Are you thinking of upgrading your morning routine? Nespresso machines are a user-friendly and affordable alternative to traditional espresso machines, but with so many different models on the market, it’s hard to know where to start.
Read on as we compare two popular Nespresso machines: the Inissia and the Vertuoline; we’ll look at the pros and cons of each model and help you decide which one is right for you.
Nespresso Coffee Machines: What You Should Know
Nespresso coffee machines are unlike anything else on the market, so when you consider a machine for yourself, be sure to do your homework to know what you’re getting into. For a quick and easy introduction to how Nespresso machines work, check out this video.
A Brief History of Nespresso
Switzerland’s Eric Favre founded the coffee giant Nespresso in 1976 due to his visit to Rome, where he was inspired to create the best espresso he could. After eleven years, the first Nespresso machines were launched in Japan, Italy, and Switzerland. Today, they’re a massive player in the coffee game and have a presence in 64 countries.
This new and revolutionary capsule-based design made frothy espresso coffee drinks accessible to the average person in their own home instead of going to a cafe. There are several machines in Nespresso’s arsenal, all with different advantages, with the goal that there’s a Nespresso single-serve espresso machine out there for everyone.
What Are the Benefits of Nespresso Machines?
Nespresso machines harness a single-serve, capsule-based brewing system. Most Nespresso machines work in just a few steps; simply place your desired coffee pod in the capsule chamber, fill the water tank, and press start. After a few minutes, you have a delicious cup of coffee or your favorite espresso drink to start your day off right.
They’re a fantastic option for those who prefer speed and convenience over all the bells and whistles of a more traditional espresso machine.
They’re also a lot cheaper, at least up front. Nespresso machines are generally much more affordable than even the most inexpensive espresso machines, though the cost of the coffee capsules will undoubtedly add up depending on how many cups of espresso you have in a day.
Do Nespresso Machines Have Any Downsides?
Nespresso machines are convenient, sure, but are they really all they’re cracked up to be? There are a couple of drawbacks that you should be aware of during your search.
For one, most Nespresso machines do not use bars of pressure to brew their espresso and instead use a method called Centrifusion. Remember that the drinks you’re getting with your Nespresso machine will be “espresso-like,” but they won’t be considered an authentic espresso experience. Though, for most consumers who just want to make a quick and easy latte at home, it’s close enough!
There’s also the issue of cost. While Nespresso machines are more affordable than many traditional espresso machines on the market, the capsules used to brew the coffee drinks are more expensive than other capsule-based coffee machines, like Keurig.
Some Nespresso machines are compatible with cheaper third-party capsules, but others aren’t, so the added long-term cost of the capsules should be taken into consideration before purchasing a Nespresso machine.
Who is a Nespresso Machine best suited for?
These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who want a cafe-quality espresso drink without the time and work required to learn how to brew with a traditional espresso machine. For those who simply want to press a button and come back a few minutes later to a delicious cup of espresso, Nespresso machines may be their best option.
On the other hand, if you like to have a lot of control over your machine’s settings or enjoy the manual act of brewing the espresso yourself to get that authentic espresso taste, you may be frustrated with the lack of options and settings on a Nespresso machine.
Nespresso Inissia Vs VertuoLine: A Side-By-Side Comparison
Nespresso Inissia
When searching for the perfect Nespresso machine for your needs, it can be challenging to balance ease of use, affordability, and functional design features, all while providing a fantastic espresso.
The Nespresso Inissia tries to meet that challenge with a striking and colorful design, an authentic 19-bar pressure brewing method, and an affordable price point.
It has two programmable espresso buttons that you can use to control the size of your espresso or espresso-based drinks.
Single coffee brewers will love the small footprint and simplicity of the Inissia, but those who like lots of control over their espresso extraction might be disappointed.
Things We Like:
- The simple and minimal settings make this machine super easy and intuitive to use.
- This machine is tiny and lightweight, perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- Rather than the Centrifusion brewing technique used in the Nespresso VertuoLine, the Inissia uses actual pump pressure to create authentic espresso.
