Breville Vertuo Plus vs. DeLonghi: Which one should you buy?

Breville Vertuo Plus vs. DeLonghi: Discover the key differences in design and materials of these Nespresso machines to choose the perfect fit for your style.
Written by:
Spencer Lanoue

The Breville Vertuo Plus and the DeLonghi Vertuo Plus can seem confusing, as they are essentially the same Nespresso machine manufactured by two different brands. The core coffee brewing technology - Nespresso's Vertuo system - is identical in both, meaning they brew the same coffee from the same pods in the same way. The primary differences are in their external design, construction materials, and physical footprint, with Breville offering a more modern, angular aesthetic and DeLonghi opting for a classic, rounded look.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which company’s take on the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the right one for your kitchen countertop.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Breville-made Vertuo Plus features a sleek, minimalist design that appeals to those with a modern kitchen aesthetic. Its reputation is built on Breville's history of creating high-quality, thoughtfully engineered kitchen appliances married with Nespresso's reliable capsule system. This machine is known for its sturdy build and user-friendly features, like a motorized brewing head that opens and closes with a light touch.

  • What it is: A Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine manufactured by Breville, using Nespresso's Centrifusion brewing technology.
  • Key features: Motorized brew head, adjustable water tank position (can be swiveled to the side or back), fast 15-20 second heat-up time, automatic blending for capsule-specific brewing, brews five cup sizes from Espresso (1.35 oz) to Alto (14 oz).
  • Price: Typically around $150 to $200.
  • Style: Modern and sleek with a more angular, squared-off head and a flat top. The finish often combines polished and matte elements that fit well in contemporary kitchens.
  • Materials/Construction: High-quality plastic housing with stainless steel accents, giving it a premium feel and solid construction.
  • Pros: Elegant, minimalist design complements modern decor. Motorized opening and closing feels premium. Adjustable water tank provides excellent counter space flexibility. Sturdy and well-built with high-quality materials.
  • Cons: Flat top design may not be preferred by everyone. The modern aesthetic might clash with more traditional kitchen styles. Usually priced slightly higher than its DeLonghi counterpart.

The Breville Vertuo Plus is for the design-conscious coffee drinker who values a sleek, modern aesthetic and convenient features like the motorized head and flexible water tank.

Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bep130.html

DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Plus

DeLonghi brings its Italian design heritage to its version of the Vertuo Plus, offering a more classic look. While it performs identically to the Breville model internally, its exterior features a rounded brew head and a focus on traditional appliance styling. It offers the same convenience and coffee quality, making it a reliable choice for anyone wanting the Nespresso Vertuo experience with a timeless visual appeal.

  • What it is: A Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine manufactured by DeLonghi, featuring the same internal Centrifusion brewing system as the Breville version.
  • Key features: Manual-lift brew head, adjustable water tank position, quick heat-up time, automatic capsule-specific blending, and ability to brew five different cup sizes. The core functionality is identical to the Breville model.
  • Price: Ranges from $150 to $200, often found for slightly less than the Breville model.
  • Style: Classic and traditional with a distinctly rounded brew head. It offers a softer, more timeless look that blends well with a variety of kitchen decor styles, from modern to classic.
  • Materials/Construction: Uses a similar combination of durable metal and high-grade plastics to ensure long-term reliability. Its construction is solid, reflecting DeLonghi's strong manufacturing reputation.
  • Pros: The classic, rounded design is versatile for different kitchen styles. Often available at a slightly lower price point. Built by a brand known for durable and reliable coffee makers. Offers the exact same coffee quality and brewing performance as the Breville model.
  • Cons: The brew head must be manually lifted and closed. The rounded top means you cannot rest a mug on it. The aesthetic might feel slightly less premium for those who prefer modern, angular designs.

The DeLonghi Vertuo Plus is ideal for someone who prefers a classic, rounded appliance aesthetic or is looking to get the Nespresso Vertuo Plus experience for a potentially lower price.

Shop this product: delonghi.com/en-us/p/ENV150S

Breville Vertuo Plus vs. DeLonghi Vertuo Plus Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The most significant difference between the two machines is their design. The Breville Vertuo Plus features a flat top and a distinctively modern, angular head. This gives it a sharp, contemporary look that fits seamlessly into minimalist and high-tech kitchens. The overall appearance is sleek and architectural.

