Both Nespresso Vertuo Next and Starbucks offer convenient coffee solutions, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Nespresso Vertuo Next stands out with its capsule-specific system and Centrifusion technology, while Starbucks provides a broader range of coffee types and brewing methods. The choice depends on whether you prefer the Nespresso capsule ecosystem or the wider variety offered by Starbucks.
| Attribute | Nespresso Vertuo Next | Starbucks |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee origin and bean type | Nespresso carefully chooses the origin and roasting of each coffee blend. The machine uses strictly selected coffee. | Starbucks sources 100% arabica beans from three key growing regions: Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Their signature blends often feature beans from the Asia-Pacific region. Single-origin coffees are typically sourced from Guatemala, Mexico, or Costa Rica. Starbucks offers single-origin, blends, cold brew concentrate, instant coffee, flavored coffee, and coffee pods. |
| Brewing technology/system | Centrifusion technology, spins the capsule at up to 4,000 or 7,000 rotations per minute, blending ground coffee with water. It reads a barcode on each capsule to adjust brewing parameters. | For regular brewed coffee, Starbucks uses commercial Bunn brewers and Mastrena high-performance espresso machines, which are super-automatic machines made by Thermoplan AG. The Verismo system uses coffee pods and "Swiss engineered high-pressure technology" to brew espresso and lattes. |
| Capsule/pod compatibility and variety | Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only. Over 30 blends of roast and ground coffee available. | Starbucks offers Nespresso-compatible capsules in various flavors, including Fairtrade Espresso Roast, Guatemala Antigua Espresso, Kenya Espresso, and Colombia Espresso. Starbucks espresso capsules work with all normal Nespresso machines that you would buy for home use. Starbucks also has its own capsule coffee machine called Verismo, which uses unique pod styles not compatible with standard K-Cups or Nespresso capsules. K-fee pods are compatible with the Starbucks Verismo system. |
| Brew size options | Espresso (40ml), Double Espresso (80ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Mug (230ml), Carafe (535ml) | Demi (3 oz), Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), Venti (20 oz for hot, 24 oz for cold), Trenta (30 oz) |
| Machine size and design | Slim design, approximately 5.5 inches wide. Dimensions are around 14.2cm (W) x 42.9cm (L) x 31.4cm (H). It's made from 54% recycled plastic. | The Starbucks Barista Saeco Espresso Machine Replacement Water Tank has a 1 qt capacity. |
| Water tank capacity | 1.1 Liter (37 ounces or 1.15 Qt) | The water tank capacity for the Starbucks Barista Saeco Espresso Machine is 1 quart. |
| Heat-up time | Around 25-30 seconds | Vertuo machines can reach brewing temperature in less than 25 seconds. |
| Ease of use and cleaning | Simple one-button operation with automatic capsule ejection. Regular cleaning is needed to maintain performance. Removable drip tray and a capsule container for used pods. Regular cleaning and descaling are recommended. | For Starbucks Sirena Espresso Maker, wipe external surfaces with a damp cloth. The Starbucks Verismo Home Brewer should be rinsed and washed regularly, with a deeper cleaning and descaling performed monthly. For Starbucks barista home espresso machine, turn off and unplug the machine and allow it to cool thoroughly before cleaning. |
| Milk frothing capabilities (if applicable) | Some models include an Aeroccino milk frother. This provides hot or cold milk froth. It takes about 80 seconds to froth the milk. | Some Starbucks machines, like the Verismo, have milk frothing capabilities. Starbucks also offers stand-alone milk frothers, such as the Verismo Milk Frother, which can froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos and cold-froth milk for iced beverages. The Starbucks Verismo Hot/Cold Electric Milk Frother can froth up to 8 cups of milk. |
| Coffee strength and flavor profile | Each capsule has a barcode that tells the machine what to brew. The system aims to extract every bit of coffee flavor. Produces coffee with a smooth taste, full body, and rich crema. | Starbucks offers a range of roasts: Blonde, Medium, and Dark. Blonde roasts are lighter and more mellow. Medium roasts are smooth and balanced. Dark roasts have a fuller body and bold taste. The French Roast is known as Starbucks' darkest and boldest offering, with a smoky, intense flavor. Starbucks Sumatra has a bold and complex flavor with notes of earthy spice and chocolate. |
| Price per cup/capsule | Cost per capsule ranges from 45-79p. | Not available |
| Machine durability and warranty | 1 or 2 year warranty. Nespresso will repair or replace defective machines at no charge during the warranty period. Replacement products or repaired parts are warrantied for the unexpired portion of the original guarantee or six months, whichever is greater. | Not available. The Starbucks Electric Milk Frother has a one-year limited warranty. |
| Pros | Easy to use, Produces coffee with smooth taste, full body and rich crema, Includes Aeroccino milk frother for some models, Maintains consistent temperature and quality, Made from 54% recycled plastic | Nespresso capsules are made with recyclable aluminum, Coffee is extracted using intense pressure to create a rich, velvety crema on every cup, Starbucks Verismo Milk Frother whisks milk into a creamy froth, Starbucks has built its reputation on darker roast profiles that create bold, robust flavors with pronounced caramelization notes, Starbucks Verismo Milk Frother is super quiet |
| Cons | Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only, Can be noisy during operation, Some users have reported issues with the machine's durability | Not available |