Nespresso VertuoPlus Review: Pros, Cons, Who Should Buy It & More

I’ve been a Nespresso user for years now, ever since my wife got me my first machine as a gift. While I still prefer the flavor of freshly ground coffee made in a French press or pour-over, I can’t deny the convenience of popping in a Nespresso capsule and getting a delicious espresso or coffee in under a minute.

Over the past few months I’ve been testing out the VertuoPlus. This sleek and modern machine builds upon the technology of the original Vertuo with a few nice upgrades. In this Nespresso VertuoPlus review, I’ll walk through what I like about this machine, where I think it falls short, and whether it’s worth the investment for your home or office.

An Overview of the Nespresso VertuoPlus

The VertuoPlus brewer utilizes Nespresso’s unique Centrifusion technology, where the coffee pod spins rapidly to blend ground coffee with water. This produces an especially rich and velvety crema while extracting the full flavor from the coffee, even though the machine only reaches around 180 degrees (F)—the ideal brewing temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees (F).

Compared to Nespresso’s smaller OriginalLine machines, the VertuoPlus excels at preparing longer shots and larger coffee drinks in the 5-14oz range. It uses the large, dome-shaped VertuoLine pods instead of the small Nespresso capsules. The barcodes on the Vertuo pods tell the machine the optimal brewing parameters for each individual blend, which is really cool.

Overall, I’ve been very pleased with the VertuoPlus. The extra-large 60oz water tank cuts down on frequent refilling, even when making those larger coffee drinks. The motorized head opens smoothly at the touch of a button, and closes securely with a satisfying click. It looks superb on my kitchen counter with its sleek metal and matte black finish.

While it doesn’t replicate the perfect balance of my go-to pour-over or espresso machine, the VertuoPlus delivers consistently tasty coffee with zero fuss. For an efficient, easy caffeine boost, this machine hits all the marks.

Pros and Cons of the VertuoPlus Coffee Machine

Appearance and Design

Nespresso gets top marks for crafting beautiful coffee machines, and the VertuoPlus is no exception. Its sleek metallic exterior and matte black accents fit elegantly into any modern kitchen. It also comes in other colors, like red, gray, white, and silver, so you can match to your existing kitchen decor.

The VertuoPlus has a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor, the Vertuo machine. It measures 9.1 inches wide, 13.2 inches deep, and 12.8 inches tall. The standalone water reservoir adds quite a bit to the footprint, so if you have minimal counter space, this might not be the best machine for you. I’d recommend the original Vertuo or something like the Pixie from the original line.

In the hand, the VertuoPlus feels reassuringly sturdy and well-built. Buttons provide crisp feedback without any shakiness. The folding drip tray that extends from the machine also seals firmly in place magnetically when not in use. And the motorized top is just a really nice touch, especially at this price point.

Nespresso also sells the VertuoPlus in a deluxe version with premium details like chrome accents and a matching Aeroccino frother for making mixed coffee drinks But in my opinion the standard model looks just as stunning.

Ease of Use

I’ve recommended Nespresso machines to friends and family precisely because they make brewing “espresso” so foolproof. Okay, it’s not technically espresso, but it’s somewhat close. And the brewing process couldn’t be easier. Pop in a pod, close the lever, and you’ve got fresh, hot coffee streaming into your cup under a minute.

The VertuoPlus takes that simplicity one step further with its motorized head that opens at the push of a button. Just lift the handle, drop in a pod, and close the top. The machine will spin up the Centrifusion system and begin brewing automatically based on the barcode on the coffee pod.

I especially appreciate how effortlessly the pod gets inserted compared to my old Inissia model. No more struggling to clamp the pod in place securely—although, admittedly, I kind of liked clamping it down into place. The motor also initiates a handy cleaning cycle every two weeks.

The main downside in terms of ease of use is the lack of adjustments. You can’t fine tune the coffee volume or temperature like on some OriginalLine machines. The VertuoPlus will default to the pre-programmed size based on the pod barcode. This is great except for if you buy a reusable pod and grind your own coffee.

