Looking for maximum versatility from a pod machine? With five distinct coffee size options, a sleek design, and the convenience users seek from pod machines, the Nespresso VertuoPlus may just be the perfect mix of effortless elegance. Read on to learn about everything it has to offer.
If you’re looking for a review of the original Nespresso Vertuo, click here!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Pod Machine
First things first: who is the Nespresso VertuoPlus best suited for?
The ideal profile of a VertuoPlus customer can vary widely, but in general, the machine is best suited to someone who is looking for …
- A fantastic-tasting pod coffee
- Versatility beyond espresso and lungo
- An intuitive, easy-to-use machine
- Barista-grade coffee without the inconvenience of learning how to grind beans or pull a shot of espresso
- Minimal cleanup
Conversely, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is probably not for you if you:
- Prefer French press or percolator coffee
- Love pour-over or cold-brew options
- Favor espresso or lungo and don’t need a machine with options beyond these two
- Enjoy the art of making coffee and want to perfect your barista skills
About the Nespresso VertuoPlus
Like other Nespresso machines, the VertuoPlus is a pod-style coffee maker. But what differentiates it from the OriginalLine of Nespresso machines is its versatility. The original machines produce the same delicious coffee users expect from Nespresso, but their capabilities are limited to providing smaller shots of coffee like espresso, ristretto, and lungo.
The Vertuo system, on the other hand, is capable of producing longer, more opulent crema drinks thanks to a unique pod design. Whether you prefer espressos, double espressos, lungos, or 8- and 14-ounce cups of coffee, the VertuoPlus does it all. It uses proprietary Centrifusion technology to deliver the perfect cup of coffee in a variety of sizes.
When you purchase the VertuoPlus, you receive the machine, an instruction manual, and the customary Nespresso welcome kit with twelve capsules.
Things We Like
- No-fuss functionality
- Ridiculously easy to use
- Produces rich, full-bodied coffee
- Delivers thick crema
- Offers more possibilities for coffee variants than similar models
- Water reservoir swivels to fit various spaces
Room for Improvement
- Cost of the pods is high
- Larger pod size takes up more storage space
- No milk frothing option
- No possibility of using pods from other brands
Product Specs
The Nespresso VertuoPlus machine has the following product specifications:
- Removable 40-oz water tank
- Centrifusion Extraction Technology
- Blend-specific brewing
- Automatic shut-off after nine minutes
- Fifteen-second heat-up time
- Used container capacity of ten capsules
Dimensions
One thing Nespresso is known for is the small footprint of its products, and the VertuoPlus is no different. It measures in at 5.6 x 16.7 x 12.8 inches, and at just under 12 pounds, it’s quite lightweight. Though this version is taller than other Nespresso models, the profile remains slim, so no matter how small your space is, you can always fit the machine somewhere.
Ease of Use
Perhaps the greatest aspect of Nespresso’s machines is how user-friendly they are. You’d be hard-pressed to find something that’s easier or more intuitive to use. Even someone who’s never seen a Nespresso machine before could figure out how to work it with relative ease.
So how does it work? All you have to do to use the VertuoPlus is to ensure the water reservoir is filled, slot the capsule in the machine, and press the start button to heat it.
Functionality
Let’s take a closer look at the functionality features the VertuoPlus has that makes the user experience so straightforward. Though you won’t find a fancy touch-screen or any of the features you would expect on extravagant, expensive coffee makers, the VertuoPlus isn’t inferior by any stretch of the imagination. Most of its functionality lives underneath the hood.
Centrifusion Extraction Technology
There are several differences between the Nespresso Vertuo Line and the Original, and the most significant one is the brewing capabilities of the former. The VertuoPlus utilizes Centrifusion Technology, which differs significantly from the nineteen-bar high-pressure pump that extracts coffee in the OriginalLine.
So how does the Centrifusion process work? When you press the start button, the machine punches a hole in the middle of the pod, as well as 18 smaller ones around the capsule ring. It then spins the capsule 7,000 times per minute, while the machine injects water through the holes. This process creates a centrifugal force that extracts the coffee.
The result is a densely thick crema drink that’s unlike pretty much anything else you’ve tried. Some might consider it more foam-like than crema, and we will say that the taste is not for everyone. Regular crema is quite bitter, and the thick cream from the VertuoPlus may be overwhelming for some palates.
Blend-specific Brewing
You may be wondering how the machine knows what size coffee you want, considering there is only one button. The answer is blend-specific brewing, which is perhaps the most impressive part of the machine after the Centrifusion technology.
Each capsule includes a barcode that contains information the machine needs about how to brew it. The VertuoPlus reads the barcode and automatically adjusts its extraction settings. In our eyes, this feature is what makes the VertuoPlus standout. It’s ideal for families who have different coffee preferences and want a machine that will please everybody.
And if you’re wondering how you will be able to tell the difference, that’s easy too. The capsules come in various sizes that correspond to various extraction types.
One-touch Operation
You operate the VertuoPlus using the machine’s single button, which means that all you have to do to get your coffee is insert a pod and press the button. It blinks green until it’s reached the proper temperature, and when it illuminates as a steady green, you’re good to go. We love how easy this makes the whole coffee-making process.
