Nespresso DeLonghi vs Breville: Which One Should You Buy?

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Chris Clark

Chris Clark is the co-founder and chief content editor of BrewCoffeeHome.com. With a passion for all things java, Chris has been a coffee blogger for the past 3 years and shares his expertise in coffee brewing with the readers. He's a hands-on expert, loves testing coffee equipment, and has written most of the in-depth reviews featured on the site. When he's not whipping up delicious drinks or experimenting with the latest coffee gadgets, Chris is exploring the local cafe. You can reach him at [email protected].


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Deciding which Nespresso machine is best for you is far more complex than using one.

If you’re on the lookout for a Nespresso coffee machine, you’ll notice that Breville and De’Longhi are the dominant brands (although there are alternatives).

However, with both companies, you’ll find that some of their machines have identical names but with different designs. This can make the decision over which one to purchase even more tricky.

If that applies to you, read on, as this guide will compare and explain the differences between the options you have to help you make a better-informed buying decision.

We also reviewed and shared our top picks, check out our ‘Top Nespresso Coffee Makers‘ review and buying guides.

Who Manufactures Nespresso Machines?

Nespresso is not involved in the manufacturing process. Instead, they team up with different manufacturing partners so they can concentrate on design.

As a result, Nespresso machines are manufactured by several companies. In the North America, your choice as to which manufacturing company to go with is generally between Breville and De’Longhi.

Whenever you purchase a Nespresso machine, the word “Nespresso” will appear somewhere on the device accompanied by the manufacturer’s name. Usually, this is Breville or De’Longhi. Sometimes, you’ll notice phrases such as “Nespresso by Breville” or “Nespresso by De’Longhi” in the product’s name.

In contrast, Nespresso’s rival Keurig always shows their brands on their K-cup machines. If you want to know more differences between these two most popular single-serve coffee makers, check out our comparison of Nespresso Vs Keurig.

So, what’s the background of the two companies?

De’Longhi has its roots in Italy and has been in business since the early-1900s. However, it only began making household products in 1974. Since then, the company has become renowned for its coffee and espresso machine, though it manufactures some other domestic goods. Here is a list of our best-picked Delonghi espresso makers.

Breville was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1932, and has developed a strong reputation as a manufacturer of a range of household appliances, including kettles and blenders. The company is also well-regarded for its coffee makers, including Smart Grinder Pro, Barista espresso machine, and Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker.

Away from the USA, many other companies carry the Nespresso name on their products, including Magimi, Krups, Eugster/Frismag, and Siemens. Each of these brands enjoys a size and reputation that reassures the consumer that Nespresso only associates itself with trustworthy companies.

Nespresso Machine by DeLonghi vs Breville: What Are The Differences?

The short answer is that, in terms of the quality of coffee, you’ll find no difference between the DeLonghi, Breville, or Nespresso machines made by other companies.

That’s because when a company makes the same model of Nespresso machine as a rival, the technical specifications and general technology will be identical. Each brand uses the same pressure, capsule, brew ratio, water tank, and temperature. The outcome? Identical shot of espresso and the same cup of coffee.

The main difference is in appearance. Some coffee machines made by both DeLonghi and Breville will have slight aesthetic variations, while others will have pronounced differences. 

Let’s examine the most well-known Nespresso machines side-by-side to highlight the main differences better.

To begin with, we’ll compare the De’Longhi and Breville versions of Nespresso’s VertuoLine machines. The capsules in this range are available in three sizes and have a dome shape, which sets them apart from the OriginalLine capsules. And the Vertuo machines brew coffee and espresso while original machines mainly focus on espresso. The Vertuo capsules produce more crema. However, the originalLine Nespresso capsules generate a taste that is more in keeping with traditional espresso. We compared the differences between Nespresso Vertuoline and Orginalline, check it out for more details.

Nespresso Vertuo Next – Breville Vs Delonghi

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The Vertuo Next Nespresso machine is the most recent release, which came on the market in 2020. The brewing system of the De’Longhi and Breville Nespresso coffee machines is identical. The system utilizes centrifusion technology and barcode reading. Each brand produces exquisite coffee in 5oz, 8oz, 14oz, and 18oz cup sizes.

Meanwhile, each can produce either single or double espressos. Both the Breville and De’Longhi automatically power off, with automatic coffee pods storage and capsule ejection. Each water tank has a capacity of 37oz. Meanwhile, the weight and device dimensions are the same, too – 9lbs and 5.5W x 16.90D x 12.4H.

Nespresso VertuoPlus – Breville Vs Delonghi

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This well-loved model was introduced in 2016 and employs the same brewing system used in the Nespresso Vertuo Next mentioned above. Again, the model is available by both Breville and De’Longhi. Aesthetically, there are subtle differences between the two. For example. De’Longhi’s VertuoPlus has a flat top, while Breville’s is rounded.

However, the dimensions are the same, namely, 9.8W x 13.3D x 12.7H. Meanwhile, each water tank has a 40oz capacity.

Nespresso Vertuo – Breville Vs Delonghi

The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo came onto the market in 2015 and has dimensions of 9W x 12.3D x 12.2H. Meanwhile, there is a 54oz capacity. The capsule container can store 17 used capsules.

However, the Breville version released the year before is not quite as big as the De’Longhi. Its dimensions are the more compact 8.3W x 11.9D x 11.9H by comparison, while its water tank has only a 40oz capacity. Meanwhile, it can only store a dozen used capsules, rather than the De’Longhi’s 17.

