Nespresso VertuoPlus Review

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is the most convenient pod brewer we tested. More than anything else, the single-button simplicity separates this top-ranked coffee maker from the other models in this review. Without an interface or programable features, the VertouPlus streamlines the brewing process down to the most simple single button operation. We recommend the Nespresso VertuoPlus over any other pod brewer. There are only three steps to making coffee with this machine; fill the water tank, insert the pod, and press the single button to activate brewing. Done!

Performance Comparison

Brew Quality

The VertuoPlus takes the cake for convenience but falls short in cup quality. However, it does score higher in this metric than the other pod-style models. The barcode technology of the VertuoPlus sets this brewer's quality apart from the rest.

Although the VertuoPlus does not reach industry standards for water temperature, it had a slightly above-average performance for water distribution. This metric is essential for even extraction and a higher quality brewed coffee. The VertuoPlus uses centrifugal force to spin pods at a rate of 7000 RPM to saturate the grounds and brew the coffee. It also offers a pre-infusion feature that helps to further evenly saturate the coffee before the initial brewing begins. An even saturation can assist in brewing the most flavorful cup.

This VertuoPlus requires specific Nespresso brand pods for brewing. These pods tend to be a bit on the pricey side, but they have a unique function. The Nespresso pods have a barcode that communicates with the brewer. According to the barcode, the brewer will select the correct amount of water to use in order to brew the perfect amount for your cup.

User Friendliness

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is not programmable. However, the brewer can intuitively brew to your cup size, and with push-start convenience, you don't need to schedule your coffee brewing. Just choose the pods that are programmed to give you the style and size of cup you prefer.

Automatic brewing can be a helpful feature but is entirely unnecessary for the VertuoPlus. This coffee maker is as simple as it gets. Fill the water tank, place the pod into the brewer, and hit the single button to start brewing. The barcode on the pod tells the brewer how much to brew, depending on pod size. The only choice you have to make in the morning with this brewer is picking out which pod and mug to use.

The VertuoPlus is easy to fill with an entirely removable water reservoir. You can fill the tank all the way so it's ready for many cups to come. We should also mention that the water tank swivels, allowing you to choose if the tank sits on the right or left side. This design feature can be helpful to customize the brewer to your space.

Ease of Cleaning

The pod-style VertuoPlus brewer is one of the most accessible coffee makers to clean. Its simple and modern design makes for easy upkeep and a clean-looking coffee maker.

Although the VertuoPlus is not dishwasher safe, it is relatively simple to wash all components with hot water and a mild detergent. The water tank is removable and can be taken to the sink for easy cleaning.

During testing, the VertuoPlus showed minimal coffee splatter. The outside of this brewer is easy to keep clean. And the honeycomb design on the drip conceals any spills that may occur during the brewing process. After repeated brewing, the pod collector will need to be emptied and rinsed. The pod collector is also detachable to simplify cleaning.

Consistency

The Nespresso VertuoPlus was one of the lowest-performing coffee makers in terms of consistency. This coffee maker is designed to brew coffee cup by cup — so it is not suited for big batch brews. If you're looking for the convenience of a pod brewer but may also require brewing multiple coffees from time to time, we recommend looking elsewhere.

This brewer could be perfect for a single person or a household with only one coffee drinker. However, the VertuoPlus does not have what it takes to brew back-to-back coffee cups without significantly losing water temperature. If you are making multiple coffees in the morning, we suggest giving the machine some time to warm back up between brews.

Our testing shows each pod-style brewer in our review performed poorly in flavor retention. This is not the best choice for a to-go coffee. With the time you save on brewing in the morning, you may be able to sit down and enjoy your coffee instead of bolting out the door. If you want to make a single cup and have the time to drink it right then and there, the VertuoPlus could be a good option.

Value

Pod machines are typically more expensive than traditional drip brewers. Comparatively, the VertuoPlus comes with a pretty standard price tag for this type of brewing technology. It's important to note that the VertuoPlus requires a specific pod because the brewer reads the barcode on the brand-specific pod in order to activate brewing and these pods are a bit more expensive than a generic brand. With these variables in mind, the price per cup will be significantly higher with the VertuoPlus than more traditional brewing systems. If you are looking for something more affordable, we recommend other low-priced models in our best coffee makers review.

Conclusion

If you are looking for ultimate convenience, the Nespresso VertuoPlus will not disappoint. This is the easiest pod machine in our review to use and keep clean. The VertuoPlus takes the guesswork out of coffee brewing with a single button. It lacks programmable features, but with automatic pre-infusion and barcode-reading brew technology, this brewer delivers coffee so efficiently that there is no need to schedule your brewing the night before. The approachability of this machine makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy cup of coffee.