VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Lattissima: Should You Pay More for Milk Drinks?

Quick Answer

Choose VertuoPlus if you want a comfortable Vertuo coffee machine for espresso-style drinks, gran lungo, mug coffee, and larger Vertuo cups without an integrated milk system. It is better if you mostly drink black coffee, already own a separate frother, or want a simpler machine that is easier to maintain.

Choose Vertuo Lattissima if you want Vertuo coffee sizes plus built-in milk recipes in one machine. It is better if cappuccino, latte macchiato, and milk-based drinks are part of your regular routine and you do not want to use a separate frother every time.

Both machines use Nespresso Vertuo capsules, not Nespresso Original capsules. The real question is not capsule compatibility. It is whether integrated milk is worth the extra size, cleaning, and likely higher price positioning in your country.

VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Lattissima: Side-by-Side Comparison

Capsule System: Both Are Vertuo Machines

VertuoPlus and Vertuo Lattissima are both Nespresso Vertuo machines. They use Vertuo capsules and do not accept Nespresso Original capsules. Original-compatible third-party capsules do not work in either machine.

This is important because both machines can make Vertuo coffee sizes, but they do not give access to the Original capsule ecosystem. If you are choosing these models, you are choosing Vertuo’s barcode-based brewing and cup-size variety.

Depending on your country, Vertuo capsules can include espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, and larger coffee formats. Capsule availability, machine colors, bundles, and accessories vary by market, so do not assume the same lineup everywhere.

What VertuoPlus Does Better

VertuoPlus is the better choice if you want the simplest comfortable Vertuo experience. It does not have a built-in milk system, so the machine stays focused on coffee.

Its biggest comfort advantage is the automatic or electrical head on many versions. You activate the head, place the capsule, and the machine opens and closes with less manual effort than some other Vertuo models. Many versions also include a movable water tank, which can make the machine easier to fit on awkward counters.

VertuoPlus is especially strong if you drink black coffee most of the time. You get Vertuo coffee sizes, a relatively easy daily workflow, and less milk-related cleaning.

What Vertuo Lattissima Adds

Vertuo Lattissima adds integrated milk. That is the whole reason to consider paying more or accepting a larger body.

Instead of brewing coffee and using a separate frother, you use the milk carafe and built-in milk workflow. This is more convenient if you regularly make cappuccino, latte macchiato, or similar drinks. It also makes sense in a household where one person wants mug coffee and another wants milk drinks from the same machine.

The trade-off is clear. Vertuo Lattissima takes more counter space and needs milk-system cleaning. If milk drinks are daily, the convenience can be worth it. If milk drinks are occasional, VertuoPlus plus a frother may be the smarter setup.

Coffee Sizes and Drink Routine

Both machines give you Vertuo coffee sizes. That means the black coffee side is broadly similar in purpose. The difference is what happens after the coffee is brewed.

With VertuoPlus, the routine is simple: insert a Vertuo capsule, brew the drink, and add milk separately if needed. This works well if your main drinks are mug coffee, gran lungo, double espresso, or espresso.

With Vertuo Lattissima, the machine is built around coffee and milk. If your usual order would be cappuccino or latte macchiato, the integrated workflow reduces friction.

A practical rule: choose VertuoPlus if milk is occasional. Choose Vertuo Lattissima if milk drinks are central to why you are buying the machine.

Size, Water Tank, and Counter Space

VertuoPlus is not the smallest Vertuo machine, but it is more manageable than a milk-integrated model. The movable tank on many versions can help you place it beside a wall, under a cabinet, or on a narrow counter.

Vertuo Lattissima is bigger because of the integrated milk system. It often has a larger water tank and a milk carafe. That extra capacity helps with repeated drinks, but it also means more parts to access, remove, rinse, and store.

Before buying, measure counter depth, cabinet clearance, and the space needed around the milk carafe. A milk machine only feels convenient if you can clean and refill it easily.

Cleaning and Maintenance

VertuoPlus is easier to maintain because there is no milk system. You still need to empty used capsules, clean the drip tray, rinse the water tank, wipe the coffee outlet, and descale according to the official manual.

Vertuo Lattissima requires all of that plus milk-system care. The carafe and milk path must be rinsed and cleaned according to official instructions. Automatic milk recipes do not remove the need for cleaning.

This is the section where the article should be honest. Built-in milk is convenient during preparation, but it adds cleaning after preparation.

Which Machine Should You Choose?

Choose VertuoPlus if…

Choose VertuoPlus if you mostly drink black coffee or espresso-style Vertuo drinks. It is also better if you already own a milk frother, want easier cleaning, or prefer a machine with automatic head opening and a flexible water tank layout.

It is the safer choice if you are unsure how often you will really make milk drinks.

Choose Vertuo Lattissima if…

Choose Vertuo Lattissima if cappuccino, latte macchiato, or milk recipes are part of your weekly or daily routine. It is better if you want one machine to manage coffee and milk without a separate frother.

It also makes sense for shared households with mixed preferences: black coffee for one person, milk drinks for another.

Country Availability and Buying Notes

Availability, colors, bundles, retailers, and exact specifications vary by country. VertuoPlus, VertuoPlus Deluxe, and Vertuo Lattissima may not be offered with the same finishes or accessories everywhere. Do not publish price, stock, or discount claims unless they are verified locally.

Safe next steps:

• Check availability in your country.
• View official options for both machines.
• Search on Amazon or local affiliate merchants where relevant.

FAQ

Do VertuoPlus and Vertuo Lattissima use the same capsules?

Yes. Both use Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Neither uses Nespresso Original capsules.

Which is better for cappuccino?

Vertuo Lattissima is better because it has an integrated milk system.

Which is better for black coffee?

VertuoPlus is usually better if you mostly drink black coffee and want a simpler machine.

Can VertuoPlus make milk drinks?

Yes, but not automatically. You need a separate milk frother.

Is Vertuo Lattissima harder to clean?

It requires more cleaning because the milk carafe and milk path need care.

Final Verdict

Choose VertuoPlus if you want a comfortable Vertuo coffee machine without built-in milk. It is simpler, easier to maintain, and better for mostly black coffee.

Choose Vertuo Lattissima if milk drinks are frequent enough to justify the extra machine size and cleaning. It is the better all-in-one Vertuo choice for cappuccino and latte macchiato drinkers.