Nespresso coffee machines compared

Nespresso has two types of pods, classic and Vertuo. Classic is the pod that you would be familiar with, it has that same trapezoidial shape we all equate to pod machines. Vertuo pods on the other hand are wider and circular, and all around smarter.

Vetrtuo pods have what Nespresso has dubbed "Intelligent Brewing Technology". Each capsule has a barcode which the machine reads in order to determine the brew time, pressure, and water temperature to make the beans sing. These pods also come in seven capsule sizes allowing you to brew anything from an espresso shot, through to a carafe of coffee. All up these do make nicer coffee than the original Nespresso pods, but they are also an ecosystem lock in. Right now Vertuo pods are only available from Nespresso and there doesn't seem to be any sign of that changing soon, meaning you're at the whim of Nespresso's pricing and coffee selection.

Classic pods however are the more basic option that also come with more choice. While all these pods are brewed with the same pressure, temperature, and duration, the classic design is open to other manufacturers therefore there are thousands of coffee choices. Classic pods start at $0.82 from Nespresso, but you can buy reuseable ones and put your own beans in there bringing the price down to as little as $0.40 per coffee.

Even though pod machines don't need as much maintenance, you do still have to descale them occassionally. Nespresso recommends descaling your machine every three months, or every 300 capsules. 

Every machine has a slightly different method for descaling, so check your exact model on the Nespresso website. These are the basic instructions for Vertuo and classic machines.

To descale your Vertuo Nespresso machine;

1.  Place the content of the descaling solution in the tank with half a litre of water,
2. Make sure there is no pod in the machine
3. Unlock the lever, but keep the head closed
4. Press and hold the top button until it starts blinking orange
5. Lock the lever, then unlock it again, and press and hold the button one more time until it starts blinking orange again
6. Lock the lever one more time (The light should still be blinking quickly)
7. Place a container about 1L in size under the spout and hit the button one more time.
8. Once the full 500ml has run through, empty the drip tray and capsule container, refill the tank and press the top button one more time.
9. Rinse cycle will now start.
10. Once it has finished, let the machine rest for 10 minutes before using it.

To descale your classic Nespresso machine;

1. Empty the drip tray and the capsule container
2. Add descaling liquid into water tank and fill to 0.6L
3. Place a container of about 1L under the spout
4. Turn the machine on and press the Espresso and Lungo buttons together for five seconds
5. When both LEDs blink press the Lungo button to start descaling
6. Once the tank is empty, refill it again with the used descaling liquid you captured
7. Repeat steps 3-5 again
8. When finished, rinse the water tank and fill with clean water
9. Repeat steps 3-5 one more time
10. Exit descaling mode by pressing the Espresso and Lungo buttons for 5 seconds

Naturally Nespresso recommends using its own descaling kit which retails for $19.50, as oppossed to storebought options than start as low as $4. Note that Nespresso's warranty may be voided due to "improper or inadequate maintenance" or "failure to follow the product instructions" so if you choose to go with a third party descaling treatment it could affect your warranty.