Nespresso Vertuo Review: Hands-On Review, Pros, Cons, and More

I usually prefer the ritual of hand-brewing my morning coffee using my French press or Chemex over using a machine. However, I’m not above using more convenient methods when time is limited. This is where my small collection of Nespresso machines comes into play.

Yes, I have multiple Nespressos. And yes, I may have a problem. But my questionable coffee machine hoarding tendencies work in your favor! I’ve used several Nespresso models extensively, so this hands-on Nespresso Vertuo review will not only give you an overview of the machine itself but also compare it to other models.

The Nespresso Vertuo occupies an interesting spot in the single-serve coffee maker world. It lacks the extreme convenience of lower-end pod coffee makers but produces a much higher quality cup of coffee. Read on for the full scoop on the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine.

Nespresso Vertuo: Quick Overview

The Nespresso Vertuo is a single-serve pod coffee maker that uses Nespresso’s unique VertuoLine pods. It makes both coffee and “espresso” with the simple touch of a button, using barcode technology to customize the brewing parameters for each Grand Cru pod variety. I say “espresso” in quotes because Nespresso doesn’t make true espresso, but it is an approximation that’s full of flavor and delicious enough even if it’s not technically espresso.

The Vertuo produces better tasting coffee than your average pod machine while retaining a reasonable amount of convenience. In my opinion, this machine blows the pants off any Keurig machine, and I personally prefer the VertuoLine machines over the OriginalLine machine. The pod options aren’t as plentiful due to no third-party pods (there are Starbucks pods, but they’re made by Nespresso), but I think the coffee/espresso combination is going to appeal to more people than the straight up espresso that the OriginalLine machines can handle.

The machine looks sleek and modern with a relatively small countertop footprint (8.3 in. wide, 11.91 in. deep, and 11.9 in. tall). The moveable water tank is a nice touch because it gives you some footprint customization. I personally don’t find this useful, but if you have a small or tight kitchen or limited counter space, this adjustment might appeal to you. Automatic ejection and disposal of used pods also adds to the convenience, as you don’t have to retrieve your pod after every single cup.

The Vertuo only works with VertuoLine pods, so you lose some flexibility compared to Nespresso’s OriginalLine machines. It’s also louder than some other Nespresso models, so it might not be ideal for you if you wake up before everyone else and need to stay quiet so as not to wake them.

And finally, while the Vertuo makes good coffee for a single-serve machine, hand-brewed coffee is usually superior.

Nespresso Vertuo Pros and Cons

Nespresso Vertuo Review: The Full Picture

Now, let’s dive into some specific metrics that I think you should consider before buying a Nespresso Vertuo machine.

Appearance and Footprint

Nespresso machines have a reputation for sleek, modern visual design, and the Vertuo is no exception. It sports a glossy plastic exterior with chrome and plastic accents. I have a black one, which looks minimalist, but it also comes in matte black, “titan” (which is a gun metal grey), red, and chrome. A moveable chrome lever opens the centrally located capsule loading bay—more on this later, as the mechanism is a little strange, especially the first time you use it.

With dimensions of just 8.3 in. wide x 11.9 in. high x 11.91 in. deep, the Vertuo doesn’t take up much precious counter real estate. It’s narrower than the 8.7” width of the VertuoPlus model, but only a little. If you’re really tight on space, the standard Vertuo is a better option, but for most people, this probably won’t make much of a difference.

I prefer the look of the Vertuo to bulkier single-serve coffee makers like Keurigs. While not as elegant as some of Nespresso’s OriginalLine models, it still looks great on my kitchen counter. Honestly, it looks more like something you’d find in a coffee shop than a kitchen.

Ease of Use

The Vertuo keeps the pod-based coffee making process blissfully simple. Lift the lever, pop in a capsule, lower the lever, and press one button. That’s all it takes to produce either a 1.35oz espresso or a longer coffee.

I will say that the mechanism to open and close the area where you put the pod is a little off-putting at first. There’s a dial-type lever (I know, it sounds weird) that you turn to the left to open the pod chamber. When you’re done inserting the pod, you then close the lid and turn the lever to the right. It’s not a bad mechanism, but it does require some force to use, and the first time you try it, you’re probably going to feel like you’re doing it incorrectly, like I did. I did get used to it pretty quickly, though.

The machine reads a barcode on each Grand Cru capsule to adjust the brew parameters like water temperature and volume to the specific pod you’re using. So you don’t have to program anything manually. Just pop in your pod and go. That’s a really nice touch that I find delivers better coffee than most single-serve brewers.

With that said, I do sometimes yearn for the ability to thinker with the brew settings. There are NO brewing parameters that you can set, whether you’re using a Nespresso-branded pod or a reusable pod. This is unfortunate, especially because the machine has the capability for adjustments, so why not let the user dial them in? A minor gripe on my part, and the likelihood is that you’re not buying a Nespresso machine for control over your brewing experience…you’re buying it for convenience. And in the convenience department, Nespresso is the best in the business, in my opinion.

