Best Coffee Makers

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Review

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Review

Introduction

If you’re someone who values convenience without sacrificing a bit of café-quality coffee at home, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus might just be your next kitchen companion. With its Centrifusion technology spinning pods at 7,000 RPM to create rich crema and a perfectly brewed cup, it’s designed to deliver a premium experience that rivals many specialty coffee makers. But let’s be honest — no machine is perfect, especially one that’s built around a proprietary pod system.

This review dives into what makes the Vertuo Plus stand out, what users really say about it, and whether it’s worth the investment. Whether you're a busy professional, a coffee lover looking for a consistent daily brew, or someone who just wants a hassle-free way to enjoy a great cup, we’ll explore all sides of this machine so you can decide if it fits your lifestyle.

We’ll walk through its key features, performance based on real-world user experiences, how it stacks up against competitors, and whether the price tag makes sense. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of if the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is right for you.

Quick Verdict

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)
Current Price: Around $120
Best Feature: The automatic capsule ejection and thick crema it produces

Bottom Line: The Nespresso Vertuo Plus offers a clean, convenient, and surprisingly rich coffee experience — but only if you don’t mind spending more on pods.

Key Features

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus comes packed with smart tech and thoughtful design features that aim to make your morning routine easier and more enjoyable:

  • Centrifusion Technology: This is the heart of the machine. It spins the capsule at an impressive 7,000 RPM to blend the coffee grounds with water, resulting in a more evenly extracted shot — similar to traditional espresso machines.
  • Automatic Capsule Ejection: After brewing, the machine opens automatically and ejects the used pod — no need to manually remove it. A small but appreciated touch.
  • Moveable Water Tank: The water reservoir swivels to fit various countertop setups, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or tight spaces.
  • Barcode Reading System: The machine scans the barcode on the rim of the capsule to adjust brewing parameters accordingly — ensuring optimal flavor extraction every time.
  • Quiet Operation: Unlike some of its competitors, the Vertuo Plus runs much quieter than older Keurig models, which is a big win for early risers or office environments.
  • Recycling Program: Nespresso offers free mailing bags for used pods, encouraging eco-conscious consumers to dispose responsibly.

These features combine to offer a user-friendly, consistent, and clean-brewing experience — though they come with a trade-off in cost.

Performance & User Experience

Let’s get straight to what real users are saying. The feedback on the Vertuo Plus is generally positive, but not without caveats.

“The convenience is unmatched, and the crema (foam) is thick.” (110 upvotes)

That quote sums up much of the praise. Users love how easy it is to operate and how the machine delivers a creamy, espresso-like texture. It’s clear that many appreciate the smoothness and richness of the final cup.

But there are also downsides, as highlighted by others:

“The coffee isn't hot enough, and the pods are proprietary/expensive.” (85 upvotes)

This is a common complaint — while the Vertuo Plus does a solid job of brewing a flavorful cup, temperature can sometimes fall short, especially if you're used to barista-style drinks. Also, pod pricing remains a sticking point for budget-conscious buyers.

Some users have shared other observations:

  • “It’s quiet compared to my old Keurig. That alone made switching worth it.”
  • “I love the recycling program. Makes me feel less guilty about using pods.”

There’s also a recurring theme around consistency — many users report that while the machine works well most of the time, occasional issues with pod alignment or uneven extraction can occur.

One user noted:

“It’s not real espresso, but it’s definitely better than regular drip or Keurig.”

So overall, performance leans toward the positive, especially for those who value ease and consistency over full control.

Comparisons

When comparing the Vertuo Plus to other single-serve machines, it holds its own — but not without trade-offs.

“Coffee tastes richer than Keurig, but Keurig has cheaper pods.” (Reddit sentiment)

This encapsulates a major dilemma: Nespresso delivers better flavor, but at a higher ongoing cost. If you're after the best possible taste and don't mind paying a premium, Vertuo Plus wins. But if you're watching your budget closely, Keurig might still edge out as the smarter pick.

“Not real espresso compared to the Original Line Nespresso machines.” (Reddit sentiment)

This is another point of contention. While the Vertuo Plus uses advanced centrifusion to simulate espresso-like qualities, it doesn’t replicate the true pressure and extraction methods found in traditional espresso machines or even the original Nespresso line.

Still, for everyday home use, the Vertuo Plus strikes a good balance between ease-of-use and quality — just not quite at the level of a dedicated espresso setup.

Who Should Buy This

If you’re considering the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, here are the ideal candidates:

  • Busy professionals who want a reliable, quick morning brew without the hassle.
  • Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a slightly richer, more textured cup than standard drip machines.
  • Home offices or small apartments where space efficiency matters, thanks to the moveable water tank and compact design.

However, skip this if:

  • You're on a strict budget and prefer lower-cost alternatives like Keurig or traditional drip makers.
  • You're a serious espresso fan who needs full control over grind size, pressure, and timing.

Pricing & Value

While the machine itself costs around $120, which feels reasonable for the features included, the ongoing expense of pods is where the real cost lies.

“Machine is cheap ($120), but the pods will bankrupt you.” (Reddit sentiment)

This is a classic razor-and-blades business model, and it’s one that many users find frustrating. Pods range from $0.50–$1.20 each depending on the variety, and they’re non-negotiable due to the proprietary system.

That said, if you’re a frequent coffee drinker and don’t mind the added cost, the convenience factor may justify the price. For those on a tighter budget, consider waiting for Prime Day sales or Black Friday deals, which often bring discounts on both machines and pods.

Final Verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus delivers a smooth, consistent, and relatively quiet coffee experience with a standout feature set. Its Centrifusion technology and automatic ejection system make it a standout in the single-serve market, and many users find it genuinely satisfying. However, the high cost of pods and occasional temperature issues mean it's not for everyone.

If you value convenience, quality, and a bit of luxury in your morning routine, then yes — the Vertuo Plus is worth the investment. Just be ready to embrace the pod ecosystem.

Rating: 4/5 stars
Check current price on Amazon to see if it's worth your money today.