Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs Nespresso Pixie
Quick take: The Nespresso Vertuo Plus costs $49 less; the Nespresso Vertuo Plus heats up faster (20 seconds).
| Spec | Nespresso Vertuo Plus | Nespresso Pixie |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $229 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (15,000) | 4.5★ (707) |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 19 bar | 19 bar |
| Water capacity | 40 oz | 24 oz |
| Warm-up time | 20 seconds | 25 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | Capsule | — |
| Best for | Beginners | Tiny Kitchens |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 16.8 x 12.8 in | 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 in |
| Weight | 10.2 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
- ✓Incredibly simple to use
- ✓Consistent results every time
- ✓Multiple brew sizes
- ✓Fast
- ✗Locked to Nespresso capsules
- ✗Ongoing pod cost
- ✗No milk steamer
- ✗Not real espresso pressure
Nespresso Pixie
- ✓Real 19-bar pump extraction of OriginalLine capsules - proper crema, unlike centrifugal Vertuo machines
- ✓At 4.4 inches wide it squeezes into spots no other pump machine can
- ✓OriginalLine format means cheap third-party capsules from dozens of roasters work fine
- ✓Metal side panels and folding drip tray feel built to last versus plasticky rivals
- ✗Tiny 24 oz water tank empties after about five espressos
- ✗No milk frothing at all - an Aeroccino or separate frother adds $50-100
- ✗Only two cup sizes (espresso and lungo) with no ristretto button
- ✗Costs more than the newer Essenza line while making the same shots