Nespresso Breville vs DeLonghi: 2 Top Tier Manufacturers Compared [2023]

Are you in the market for a Nespresso machine but are confused on the price or the weird branding? This is our comparison of Nespresso Breville vs DeLonghi, two popular espresso manufacturers, where we aim to clear it all up.

We'll help you make the right decision by comparing these two machines, describing their similarities and differences, and pointing out their highs and lows.

As an avid coffee drinker, I've been through quite a few coffee machines, so I hope my experience helps you determine the right fit for you.

Are you ready to learn more about the Breville and DeLonghi Nespresso machines? Let's get into it!

A Brief bit of Confusion Cleared Up

Have you bought a Nespresso machine manufactured by a well-known brand but found Nespresso’s name imprinted on it instead? This has created a bit of confusion among DeLonghi and Breville enthusiasts.

Why doesn't DeLonghi and Breville appear branded on it if they are the ones manufacturing Nespresso machines?

See how this can be confusing?

You see, Nespresso isn’t the one who manufactures these machines. Nespresso may have invented the technology these machines use, but the brand outsources the manufacturing process to well-known and high quality companies like DeLonghi and Breville. For that reason, Nespresso retains brand ownership over these machines while touting the build quality of the brands it has chosen to build them.

That said, whichever Nespresso machine you intend to buy, I’m sure you’ll love it either way, given the reputation the machines have to uphold.

That's great and everything, but what is the difference between Nespresso Delonghi and Breville? Who else manufactures these devices?

Which Brands Manufacture Nespresso Machines?

Nespresso sells or licenses products from high quality, well-known coffee equipment manufacturers such as DeLonghi, Breville, Krups, Siemans, Miele, and Eugster/Frismag mostly in Europe. 

Due to the high number of different manufacturers out there, you are bound to come across Nespresso machines sporting a myriad of designs and functionality. However, if you are in North America, chances are that most of the machines you encounter have been built by Breville or DeLonghi.

Let's look at these two brands.

Overview of DeLonghi

DeLonghi is an Italian coffee maker brand with a ton of experience building top-tier espresso machines. Using its existing knowledge of espresso-brewing, combined with Nespresso-pod technology, you can rest assured that DeLonghi Nespresso machines will perform well.

The main difference between the DeLonghi espresso machines and Nespresso machines is that DeLonghi, on its own, excels in manufacturing bean-to-brew systems while Nespresso utilizes a pod mechanism similar to Keurig.

The Nespresso-branded Delonghi machines usually include an integrated hot milk system and large water reservoirs.

Overview of Breville

Breville is an Australian coffee maker brand that gives you more manual control over espresso shots like cappuccinos, americanos, and lattes.

Breville is prominent for its articulating steaming wands, but parallels as a brand that is well-known for bean-to-brew espresso machines, among many other types of kitchen appliances.

Comparison between Nespresso Breville vs Delonghi

Before we talk about the differences between the two manufacturers, let's first look at what makes them the same. You may be surprised to learn how similar both manufacturers are.

Mirrored Specs

Both brands produce similar-quality Nespresso coffee. The reason is simple: Nespresso provides tech schematics to which each manufacturer must adhere.

In this respect, both DeLonghi and Breville are following the specification requirements set by Nespresso. As a result, they’ll make machines that use the same general technology with mostly identical technical specifications.

For example, both Breville and DeLonghi machines use the exact same pressure rating, capsule mechanisms, brewing ratio, water reservoir specifics, and brewing temperature.

The outcome? You'll brew the same quality of the coffee no matter which machine you choose.

Similar Brewing Size

The brewing systems employed by the Nespresso DeLonghi and Breville coffee machines is similar. They use centrifusion technology and barcode reading. Both brands produce exquisite coffee in 5oz, 8oz, 14oz, and 18oz cup sizes using Nespresso proprietary capsule pods.

Different Appearance 

There is one common difference among all machines built by Breville and DeLonghi. Their APPEARANCE.

Design aesthetic closely ties to the manufacturer's branding to the Nespresso Machine and is the MAIN reason someone should choose a Breville over a DeLonghi or visa versa.

While the design differences may be subtle, the straightforward and sleek design of a DeLonghi Nespresso machine will fit in much better with other DeLonghi machines with a similar appearance in your kitchen. 

Other than their appearance there is no difference in the internal apparatus of these machines.

You may wonder why buy a DeLonghi or Breville Nespresso machine at all. Since these brands have their own machines, doesn't it make sense to just go for the original? Sure, if you love the process of making an espresso.

Nespresso technology aims to simplify and make more convenient, the process of preparing the perfect espresso shot. But at what price?

In exchange for ease of use and convenience, you are opting for a pod-based system which may not be the best solution for the Earth conscious, unless you buy Earth-friendly Nespresso pods.

Nespresso Inissia – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

The two Nespresso Inissia models work very similarly in that they both brew an excellent espresso in under a minute with a nice layer of crema. I did not notice any real difference between the two when it comes to brew quality or time.

