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Espresso machines might seem tricky and pricier than regular coffee makers. Yet, imagine making your own espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos at home. Who wouldn’t love that?
In our Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe review, we dive into a super user-friendly espresso maker. Part of the Nespresso VertuoLine, this pod machine whips up both coffee and espresso, making it a potentially game-changing kitchen gadget. But the big question is, should it earn a spot on your countertop? Let’s find out.
Coffee Quality — 8/10
Discover why Nespresso machines stand out! They use a special trick – pressure, just like traditional espresso machines, to brew your coffee quickly and bring out rich flavors that other pod makers can’t match.
Pod coffee makers operate at 1-2 bars of pressure, but the best budget espresso machines ramp up to 9+ bars, with top-notch ones hitting 15 bars for a richer brew.
The VertuoPlus coffee maker is amazing, using 19 bars of pressure to make your espresso! This means it can create a delicious espresso topped with a thick, creamy foam. While OriginalLine Nespresso machines might make espresso that tastes a bit better, the VertuoPlus wins at making the perfect creamy top.
The VertuoPlus, part of the Nespresso VertuoLine, isn’t just any coffee maker. It brews drip-style coffee that’s way better than what you’d get from other pod machines, thanks to its special pressure system. But remember, even with its advanced tech, it can’t quite match the rich taste you’d enjoy from a pour-over or the top automatic pour-over coffee makers.
Nespresso pods might not have endless options, but they’ve worked hard to cater to all tastes. With around 30 VertuoLine pods available, you’ll find everything from the tasty Barista Collection to top picks like the smooth, light-roast Voltesso and the supercharged, high-caffeine Diavolitto. Check out some of my favorite Nespresso pods for more inspiration!
Features — 8/10
The VertuoPlus, like all Nespresso VertuoLine machines, has a cool feature: it scans barcodes on Nespresso Vertuo pods. This means it can brew each coffee perfectly, without you needing to tweak any settings. It’s like Nespresso wants to be the Apple of coffee makers – making everything simple and top-notch.
The VertuoPlus Deluxe can make five cup sizes:
- Espresso — 1.35 ounces
- Double Espresso — 2.7 ounces
- Gran Lungo — 5 ounces
- Mug — 7.8 ounces
- Alto — 14 ounces
Don’t look for buttons to pick your cup size here. Each pod only brews one coffee size. The pod size decides the amount of coffee you get. For a bigger cup, choose mug or alto pods, not espresso or double espresso.
What truly sets the VertuoPlus Deluxe apart is its massive water tank. Holding 60 ounces, it beats out every other Nespresso VertuoLine model and most from the OriginalLine in size. This is what distinguishes the VertuoPlus Deluxe from its sibling, the VertuoPlus, which has a smaller 40-ounce tank. With a 60-ounce capacity, you can make up to 7 mugs or 44 espressos before needing a refill.
The VertuoPlus makes life easier with a special spot that can store up to 10 used coffee pods. No more dashing to the bin after every cup! Plus, when you pop in a new pod, the machine automatically tosses the old one into the storage area for you. It’s all about making your coffee routine as smooth as possible.
The VertuoPlus, unlike some Nespresso OriginalLine machines, lacks a milk frother. However, you can get it bundled with Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother by checking out this link. Perfect for creamy coffees!
Ease of Use and Cleaning — 10/10
Nespresso machines are super easy to use, and the VertuoLine models are the easiest of all. They have a barcode scanner that figures out the best brewing settings for you, making perfect coffee every time. If you love things that work automatically, you’ll find this to be the best coffee-making experience.
Making coffee with this machine is super easy: just pop in a pod, set your mug, and hit start. Thanks to its clever design, it automatically gets rid of the used pod, so there’s no mess to clean. Plus, its huge water tank lets you brew loads of espresso shots without needing a refill.
Keeping your Nespresso sparkling is a breeze! Simply wipe away any spills, and you’re all set. Planning to not use it for a few days? Remember to empty the capsule bin and water tank. Plus, give it a descale every few months to keep it running smoothly. Easy, right?
Design and Build Quality — 8.5/10
The VertuoPlus coffee machine is stylish and up-to-date, with a cool adjustable water tank that really stands out, making it a centerpiece in your kitchen that your guests will notice. But if you prefer a cleaner look, you can easily hide the water tank behind the machine.
Just like many Nespresso machines, the VertuoPlus comes from two different makers. Don’t worry, they’re both top-notch in quality. But, they do have their own unique styles. When you look at DeLonghi and Breville Nespresso machines, you’ll notice DeLonghis tend to have a more square shape, while Brevilles lean towards a softer, rounded look. This distinct design difference is evident in both the Breville VertuoPlus and DeLonghi VertuoPlus models.
The VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee machine comes in 8 stylish options: choose from 2 shades of black, 2 matte blacks, 2 sleek titaniums, and 2 shiny silvers. It might seem like the choices are limited, but there’s a twist! If you’re craving more color, the regular VertuoPlus offers cool gray, vibrant cherry red, and crisp white. Just a heads up, though—the regular version has a smaller water tank. Keep that in mind when picking your perfect coffee companion!
The VertuoPlus is well-made and sturdy. Some users have mentioned leaks and minor technical problems, but these issues are quite uncommon. Usually, if they occur, they do so early on. Luckily, with a 1-year warranty and outstanding customer service from Nespresso, these problems are easily resolved.
Value for Money — 8.5/10
The Nespresso machine is a fantastic deal. Normally, a 19-bar espresso machine costs over $200. Plus, a decent drip coffee maker adds another $100. But with Nespresso, you skip the hassle of coffee grounds and use easy pods instead. It’s a win-win for coffee lovers!
Nespresso Vertuo pods can be pricey, costing around $0.85 to $1.10 each. They’re more costly than regular ground coffee. Also, unlike the OriginalLine machines, you can’t use cheaper, third-party pods in VertuoLine machines because they need special barcodes to work.
If you’re feeling the pinch from buying pods, there’s a savvy option: reusable Nespresso pods. Fill them with your favorite coffee grounds and voilà, your VertuoPlus is as budget-friendly as a regular coffee machine. But, there’s a catch – it’s a bit more work. Yet, isn’t the ease of using pods why we love them in the first place?
Should You Buy the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe?
The VertuoPlus is a top choice for anyone craving great coffee or espresso. It’s super easy to use, versatile, and sports a modern, sleek look that stands out. Perfect for coffee beginners!
In our quest to find the best coffee maker, we pitted the VertuoPlus against the Vertuo and VertuoPlus against Vertuo Next. The VertuoPlus Deluxe stole the show with its huge, adjustable water tank. Yet, the Vertuo’s solid design and the Vertuo Next’s smart features and carafe pods also make them top picks for coffee lovers.
If you’re diving into the world of pod coffee makers and crave that classic drip coffee experience, check out the smallest Keurig coffee makers. They pack a punch similar to the VertuoPlus. Take the K-Supreme Plus, for example. Its multi-stream technology steps up its game, rivaling Nespresso’s coffee quality. However, if your heart desires both espresso and coffee, Nespresso might still be your go-to.
