If you’re familiar with the “Plus” concept in the tech world, where upgraded models come with enhanced features and a premium feel, you’ll recognize the same trend when comparing the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus to the original Nespresso Creatista.
The Creatista Plus sets itself apart with a sleek, all-stainless steel finish that exudes sophistication and durability. This premium design not only looks stunning on any countertop but also justifies the higher price tag.
Performance-wise, the Creatista Plus delivers notable upgrades. It heats up significantly faster than the original, thanks to its advanced ThermoJet heating system. This means you can enjoy your favorite coffee drinks in record time, making it a practical choice for those with busy mornings.
Customization is another area where the Plus version shines. With more options to fine-tune your coffee’s temperature, milk texture, and foam, it allows you to craft barista-quality beverages tailored to your taste. These features elevate the Creatista Plus into a category of its own, making it an excellent investment for coffee lovers who value both aesthetics and performance.
Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Vs Nespresso Creatista: Specs & Features Comparison
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus and the Breville Nespresso Creatista are both high-quality espresso machines manufactured by Breville. While they share many similarities, a closer look reveals some key differences.
In terms of dimensions, the Creatista Plus measures 15.1 x 12 x 6.7 inches, making it slightly more compact than the Creatista, which comes in at 15.5 x 12.1 x 6.7 inches. The Creatista Plus also weighs marginally more at 11.4 lbs compared to the Creatista’s 11.2 lbs.
One of the biggest distinctions between the two models is their heat-up time. The Creatista Plus outperforms its counterpart by heating up in just 3 seconds, whereas the Creatista requires 10 seconds. Both machines utilize a 19-bar pump pressure system and feature an auto-frothing wand, providing consistent and velvety milk froth for your drinks.
The machines also share several features, such as a maximum cup clearance of 4.5 inches, a 1.5L water reservoir, and a used capsule container that can hold up to 12 pods. Additionally, both models are equipped with energy-efficient power-saving modes.
The Creatista Plus distinguishes itself with its all-stainless steel finish, offering a polished and premium look, while the Creatista has a more affordable price tag, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Both machines are lightweight and feature a compact footprint, but the Creatista Plus’s faster heating system and luxurious design may appeal more to coffee enthusiasts seeking a top-tier experience.
Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Vs Nespresso Creatista: Differences
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus stands out as the superior machine, winning 4-1 against the original Creatista. Let’s explore the key differences that set these two models apart.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
Heating System
One of the most significant differences between these two machines lies in their heating systems. The Creatista Plus heats up in a lightning-fast 3 seconds, while the original Creatista takes over 10 seconds to warm up. While a 7-second difference may not seem like much, it’s a game-changer for those rushed mornings. The Plus’s near-instant readiness adds a level of convenience that’s hard to beat.
Brewing System
The Creatista and Creatista Plus are part of Nespresso’s OriginalLine series, both equipped with a powerful 19-bar pump to deliver espresso that is richer and more intense compared to the VertuoLine models. Making a drink is straightforward: insert your chosen capsule into the dispenser chamber, close the lever to secure it, and select your preferred drink using the rotary dial on the display screen. Additionally, both machines feature a convenient auto-off function that activates after 9 minutes of inactivity, ensuring energy efficiency.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
Dimensions & Build Quality
The Creatista Plus features a slightly more compact body, measuring 15.1 x 12 x 6.7 inches, compared to the original Creatista’s 15.5 x 12.1 x 6.7 inches. Although the size difference is minimal, the Plus version’s all-stainless steel body gives it a premium look and feel, adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
In contrast, the original Creatista uses a mix of stainless steel and plastic, which helps keep costs down but lacks the high-end polish of the Plus. The Creatista Plus’s design speaks to its elevated price tag, making it the clear winner in this category.
User Interface
Both models come equipped with a high-resolution TFT display and a rotary dial for navigating through drink options. While the interface is intuitive, repeatedly turning the dial to select drinks for multiple users can become tedious. This is a shared drawback for both machines, though the polished design of the Creatista Plus slightly offsets this minor inconvenience.
Type & Cup Clearance
Result: Tie
Both machines have a maximum cup clearance of 4.5 inches, suitable for most standard cups. They also feature a pop-out tray, which elevates smaller cups closer to the spout. This prevents splashing, maintains the heat of smaller drinks like espresso or ristretto, and ensures a more refined coffee experience.
Water Reservoir & Used Capsule Container
Result: Tie
Both the Creatista Plus and Creatista share the same specifications for their water tanks and used capsule containers. Each has a 1.5-liter water reservoir, located at the rear, which is easy to remove and refill. Their capsule containers hold up to 12 pods, requiring emptying around twice a week, depending on usage. While the size of the water tank may seem modest for heavy users, its ease of handling compensates for frequent refills.
