Nespresso vs Verismo: Which Should You Choose?
It’s true that you can buy a cup of espresso at any café or coffee shot around the world. However, why do that when it is so easy to make it yourself at home. This allows you to be in full control and when and how you enjoy your jolt of caffeine each day.
If you are a fan of espresso, then you should definitely buy yourself an espresso machine. The question is which one should you buy. I suggest you consider two of the most popular espresso makers on the market today.
Starbucks Verismo vs Nespresso: which one is better? In this article, I will review each one in depth and go over all of the differences between the two. By the end, you should be able to decide for yourself which one will best meet your espresso needs. So, let’s get right to it.
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Nespresso Review:
Nespresso is a Swiss company known for its single-serve brewing machines that make home espresso making accessible to everyone. The company offers a wide range of pod-based espresso machines that quickly make perfect shots of espresso for you, crema top included. Nespresso features many models for you to buy.
If you are looking for a convenient way to make authentic espresso, then Nespresso is the brand for you. There are different styles, sizes, and colors allowing you to find the perfect machine for your kitchen. The machines are high-quality and durable.
Nespresso is a high-end brand that uses special Nespresso capsules. While these capsules are more expensive and harder to find, they give you a delicious espresso without a lot of effort on your part. Nespresso is a well-respected brand that caters to espresso lovers around the world.
While there are many cheaper options out there, if you are looking for a delicious, authentic espresso that you can make anytime you want at home, then this brand is worth the investment.
Pros:
- Wide variety of espresso makers to choose from
- High-quality, strong design
- Makes authentic, crema topped espresso shots for you
Cons:
- Uses specific espresso pods that can be hard to find
- High price point
Starbucks Verismo Review:
If you are a Starbucks lover, then you definitely need to check out the Verismo espresso machine. The brand created their own home brewing system to allow you to make your favorite Starbucks drinks right in your own kitchen.
The Verismo features a sleek, simple design that is easy to operate. There are only four buttons for you to press. One is the on/off button and the other three let you choose the type of pod you are using. One button allows you to make regular coffee, one is for the milk pod to make lattes, and the other is to make an espresso.
This gives you the versatility to enjoy different kinds of coffee beverages. You can also buy a milk frother if you don’t want to use the milk pods. It has an adjustable drip tray so you can use smaller and taller cups with the machine. This espresso machine will automatically change the pressure needed depending on what type of beverage you are making.
The special Starbucks pods are more limited than other brands. However, if you love Starbucks coffee than you will love this machine. The price point is decent. It is more expensive than a Keurig, but less expensive than the Nespresso machines.
Pros:
- Uses Starbucks coffee, so you can enjoy your favorite roasts and flavors at home
- Makes regular coffee, lattes, and espressos giving you plenty of options
- Decent price point
- Can buy additional accessories, such as a milk frother to use with it
Cons:
- Limited styles and designs
- Limited pod options to buy
- Doesn’t feature a built-in milk frother (you can buy one separately)
Nespresso vs Verismo:
Both of these brands feature high-quality espresso machines for you to buy. However, there are some differences that you should consider before choosing which one is the best for you. These include:
Design:
Both the Nespresso and Starbucks Verismo espresso machines have sleek, simple designs to them. They are compact and have a minimalist design to them. You can easily fit them into any kitchen design. They are both easy to use and operate.
The main difference between the two is that the Nespresso is designed to just make espressos. The Starbucks Verismo, on the other hand, can make regular coffee, lattes, and espresso beverages for you to enjoy at home.
If you only care about espressos, then you may want to buy the Nespresso machine. However, if you like the versatility of using only one coffee maker that can make a variety of different drinks, then you should go for the Verismo. In the end, it comes down to your personal preference and needs.
Beverage Size:
The Nespresso offers a couple of different sizes to meet your espresso needs. Everything from a 1 ounce to 4 ounces. This allows you to decide how many shots of espresso you need. You also have the option to make a Lungo using this coffee machine.
The Starbucks Verismo allows you to make a beverage from 1 ounce up to 10 ounces. This gives you the versatility to have a shot of espresso or a large black coffee or latte. You have the flexibility to make different caffeinated drinks depending on how you feel each morning. This is also a great choice if you share the machine with other people in the house.
Both machines allow you to adjust the size to meet your needs. The big difference is the type of coffee beverages that the machines can make.
Espresso Pods:
Owning a high-quality espresso machine is only part of the equation. You also need to take into account what type of espresso pods the machine uses. The Nespresso machines use special capsules that are difficult to find. You are hard-pressed to find any in stores.
