The Nespresso Vertuo Plus has the potential to alter your perspective on pod-based coffee makers. The coffee that is produced by the brewer is of extremely good quality and has a silky smooth finish, despite the fact that it is not one of the more affordable solutions for preparing coffee at home. You are, however, restricted to using only Nespresso’s own pod system, which can be quite expensive.
Cons
Coffee that is produced is of great grade
Extremely simple in its operation.
On sale on a consistent basis
Cons
Exclusively employs the high-priced Nespresso Vertuo pods
When there is a break in the flow, the lid can get stuck.
Anyone looking for a luxury yet still convenient pod-based brewing experience should go no farther than the Nespresso Vertuo Plus. This machine is the best of all worlds. The flagship capsule technology developed by Nespresso is sold for $199 or £199, however it can be found within a variety of machines manufactured by different brands, which might cause the final price to vary slightly.
The names Magimix, De’Longhi, and Breville are all associated with these machines, but regardless of the brand you choose to purchase, you will have the same experience using any of them. We put a model from Magimix through its paces to determine where it ranks among the top Nespresso machines (opens in new tab) and whether it has what it takes to earn a spot in the hall of fame for the greatest coffee makers (opens in new tab).
A Look at the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, Including Its Cost and Availability
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus comes in with a suggested retail price of $199 or £199, which is a little bit higher than the average price of a pod machine that can be used in the home. Although we typically find costs ranging from $159 to $179 for this system, there have been times in the past when the price was as low as $99. Due to the fact that this is a machine that has been struck particularly hard by the increased demand on the epidemic, however, we have not seen pricing points that are less than $100 in a considerable amount of time.
If you are thinking about making a purchase, it is important to be aware that the Nespresso Vertuo Plus has a somewhat higher ongoing cost compared to a typical pod brewer. This is something to keep in mind. Only official Nespresso Vertuo pods may be used in the machine. These pods come in at a little higher price point than the brand’s Original Line, but they are significantly more expensive than Keurig K-Cups. As a point of reference, the cost of a single Vertuo Plus pod is approximately one dollar, whereas the cost of a K-Cup is typically forty cents.
A Look at the Nespresso Vertuo Plus: Its Features
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus offers a number of features that set it apart from its rivals, but the centrifusion brewing method has to be considered one of the most important of these. Before beginning the brewing process, the machine will first quickly spin the circular pod, after which it will puncture a series of holes all the way around the perimeter of the pod. By acting in this manner, the Vertuo Plus not only achieves equilibrium in the manner in which it disperses its water, but it also generates a thick crema, which contributes to the silkiness of the texture.
In addition to its method of brewing, the Vertuo Plus uses its intelligence to ensure that the temperature and speed are optimal for the particular beverage that you have selected. At the beginning of the brewing process, the machine will read the unique barcode that is printed on each Vertuo pod. Although this does imply that you can only use capsules manufactured by Nespresso, you can rest assured that the most optimized settings for the machine will be used.
When taking into consideration the greater initial purchase price, the absence of an integrated milk frother may come across as a little bit disappointing. It is important to point out that the Vertuo Plus does have a somewhat constrained feeling in this regard.
A look at the Nespresso Vertuo Plus from a Design Perspective
Because of its compact size and versatile placement options for the water reservoir, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a very compelling option for kitchens with limited counter space. The design of the system is straightforward and uncomplicated, and there is just one button located throughout the entirety of the gadget. This helps to eliminate any extraneous heft that could otherwise be present.
The lid, on the other hand, proved to be one of the most gratifying elements of this design throughout my testing. The capsule slot can be accessed by giving the edge of the top panel of the machine a light tap, which will allow the lid to raise and disclose the opening. It’s a minor detail in the overall design, but it really drives home how polished and professional this experience is on a day-to-day basis.
This seamless functioning was evident throughout the machine, from the no-splash pour to little elements such as the rotating green light on the main button matching the centrifugal force of the brew system. I thought this to be really impressive.