Used-capsule Container
A common pain point in pod machines is minuscule used-container holders that you have to empty constantly, but that’s not a problem with the VertuoPlus. Ten used pods fit in the holder, so you can go for several days without dumping them. Considering the larger size of the pods, we believe this is a necessary feature, but it’s appreciated nonetheless.
And when the time comes to dispose of the pods, removal is simple. Simply lift the water tank from the machine, and you can access the capsule container.
Rapid Heat-up Time
Lightning-fast heat up time is something consumers have come to expect from pod machines, which is ideal for bleary mornings when you need a caffeine jolt as fast as possible.
According to Nespresso, it takes the VertuoPlus fifteen seconds to warm up, though users report that it’s actually somewhere between twenty to twenty-five seconds. Despite the discrepancies, it’s a pretty negligible difference, and you’ll be enjoying your coffee in less than a minute.
Motorized Head
The motorized head on this model makes inserting a new capsule easier than ever. Other coffee makers in the Nespresso line require you to push down somewhat forcefully to load the capsule, but the motorized head eliminates this effort. A light push is all it needs to open and close.
Design
When it comes to design, we’re big fans of Nespresso products, which are typically quite stylish. The VertuoPlus comes in black, silver, red, and white, and its understated design harmonizes perfectly with whatever environment you put it in. There’s no need to worry about bulky products clashing with the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Now’s a good time to mention that De’Longhi and Breville manufacture this product. They each produce virtually the same machine, but there is a slight design difference to take note of. The Breville version has more of a dome-shaped top, while De’Longhi opted for more square shape.
Water Tank
The VertuoPlus includes a substantial 40-ounce water reservoir that we would expect from a coffee maker in this price range and with the capability of making the large coffees it does. The tank is made of transparent plastic, and it has a handy swivel arms feature that we like. You can position the container directly behind the coffee maker, or place it to the side.
Coffee Quality
Let’s discuss the quality of Nespresso’s coffee, which is arguably the most crucial feature of all.
Nespresso is meticulous in delivering only the highest quality to its customers. Coffee experts choose the coffee for capsules carefully, and the capsules are hermetically sealed to preserve freshness. But superior ingredients are just fifty percent of the process, and Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology allows users to extract all the unique flavors and aromas.
The combination of high-class coffee and a machine excellently equipped to pull out the delicious tastes means that you can expect a delightful cup of coffee every time you press the start button.
We also believe that high quality means having plenty of options, and this is undoubtedly the case with Nespresso. They offer several flavors, intensities, and sizes, as well as decaf coffee, to suit every caffeine lover. There may be some trial and error to find the flavor and strength you like, but there is no shortage of options.
The Aeroccino Milk Frother
Unlike other products in the line, VertuoPlus does not integrate with the Aeroccino milk frother. However, you can purchase and use it with the machine if you prefer milk coffee beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. And we have good news for anyone who already owns an Aeroccino that came with an Original Line product—you can use it with the VertuoPlus, too.
Cleaning and Maintenance
On the inside, the device is equipped with three water cycles to keep the VertuoPlus running like new. On the outside, you’ll have to wash the cup platform and used capsule container by hand, as they’re not dishwasher safe. But because the coffee stays inside the capsule, you won’t have to deal with a messy container.
Some other cleaning recommendations include dumping the drip tray frequently—preferably after each use. While not strictly required, users have noticed that it gets a little gross if you wait too long. You should also wipe the exterior with a damp cloth periodically. Doing so removes dust and keeps spills and drips from becoming hard to clean.
Finally, descaling is a vital maintenance process that you should complete regularly. The VertuoPlus includes descaling alerts that let you know when it’s time to descale the coffee maker. See this video for more information on how to descale your coffee maker.
See how it compares to the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe!
Final Thoughts
So what’s the verdict on the Nespresso VertuoPlus? While our review is overwhelmingly positive, we did want to mention a couple of faults with this device.
The first is that, for some users, the price of the capsules can be a bit high, and you’re locked into buying Nespresso capsules since the pods are near impossible to duplicate. Secondly, if you’re a big fan of lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll have to purchase the Aeroccino separately to make these drinks. It would have been nice to see an integrated version with the VertuoPlus.
If you’re exclusively a cappuccino or latte drinker, you may want to consider the De’Longhi Silver Lattissima Plus Nespresso Capsule System maker instead. It’s marketed specifically as a latte machine.
Conversely, if you prefer espresso/lungo or the original line capsules, which are cheaper than the Vertuo line capsules, the Nespresso CitiZ is a comparable option.
Our Recommendation
Despite any apparent flaws, if you are the target user for this device, we highly recommend this product. It delivers the effortless elegance Nespresso devotees have come to expect, as well as ease of use, speed, and reliability. It’s fantastic for anyone unable to function in the morning until caffeine touches their lips and who wants to shorten and simplify the process.
Still not sure about the Nespresso VertuoPlus? Given the extensive range of options available, it can be challenging to figure out which coffee machine is the right one for you. Be sure to consult our list of the best Nespresso machines for further guidance.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Review: Effortless Elegance
The pod-style coffee maker is a two-in-one deal that makes both coffee and espresso. Check out our full guide review for more details.
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