Nespresso VertuoPlus vs Ninja Pods & Grounds Coffee Maker

Buy the VertuoPlus if you want real espresso and long coffee from pods with almost no effort; the barcode reader sets brew parameters per capsule and it is ready in about 20 seconds. Buy the Ninja Pods & Grounds if you want one machine that takes cheap K-Cups and your own ground coffee, brews up to 24 oz, and has a built-in frother. The Nespresso feels more solid and is the better espresso machine; the Ninja is more versatile and takes up less counter width. Owners praise the Nespresso's consistency and criticize capsule cost and the small tank; Ninja owners like the grounds option and report the frother and plastic build feel basic.

• Choose the Nespresso VertuoPlus if you drink espresso and long black coffee and want one-button brewing with automatic capsule recognition.
• Choose the Ninja Pods & Grounds if you want to use K-Cups and loose grounds, brew large travel-mug cups, and froth milk in the same machine.