The Differences:

The Delonghi we tested was virtually silent, but the Breville version made loud vibration noises as it brewed and extracted the espresso. I don't suppose anything was wrong with it, just my experience. I think this isn't that big of an issue, but could be a factor for you.

Nespresso Pixie – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Both models come with foldable cup support to clear room for larger containers. They are both made from high quality materials, feel durable, and the extra metal panel on the side adds a great aesthetic to both models.

The Differences:

The Breville Pixie has a slightly larger water reservoir and is a little lighter, though the DeLonghi Pixe has a slightly faster heat-up time. The DeLonghi we tested leaked a little when the tank was completely full. This is easy enough to avoid, but there were no problems with the Breville.

Nespresso Essenza Mini – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville and Delonghi is a perfect space-saving option. It also has a 19-bar pump pressure for its extraction method and It has a three minutes eco-mode after the last brewing. The best part: it will automatically shut off after nine minutes.

The Differences: 

Nespresso Essenza Mini by Delonghi comes in black, lime, and red colors. While Breville comes in black.

Nespresso CitiZ – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Nespresso Citiz Breville and Delonghi come in a slim and compact design with two programmable cup sizes. Both models have an adjustable water tank and built-in Aeroccino milk frother. Whether it is Nespresso Citiz by Delonghi or Breville both give you two coffee alternatives, namely, lungo and espresso.

The Differences:

Nespresso CitiZ by Breville has red and silver options, while the DeLonghi has black, white, and chrome finishes. Also, Delonghi has a higher spout than Breville.

Nespresso Vertuo – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Both models have an adjustable cup system that allows you to adjust the cup support from the dispenser nozzle. This is a great feature for those of us who like to make iced Americanos right in the glass. They both also have a descale feature. The espressos are great from both models.

The Differences:

The DeLonghi Vertuo has a larger water capacity, which is great for brewing a couple beverages in one filling, but there again with the leaking. When completely full, the DeLonghi Vertuo model tends to leak a bit, while the Breville seems to never have any issues with leaking and it heats up nearly twice as fast.

Nespresso VertuoPlus – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Apart from centrifusion tech and barcode reading, Nespresso Vertuo Plus Breville and Delonghi have motorized opening and closing, automatic coffee pod ejection, and automatic off mode.

The Differences:

Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Delonghi has a chrome finish with a flat top and black, gray, ink black, red, titan, and LE black matte colors. While the Breville one has a rounded top and has a gray and black matte finish.

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Both machines produce a flawless espresso, but have the ability to make several other espresso beverages. While I didn't try every combination of setting for both machines, they seem to operate similarly. I really enjoy how this machine can prepare multiple cups before having to refill. This feature alone makes this my favorite model out of all that we tested. 

The Differences:

In this test, we noticed that the Breville was the one with a leaking problem, but it was minor and likely user error on my part. The Breville heats up a little faster, but is nearly twice as heavy as the DeLonghi. The metal accents on the Breville also make it a bit more expensive than the Delonghi. The Delonghi is super quiet and leak-free.

Nespresso Vertuo Next – Breville vs Delonghi

The Similarities:

Apart from centrifusion tech and barcode reading, Nespresso Vertuo Next has the connectivity feature, which means you can connect your machine to your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Also, it comes with Aeroccino 3 by Breville and Delonghi.

The Differences:

Nespresso Vertuo Next by Breville comes with a sleek chrome finish, in light gray and red. Delonghi comes with an aesthetic design, including black with metallic rose gold, white, dark gray, and black matte. The best part: their machines will give you complimentary welcome kits for the first use.

FAQs

Is Nespresso made by Delonghi?

Yes, Nespresso machines are manufactured by Delonghi, but their internal functions are invented by Nespresso itself. That’s why they follow the underlying Nespresso technology and you’ll get the same shot of espresso.

Which is the best Nespresso Machine?

Nespresso by Breville and Delonghi have the exact technology. The only difference between them is in their cosmetic designs, i.e. Breville ones have a dome-shaped top and Delonghi has a flat one.

Should I buy the Nespresso Original Or Vertuo?

You can buy either depending on your choice. But Nespresso VertuoLine will offer a broader range of coffee.

Which Nespresso machine makes a latte?

The Nespresso machines that make the best latte include: Nespresso Vertuo with Aeroccino, Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe with Aeroccino, Nespresso Lattissima Pro, Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino, Nespresso Essenza Mini with Aeroccino.

How often should Nespresso machines be rescaled?

It is recommended by Nespresso itself that descaling of your machine must be done by every 6 months atleast or after every 600 capsules used.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In this article we've learned that Breville and DeLonghi are both high quality manufacturers of Nespresso-branded pod machines, and that they are mostly the same, but they have their exclusive models to consider if you are in the market for something a little higher end.

After reading this, which one interests you most? Let us know in the comments below.