Nespresso Vertuo Up vs Nespresso CitiZ
vs
Quick take: The Nespresso Vertuo Up costs $90 less; the Nespresso Vertuo Up heats up faster (3 seconds).
| Spec | Nespresso Vertuo Up | Nespresso CitiZ |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Centrifusion Extraction (No Pump), Dedicated Iced Coffee Mode, 6 Cup Sizes, Multi-Position 47 oz Water Tank, Nespresso Smart App Customization, 3-Second Fast Start | 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 |
| Approx. price | ~$229 | ~$319 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | — | 19 bar |
| Water capacity | 47 oz | 34 oz |
| Warm-up time | 3 seconds | 25 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | — | — |
| Best for | Iced coffee fans | Design-Conscious Espresso Drinkers |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 15.4 x 10.1 in | 5.1 x 14.6 x 10.9 in |
| Weight | 9 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Pros & cons
Nespresso Vertuo Up
- ✓Ready to brew in about 3 seconds - among the fastest startups of any capsule machine
- ✓Coffee Creations button brews a more concentrated shot designed to stand up to ice
- ✓47 oz water tank rotates to the back or either side to fit tight counters
- ✓App lets you tweak cup size and temperature per capsule, a first for entry Vertuo machines
- ✗Centrifugal spinning instead of a 19-bar pump - frothy crema, not true espresso
- ✗At $229 it costs nearly double the Vertuo Pop+ for the same core brewing
- ✗Locked into Nespresso's pricier Vertuo capsules with no third-party options
- ✗No milk frothing on board - lattes require a separate Aeroccino or frother
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 Up vs Nespresso CitiZ: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso Vertuo Up or the Nespresso CitiZ?
The Nespresso Vertuo Up is the cheaper of the two at roughly $229, about $90 less than the Nespresso CitiZ at ~$319. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which heats up faster, the Nespresso Vertuo Up or the Nespresso CitiZ?
The Nespresso Vertuo Up is ready sooner — 3 seconds against 25 seconds for the Nespresso CitiZ. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.