- It’s inexpensive and makes owning an espresso machine affordable.
- It can be used with all Nespresso Original capsules, but it’s also compatible with third-party and reusable pods, so you can brew any coffee you like!
Things We Don’t Like:
- There are very few settings to allow you to customize your brew.
- The removable 24-ounce water tank is small and will only work for a few cups of coffee at a time.
- Nespresso capsules are more expensive than traditional ground coffee, and the price of espresso pods can add up over time.
- There are no included accessories, such as a built-in milk frother, which is inconvenient if you like to make milk-based espresso drinks at home.
- The construction quality is not as sturdy as we’d like, and the brewing process is rather noisy.
The Bottom Line
Coffee lovers who want a small, inexpensive machine that can still deliver great taste and authentic espresso will love the Inissia.
While the build quality isn’t as premium as we’d like, and the small water reservoir means it’s only appropriate for single coffee drinkers or small households, it’s low maintenance and offers fantastic value for the price point.
However, those who love frothy drinks won’t love the lack of frothing accessories or steam wands.
Nespresso VertuoLine
The VertuoLine is meant to be a step up and a more luxurious, premium take on the Original Line espresso makers. With minimalist designs, a one-touch capsule brewing system, and Centrifusion technology, this line of machines is all about convenience and speed, with the bonus of a more premium and modern feel.
Those looking for a quick and easy way to brew their favorite lattes and cappuccinos will love the VertuoLine, but their proprietary capsules could be a drawback for some.
Things We Like:
- Centrifusion technology creates a delicious espresso-like drink with a rich crema.
- The compatible Nespresso Vertuo capsules are available in a wide variety of flavors and beverage types.
- The VertuoLine machines feature beautiful and modern designs with minimalist one-touch brew settings.
- The water heats up and is ready to go in about 15-20 seconds.
- The VertuoLine features a large removable 40-ounce water tank perfect for a household or office space with several coffee drinkers.
Things We Don’t Like:
- The water that the VertuoLine machines produce is not hot enough, especially compared to traditional espresso machines.
- VertuoLine machines are only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules and won’t work with third-party capsules, which means that the long-term cost of the recyclable aluminum capsules is likely to add up.
- Due to the third-party capsule incompatibility, you’re limited to the drinks that Nespresso offers in their selection of capsules, making it difficult to brew tea or other beverages that aren’t offered.
The Bottom Line
While the Nespresso VertuoLine is a bit pricey, the sleek, streamlined design and impressive features more than make up for it. They’re designed for maximum ease of use, and they’re the perfect option for those who value simplicity and speed and don’t want to compromise on espresso quality and taste.
Unfortunately, VertuoLine machines aren’t the most versatile options either; since they’re only compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo capsules, you can’t brew tea or any third-party coffee. So If you’re looking for a machine that can do it all, you may want to find a more versatile alternative or look into the machines in the OriginalLine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to the world of Nespresso, it can be a bit intimidating to choose the correct machine. Each machine has its own unique features, but the differences can seem small at first. So which coffee maker is right for you?
Overall, the choice is simple. The Inissia is the more basic option of the two. It’s smaller and more compact, making it a good choice if you don’t have a lot of counter space. But its lack of features and accessories could be a letdown for die-hard espresso fans.
If you’re a single coffee drinker on a budget or don’t have much room in your kitchen for a bulky machine, go with the Inissia since its small stature is perfect for the 1-cup-a-day crowd.
However, if you’re looking to serve more people or want a more premium coffee experience, the VertuoLine machines are the way to go. They offer a sleek and streamlined one-button design, a generally larger water tank, and Centrifusion technology for a rich and creamy coffee foam top. If you’re looking for a more affordable option in the VertuoLine, consider the Vertuo or the Vertuo Plus.
Before choosing the right Nespresso machine for your needs, be sure to write down all the features that you want out of your machine so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Happy brewing!
Happy Caffeinating!
