We keep coffee simple at Coffee Capsules 2U, because for us, good coffee should simply taste great and be affordable.

So, when companies try to confuse us with coffee choices, like Nespresso’s vertuo line of capsules and machines, we feel that it’s our duty to help clear up confusion by taking a look at what all the fuss is about.

How did Nespresso Vertuo come about?

When patents expired on the Nespresso original coffee capsule line in 2013, Nespresso’s monopoly on their original pod design and supply came to an end. This meant that good, honest Kiwis like Louise and I could then source the best coffee and produce the best pods to bring you great variety and pricing.

Nespresso decided to counter this in 2014 by creating a new line of Nespresso Vertuo machines with different dome-shaped capsules. They also applied for a bunch of new patents to cover this design to prevent competition, and have gone on to make other (more expensive) machines, including Nespresso Vertuo Plus, Nespresso Vertuo Pop and Nespresso Vertuo Next.

So, does Nespresso Vertuo really cut the mustard?

What stood out for us when vertuo was released was that their new capsules were incompatible with Nespresso original machines. We just didn’t think that was fair.

So, we took a look under the vertuo hood, and folks, we found some issues:

Nespresso vertuo capsule variety is limited because of Nespresso's patents, so you won't find home compostable or low priced options here. Plus, the pesky new patents mean you can only buy your vertuo capsules from Nespresso.

The dome-shaped Nespresso vertuo capsules are barcoded and matched to vertuo machines only, so you can't use your original pods in vertuo machines.

Nespresso vertuo capsules are expensive, they'll set you back around $0.90 - $1.25 each.

Nespresso vertuo machines are also expensive because of their costly extraction technology which includes capsule barcode scanning and centrifusion.

For extraction, vertuo machines use a lower water temperature compared with Nespresso original, and with its long pour style, this means you're likely to get a lukewarm, diluted cuppa. Who wants that?

Delivering Original, barista-quality brews

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

We can’t speak highly enough about the Nespresso original line of capsules and machines.

Here are just a few reasons why we love ‘em:

With Nespresso original, you'll enjoy greater variety in capsules, including home compostable options, mixed variety packs and more.

Thanks to the patent expiry, Nespresso original capsules are cheaper and easily accessible, with capsules costing just $0.70 - $0.85 on average.

For extraction, Nespresso original capsules use a classic pressure-driven system that more closely resembles how a traditional espresso is made at your local café.

The higher water temperature used by Nespresso original machines extracts more oils, creating a tastier, hotter and stronger brew. Nobody likes a cold cuppa!

Nespresso original have eight base models of machines covering various sizes, styles and features. There are only three Nespresso vertuo models, and they each have similar appearance and functionality.

Many reviewers believe Nespresso original capsules produce a more authentic espresso taste and mouthfeel thanks to the extraction technology used and the thinner crema.

You can rest assured that with us, you’ll find the perfect capsule for your Nespresso original machine to celebrate your magic coffee moments.

Please email us at pcole@coffeecapsules2u.co.nz if we can help, we love our coffee chats!

Patrick & Louise