Although the Nespresso VertuoPlus and the Evoluo espresso machines are very similar to each other, there are a lot of people who are undecided regarding which machine is better than the other.
First off…both machines are high-quality ones, and both are made by Nespresso. They are also very similar to each other and share many of the same exact features.
There are, however, some differences between the two machines. For some people, these differences may not matter, while for others the differences that there are may be the deciding factor that determines which of these machines a customer would want, or not want, to acquire.
Here is a very simple comparison table that shows, in a nutshell, a lot of the similarities and differences between the two machines. A more detailed comparison table is also included later on in this page.
Product Name | VertuoPlus | Evoluo |
Less noisy | More noisy | |
Auto Shut-Off | After 9 minutes of no use | After 9 minutes of no use |
Bar Pressure | Not applicable…the VertuoPlus uses a new patented technology called “Centrifusion,” which involves the machine spinning the pod containing the coffee 7,000 times per minute. There is no bar pressure used with this machine. | Same as the VertuoPlus…The Evoluo also uses Centrifusion during the espresso brewing process, eliminating the need for bar pressure. |
Heat-Up Time | 20 seconds | 15 – 20 seconds |
Available Colors | Black, Silver, Gray | Black, Silver, Gray, Red |
Exterior Material | Plastic | Plastic |
Coffee Type Used | Nespresso VertuoLine pods only | Nespresso VertuoLine pods only |
Water Tank Capacity | 57.5 ounces | 54 ounces |
Cup Size | Up to 14 oz. cups | Up to 14 oz. cups |
Machine Type | Single Serve | Single Serve |
Machine Weight | 10.1 pounds | 11 pounds |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 9.1 x 13.2 x 12.8 inches | 9.0 x 12.2 x 12.3 inches |
Cord Length | 29.13 inches | 29.13 inches |
Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
The differences these two machines have between them boils down to a very few differences, such as the amount of water they can each hold, the number of programmable options each has, appearance on a counter, noise level, and ease of use, just to name a few.
Because of the way peoples’ kitchens are configured differently, as well as differing kitchen sizes, one of these machines is likely better than the other for any given kitchen arrangement. Machine size and kitchen configuration/counter top space is one big issue that people come across with home espresso machines. The Nespresso VertuoPlus comes equipped with a water reservoir that swivels to either the left side or the right side on the back of the machine, allowing for more versatility as to whether someone can place the machine on a countertop.
Noise levels emitted from different espresso machines is also a big consideration for many people. Those who live in a small living area normally prefer a machine that makes less noise. In this case, the VertuoPlus, again, comes in first because it emits less motor noise than the Evoluo when in operation.
Nespresso VertuoPlus:
Nespresso Evoluo:
This article compares the different features between each machine, and should be able to help you decide which one would be better for your needs and lifestyle.
First, before getting to the detailed comparison table, here are two different important topics you should peruse beforehand.
Important! Regarding Milk Frothing Capability…
Here is some info. you should know up-front…Both the VertuoPlus and the Evoluo do not have, when the machine only is purchased, the capability to froth milk for milk-based espresso beverages by pouring milk into these machines. Alone, with the machine only, only espresso and coffee, without milk, can be brewed.
However, both of these machines can be bought as a “bundle” option with Nespresso’s “Aerocchino” milk frother. This is a small separate appliance that froths milk, which can be done while the espresso is brewing. The frothed milk can then be added to the espresso beverage after brewing is done.
An Important Note About Bar Pressure!
Before you read further, definitely read this important information regarding bar pressure.
Pretty much all home espresso machines up until recently have used “bar pressure” as an indicator of how much atmospheric pressure is applied to the water that is running through the ground coffee in the portafilter. Bar pressure numbers have in the past ranged from 7 on up to 19 bars, depending on the machine. The typical, and optimum, level of bar pressure ranges from 7 on up to 15. A bar pressure of less than 7 will usually result in weak, under-extracted espresso.
The VertuoPlus and Evoluo don’t use bar pressure…they instead use a new technology called “Centrifusion.”
The two machines being reviewed in this article do not use bar pressure as a typical measure of extraction capability, like most other espresso machines. Rather, Nespresso has totally gotten rid of the concept of bar pressure and has developed a patented technology they have named Centrifusion. The process of Centrifusion simply involves the machine spinning the coffee capsule inside the machine 7,000 spins per minute while the water runs through and extracts the espresso from the grounds contained within the capsule. This is a very powerful new technology that does an excellent job of extracting the espresso flavor out of the grounds, as well as resulting in a very large amount of crema that tops the espresso.
Therefore, in summary, you will not find any reference to bar pressure when it comes to the VertuoPlus or the Evoluo.
Back to the stuff you want to know!
How To Use the Nespresso VertuoPlus
Although the following videos are each very brief, they will give you a very good idea on how to use each of these machines.
How To Use The Nespresso Evoluo
Detailed Review of Features
Although the chart above provides much information regarding the Nespresso VertuoPlus and the Evoluo, limited space in the chart above prevented providing detailed information.
Therefore, if you were not able to find answers to any of your questions in the chart above, the details below should provide additional help for you.
