Nespresso Vertuo Black
Score: 79/100
Cuisinart Single Serve 12-Cup
Score: 70/100Rankings
The Nespresso Vertuo Matte Black is a single-serve machine that uses Centrifusion™ technology to deliver espresso-style crema in as little as 15-20 seconds, supporting four cup sizes via barcode recognition. Its main drawbacks are the exclusive Vertuo capsule system, a modest water tank and the absence of an integrated milk frother. It is best for solo drinkers or small households that prioritize quick, high-quality espresso over pod flexibility.
The SS-15CP combines a 12-cup carafe brewer with single-serve pod capability and customizable strength, though its single-serve options are limited and cleaning is manual. It is ideal for small-to-medium households that want both carafe and pod brewing in one unit.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,183 ml | 2,957 mlbest | |
1,500 Wbest | 1,200 W | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,500 Wbest | — |
9 minutesbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 4,899 gbest | 5,524 g |
| ↓ lower better | 17.5 secondsbest | — |
1 years | 3 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Compatible Pod Systems | Nespresso Vertuo | K-Cup and other single‑serve pods |
Power(1) | ||
Power Wattage (W) | 1500 W | 1200 W |
Design & Capacity(3) | ||
Water Reservoir Capacity (ml) | 1183 ml | 2957 ml |
Weight (g) | 4899 g | 5524 g |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (cm) | 12 x 12 x 8 inches cm | 40.6x30.2x27.3 cm |
Features(1) | ||
Brew Size Options | espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee | 6,8,10 oz |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Controls(1) | ||
Control Type | touch | LCD |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Vertuo for its fast heat-up, intuitive one-touch operation, and especially its ability to produce a genuine espresso-style crema using the patented Centrifusion system. The barcode-driven brewing parameters are praised for delivering consistent taste across the four cup sizes, while the sleek matte-black aesthetic and energy-saving auto shut-off add to its appeal. Criticisms focus on the closed-system pod restriction, modest water-tank size, and the absence of an integrated milk frother.
Consumers overwhelmingly enjoy the rich flavor and thick crema, noting that a single button delivers coffee quickly and reliably. The compact design and stylish finish are repeatedly praised, as is the adjustable drip tray for travel mugs. Recurring complaints center on the exclusive Vertuo capsule requirement, the need to refill the 40 oz tank often, occasional priming for hotter brews, and the lack of a built-in frother, which some users must purchase separately.
“ease of use, design, taste”
Professional product pages emphasize the Coffee Center's versatility, highlighting its ability to handle both carafe brewing and single-serve pods or grounds, the reusable filter cup for cost savings, and programmable features that appeal to households wanting one machine for multiple brewing needs.
Everyday users appear to appreciate the convenience of having both carafe and single-serve capabilities in a single footprint, especially the large water capacity and pod compatibility, while some express disappointment over the limited single-serve size range and the need to hand-wash certain parts.