Now let’s continue to compare the OriginalLine Nespresso machines manufactured by Delonghi and Breville.

Nespresso CitiZ – Breville Vs Delonghi

Nespresso CitiZ by Delonghi
Pros:
  • Large water tank capacity, holds 34 oz of water
  • Better build quality with modern design
Cons:
  • More expensive than the Inissia and Essenza
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The only difference between the De’Longhi and the Breville versions of the CitiZ Nespresso machine is the spout design, which is more prominent on the De’Longhi.

Each model produces fantastic single-shot espresso, consistently thanks to the 19 bar pump. Meanwhile, both can achieve the perfect water temperature in under 25 seconds.

Also, both the DeLonghi and Breville versions only offer two drink options – 1.35oz for espresso and a 5os lungo, and both with the touch of a button.

Nespresso Essenza Mini – Breville Vs Delonghi

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Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville
Pros:
  • Most compact Nespresso model
  • Auto shut-off after 9 min and turn into eco mode after 3min
Cons:
  • Mainly built with plastic materials
  • Smaller water tank capacity (20oz) compared to others
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Of all the models, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is the hardest to understand, and that’s because the aesthetics of the Breville and DeLonghi versions differ significantly.

However, despite the fact they look like entirely different Nespresso maker models, they perform almost precisely the same tasks (and to an identical standard). This compact machine can produce espresso and lungo using their 19-bar high-pressure pumps.

The Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville looks slimmer, but in fact, their dimensions are almost identical too.

Breville and De’Longhi Have Exclusive Nespresso Machines Too

Apart from the Nespresso models both DeLonghi and Breville manufacture, each design a model exclusive to their brand, too – the Lattissima and the Creatista.

Nespresso Lattissima Machines By De’Longhi

Lattissima is a line of espresso machines exclusively manufactured by De’Longhi. The models in this line include Lattissima One, Lattissima Touch, Lattissima Pro and Gran Lattissima.

Nespresso Lattissima Machines

Lattissima Range:

  • Lattissima One
  • Lattissima Touch
  • Lattissima Pro
  • Gran Lattissima

The Lattissima is known for its unique ability to blend milk in the freshly brewed coffee. That means it removes the need to warm the milk up separately or use a separate milk frother. Instead, simply attach the capsule, put milk in the container, choose either the cappuccino or latte setting, and let the device do the rest.

Nespresso Creatista Machines By Breville

Creatista is Breville’s proprietary line. In this range are models including the Creatista Plus and the Creatista Uno. The Creatista range is an aesthetically pleasing line of devices made from stainless steel that produce excellent espresso and beverages using milk.

Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
Pros:
  • 8 preset espresso drinks recipes
  • Automatic steam wand allows you to craft delicious milk-based espresso drinks
  • Support milk temp and texture adjustments
  • LCD display, more intuitive
  • 3 seconds heat up time
  • Premium design
  • 60 oz large water reservoir
Cons:
  • One of the most expensive Nespresso models
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Creatista Range:

  • Creatista Uno
  • Creatista Pro
  • Creatista Plus

There are some significant differences between Breville’s Creatista and De’Longhi machines. The Creatista models have a pitcher and milk frother similar to those you’ll find on an espresso machine. However, with the Creatista machines, the whole process remains automatic.

That means all you need to worry about is choosing your desired beverage (for example, flat white, latte macchiato, or cappuccino or other coffee shop menu). Then you press a button to look after the espresso brewing and frothing. After that, pour the milk into the espresso and enjoy. You can also attempt Latte Art as well.

Breville also released a new Creatista model for Vertuoline.

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Our Verdict: Nespresso De’Longhi And Breville Are Both Excellent Options

As you can see from the models we’ve compared, the most significant difference between the Nespresso Machines made by both DeLonghi and Breville is the look. You need to consider which version will look best in your kitchen and closest to your tastes. For the most part, the devices themselves – whether made by DeLonghi or Breville – will produce identical coffee and are even the same size.

Apart from the models we’ve compared in this article, most of the other most well-known Nespresso machines are manufactured by DeLonghi and Breville. These include the Inissia and Nespresso Pixie. We haven’t focused on them in this guide because the only thing that differentiates the two versions of each is the spout.

Both DeLonghi and Breville have different color options for different models. Also, there may be some minor variations in the price depending on whether you opt for a Breville or DeLonghi Nespresso machine.

The most significant aspect to remember is that while the available options might seem overwhelming, the choice you make primarily comes down to looks. In other words, there’s no need to think too much about whether Breville or De’Longhi is the best manufacturer.

After all, both companies are long-established and have developed outstanding reputations over the years. Each has proved itself as a trusted manufacturer of reliable coffee makers too.

We hope this guide has cut through the confusion you may have had in choosing between the variety of Nespresso models offered by De’Longhi and Breville.

All you now have to do is select the product that best suits your tastes, and before long, you’ll be able to enjoy consistent, easy-to-brew, and downright delicious cup of coffee every morning – regardless of which company’s model you choose.

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Chris Clark

Chris Clark is the co-founder and chief content editor of BrewCoffeeHome.com. With a passion for all things java, Chris has been a coffee blogger for the past 3 years and shares his expertise in coffee brewing with the readers. He's a hands-on expert, loves testing coffee equipment, and has written most of the in-depth reviews featured on the site. When he's not whipping up delicious drinks or experimenting with the latest coffee gadgets, Chris is exploring the local cafe.