Nespresso Evoluo vs Vertuo: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

In 2014, Nespresso released a new range of coffee machines called the Vertuoline. The first Vertuoline model was simply named Vertuo. Since then, there have been three other models: Evoluo (2015), VertuoPlus (2017) and Vertuo Next (2020). You can still find all of these models for sale.

Though the Vertuo Next is the newest model, users on social media have raised many concerns about the machine’s reliability. So if you want a Vertuoline machine, you should choose the Nespresso Evoluo vs one of the other two Vertuoline machines, the Vertuo or the VertuoPlus. How do you know which one is right for you? Read our in-depth review to find out what the key differences are and which of those matter most to you.

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Nespresso Evoluo vs Vertuo and VertuoPlus

The Evoluo has the largest water tank and used capsule container of any Vertuoline machine. That makes it a great choice for people who want to spend less time cleaning. It also has more heating power.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus features a water tank with adjustable placement so you can optimize your kitchen counter space. It has a motorized open and close and will auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.

The Vertuo model has a smaller footprint than the VertuoPlus, but the water tank does not move. However, it has the fastest heat up time and largest used capsule container for less frequent clean up.

Coffee And Espresso Selection And Sizes

There is no difference between the Evoluo, Vertuo and VertuoPlus in terms of brew sizes or coffee drink selections. All three coffee machines brew a variety of cup sizes using centrifusion technology:

• 1.35 oz espresso
• 2.7 oz double espresso
• 5 oz Gran Lungo
• 8 oz coffee
• 14 oz Alto

All three models use barcodes on the pods to customize the brewing pressure, temperature and duration. That means you’ll get the perfect coffee drink every time. The downside is that because Nespresso controls the barcodes, there are fewer non-Nespresso branded coffee capsules on the market. See our summary of the best Vertuo pods.

Note that neither the Evoluo or Vertuo models have hot milk frothing built-in. If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, you can purchase the Aeroccino milk frother accessory separately or in a bundle with your machine.

Power

The Evoluo and Vertuo have a reputation among Nespresso fans for brewing a piping hot cup of coffee. That’s because both machines have a higher power rating than other Nespresso Vertuoline models.

Machine Size

Size is probably the most significant difference between the Evoluo vs the Vertuo and VertuoPlus. The Evoluo is wider and heavier than the two Vertuo models. A key difference between the Evoluo and the VertuoPlus is that only the Plus has a moveable water reservoir. You can move it behind the machine, to the side or at a 45 degree angle. If you have more limited counter space, the VertuoPlus may work better for you than the Evoluo.

Speed

The difference in time it takes to heat each machine is small, but every second counts if you are usually in a rush in the morning! The Vertuo is the fastest machine. It heats up in just 15 seconds. The VertuoPlus heats up in 20 seconds. The Evoluo falls somewhere in the middle, taking between 15 and 20 seconds to heat up.

Care And Maintenance

The most frequent caring for my Nespresso machine that I do a few times a week involves cleaning and refilling the water reservoir and emptying the used capsule container. Evoluo has the advantage here. The Evoluo’s water tank is 35% larger than the Vertuo and the standard VertuoPlus. The Evoluo used capsule container is about 30% larger than the Vertuo and 70% larger than the VertuoPlus. That means you’ll need to empty it less often.

All three models will require more time intensive cleaning (called descaling) every 3 months or so. This will remove mineral buildup from water that can impact machine performance. All models come with an alert light so you’ll know when it is time to descale.

Nespresso Evoluo vs VertuoPlus Deluxe

As you are shopping for Vertuoline machines, you may notice that there are actually two versions of the VertuoPlus. In addition to the standard model, there is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe. How does the Evoluo compare the the VertuoPlus Deluxe? The VertuoPlus Deluxe has an even larger water reservoir and a faster heat up time. However, the Evoluo has a bit more heating power.

Still unsure about Nespresso?

If you are still on the fence about buying a Nespresso machine, you can read more about why I think a Nespresso is worth it or learn more about the other Nespresso models out there.