rpm and it uses two different sizes of pods. To ensure you get your cup of coffee or espresso real fast, the machine can do a fast heat up in just 15-20 seconds. The machine automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity to conserve power.
Its adjustable drip tray moves to four positions to adjust to the container or cup of your choice.
It has two brew size presets, 1.35oz for espresso and 7.7oz for coffee. However, it also has the option of custom drink sizes. All you need to do for this feature is to hold the button as the brew is poured into the cup. Once you’ve got the desired volume, simply remove your hand from the button and the coffee will stop flowing.
I like this feature. I’d like it better if it also had fixed volume management. It isn’t much pain to hold the button, but it would be more convenient to simply pick a beverage size. This seems like quite an oversight for a machine that is largely based on convenience.
Evoluo can eject pods automatically after use. Its large container can hold up to 17 large capsules, so you don’t have to immediately clean the machine after you brew your coffee. The water reservoir here is removable like in the Vertuo. However, Evoluo has a larger reservoir at 54oz.
Nespresso Evoluo vs Vertuoline
Nespresso Evoluo | Nespresso Vertuo | |
Product Line | VertuoLine | VertuoLine |
Water Reservoir | 54oz | 40oz |
Centrifusion Technology | Yes | Yes |
Spent capsules | 17 large coffee capsules | 13 large coffee capsules |
Dimensions | 9.0″W x 12.3″H x 12.2″D | 8.3″W x 11.9″H x 11.9″D |
Product Weight | 11lbs | 10.8lbs |
External Material | Plastic | Plastic |
Current Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Which Is The Right Coffee Maker For Me?
As you see with this Nespresso VertuoLine vs Evoluo comparison, the machines are mostly identical. They have some cosmetic differences, but functionally, they are quite similar. Additionally, The biggest difference is that Nespresso Evoluo is slightly larger and heavier.
Its larger dimensions allow it to hold more water in the reservoir and more coffee pods. The machines are pretty close in pricing and quality, so take your pick!