Nespresso Vertuo Plus Single Serve Machine - Review 🏆

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a single-serve coffee machine that uses Nespresso's unique Centrifusion brewing technology to make both coffee and espresso. This versatile machine can brew 5 different cup sizes ranging from small 1.35oz espressos to large 14oz Alto coffees.

The Vertuo Plus has a sleek, modern design with a compact footprint, making it a great option for kitchens with limited space. Its standout feature is the motorized head that automatically moves up and down to adjust the brew parameters based on the selected cup size. The Vertuo Plus only works with Nespresso's proprietary VertuoLine pods, which contain a barcode that tells the machine the optimal settings for that particular coffee or espresso blend.

Overall, the Vertuo Plus combines convenience and versatility in a user-friendly pod brewer. This review will provide an in-depth look at the key features and performance of this popular single serve machine.

Design and Appearance

The Nespresso VertuoPlus has an elegant and sleek design perfect for any kitchen. The appliance features a rounded shape with smooth curves, giving it a contemporary look. The VertuoPlus comes in three colors: black, silver, and titan (a dark gray). The black and titan colors have a matte metallic finish, while the silver version has a shiny chrome exterior.

At just 5.5 inches wide, the VertuoPlus has a compact footprint that doesn't take up much counter space. It stands about 12.8 inches tall. The water tank is removable and sits behind the machine. Overall, the appliance looks modern and stylish. The simplicity of the design fits with the Nespresso brand's aesthetic.

Features

The Vertuo Plus comes equipped with Nespresso's innovative Centrifusion technology that can brew both coffee and espresso. This technology spins the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute to blend the ground coffee with hot water and extract the optimal flavor.

The machine uses an intelligent extraction system that reads a barcode on each Grand Cru capsule to adjust the brew settings for that specific coffee blend. This helps ensure the best results in the cup every time. There is a wide variety of brew sizes the Vertuo Plus can make, ranging from 1.35oz espresso to 14oz Alto coffee.

Some other notable features include:

• Fast heat up time of only 20-25 seconds
• Folding drip tray to accommodate larger travel mugs
• Used capsule container capacity of 13-15
• Removable 40oz water tank
• Energy saving mode that switches off after 9 minutes of inactivity

The Vertuo Plus combines simple one-touch operation with advanced technology to deliver outstanding coffee drinks with thick, rich crema. The spinning centrifusion process and capsule barcode reading really set this model apart from typical single serve coffee makers.

The De'Longhi EDG 155.BG also offers a stylish design with a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers. This model stands out with its capacity to create a variety of drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes, due to its built-in milk frother. Its compact size ensures it fits well in smaller kitchens without sacrificing functionality. With an automatic shut-off feature, it enhances energy efficiency, ensuring that you enjoy your coffee experience while being environmentally conscious.

Ease of Use

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is incredibly easy to use right out of the box. The initial set up only takes a few minutes. All you need to do is unpack the box, fill up the 40oz water tank, plug it in, and insert one of the included capsules. The extraction lever lowers down automatically to pierce the capsule once inserted.

The capsule is barcoded, so the machine scans it to determine the optimal brew settings like water temperature, brew time, and cup size. This makes the brewing process effortless, as you don't need to adjust any settings manually. Just pop in a pod and the Vertuo Plus handles the rest.

The control panel is very straightforward, with just two buttons for espresso and lungo. You can also manually add extra water by holding down the lungo button. The water tank is easy to access, and a light indicates when you need to refill it.

Overall, the Vertuo Plus couldn't be simpler to operate on a daily basis. The mechanics of the extraction system are seamless, and the touchscreen buttons make it easy to select your desired brew size and start the process with one touch. Even beginners will find it intuitive.

Similarly, the Bosch TASSIMO TAS1104GB offers a user-friendly experience with its one-button operation. With a wide range of beverage choices, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate from leading brands, it caters to various tastes. The machine uses barcode technology to customize brewing parameters for every drink, ensuring optimal results. Its compact design fits well in any kitchen, and the easy-to-fill water tank adds to its convenience. Just like the Nespresso, the TASSIMO is ideal for those seeking simplicity along with quality.

Coffee Quality

The VertuoPlus brews exceptionally good coffee with rich, intense flavor and aroma. The centrifuge technology extracts the optimal flavor from each Grand Cru capsule, resulting in a cup that tastes like it was freshly brewed by a barista.

The crema produced is wonderfully thick and velvety with a mousse-like texture. Having a generous layer of crema really enhances the flavor and is a sign of a high quality brew. The crema lasts from the first sip to the last which is impressive.

Both the espresso and coffee have great body and very good mouthfeel. The coffee is smooth without any bitterness or acidity. There are also no grounds at the bottom of the cup.