In contrast, the DeLonghi Vertuo Plus has a rounded brew head, giving it a softer, more classic profile. This timeless aesthetic draws on DeLonghi's Italian design roots and can feel more at home in traditional or transitional kitchens. If countertop style is your main priority, the choice between them comes down to preferring a square versus a curved design.

Dimensions & Footprint

Both models are designed to be relatively compact, but the overall dimensions and shape vary slightly. The Breville version generally has a slightly wider but shorter profile, while the DeLonghi model can be a bit taller and narrower due to its dome-shaped head. Both models, however, share the brilliant movable water reservoir that can be positioned directly behind the machine or swiveled out to either side, dramatically increasing flexibility for tight counter spaces.

When selecting one, measure your clearance, especially if you plan to keep the machine under overhead cabinets. The difference is minor, but can be a deciding factor in very compact kitchens.

Materials & Construction

Both Breville and DeLonghi are known for quality manufacturing, and this holds true for their Vertuo Plus models. Each machine uses a combination of high-grade plastics and metal finishes to create a durable, long-lasting appliance. Brand perception plays a role here, Breville is often associated with premium, engineered appliances, which is reflected in their Vertuo Plus's solid feel and motorized head mechanism.

DeLonghi has a long legacy of dependable Italian coffee makers, and their machine feels equally robust. The main tactile difference is the brew head: Breville's is motorized and opens with a light touch, adding a touch of luxury. DeLonghi's requires you to lift and close it manually, which is a simpler mechanism but feels less advanced.

Price & Value

While both machines occupy a similar price bracket (typically $150-$200), the DeLonghi model can often be found at a slightly lower price or on sale more frequently than the Breville. Because the internal parts and coffee-making performance are identical, the DeLonghi Vertuo Plus can sometimes represent better direct value if aesthetics and the motorized head aren't top priorities.

The Breville version's slightly higher price is justified by its modern design appeal and the extra convenience of the powered brew head. The value proposition here is more about the complete user experience and visual integration into your kitchen decor.

Which One Should You Choose?

Because the core function of these machines is the same, your choice should be based on design preference, budget, and minor feature differences.

Choose the Breville Vertuo Plus if:

  • You prefer a modern, sleek, and minimalist design with sharp lines.
  • You appreciate the convenience and premium feel of a motorized, "one-touch" brew head.
  • Your kitchen has a contemporary aesthetic with stainless steel appliances.
  • You value flexible counter placement provided by the rotating water tank.

Choose the DeLonghi Vertuo Plus if:

  • You prefer a classic, timeless design with soft, rounded edges.
  • You are seeking the best deal as it is often slightly lower in price.
  • A manual lid function is not an issue, as you find it simple and reliable.
  • You like the design benefit of a rotating water tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Breville and DeLonghi Vertuo Plus?

The single biggest difference is the external design. Breville’s model has a flat top with a modern, angular brew head, while DeLonghi’s has a rounded, dome-shaped head that looks more classic. A minor functional difference is that Breville's has a motorized brew head, while DeLonghi's is manual.

Do they brew the same quality coffee?

Yes, absolutely. Both machines are manufactured under license from Nespresso and use the exact same internal components and brewing technology (Centrifusion). The resulting coffee in your cup will taste identical regardless of which machine you use.

Do the Breville and DeLonghi machines use the same coffee pods?

Yes. Both machines use official Nespresso VertuoLine capsules. You cannot use OriginalLine Nespresso pods or third-party K-cups, as the Vertuo system uses a unique barcode on each pod to customize the brewing parameters.

Who actually makes the Vertuo line?

Nespresso designs and patents the Vertuo technology system itself. They then license the manufacturing rights to trusted appliance partners like Breville and DeLonghi, who build the actual physical machines to Nespresso's internal specifications, but with their own exterior designs.

Which is more reliable?

Both Breville and DeLonghi are known for quality and durability. Breville's may include some electronic features like a motorized lid, whereas DeLonghi relies on a simple manual function.

Do they have the same footprint?

Both are compact and can fit in various spaces but are designed to be positioned on countertops. Measure your space before deciding.

Can the water tank be moved on both machines?

Yes, it can be repositioned behind the machine or to the side, offering flexibility for different kitchen setups.

How do I clean both machines?

The cleaning process is similar for both machines. Nespresso recommends descaling every 3 months or after 300 capsules to maintain optimal performance.

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