Nespresso CitiZ vs Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
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Quick take: The Nespresso CitiZ costs $210 less.
| Spec | Nespresso CitiZ | Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | 19-Bar High Pressure Pump, 25-Second Heat-Up, Programmable Espresso & Lungo Buttons, 34 oz Removable Water Tank, Folding Cup Tray for Tall Glasses, 9-Minute Auto Shutoff | One-Touch Latte & Cappuccino, Detachable 16.9 oz Milk Carafe, Centrifusion Extraction (No Pump), Barcode Capsule Recognition, 6 Cup Sizes, Auto-Clean Milk System |
| Approx. price | ~$319 | ~$529 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | — |
| Water capacity | 34 oz | 54 oz |
| Warm-up time | 25 seconds | 25 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | Auto |
| Basket type | — | — |
| Best for | Design-Conscious Espresso Drinkers | Latte Lovers |
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 14.6 x 10.9 in | 7.5 x 16.0 x 12.4 in |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 13.9 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Nespresso CitiZ
- ✓Real 19-bar pump extraction of OriginalLine capsules delivers proper crema-topped espresso
- ✓34 oz water tank brews roughly ten shots between refills - noticeably more than the Pixie
- ✓Folding cup tray fits tall latte glasses under the spout, rare for a slim pod machine
- ✓OriginalLine format accepts cheap third-party capsules from dozens of roasters
- ✗No milk frothing built in - the Aeroccino bundle pushes the total past $370
- ✗Only two cup sizes (espresso and lungo), so no barcode-style automatic drink variety
- ✗Drip tray area stains and shows spills quickly on the glossy finish
- ✗Costs $140 more than the Essenza Mini while making functionally identical shots
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
- ✓Only Vertuo model with an integrated milk system - lattes and cappuccinos with a single button press
- ✓Milk carafe detaches, stores leftover milk in the fridge, and is fully dishwasher safe
- ✓Large 54 oz water tank means far fewer refills than the Pop+ or Vertuo Next
- ✓Barcode scanning auto-sets brew parameters for every capsule from espresso to 18 oz carafe
- ✗Centrifugal spinning, not 19-bar pump pressure - crema is frothy rather than true espresso
- ✗Milk froth is fixed at one texture - no fine control like a Creatista steam wand offers
- ✗Big 16-inch-deep footprint with the carafe attached hogs counter space
- ✗Locked into pricier Vertuo capsules with no third-party alternatives
Nespresso CitiZ vs Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso CitiZ or the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima?
The Nespresso CitiZ is the cheaper of the two at roughly $319, about $210 less than the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima at ~$529. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which is better for lattes and cappuccinos, the Nespresso CitiZ or the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima?
The Nespresso CitiZ has no steam wand, so it makes espresso only, while the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima steams and textures milk automatically. An automatic system gets you a consistent milk drink with no practice; a manual wand takes a few weeks to learn but gives you proper microfoam and latte art once it clicks.