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Nespresso Vertuo Review: A Splurge-Worthy Barista for Your Counter
Updated: Jul. 10, 2024
We've tested several Nespresso coffee machine options, but this Nespresso Vertuo review outlines why we recommend this one for the pickiest coffee snobs (guilty!).
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As a bonafide coffee snob, I’ve always been a bit wary of single-serve coffee makers. Sure, the convenience is there. Simply pop in a pod, press a few buttons and voila, a cup of coffee in seconds flat. No wait, no hassle. The catch? Most machines like Keurigs use pods to produce coffee that’s closer to that of a drip machine rather than a specialty barista-style drink.
Admittedly, I’m a bit picky when it comes to my perfect cuppa. I appreciate a strong cup of coffee resembling an espresso or Americana rather than a basic watery brew. I’m talking rich, deep aromas, crema and complex flavors. I simply never found the right machine for the job—until I learned about the Nespresso Vertuo. Learn about this magical cafe-at-home in this Nespresso Vertuo review. You may find that it completely changes your perspective on the age-old Nespresso vs. Keurig debate!
What is the Nespresso Vertuo?
The Nespresso Vertuo is a single-cup coffee maker like Keurig or the Ninja Single-Serve Pods & Grounds. The stylish upscale look adds a nice touch to any kitchen counter, and it comes in a variety of complementary shades, including black, red, graphite metal, titan, and silver. Ridged, frosted plastic compartments on the sides contrast well with the heavy-duty cafe look. Unlike most other single-serve coffee makers, Vertuo also uses proprietary pods that offer a range of drink styles rather than just coffee.
Vertuo pods are available in a variety of espresso and flavored coffee options and use a special extraction system that pressurizes the coffee, creating a deeper flavor and a generous amount of crema. For coffee newbies, crema is the red-brown foam that sits at the top of your espresso drink. It’s full of flavor and rich, inviting aromas that give each cup a café-style feel. There’s also no need to fuss around with buttons or toggles. The machine automatically detects each pod and brews the size and strength accordingly.
Enhanced models, like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, offer additional bells and whistles, such as an adjustable water tank and automatic opening. There is also a bevy of additional machines, including the  Vertuo Next and the space-saving  Vertuo Pop+. In this Nespresso Vertuo review, we explore the original machine.
VIA MERCHANT
Nespresso Vertuo
No need to fuss with buttons or baristas! The Nespresso Vertuo automatically detects pods and brews up real espresso, coffee and specialty drinks in seconds.
How We Tested the Nespresso Vertuo
As part of our tests to determine the best single-serve coffee maker, we evaluated 14 machines, performing roughly 10 tests on each brewer. Testers brewed over 50 coffee drinks and collected more than 450 data points for this analysis. We used this research to inform this Nespresso Vertuo review. Considerations include:
- Setup and Assembly:Â Testers read the user manual, noting its clarity and helpfulness. They then set up and filled the Nespresso’s water tank and noted the ease of the process.
- Specs, Construction and Appearance:Â For this category, we examine the machine’s construction and overall look, measure the length of the cord and determine the height of the cup compartment. Notes on appearance also include buttons, toggles, settings, water tank size and any additional features.
- Performance:Â Testers brew at least three beverages, using as many settings as possible to get a feel for the breadth of the machine’s functionality. For the Nespresso test, we make espresso, iced coffee, and regular cups of coffee.
- Cleaning and Disassembly:Â Testers disassemble and clean the Nespresso machine. We then rinse the water tank and wipe down any splash marks.
- Value: The final consideration is value, which determines the price vs. performance of the machine. Testers evaluate the Nespresso’s score and then look at the cost. We note whether or not each is worth the price, which indicates its value. Any warranty information also falls into this category.
Testing Lab Results
In our Product Testing Team’s evaluation of this Nespresso machine, they note that this is the best splurge-worthy option for those who want to enjoy a cafe-style cup at home.
The Nespresso Vertuo has a generous 29-inch cord that reaches rather far and four height settings for the cup compartment. It fits myriad mug sizes and travel containers under six inches tall, and the adjustable spout offers minimal splatter. The Vertuo’s generous 56-ounce tank comes fixed to the machine and offers ample room, requiring fewer refills. This impressed our Testing Team, who found most water tanks on the single-serve coffee makers they tested too small.
The Nespresso Vertuo whips up everything from regular coffee to specialty drinks like lattes and espressos in just seconds. As a bonus, our Testing Team also found Nespresso machines much quieter than other options. That said, they do make a bit of mechanical noise while brewing.
According to our lab tests, the machine brews espresso Nespresso pods using approximately 40 milliliters of water. The dark results are fairly bitter and leave a strong after-taste, with a nice crema on top—perfect for those who appreciate a strong jolt in the morning! Similarly, the double espressos—which brew around 80 milliliters—offer a good crema, strong flavors and a touch of bitterness. The regular coffee pods offer a generous dollop of crema on the surface of the drink. The results are strong and creamy rather than watery, likening them to a complex café-style drink rather than simple drip coffee.
Pros:
- Automatically detects pod
- Heavy-duty materials
- Available in black, red, graphite metal, titan and silver
- Provides a nice crema
- Fast, one-touch brewing
Cons:
- Must use Nespresso pods
Why You Should Trust Us
Our Product Testing and Shopping Teams have a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products. As purveyors of everything from the best coffee subscriptions to the best coffee products, we are passionate about our morning brew. We conducted all tests in our Product Testing Lab under controlled conditions. Our team spent an estimated 30 hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intake and testing the products.
For this Nespresso Vertuo review, we also consulted Sydney Manning, a former barista, Editorial Coordinator and Product Tester. Throughout the process, she provided guidance on what to look for in a single-serve coffee maker. We also spoke to culinary assistant Margaret Knoebel for additional insight.
Margaret is a culinary assistant at Taste of Home, where she prepares recipes for the photo studio and creates cooking videos. She also tests the recipe contest submissions, so if you submit recipes often, Margaret knows your name and loves to read about how you created each dish!
She’s an alumna of the Culinary Institute of America, where she earned degrees in baking and pastry arts. When not baking at work or home, you can find Margaret reading or hanging out with her golden doodle, Annie.
FAQ
How to descale Nespresso Vertuo?
Purchase a bottle of Nespresso Descaler and follow the directions on the packaging to descale your Nespresso coffee maker. We recommend doing this rather than DIYing a vinegar solution, which can void the product’s warranty.
How to clean Nespresso Vertuo?
The Nespresso Vertuo is easy to clean. Simply fill the brew tank with clean water and press the “cleaning cycle” button three times within two seconds. The cleaning procedure runs automatically for five minutes and consists of three cycles.
How to reset Nespresso Vertuo?
To reset the machine, turn it off and unplug it. Wait ten minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
Where to buy Nespresso Vertuo pods?
Nespresso Vertuo pods can be found at your local grocery store or online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.
Where to Buy the Nespresso Vertuo
According to our tests, the Nespresso Vertuo is one of the best Nespresso machine options for those who covet their morning cup. Those swayed by this Nespresso Vertuo review can snag the machine from a number of online retailers, including Nespresso’s website, Amazon, Walmart and Sur La Table. It typically retails for around $200, with the pods ringing up at around $2 each. It’s the perfect compromise for those who enjoy a cafe-style drink but find themselves with a lighter wallet or little time to make a stop at a local coffeehouse.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Nespresso Vertuo
No need to fuss with buttons or baristas! The Nespresso Vertuo automatically detects pods and brews up real espresso, coffee and specialty drinks in seconds.
Originally Published: July 10, 2024