Milk Frothing System: A Tie
When it comes to milk frothing, both the Breville Nespresso Creatista and Creatista Plus shine equally, making this category a tie. These machines are perfect for creating café-style lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, and other creamy delights at home.
Auto Steam Wand
Both machines feature an auto steam wand located on the right side, making the milk frothing process effortless even for beginners. With the wand, you don’t need barista-level skills to enjoy perfectly steamed and frothed milk. Simply fill the included stainless steel milk jug, place it on the temperature sensor below the wand, and let the machine handle the rest.
Latte Art Potential
For latte art enthusiasts, the steam wand offers enough flexibility to craft basic designs like hearts or flowers. However, it might not provide the finesse needed for more intricate patterns. Nevertheless, its mobility and precision make it an excellent tool for experimenting with artistic coffee creations.
Drink Options & Programmability: Winner – Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
Drink Options
Both the Creatista and Creatista Plus offer 7 one-touch drink options, which is impressive for Nespresso machines. These include ristretto, espresso, lungo, flat white, café latte, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and milk foam. While the selection covers a wide variety of popular drinks, it’s worth noting that neither model comes equipped with a hot water dispenser for making Americanos.
Programmability
When it comes to customization, the Creatista Plus takes the lead. Both machines allow you to adjust the firmness of the milk froth, but the Creatista Plus offers 8 texture levels, whereas the Creatista provides only 4 levels.
The Plus model also features 11 milk temperature settings, giving you more control over the final result. In comparison, the original Creatista has 5 temperature levels, which, while sufficient for most users, doesn’t match the flexibility of its upgraded sibling.
Quick Overview of Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus is a premium single-serve espresso machine designed for coffee lovers who value quality, speed, and a touch of elegance in their home brewing experience. It combines the convenience of Nespresso capsules with advanced features that elevate the coffee-making process.
Key Features
- Heating System:
- The Creatista Plus is equipped with a ThermoJet heating element, allowing it to heat up in just 3 seconds. This rapid heat-up time ensures your coffee is ready almost instantly, perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go lifestyles.
- Coffee Selections:
- With three programmable options—ristretto, espresso, and lungo—you can enjoy a range of coffee styles at the push of a button. The machine also lets you create iced coffee drinks by pouring your brewed coffee over ice.
- Milk Frothing Excellence:
- The integrated automatic steam wand is ideal for crafting café-quality milk froth. It’s perfect for latte art enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys creamy cappuccinos or flat whites.
- Design and Build:
- The machine features a sleek, brushed stainless steel finish that exudes sophistication and fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen.
- Energy Efficiency:
- It includes an auto-off function that conserves energy by shutting the machine down after a set period of inactivity.
- Capacity:
- The 1.5-liter water reservoir is easy to remove and refill, while the used capsule container can hold up to 12 pods before requiring emptying.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Ultra-fast 3-second heat-up time.
- High-quality stainless steel finish.
- Automatic steam wand for perfect milk froth.
Cons:
- On the pricier side at $599.95.
- Lacks adjustable brewing temperature settings.
Quick Overview of Breville Nespresso Creatista
The Breville Nespresso Creatista offers many of the same great features as its Plus counterpart but at a slightly lower price point. It’s designed for those who want high-quality espresso and milk frothing without the additional cost of premium finishes or extra features.
Key Features
- Heating System:
- The original Creatista heats up in 10 seconds, which is still fast but slower compared to the Plus version.
- Coffee Selections:
- Like the Plus, it offers ristretto, espresso, and lungo brewing options, catering to a variety of coffee preferences.
- Milk Frothing:
- The automatic steam wand simplifies the frothing process, making it easy to create café-style beverages at home.
- Design and Build:
- While still stylish, the Creatista features a combination of plastic and stainless steel construction, keeping costs down but slightly sacrificing the premium feel.
- Capacity:
- Similar to the Plus, it has a 1.5-liter water tank and a used capsule container that holds 12 pods.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Heats up quickly at 10 seconds.
- Features an automatic steam wand.
- More affordable than the Plus version.
Cons:
- Still relatively expensive compared to other machines.
- No adjustable brewing temperature.
Conclusion
When comparing the Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus and the Nespresso Creatista, the choice ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
The Creatista Plus stands out for its faster 3-second heat-up time, premium stainless steel design, and enhanced customization options, including more levels for milk froth texture and temperature. These features make it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who value speed, luxury, and precision in their brewing experience.
On the other hand, the Nespresso Creatista provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing core functionality. It delivers excellent espresso and milk frothing capabilities, albeit with a slightly longer heat-up time and a less premium build.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you want the best of the best with a focus on design, speed, and advanced customization, the Creatista Plus is worth the investment.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers high-quality coffee and milk froth, the Creatista is a fantastic choice.
Both machines are exceptional in their own right and deliver café-quality coffee at home. Whether you opt for the Plus or the standard Creatista, you can’t go wrong with Breville’s superior craftsmanship and Nespresso’s reliable performance.