Overall, the quality and taste of the coffee rivals what you would get from a café. Nespresso has perfected the art of brewing delicious coffee capsules. If you love great tasting coffee, you'll be very satisfied with the VertuoPlus.

Milk Frother

The built-in milk frother on the Nespresso VertuoPlus allows you to create creamy, frothy milk to complement your coffee. It's very easy to use - just fill the jug with milk, attach it to the machine, and select your desired froth level (hot milk, light froth, dense froth).

The frothing performance is quite good. The machine heats and aerates the milk well, creating a smooth, silky microfoam on top. It's not quite as luxurious as what you'd get from a high-end espresso machine's steam wand, but it's very impressive for an integrated milk frother. You can make milk foam suitable for cappuccinos or lattes.

One downside is that the milk jug is on the small side, so you can't make large drinks. But for one latte or cappuccino it's perfectly adequate. The jug, lid, and froth attachment are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.

Overall, the VertuoPlus milk frother adds a lot of value and versatility. Having the ability to make milk-based drinks at the touch of a button makes this machine much more capable. The frothing performance is solid and on par with VeruoPlus competitors.

Capsule Variety

The VertuoPlus offers access to Nespresso's wide range of coffee capsules to suit different tastes and needs. There are currently over 30 different Vertuo capsules available, with options ranging from espresso and double espresso to Gran Lungo and Gran Caffe sizes.

The capsule varieties allow you to experience different coffee blends and flavors. From bold, intense capsules like Kazaar and Diavolitto to lighter options like Vanilio and Bianco Leggero, there is something for every coffee lover. More delicate flavors like caramel cookie and vanilla custard are also available in the Vertuo range.

Beyond the standard coffee capsules, Nespresso also offers limited edition seasonal varieties throughout the year. Recent options have included Tropical Coconut, Solelio Summer Blend, and Forest Fruit Flavors.

With so many capsules to explore, the VertuoPlus gives you the flexibility to enjoy a wide spectrum of high-quality coffees. The machine makes the most out of each capsule thanks to the intelligent extraction system tailored to different blend styles and sizes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The VertuoPlus requires minimal maintenance to keep running smoothly. The water tank and capsule container are removable for easy cleaning. It's recommended to empty the used capsule container after each use. The water tank and drip tray should be cleaned weekly with mild soap and water.

Descaling is an important part of maintaining the VertuoPlus. Scale buildup from hard water can affect the machine's performance and taste over time. Nespresso recommends descaling every 3-4 months depending on water hardness and coffee usage. The descaling process takes about 15 minutes. Simply fill the water tank with descaling solution instead of water, place a large container under the coffee outlet, and run the machine cleaning cycle per the instructions. The machine will dispense the descaling solution in short bursts to dissolve scale and mineral deposits. Afterwards, run 2-3 cycles with fresh water to rinse any remaining solution. This keeps the internal components clean for optimal espresso extraction.

Overall, the VertuoPlus is designed for convenient daily use with straightforward maintenance. Just remember to empty the capsule container, clean removable parts weekly, and descale every few months. This helps extend the life of the machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Makes espresso and regular coffee
• Fast heat up time of only 30 seconds
• Automatically adjusts brewing parameters for different coffee sizes
• Barcode reading technology for precise blending
• Sliding drip tray accommodates taller cups
• Used capsules are automatically ejected into internal storage
• Large 40 oz water reservoir for fewer refills
• Energy efficient with automatic shut off

Cons

• Only uses proprietary Vertuo capsules, limiting variety
• Capsules can be expensive compared to ground coffee
• No way to control water temperature or pre-infusion
• No milk frother included
• Cannot brew ground coffee, only Nespresso capsules
• Pod disposal and recycling can be inconvenient

Verdict

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is one of the best single-serve coffee machines on the market, offering an excellent blend of design, features, performance, and convenience. Its sleek and modern look will fit into any kitchen aesthetic.

The centrifusion technology delivers barista-style coffee while the motorized head and barcode system make brewing easy and hands-off. The ability to make five different cup sizes, from espresso to alto, provides versatility. The fast 25 second heat up time and automatic ejection of used capsules increase convenience.

The Aeroccino milk frother produces café-quality frothed hot or cold milk to allow making lattes and cappuccinos. The VertuoPlus works exclusively with Nespresso's Vertuo capsules which come in a great variety.

While the cost of the capsules can add up over time, the sheer quality and variety of coffees along with the machine's superb performance make it worth the premium cost.

Overall, for someone who wants great tasting espresso based drinks at home with minimal effort, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is a top choice to consider. Its blend of convenience, quality, consistency, and customizability help it stand out among single-serve coffee machines.