An automatic pod ejection system drops used capsules into a hidden container after brewing. It collects pods and lets you know when it’s getting full. This is nice because you don’t have to fish out your used pod after every use. It’s NOT nice, though, if you use reusable pods. You’ll have to go into the pod reservoir to get your pod back after each brew. It’s clear that Nespresso wants you to use their pods…

The water tank is conveniently located on the back of the machine. Just flip it outward to refill when needed. A folding cup tray on top provides space for your coffee cup.

Nespresso tried to make the Vertuo as straightforward as possible, and they succeeded. I never feel the need to refer to an instruction manual with this machine. It’s infinitely more intuitive than my old Keurig. The only learning curve is figuring out how firmly to close down the lever when inserting pods, but you quickly get the hang of it!

Coffee Quality

Let’s address the elephant in the room. No single-serve pod coffee maker can compete with a proper manual brewing method. The pre-ground coffee inside pods simply can’t match the flavor of freshly ground beans. The short brew time of a Nespresso also extracts a bit less flavor than proper steeping. They get around this to some extent by grinding finer, but I still don’t think it holds a candle to manual brewing methods.

However, the Vertuo does make tasty coffee for a pod machine—in fact, it’s one of my favorite single-serve coffee machines, and I like the coffee that comes out of it better than just about any other machine that takes pre-ground coffee. The unique “Centrifusion extraction” process, as Nespresso calls it, spins the pod at up to 7,000 rotations per minute. This forces the water through the grounds using centrifugal force rather than just gravity. So, you don’t need a fancy water pump to create the pressure needed to drive water through the coffee.

I find this produces a fuller, richer flavor than you get from static K-cups brewing coffee in under a minute. The crema produced by the Nespresso pods looks quite attractive as well. And it’s just a tastier cup. Bravo, Nespresso.

While not as nuanced or powerful as what I can make with my high-end drip machine with freshly ground beans, the Vertuo offers very solid coffee and espresso. Flavor profiles do vary quite a bit between Grand Cru varieties, so experiment to find your favorites. For times when convenience and speed outweigh flavor perfection, the Vertuo delivers the goods.

Nespresso Pod Compatibility

The Vertuo system uses a unique type of Nespresso pod called VertuoLine. These dome-shaped pods have a barcode around the rim that the brewer reads to set parameters like water volume and temperature before brewing.

VertuoLine pods are larger and shaped differently than Nespresso’s smaller OriginalLine pods. So, unfortunately, you cannot use OriginalLine varieties in a Vertuo machine. The means if you have something like the Nespresso Pixie and you get a Vertuo, the pods aren’t compatible. Also, the two lines make drastically different coffee. I think the Vertuo machines will appeal to most coffee lovers, but if you prefer a more concentrated coffee, similar to espresso, then an OriginalLine machine might be better.

If you want to use your own coffee, you can purchase reusable VertuoLine pods. Fill them with your preferred grounds, insert into the Vertuo, and brew. I’ve found freshly ground beans produce better flavor than pre-ground coffee pods, although you do lose the dialed-in parameters for the Nespresso-branded pods, which is a real shame. Also, you’ll need to fish out your pod from the reservoir after brewing, which is a bit of a pain and can get messy, especially if the pod opens up after brewing.

Price

The Nespresso Vertuo retails around $219, but prices fluctuate, so you should check the price on Amazon. It’s one of the more affordable Nespresso models. Many OriginalLine machines cost $300 or more, and some of the high-end Nespresso machines cost over $800!

Compared to other single-serve coffee makers, the Vertuo sits at a middle price point. It’s pricier than a basic Keurig but more affordable than “gourmet” one-cup brewers.

Given the quality and durability, I think the Vertuo offers solid value. It’s a noticeable step up from cheap pod brewers that often break quickly, so I think it’s worth the investment. I personally wouldn’t use a Keurig machine, even if it meant more convenience, but I happily rely on my Nespresso Vertuo on those mornings where I just don’t feel like making manually brewed coffee.

Quality and Durability

Nespresso machines tend to stand the test of time. The brand only uses high-grade materials like stainless steel and sturdy plastics. Based on my experience, you can expect a Vertuo to last 5+ years with proper maintenance. I feel like they’re sturdier and more reliable than Keurig machines, too. The Nespresso Vertuo FEELS heftier, even though it’s only a little heavier. At 10.85 pounds, it’s only a touch heavier than something like the Keurig K-Classic. I think the difference is that the Nespresso Vertuo is much smaller, so it feels denser and of higher quality.

Also, while the opening and closing mechanism for the pod holder is a little weird the first time you use it, it’s SOLID. Compared to the flimsy Keurig pod holders and the delicate brewing needles that can easily get bent, damaged, and clogged, the Nespresso machine is just a step ahead.

I would take a Vertuo over a flimsy $100 Keurig any day. You certainly get what you pay for when it comes to durability.

Warranty

Nespresso provides a limited 2-year warranty on the Vertuo. This protects against manufacturer defects, and the company has pretty good customer service, from what I’ve heard. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to contact them.

