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 |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Centrifusion Technology, Barcode Scanning, One-Touch, Motorized Brew Head, Multiple Cup Sizes | 19-Bar High Pressure Pump, 25-Second Heat-Up, Programmable Espresso & Lungo Buttons, Aluminum Side Panels, Folding Drip Tray, 9-Minute Auto Shutoff |
| Approx. price | ~$180 | ~$229 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | — | 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
What owners say
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Vertuo Plus is part of Nespresso's Vertuo line, which uses 'centrifusion' — spinning the capsule and reading a barcode on each pod to auto-select brew parameters and produce a thick crema across multiple cup sizes, from espresso to a full mug. It's a pure convenience appliance: one button, no grinding, no mess, consistent results, and a wide menu of pod sizes. Full owner insights →
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs Nespresso Pixie: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus or the Nespresso Pixie?
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the cheaper of the two at roughly $180, about $49 less than the Nespresso Pixie at ~$229. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which heats up faster, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus or the Nespresso Pixie?
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is ready sooner — 20 seconds against 25 seconds for the Nespresso Pixie. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.