You can purchase a cup of coffee almost anywhere, from convenient stores to cafes, but nothing beats freshly brewed beans. A nice cup of espresso can instantly kickstart your day with just its hypnotizing aroma. You can opt to buy from your favorite coffee shop, but the long-term cost might shock you. If you are an avid fan of espresso, then you will want to consider investing in your own brewing machine.

This article will review two of the most popular espresso machines: Nespresso and Verismo. These two manufacturers are well known for their high-quality brewing machines. They both have their own sets of strengths and weaknesses, which you will find below to help you determine which brand to consider. Can’t wait to finally enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at home every day? Read on.

Verismo vs Nespresso

Starbucks Verismo

Verismo is a highly-recommended brand for Starbucks lovers. It is the coffee company’s home brewing system. You can easily spot these machines being sold in Starbucks stores. If you are a huge fan of their coffee, then this brewing system is most probably for you.

It is a small machine with plenty of awesome features to offer. The unit comes with an adjustable drip tray that has a removable riser to let you set the cup closer to the drip nozzle. You can remove the riser to give way to a taller cup, just in case.

Moreover, Verismo has a minimalist design that allows for user convenience. You will find four buttons: the power button (on top) and three buttons for each kind of pod. Press the black cup button for coffee, the white cup for milk, and the small cup for espresso. This minimalism works pretty well because you can only make Starbucks beverages, like coffee, latte or espresso. The only downside is that you are stuck with two percent milk pods for your favorite lattes.

The good news is Verismo has a quick heat up time of eight seconds, meaning you can make a cup in just under a minute. A shot of espresso will be ready in only 13 seconds. Milk-based drinks will require a milk pod, so simply add 32 seconds to your total brewing time. The unit has a special place for used pods, which can store up to 10 pieces. You will have to empty and clean this bin once in a while, but you have to be careful because of its narrow and concave shape. It will be difficult to reach deep inside using a sponge or washcloth.

Starbucks recommends that you can the unit’s inner parts between brews to ensure the best cup. To do this, simply run a pod-free cycle and let the machine rinse itself to clean. Cost is one issue to note when considering a Verismo brewing system. It is more expensive than Keurig but cheaper than Nespresso. Each pod can cost you between a dollar or two, depending on your preferred type of coffee.

The unit is also unable to accommodate your travel mug and does not have a visible heat control. The pod variety is also limited. Despite these setbacks, the Verismo is still the best brewing machine for fans of Starbucks coffee.

Nespresso Brewing Machine

Nespresso is known for its single-serve brewing machines. This Swiss company offers a wide range of models, but the most popular are the Nespresso Inissia, Nespresso Pixie, and Nespresso Citiz. The brand is one of the best choices for authentic espresso. All of its models are designed to provide a flavorful and memorable espresso. They come in various styles, colors, and sizes for you to choose from. They are also available outside the United States.

This brand uses Nespresso Capsules. Even though limited, the company offers a list of its amazing flavors, including Ristretto (intense, full-bodied espresso), Arpegio (higher acidity), Roma (suitable for all espresso lovers), Fortissio Lungo (a bit lighter), and Rosabaya (light body, but aroma-filled). They may be pricier than Verismo pods, but you can choose to use reusable capsules to save on cost.

These reusable capsules allow you to use the single-serve brewing machine with your favorite coffee beans. Simply ground the beans, place and tamper it into the reusable capsule, and then use it later for your Nespresso coffee. The cost of your coffee will vary when you use the reusable capsule, but this will let you enjoy a cup within your budget.

The only downside of Nespresso is its price. The brand has positioned itself as a high-end brewing machine brand in the United States. Its machines have a stylish design and durable construction. Most models are made of stainless steel, and the higher-end ones are manufactured in Switzerland. While they are the more exclusive brand in the United States, Nespresso is actually one of the biggest brands across the globe.

Overall, Nespresso is the brewing machine brand that you will want to check if you want authentic coffee. The flavor options are limited, but they cater to a wide range of espresso drinkers. The brand positioned itself at the high-end, which is why average coffee drinkers prefer the cheaper brands, but the quality and ease-of-use still make it a worthy investment.

Starbucks Verismo vs Nespresso: Final Verdict

It is difficult to say which between Nespresso and Verismo is the best brewing machine maker. In this face-off article, Verismo seems to have the edge when it comes to price point and market sales, especially with the fact that the brand is being promoted by Starbucks. Nespresso considers itself as a high-end brand that offers authentic espresso with an option to use reusable capsules. Verismo has this option, as well, but Nespresso lovers will most likely make do with the idea of being able to use reusable capsules.

Both brands offer barista-level espresso. They also have milk frothers, adjustable heat setting, and a quick brewing time. The two have limited flavor options, as well. It all boils down to which has a more preferable flavor for you, and which will best match your needs and budget. Starbucks lovers will definitely go for Verismo, but it will be wise to try both first before coming up with a final decision.