Coffee Quality

As you would expect from Nespresso, the VertuoPlus produces consistently high-quality coffee and espresso drinks. The Centrifusion technology, where the pod rapidly spins to blend water and grounds, is the key. The centrifugal motion helps extract more complexity from the coffee while generating a thick, rich crema. It’s kind of crazy that it produces such great results.

My favorite thing about the VertuoPlus is its ability to make a full range of coffee sizes. With the OriginalLine, you’re limited to just 1.35oz shots for the most part. The VertuoPlus uses larger 8, 10, and 14oz Vertuo pods to make coffee comparable to an Americano or drip coffee, but with more boldness.

I’m impressed by how smooth and balanced the larger coffees taste. The crema helps amplify the subtle notes that often get diluted in regular drip coffee. The system adjusts the Centrifusion speed and brew time automatically based on the selected pod size.

Now, I’ll be honest: if I want the absolute best coffee flavor, I’d still rather use my pour-over setup with fresh specialty grounds. But for everyday convenience, the VertuoPlus makes a very satisfying brew that I can mindlessly prepare in seconds. And there’s something to be said about that.

Counter Space and Storage

A common complaint of Nespresso machines is their tendency to hog counter space. Since the VertuoPlus measures 9.1 inches wide, that’s something you’ll have to consider.

I can fit the VertuoPlus on my kitchen counter between other small appliances and gadgets without too much issue, but those with limited counter space might do better with another Nespresso machine.

The VertuoPlus is also 12.8 inches tall thanks to the Centrifusion mechanism inside. So under low upper cabinets is really the only place I’d avoid storing it. Otherwise it should slot neatly onto most kitchen counters or office spaces without too much of a hassle.

Under the hood, the VertuoPlus contains a 60 ounce removable water reservoir. That’s 20oz larger than the tank on my old Inissia model, and 20oz larger than the original Vertuo machine. I can go several days without refilling even as a regular coffee drinker.

The tank does stand alone, but I don’t mind that. It makes pulling it up easier for cleaning and filling.

Pod Compatibility

A key limitation of the VertuoPlus is that it only works with VertuoLine pods. It will not brew the smaller Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. That took some adjustment coming from my Inissia maker.

The upside is that VertuoLine pods come in a wider range of sizes: espresso (1.35oz), double espresso (2.7oz), gran lungo (5oz), coffee (7.7oz) and alto (14oz). So you can pull basic shots or make a larger café style coffee.

You can use your own grounds in the VertuoPlus with a reusable Vertuo pod, which I recommend if you have a good grinder that can handle the tiny grind size for Nespresso machines.

The recyclable aluminum Nespresso pods have a lighter environmental impact than most single-use pods, but going with a reusable filter is even more eco-friendly. Plus, it will usually produce better coffee overall.

Price

The Nespresso VertuoPlus retails between $170 and $200, but it’s easy to find on sale online and in stores. I scored mine for $120 with a bundle of coffee pods included. You can check Amazon for the most recent price and deals.

At that price point, I think it’s an excellent value for an efficient, everyday coffee maker. The brew quality and convenience rival what you’d spend $300+ on from some other coffee makers.

For comparison, the slightly larger Vertuo model retails around $200. So you’re getting a larger water reservoir in the VertuoPlusand a motorized head for roughly $30 less. I’m honestly not sure why! But these are the prices on Nespresso’s own website.

Build Quality

Nespresso has distinguished itself by making attractive, well-built coffee machines. Even their “base” models feel solid and substantial, using mostly metal components. The VertuoPlus follows in this tradition with its sleek, sturdy shell.

The water reservoir and back panel are made of sturdy plastic. But visibly, the exterior uses solid, high-grade metal for an elegant look and feel. The folding parts like the drip tray and spout have tight tolerances with no wiggle or vibration during brewing.

Inside, the Centrifusion system is the primary mechanical innovation. A heavy spinning arm punctures the pod lid then blends the grounds and water at up to 7,000 rpm. The spin speed, temperature, and duration will adjust automatically based on the selected coffee pod.