Many pod coffee makers—including most Keurig machines—only come with a 1-year warranty. So Nespresso’s 2 years of coverage provides extra peace of mind. And I’m not surprised about the longer warranty, as the quality is just outstanding.

I’ve never needed to use the warranty on a Nespresso machine. But it’s nice to have that support given the cost of these appliances.

Water Reservoir

The Vertuo contains a 40oz removable water reservoir—note that some resources say 37oz, but I’ve measured mine, and it’s definitely 40oz! The reservoir sits at the rear of the machine for easy access, which makes refilling a bit easier.

Compared to other single-serve coffee makers, 40oz is a reasonably large capacity. For instance, the Keurig K-Mini holds just 12oz. But some Nespresso models boast 50+ oz reservoirs, so the Vertuo definitely isn’t the biggest I’ve seen.

I find 40oz perfect for 1 to 3 coffee drinkers, as you’ll refill every few days instead of daily or after every brew. Larger households may need more frequent refills, but 40oz should be large enough not to be too much of an inconvenience for you.

Nespresso Vertuo vs. VertuoPlus: What’s the Difference?

Nespresso offers two pod machine lines: the Original and the Vertuo. The Original uses smaller pods without barcodes and makes just standard espresso and lungos. Meanwhile, the Vertuo uses larger, barcoded Grand Cru capsules and makes both coffee and espresso.

The brewing method is totally different, even beyond just considering the coffee that comes out. The OriginalLine machines create brewing pressure using a water pump, much like traditional espresso machines. The VertuoLine machines use “Centrifusion technology” to spin the capsule and create centrifugal force that pulls the water down through the coffee. It’s really an ingenious way of creating pressure, and it delivers some delicious coffee.

Within the Vertuo line, the standard Vertuo and VertuoPlus models are nearly identical. The Plus adds a motorized head that opens and closes automatically, which is nice, but totally unecessary. It also offers a slightly bigger water tank and the ability to brew larger coffee sizes up to 18oz. However, it takes up slightly more counter space.

Either Vertuo machine will serve most users well. If your kitchen is cramped, I suggest the smaller Vertuo model. But if you like to gulp down extra-large coffee drinks, spring for the VertuoPlus. Just be prepared to clear a bit more room on your countertop.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Nespresso Vertuo?

The Vertuo occupies an interesting space between the extreme convenience of budget single-serve coffee makers and higher quality manual brewing systems. It makes solid coffee quickly and easily but offers a more premium experience than Keurigs and off-brand pod machines.

I find the Nespresso Vertuo works best for those wanting great tasting coffee with fuss-reduced preparation. It’s fantastic on hectic mornings when you need caffeine ASAP but don’t want to drink flavorless or overly bitter and acidic coffee. The sleek design also makes it an attractive option for style-focused kitchens.

However, die-hard coffee snobs may still prefer simpler methods like the AeroPress or pour over that provide maximum flavor clarity. And for larger households, the Vertuo’s 40oz water reservoir may require frequent refilling.

But if you seek a happy medium between coffee quality and convenience, the Nespresso Vertuo hits that sweet spot. Despite my artisanal coffee pretensions, I adore the Vertuo for delivering speedy caffeine with minimal effort. When I lack the time or patience for my usual hand-brewing routine, the Vertuo gives me a delicious coffee fix in seconds flat. So if you love manual coffee but sometimes want something a little more convenient, the Vertuo will be perfect for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Vertuo and VertuoPlus models?

The main differences between the standard Vertuo and VertuoPlus are size and coffee capacity. The Plus model has a wider footprint, and it also offers an extra large 18oz coffee setting while the original maxes out at 14oz. The VertuoPlus also has a larger water reservoir—50oz as opposed to 40oz. However, both make the same great-tasting coffee and espresso. Choose the smaller Vertuo if counter space is limited. Go for the VertuoPlus if you love giant cups of coffee.

Can I use my own coffee in the Nespresso Vertuo?

Yes, you can use your own ground coffee in the Vertuo if you purchase reusable capsules. These empty pods allow you to fill them with your preferred coffee grounds. This often results in fresher, more flavorful coffee than using pre-ground VertuoLine pods. Just be sure to use a grind size suitable for espresso or specifically for Nespresso machines.

How does the barcode system work on the Nespresso Vertuo pods?

VertuoLine capsules have a barcode ring around the top rim. When inserted in the machine, a sensor reads this barcode. It then automatically adjusts the brew parameters like water temperature, brewing time, and volume to optimize that specific Grand Cru variety. So you don’t have to program anything manually. The barcode allows the Vertuo to customize the brewing process for each individual coffee or espresso blend, which is a nice touch.

Where can I buy Nespresso Vertuo pods?

Nespresso VertuoLine pods can be purchased directly from Nespresso either online or by phone. They are also available at many grocery stores, big box chains like Bed Bath & Beyond, and through online retailers like Amazon. However, you’ll find the largest pod selection when buying directly from Nespresso. Be sure to check that pods are specifically for the Vertuo model before purchasing.