Additionally, in comparison to designs of other brewers, this one appears to have been given somewhat more care. The water reservoir, which has a capacity of 40 ounces, is secured to the machine at the back, right-hand corner; nevertheless, it is possible to move it around or about that anchor point depending on the constraints of the available area. The flexibility offered in this regard was very welcome given that the water reservoir is typically the component in larger machines that consumes the most space.
Performance is discussed in this Nespresso Vertuo Plus review.
Due to the fact that I have only ever used less expensive kinds of pod coffee makers, I have always been skeptical about these machines. All of that was changed when Nespresso released the Vertuo Plus, which brews an unquestionably delicious cup of coffee in an elegant manner each and every time. This is some of the creamiest coffee that I have ever been able to make in my own home. It has a full-bodied flavor and a silky texture, both of which are characteristics that I have never experienced in a home brewer before.
This singular method of brewing, known as centrifusion, is responsible for the silky smoothness of the finished product. Even though it takes a bit longer than regular pump machines, the time that it does take is spent generating a cup of coffee that is significantly superior. In addition, the total time required for the process, beginning to end, is still only about two minutes.
Because larger Alto sizes don’t leave much room for milk, and as was mentioned above, there is no built-in steamer, you will need to make separate purchases if you want to make specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. Therefore, this machine is best suited for people who prefer their coffee black. The Vertuo Plus does a decent job of keeping distinct flavor notes, even if they are not quite as prominent as they would be with a more expensive espresso machine. This is important if you prefer your coffee to be as unadulterated as possible.
Review of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus: It’s Very Easy to Use
The easy-to-use performance of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus lives up to the high standards set by its streamlined design. Simply put, I found using the Vertuo Plus to be a pleasurable experience. During the course of my testing, it performed faultlessly, and it required very little initial configuration.
This machine can be used in the pitch black of a kitchen at four in the morning while functioning on very little sleep; I had the opportunity to put it through its paces a month ago, and it was a lot of fun. All it takes is the push of one button. Simply place the pod into the machine, close the lid, place your cup inside the machine, and press the button. The machine will handle the temperature and brewing settings for you, which not only makes for simple operation but also ensures that each cup of coffee tastes the same.
The initial setup consists of little more than cleaning through the system and can be finished in approximately 15 minutes.
It is important to keep in mind that you will need to exercise some caution so that the lid can close properly without being obstructed by anything. During the test, a troublesome plant that was planted nearby caused us to lose some pods because the leaves became trapped beneath the lid. The machine continued to puncture the capsule despite the fact that it was unable to brew, and when the lid was opened once more, the automatic disposal system pushed it back into the receptacle for used pods.
The verdict of the review of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Even though there are concerns about being locked into the brand’s expensive pods, the price you pay for a convenient brewing system packed with luxurious features is the fact that you are locked into the brand’s expensive pods. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best machine the brand has produced to date. If you want the convenience of a pod machine but don’t want to compromise on the quality of your coffee, your only true choice is from the Nespresso portfolio of products. There aren’t really any other options.
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus’s pods are the sole factor preventing it from reaching its full potential. Even while the machine typically comes with a starting pack to get you up and going, the cost of those premium capsules can quickly add up. Not only does the Vertuo Plus have a higher MSRP than Keurig competitors, but the coffee itself is more expensive. This is even more aggravating when you realize that you are entirely locked into the brand’s own pods, as the Vertuo Plus requires them. Because Keurig’s K-Cup brand is available to a wider variety of coffee roasters, customers have access to a greater selection of beverages and, more importantly, a wider range of pricing options.
As was already indicated, we did end up throwing away a couple of those priceless capsules because of the automatic lid mechanism. If there is anything that gets in the way of the system, it will refuse to brew.
Despite the fact that Nespresso pods can be recycled, this process cannot be done at home. You will need to transport your capsules to a Nespresso boutique or to certain retail locations, which might be inconvenient and runs counter to the convenience-oriented messaging of the company.
Although Keurig coffee makers are far more affordable, the quality of the coffee they produce is not always consistent, and even single-button brew machines, such as the Ninja Specialty (opens in a new tab), need more work on your part than pod machines do. In addition, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus goes on sale rather frequently; therefore, if you discover it for a reasonable price (between $100 and $150), we would advise you to purchase it.
