As promised - an update:
I bought the Vertuoline Evoluo Bundle that comes with the separate milk frother. Was 30 % off, now 25 % off on the Nespresso site. Amazon seems to be price matching. Super easy and delicious coffee. I made an account for Pod delivery and find that I’m enjoying the moderately intense # 6 - 7.
Highly recommend and thanks for your help.
Re: Pod delivery. I found out that one of their distribution centers is within 35 miles of my home. I’ve never paid extra for quick delivery because if I order before noon, I usually get the package the next day.
If you like actual coffee, rather than the nespresso stuff, an aeropress is awesome for travel, or non travel.
For the original question, this is a thread someone sent me recently.
https://www.thecoffeemaven.com/nespresso-vertuoline-vs-original/
Key point:
When my old original machine finally gives up the ghost, I’ll buy a new machine of the original design. The coffee is exactly what I want in a cup of coffee, not ready to switch.
Except:
The Aeropress coffee is just as good, but without the crema. A little more time and trouble, but cheaper and no pods to collect and recycle.
The minipresso looks interesting, but only makes a shot of espresso (no larger serving size) and you have to start with hot water. Not much less weight/volume than one of the smaller original machines which some people travel with.
You should definitely purchase nespresso and nespresso capsules the best Nespresso pods altogether. Btw, I’ve discovered this review when I was searching for a reliable new coffee machine. I’ve had a couple of them in the past, however the most preferable one for now is nespresso. I really love it for its special features and this coffee is perfect for me, really tasty. Besides, I’d suggest considering nespresso capsules, they do also have some special features and the aroma and taste itself change a lot with using them.
Curious about Nespresso machines, and re-usable pods. I am looking for something for my husband with a small footprint, and that you can EASILY use a re-fillable pod with. He will want strong coffee, and about 6 oz, without having to use 2 pods. Is this possible?
BTW - I have a relatively high end Miele super-automatic espresso machine that grinds the beans and froths the milk for you, but that’s way too much trouble for him. He wants to be able to get it ready the night before and have minimal work in the morning. I’m also considering a small Keurig. He rejected a normal size Keurig, and I’m not sure the small ones come with the newer “5 hole” puncture technology, so the coffee might not be as good. I may wait to see if they come out with a new one…
We’ve had a Nespresso Vertuoline for a few years and love it. We order the pods. Not sure if anyone has mentioned that you can also request addressed bags and send the pods back free of charge to be recycled? And lastly…I’m in NJ and my local Bed Bath and Beyond sells Nespresso Vertuo Starbucks pods. We mostly order just from Nespresso but I will pick some up at BBB when we are running low/haven’t ordered fast enough.
I’m a convert to the Nespresso coffee machine (my model uses the original pods). I love it. It’s quick, easy to use, and has a small footprint. My H purchased it from an independent kitchen store in my area–the owner talked him into getting a Nepresso milk frother too.
I usually order the pods online from Nespresso (they include a bag which you can use for recycling–postage paid–you just have to take it to UPS drop-off.) If I run out of pods–Peets coffee has pods for this Nespresso, which I can get in my local grocery store. I think Whole Foods has them too.
The coffee from a Nespresso is far superior to a Keurig. You can now buy Peet’s pods at some grocery stores. I order several times a year direct from Nespresso.
The Virtuoline lungos are 5oz. I have an original line and it’s very easy to use - drop in a pod, push a button, done.
I’m not sure about the virtuo lungos, but the original line lungos taste more like an Americano than regular coffee since they’re extracted via steam.
I just sent this one to my D as a gift and she loves it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4QXRBL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a Nespresso Vertuo. As far as I know, you shouldn’t use refillable pods. The pods have a bar code which identifies the size you have and makes the correct size. The pods are recyclable and now you can buy Starbucks pods at most grocery stores, I’ve bought them from target and bed bath and beyond myself. Or you can order pods directly from Nespresso. The vertuo has different sizes while the original line only makes one size.
The coffee is much better than a Keruig, that’s what I had before and what my son has.
I have 3 Nespresso original line machines, so I’m obviously biased. I don’t go through the hassle of refilling the pods or using one of the refillable thingies. When the bag of used ones gets full, I ship them back.
When I’m not making a latte or a lungo, I’ll use 2 of the espresso-size pods and add hot water to make an americano. For that matter, I always use 2 pods.
If you look at the nespresso sub-reddit, there’s a lot of dislike for some of the Vertuo line models - reliability is not there & many complaints. Also, you can only use Nespresso pods for them as the patent is still in effect. The OL machines will take Nespresso and well as others. (Aluminum pods still work the best.)
I showed my husband pics of a couple of Keurigs and Nespressos, plus a baby (5 cup) Mr. Coffee. Anybody want to guess which he wants? (I don’t get a vote - I’ve got my fancy machine to make me happy).
Truthfully, I like my 5 cup little coffee maker that I think I paid $20. It’s easy and makes decent coffee. I buy good coffee for it and actually just make a travel cup of coffee and I’m happy.
I use the Nespresso and the 5 cup about equally.
I’ve read reviews for Keurig and Nespresso machines and they are terrible. Quit working after a month, complaint after complaint.
I do not know what people are doing with their machines, I have not had problems with either. I had 2 Keurig machines, they both last around 5 years. I’ve had my Nespresso for 3 now. I descale them regularly and knock on wood, I have not had the problems I read about all the time.
I make one, maybe 2 cups of coffee a day. Which I feel is the maximum for these one cup machines. Drink a pot of coffee a day, buy a coffee pot. Or if you like fancy coffee drinks but it sounds like you have a machine for that.
I’m sort of surprised that Nespressos and Keurigs are being discussed sort of in the same category? I am not a coffee expert but I tried and tried to like Keurig coffee from many machines at different places and just can’t warm up to it - I don’t care for the flavor or brew strength.
My youngest has a Nespresso that her cousin gave to her who decided to dump coffee. My daughter covets it! I would love to surprise S and DIL with one for Christmas - I’ll be watching sales ! (If they go on sale…)
They are both one cup coffee makers. The Keurig is like brown water to me 
I think I got my Nespresso for around $99 on Black Friday at Macy’s. I bought a milk frother from amazon separately. I usually just make regular coffee in it. The frother isn’t used much.
Lol that description works for me!
I would totally want the frother but $99 is a great deal!
It looks like you can get an electric milk frother for around $40 at Amazon
Anyone who can make my husband move past his instant Folgers addiction will be a saint!!!