Last updated: October 2, 2026
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi is a compact capsule machine built around convenience rather than traditional espresso technique. It makes coffee and espresso-style drinks from Nespresso Vertuo capsules, reads the capsule’s barcode, and automatically adjusts the brewing process. For someone who wants a quick mug before work, it solves several problems that make manual espresso machines frustrating: grinding, dosing, tamping, and dialing in a shot.
It is also important to understand what this machine is not. The Vertuo Plus does not use a standard portafilter, and it cannot brew ordinary ground coffee. Its “espresso” is produced through Nespresso’s Centrifusion system, which spins the capsule during brewing. The result is convenient and consistent, but it is a different experience from café-style espresso made with a pump machine.
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What the Nespresso Vertuo Plus does well
The Vertuo Plus is designed for people who want several drink sizes from one machine. Depending on the capsule, it can make a small espresso-style serving or a larger cup of coffee. The machine recognizes the barcode on each Vertuo capsule and selects the brewing parameters automatically, so there is very little for the user to adjust.
Setup is simple: fill the water tank, turn the machine on, insert a capsule, and press the button. The motorized or assisted opening mechanism on many Vertuo Plus units makes loading easier than the stiff manual latch found on some capsule machines. The water tank can also be repositioned, which helps when counter space is limited.
It heats faster than most traditional espresso machines and requires no grinder. Cleanup is mostly limited to emptying used capsules, rinsing the capsule holder, and occasionally running a cleaning or descaling cycle. For a busy household, those small advantages matter more than a more powerful steam wand that never gets used.
Coffee quality and drink options
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
Vertuo coffee generally has a thick layer of foam-like crema on top. It looks attractive and gives the drink a rounded texture, but it should not be confused with the crema produced by a well-extracted shot from freshly ground coffee. Some users enjoy the fuller mouthfeel; others find the foam excessive or the coffee less sharp and aromatic than café espresso.
Capsule choice has a major effect on the result. Darker blends can taste smoky or bitter, while lighter options may show more acidity and fruit character. The larger coffee capsules are convenient for a travel mug, but the coffee can taste less concentrated than a regular espresso-based drink. Milk, ice, or a little water can help tailor the strength, although the machine itself offers limited control.
If you want to experiment with grind size, brew temperature, dose, or extraction time, consider semi-automatic espresso machines instead. They demand more work but provide far more control.
Important drawbacks before you buy
The biggest ongoing cost is the capsule system. Vertuo capsules are proprietary, so you cannot freely shop among the broad range of third-party pods available for the original Nespresso system or other capsule formats. A single drink may be inexpensive compared with a coffee-shop purchase, but regular use can cost more than brewing with whole beans or ground coffee over time.
Capsule waste is another consideration. Some Vertuo capsules can be recycled through Nespresso’s recycling program, but recycling requires collecting and returning them through the available process. If you strongly prefer compostable or widely available third-party pods, this is the wrong platform.
There are also a few common failure modes. A neglected machine can develop mineral buildup, produce weak or inconsistent drinks, or stop dispensing properly. A dirty barcode-reading area or capsule holder may prevent the machine from recognizing a capsule. The brewing head and water tank need occasional cleaning, and descaling should not be postponed indefinitely if your water is hard.
Finally, the machine does not make café-style milk foam by itself. You can add a separate milk frother, heat milk on the stove, or buy a bundle that includes a frother. If cappuccinos and lattes are your main reason for buying, budget for that extra equipment.
Vertuo Plus versus other common choices
| Machine type | Best for | Main advantage | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus | Fast coffee and espresso-style drinks | Very easy operation and multiple capsule sizes | Proprietary capsules and limited brewing control |
| Original-style capsule machine | Small espresso drinks and broad pod availability | Many compatible capsules and compact designs | Usually does not brew a full mug of coffee |
| Drip coffee maker | Several cups at low cost | Affordable coffee per serving | No true espresso and less instant single-serve convenience |
| Semi-automatic espresso machine | People who want control and fresh-ground espresso | Best potential drink quality and customization | Requires a grinder, practice, cleaning, and more counter space |
A single-serve coffee maker is a better fit if you want the lowest-effort brewing but do not care about Vertuo’s particular capsule system. A regular drip machine is the cheaper choice when several people drink coffee at once. For a household that goes through a full pot every morning, buying coffee in capsules is difficult to justify on cost alone.
Who should buy the Vertuo Plus?
Buy it if you want one-button brewing, prefer coffee and occasional espresso-style servings, and value speed more than hands-on control. It works particularly well in small kitchens, offices, guest rooms, and homes where different people want different drink sizes.
It is also a reasonable gift for someone moving into a first apartment or anyone replacing daily coffee-shop trips with a simpler home routine. The recipient should be comfortable buying Vertuo capsules and should not expect to use their own coffee beans.
Choose another category if you want authentic espresso preparation, low long-term coffee costs, or the ability to use any beans you like. The cheaper option is fine when the main requirement is simply “make a hot cup quickly.” A basic drip machine or other pod brewer can meet that need without paying extra for espresso-style drinks the owner may rarely make.
If you want fresh beans but still need convenience, look at super-automatic espresso machines. They cost substantially more, and their internal grinders and milk systems add cleaning requirements, but they avoid the capsule lock-in.
Buying advice
Check the exact bundle before ordering. Some packages include only the machine, while others add a capsule sampler or a separate milk frother. Confirm the machine’s condition as well: used or refurbished units can be worthwhile, but ask whether the water tank, capsule holder, and cleaning parts are included.
Measure the counter space with the water tank in its usable position, not just the machine’s front-to-back footprint. Leave room to open the brewing head and remove the spent capsule container. Also consider whether the machine’s larger coffee sizes match your normal mug; some travel mugs will not fit without removing or adjusting the drip tray.
FAQ
Does the Vertuo Plus make real espresso?
It makes espresso-style drinks from Vertuo capsules, but it is not equivalent to espresso from a traditional pump machine using freshly ground coffee. It is best judged as a convenient capsule brewer.
Can I use regular ground coffee in it?
No. The Vertuo Plus is designed for Nespresso Vertuo capsules. It does not accept a standard portafilter or loose coffee grounds.
Is the Vertuo Plus good for cappuccinos?
It can make the coffee base for a cappuccino, but you need a separate milk frother or another way to heat and foam milk. The machine itself is not a complete automatic milk-drink system.
How often does it need cleaning?
Rinse removable parts regularly, empty the used capsule container before it becomes full, and run the manufacturer’s cleaning and descaling cycles as needed. Hard water and heavy use make maintenance more important.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus.
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