In over 6 months of regular use, none of the moving parts have shown any signs of wear. Operation remains smooth and quiet. My only criticism is the plastic inner shell feels a bit flimsy removing it for descaling. But that’s an infrequent procedure anyway.

Warranty

Nespresso provides a 2-year warranty on the VertuoPlus. That equals the coverage you get from premium brands like Breville. It instills confidence that any defects or premature issues would be handled promptly.

Based on customer reviews, the VertuoPlus seems quite reliable. As with any coffee device, proper cleaning and maintenance will maximize the machine’s lifespan. Nespresso also makes it easy to initiate repairs if needed.

From what I can tell, the VertuoPlus should last 5+ years with regular use. Any parts that wear out from the spinning mechanism would likely be covered under the two year warranty anyhow. Overall I find the warranty fair and on par with competing coffee makers, and generally better than the 1-year warranty you’d get with a Keurig machine.

Water Tank

The 60oz water reservoir on the VertuoPlus is perfect for keeping up with my daily coffee demands. It’s a full 20oz larger than the tank on my old Inissia machine, which is quite a welcome improvement.

I can go 3 to 4 days before needing to refill, even as a heavy coffee drinker. That’s because the tank is large enough to support the 5 to 14oz coffee sizes that the VertuoLine brews.

Refilling is easy, too. Just lift the tank off of the separate stand, refill, and place it back on the stand. There’s also ample room to pour from a water bottle or pitcher if you don’t want to use tap water.

Since the water reservoir stands separate from the machine, it’s also super easy to see the water level, so you can check without pulling your machine out to see where it stands.

VertuoPlus vs. Vertuo: Key Differences

Within Nespresso’s Vertuo line, the VertuoPlus is almost identical to the standard Vertuo model. Aside from some design tweaks, here are the main differences:

• The Vertuo is a little bit smaller: about 1 inch slimmer, shallower, and shorter. That means it’s a better option if you have limited counter space.
• The VertuoPlus has a motorized head: with one tap it smoothly opens and closes. The Vertuo uses a manual lever.
• The VertuoPlus has a larger water reservoir: it holds 60oz of water vs 40oz for the Vertuo. A modest but welcome bump in capacity.
• The VertuoPlus is weirdly less expensive: despite having more features, the VertuoPlus currently costs $30-50 less than the Vertuo.

Wrapping Up: Who Should Buy the Nespresso VertuoPlus?

The VertuoPlus is ideal for coffee lovers who want:

• Effortless coffee with espresso-grade quality
• Larger coffee mug sizes in addition to espresso
• Quick brew times under a minute
• Minimal counter space usage

This machine will appeal especially to coffee drinkers upgrading from Keurig K-Cups or inferior capsule coffee makers. The VertuoPlus brews much richer, cafe-caliber coffee thanks to Centrifusion technology.

It’s also great for people who are just getting into espresso and are—justifiably—intimidated by traditional espresso machines. The Nespresso VertuoPlus makes brewing espresso-like drinks a breeze.

Die-hard espresso fanatics may still prefer a manual brew method. But for most people, the VertuoPlus hits the golden balance between convenience and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of coffee can the Nespresso VertuoPlus make?

The VertuoPlus uses large-format VertuoLine pods to brew espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, and alto sizes ranging from 1.35oz to 14oz. It makes authentic espresso as well as coffee comparable to Americanos and drip coffee. The Centrifusion technology allows it to extract bold, nuanced flavor across all sizes.

How complicated is the VertuoPlus to operate?

Using the VertuoPlus is very straightforward. Just lift the lever, insert a pod, and close the lever. The machine will read the barcode on the pod and automatically adjust the Centrifusion brewing parameters. A motorized mechanism smoothly opens and closes the head at the push of a button for easy one-handed operation.

What maintenance is required for the VertuoPlus?

The only regular maintenance needed is descaling every 3 to 6 months to remove mineral buildup from your tap water. The machine prompts you when it’s time to descale, making the entire process a bit easier. Rinsing and air drying the water tank periodically is also recommended to avoid mold growth. The brew head doesn’t need cleaning thanks to the self-contained pods.