VertuoPlus | Evoluo |
Type of Espresso/Coffee Maker:Single-serve, meaning that this machine brews up one individual cup of coffee or espresso at a time, rather than an entire coffee pot of beverage. | Same…Single-serve – same as the VertuoPlus. |
Heat-Up Time:The VertuoPlus has a water heat-up time of approximately 20 seconds. | Quicker, with a heat-up time of approximately 15 to 20 seconds. |
Type of Coffee Used:Pre-made coffee pods produced by Nespresso called the Vertuo Line are used with both of these machines. Each pod is used once and then is discarded. Please Note: These specialized pods are rather costly. Other than a stainless-steel reusable pod you can buy separately (which is shown in the next section below this one), the pods made by Nespresso are the only pods that can be used. Although various other companies make claims that they sell Vertuo Line alternatives, there are no cheaper alternatives, and the disposable pods must be gotten from Nespresso. Although these pods are more costly than purchasing ground coffee at your local store, the cost of these pods is still much, much less than the prices at local espresso stands. | Same…The Evoluo uses the same coffee pods as the VertuoPlus described here. |
Reusable Pods Available?Yes – there is a stainless-steel reusable pod for use in either the VertuoPlus or the Evoluo. This is used in place of having to buy disposable pods. With one of these reusable pods (you only need one total), you can use your favorite brand of coffee. View this reusable pod on Amazon. | Same…The Evoluo can use the same stainless-steel pod as the VertuoPlus. |
Crema Capability:The VertuoPlus does have extraordinary capability to produce lots of crema. The crema is formed by the very fast spinning of the coffee pod inside the machine during the single-serve brewing process. This is a patented system designed by Nespresso called “Centrifusion” technology, which involves the machine spinning the coffee pod 7,000 rotations per minute, which results in a thick and plentiful crema. | Same…The Evoluo uses the same Centrifusion technology as the VertuoPlus. |
Milk Frothing Capability:The VertuoPlus alone cannot froth milk for milk-based espresso and coffee beverages. There is an additional accessory you can consider if you want to make milk-based coffee/espresso beverages. You can access the “bundle” available at Amazon, which includes the VertuoPlus machine and the “Aerocchino” milk frother available, by clicking here. Note that although I do receive a small commission from Amazon when items I have referred a visitor to are purchased, this does not increase your cost whatsoever. | Same…Just like the VertuoPlus, the Evoluo also cannot froth milk by itself, and needs the same accessory that is used with the VertuoPlus. You can access the “bundle” available at Amazon, which includes the Evoluo machine and the “Aerocchino” milk frother available, by clicking on the image here, which will take you to Amazon. Note that although I do receive a small commission from Amazon when items I have referred a visitor to are purchased, this does not increase your cost whatsoever. |
Cup Sizes That Can Be Brewed:· The VertuoPlus has pods available to brew five different sizes of espresso/coffee, including the following:
| Same…The Evoluo has the same ability as the VertuoPlus to brew five different sizes of beverages. |
Type of Beverages That Can Be Made:The Vertuo line pods used for the VertuoPlus provide pods for dark, medium, and mild (light) roasts of coffee. There are also flavored coffee pods available including the following:
| Same…The Evoluo is capable of brewing all the same beverages as the VertuoPlus. |
Noise Level:The VertuoPlus is the less noisy of the two machines…your best choice for a lower noise level. | The Evoluo is noisier than the VertuoPlus during machine brewing. |
Automatic Machine Shut-Off:After the VertuoPlus has not been used for a total of 9 minutes, it will automatically shut off. This is to preserve electricity used and also works as a safety feature. | Same…The Nespresso Evoluo also has an automatic shut-off after 9 minutes of no use. |
External Cover Material:The VertuoPlus has a plastic cover with some metal details. | Same…The Evoluo also has a plastic cover. |
External Colors Available:The VertuoPlus is available in black, silver, and gray. | The Evoluo is available in black, silver, gray, and red. |
Water Reservoir/Tank Information:57.5 ounces of water. The VertuoPlus has a removable water reservoir. | 54 ounces of water. The Evoluo also has a removable water reservoir, although the Evoluo doesn’t have the swivel function that the VertuoPlus has. |
Cord Information:The VertuoPlus has a cord length of 29.13 inches. | Same…The Evoluo also has a cord length of 29.13 inches. |
Optional “Aerocchino” Milk Frother Option
Neither the VertuoPlus nor the Evoluo have, in themselves, the ability to froth milk for those milk-based espresso/coffee beverages we all love, there is an option available for both machines to enable you to add frothed milk to beverages made with either machine.
Nespresso has developed the patented “Aerocchino” milk frother, which is a separate accessory that can be used in conjunction with the VertuoPlus to froth milk. Below are links to “bundle” options that include both your choice of espresso machine and the frother in a package deal. The separate Aerocchino milk frother measures 3.9 inches in diameter x 7.2 inches in height.
Nespresso VertuoPlus:
Nespresso Evoluo:
So Which Machine Is Better?
In summary, everyone is different, and each person has his/her own individual preferences and lifestyle. Although these two machines are very similar to each other, both regarding features and price, the major difference is the amount of noise each emits during brewing.
Noise vs Less Noise
- For example, someone who lives in a very small residence with other family members or roommates will likely prefer the machine that is less noisy over the more noisy one, particularly if espresso brewing will happen when others in the living space are still sleeping.
Counter Top “Real Estate” (Space)
- Another example would be, again, someone who lives in a small living space as it pertains to the amount of counter top space available. The machine that allows for the water tank to swivel around to either the right or left side (the VertuoPlus) might be preferable to the machine that has just a single configuration (the Evoluo).
Each individual person has a good idea of what he/she wants or requires when it comes to a home espresso machine, and the easiest way for you to figure out which will work best for you is to review the detailed chart above.
These two home espresso machines are very similar to each other when it comes to many of the features of both of them, including the automatic power-saving shut-off time of 9 minutes, the plastic exterior, the type of coffee required to use them, the single-serve machine type, the ability to brew either small cups of espresso or larger/taller cups up to 14 ounces, and the 1-year warranty each comes with.
Differences that these machines have from each other include their appearance, a slight 1/2-inch difference in the height of each one, another slight difference in the amount of time it takes to heat up the water used in the brewing process, the absence of the red machine option with the VertuoPlus, the noise level emitted from each of these machines.
Nespresso VertuoPlus:
Nespresso Evoluo: