Nespresso Vertuoline Pods: Everything You Need to Know from How they Work to the Best Picks

Nespresso is a brand that we need not introduce you to. In recent years, this globally iconic powerhouse has been recognized for successfully taking home coffee brewing experience to the next level.

In 2014, Nespresso expanded its territories by introducing the Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines and the Nespresso Vertuoline pods to its OriginalLine series. The differences between Nespresso VertuolineLine and OriginalLine coffee pods are quite subtle. However, they matter a big deal when choosing the best Nespresso machine for your coffee needs.

This article will be mainly about Nespresso Vertuoline pods. However, we’ll start with a quick rundown of the significant differences between the Nespresso Original and Vertuo coffee systems, so you get a much clearer picture.

Are you in a hurry? The table below captures all the key differences between Nespresso OriginalLine and Vertuoline pods.

5 Best Nespresso Vertuoline Pods

Odacio

Highlights:

• Coffee pod (7.0 oz)
• Intensity: 7
• 100% Arabica from Ethiopia and Nicaragua
• Bold with an East African fruitiness

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Voltesso Espresso

Highlights:

• Espresso (single 1.35 oz)
• Intensity: 4
• 100% Brazilian Bourbon and Colombian Arabica coffees
• Light and sweet with biscuity notes

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Scuro

Highlights:

• Double Espresso (2.7 oz)
• Intensity: 8
• Blend of Central American Arabica and Robusta
• Dark smoky with notes of cocoa and vanilla

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Aflorzaio

Highlights:

• Gran Lungo (5 oz)
• Intensity: 4
• 100% East African Arabica coffee
• Floral and delicate with flowery and blueberry notes

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Intenso XL

Highlights:

• Alto XL (14 oz)
• Intensity: 7
• Blend of Guatemala Robusta and Costa Rican Arabica
• Smooth and strong with notes of caramel and dried wood

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Nespresso Vertuo vs Original Machines

If you’re in the market for a Nespresso capsule-based coffee system, you’ll need to choose between the Original and Vertuo lines first.

These 2 versions differ in terms of;

• Beverage variety
• Pods used and compatibility with 3rd party varieties
• Method of extraction

 Nespresso OriginalLine

The Nespresso OriginalLine makes 3 sizes of espresso-based beverages;

• Ristretto (0.85 oz)
• Espresso (1.35 oz)
• Lungo (3.70 oz)

Note that the OriginalLine capsules come in only one size. That’s to say that lungo is the longest beverage that the Original Nespresso machines can offer before your shot becomes overly dilute. You can get a longer drink than this, for instance, a cappuccino, but you’d have to double up on capsules.

The machines in this line rely on a traditional 19-bar pressure pump for extraction. You’ll also find some that have a built-in frother. There’s also an option to include the Aeroccino frother in the bundle for those that don’t have a built-in frothing accessory. Generally, Nespresso Original machines are equipped for the ultimate espresso experience.

Nespresso has around 28 pod options for the Original machines. These capsules vary in type and intensity, and you’ll get anything from single origin to decaf and occasional special editions. This line also has tea and flavored pods.

Similar to Keurig 1.0 coffee makers, the major advantage that the Nespresso OriginalLine offers is its compatibility with capsules from 3rd parties. This allows you to savor the best coffee from Peet’s, Maud’s, Gourmesso, Artizan, Lavazza, and Starbucks, among other top-rated coffee companies.

This compatibility with 3rd party coffee brands is what makes most people stick with Nespresso OriginalLine machines today.

Next, let’s see what’s different with Nespresso Vertuoline pods.

Nespresso VertuoLine – What’s different?

Shape and Size of Pods

The Nespresso VertuoLine is a little different from the OriginalLine right from the types of capsules to how the machines make your beverage.

Compared to the traditional cup-shaped capsules used for the Original version, you’ll realize that this newer line uses dome-shaped pods. This unique shape makes it practically impossible to use the capsules between the two types of machines. 

Another notable improvement with the Vertuo pods is that they come in 3 different sizes that allow you to brew both espresso and regular coffee from a single machine.

The different sizes of Nespresso Vertuo pods offer a total of 5 cup sizes with varying intensities that follow the sequence below;

• Espresso (1.35 oz)
• Double Espresso (2.70 oz)
• Gran Lungo (5 oz)
• Mug (7.8 oz)
• Alto XL (14 oz)

Nespresso VertuoLine Pod Varieties

Similar to the OriginalLine, the VertuoLine also has around 28 capsule varieties that are compatible with the newer machines. However, Nespresso seems to have taken after Green Mountain Keurig’s approach with the Vertuo line in that you can’t use third party capsules.

So, if you are buying a Nespresso Vertuo machine, keep in mind that you’ll be stuck with this line’s capsule options forever. Another important thing to note here is that if you’re switching from OriginalLine to a Vertuoline, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find your favorite pod with the newer varieties. If you’re not lucky, you’ll need to try out a couple of the available options to get something that gets closer to your liking.

Barcode and Laser Scanning Technologies

Unlike the Original pods, the new capsules have a Barcode embedded on the rim. This barcode technology is what makes the capsules compatible with the new machines only. The VertuoLine coffee makers have a laser scanning system that does 2 things;

1. First, it scans the barcode to verify that you’re using one of the compatible capsules. This technically locks out unlicensed single-serve coffee pod brands, making the VertuoLine sort of proprietary or a closed system.
2. Secondly, and perhaps what’s so important, this laser technology reads the information embedded on each pod’s rim and adjusts all the aspects of the brewing process accordingly. Depending on the type of capsule that you’re using, the machine will automatically adjust;
3. The volume of water required for that particular capsule
4. Ideal brewing temperatures
5. Water flow rate
6. Infusion/contact time
7. The spinning speed required for Centrifusion extraction

How VertuoLine Pods Work

Using the VertuoLine is as simple as inserting the pod with the dome shape facing downwards and closing the lid. In this position, the barcode under the rim of the capsule is directly on top of the laser scanner.

The scanner reads the information in the barcode, and triggers the machine’s intelligent extraction system, which consequently adjusts the extraction parameters and Centrifusion brewing technology to maximize each capsule’s specific flavor.

If the jargon above leaves more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Here is what each of those phrases means;

Intelligent extraction system

This system makes the brewing process a breeze by detecting the type of capsule that you’ve plopped into the holder. Consequently, it determines the type of beverage to make from the capsule and goes ahead to adjust the brewing parameters for precise flavor and crema extraction.

Extraction parameters

These are the aspects of the brewing process that are necessary to bring out the specific flavor and intensity of each of the 5 types of Vertuoline capsules. These include the perfect brewing temperature, water flow rate, infusion time, and spinning speed. This information is embedded in the barcode of each type of Vertuoline pods. This is necessary to make sure that you get the same results with each pod every time.

Centrifusion brewing technology

Centrifusion is a portmanteau of the words centrifugal and infusion. Centrifusion means spinning the capsule at high speed (of up to 7000 rpm) while infusing hot water into the coffee.

Nespresso’s VertuoLine Centrifusion technology tries to replicate the pressure that the OriginalLine machines use for extraction.

So, does Centrifusion brewing technology offer the same results as pump pressure extraction?

No. The chief advantage that the traditional pump method offers is the ability to maintain Nespresso’s 19-bar extraction pressure. Unfortunately, the pressure from Centrifusion technology does not quite hit 19 bars. This leads to under-extracted espresso with a thinner flavor and a slightly foamier-than-average crema.

In general, VertuoLine machines fall short of a straight espresso experience, which may be an issue for most espresso lovers.

Giving credit where credit it’s due, Centrifusion technology does an incredible job at making high-quality regular coffee. That being said, it will still interest people who don’t take espresso a lot.

Another major complaint with current VertuoLine users is that the coffee does not come out hot enough. Most of them say that they have to heat the coffee in a microwave for a few seconds to make it palatable.

Vertuoline Pods Costs and Savings

VertuoLine pods are generally pricier than their OriginalLine counterparts. For instance, with the VertuoLine, you’ll be spending almost 20% more for every single shot compared to the Original pods. Let’s face it, though: this additional amount is nothing compared to what you’d spend at your local coffee shop. This is without factoring in the time that you take to and from.

The table below shows estimates of the cost of OriginalLine, OriginalLine Alternatives, and VertuoLine capsules versus what you’d normally spend at a gourmet coffee shop.

Nespresso Vertuoline Reusable Pods

It’s a fact that Vertuoline will save you hundreds of dollars and plenty of time when compared to what you spend at your local coffee shop. However, you’ll still be spending more compared to OriginalLine and Keurig cups.

To help you out, My-Cap, a company dedicated to minimizing carbon footprint from coffee products, has come up with a reusable pod that works well with all Nespresso Vertuo machines and different types of coffee and espresso capsules.

Besides saving you hundreds of dollars down the road, My-Cap allows you to brew your favorite coffee brand or freshly ground coffee- something that most coffee enthusiasts fancy. In addition, My-Cap will offer a greener alternative to eco-conscious coffee lovers.

My-Cap is a little different from Keurig’s My K-cup that you simply refill with your ground coffee. My-Cap consists of 4 components that you assemble to replicate a Vertuo pod; a reusable pod and pod holder, paper filter, foil seal with barcode, and reusable cap.

The starter kit consists of the following;

• 1 reusable pod
• 1 pod holder (reusable)
• 1 cap (reusable)
• 20 paper filters (one per serving)
• 100 aluminum foil seals with barcode (one per serving)
• Coffee scoop
• Cleaning brush

 These are the steps to reuse your Vertuo pod with My-Cap;

1. Place the reusable pod or a used Nespresso Vertuo pod in the reusable pod holder.
2. Put one filter inside the pod (if using a used Vertuo pod)
3. Add enough coffee into the pod and leave some space for the seal (don’t press too hard).
4. Place the foil seal on top of the coffee.
5. Position the plastic cap on top.
6. Lastly, put your newly assembled pod and place it in your machine’s brewing chamber with the plastic cap at the top.

The paper filters and foil seals in the above starter kit will last you 20 and 100 servings, respectively. After this, you’ll need to purchase the paper filters (costs around $0.5 per filter) and aluminum foils (goes for about $0.13 per foil).

Nespresso VertuoLine FAQs

Where can I buy Nespresso VertuoLine capsules?

You can purchase VertuoLine capsules from Nespresso.com, from one of Nespresso’s boutiques, or from Amazon.

Does Nespresso Vert uoLine have organic coffee varieties?

No. Actually, neither the OriginalLine nor VertuoLine has organic coffee. However, Nespresso explains that it sources its coffee from its AAA sustainable program. This program uses the “Tool for the Assessment of Sustainable Quality (TASQ)”, which helps in determining how best to improve the coffee as well as the farmer’s socio-economic well-being.

How do I recycle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules?

To recycle Nespresso capsules, you can drop them off at either the nearest CollectionPlus collection point or Nespresso boutique near you .Nespresso claims to have over 7000 collection points around the world. You can also arrange for door step collection. If you choose to recycle your capsules, remember to add the free recycling bag into your basket when ordering.