If you want to buy them, you will most likely have to go online to do so. The reason the brand did this is because they don’t want their espresso capsules sitting on shelves for a long time. They want to ensure that the capsules you get have freshly ground espresso in them for you to enjoy.
On the bright side, Nespresso also came up with reusable pods. This allows you to freshly grind, tamper, and brew your own espresso beans right at home. You can use their reusable capsule to do so. This is a great idea because it allows you to use whatever brand and flavor of espresso is your favorite. Genius!
The Starbucks Verismo espresso pods are easier to purchase. You can find them at any Starbucks coffee shop. They are also available online. However, you do have to use the special designed pods for these machines. This limits the roast and flavors to those that Starbucks has created for them.
If you love the Verismo machine, then you will look past this. However, if you want more versatility in the espresso you can brew, then you may want to buy the Nespresso instead.
Features:
While there are differences in the type of beverage and pods you can use. It is important to also note the differences in features between the Starbucks Verismo and the Nespresso machines. These features include:
Water Reservoir:
The earlier models of the two brands had smaller water reservoirs ranging in size from 23 ounces to 33 ounces. However, the latest models are quite a bit larger. For example, the Nespresso VertuoPlus model can hold 60 ounces of water. The Starbucks Verismo V model can hold 78 ounces of water. This allows you to make more beverages before you need to refill the tanks.
Drip Plate/Tray:
It is important to be able to fit different size cups on the espresso machine. The Nespresso features a folding drip tray so that you can fit different size cups. On the Verismo, you can adjust or remove the drip tray altogether to allow you to use different size coffee cups for different types of beverages. Both give you the flexibility you need to make drinks of different sizes.
Brew Time:
The time it takes the espresso machines to heat and brew your drink is important. While they are both quick it is important to note that the Nespresso machines need a bit more time. It depends on the model, but you will have to wait between 15 and 25 seconds for the machine to heat up and be ready to make your cup of espresso.
The Verismo system is quicker. The Verismo V, for example, heats up in 8 seconds. It can make a shot of espresso in 13 seconds, 32 seconds for a latte or milk-based coffee drink. No matter which machine you choose, you will be enjoying your caffeinated beverage in under a minute. No complaints here!
Collection Container:
Both the Nespresso and the Verismo machines feature a collection container. This allows you to store your used capsules in the machine until you are able to dispose of them. No need to put them on the counter and make a mess. The Nespresso can hold up to 14 used capsules and the Verismo can hold up to 10.
Accessories:
While the espresso machines are high-quality and sleek in design. One thing that I wish they included is a built-in milk frother. However, you can buy one separately to use with the machines.
Nespresso has several different milk frothers for you to choose from. Depending on which one you choose, it can hold up to 8 ½ ounces. This allows you to prepare rich, creamy milk to add to your homemade espresso.
The Starbucks Verismo also has a milk frother that you can purchase separately. With the versatility of the machine, you can make drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos right in your own kitchen.
The milk frother is simple to use, automatically shuts off for you, and is easy to clean. It is nice to know that no matter which espresso machine you buy, you have the option to purchase a milk frother.
Clean Up:
The Nespresso and Verismo machines feature a cleaning system. This allows you to run water through it in order to keep it clean in between your descaling sessions. However, it is important to note that the Verismo system is easier to use with the touch of a single button.
It is important to regularly clean your espresso machine to keep your coffee tasting good. You should also descale the machine regularly. Check the owner’s manual to see how often you should descale it.
Cost:
It is important to note that neither of these brands is cheap. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider getting a Keurig or a more affordable option. However, The Nespresso is more expensive than the Starbucks Verismo system. If you want a high-quality, high-end machine without breaking the bank then you should consider buying the Verismo.
Final Thoughts: Which should you buy?
As you can see, there are pros and cons for both espresso machines. It really comes down to your budget and beverage preferences. If you want a high-end espresso machine that allows you to use whatever brand of beans you want, then get the Nespresso VertuoPlus.
However, if you want more variety in your coffee drinks and to save some money, then buy the Starbucks Verismo. Both brands will brew up a delicious, caffeinated beverage for you. There are enough differences between the two that your choice should be pretty simple to make.
If you are a Starbucks fanatic, buy the Starbucks Verismo V. However, if you want an authentic espresso experience at home, then the Nespresso VertuoPlus is more your style. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with either one.
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