Last updated: October 2, 2026
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a pod coffee machine built for people who want larger cups than the company’s original espresso-focused machines provide. It makes espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, and larger servings from barcode-equipped Vertuo capsules, with almost no measuring or dialing in.
That convenience is the main reason to buy it. The trade-off is also clear: you give up the low ongoing cost, refillable flexibility, and hands-on control of a traditional espresso machine. The Vertuo Plus is best viewed as a capsule coffee maker that can produce espresso-style drinks, not as a replacement for a serious barista machine.
What the Nespresso Vertuo Plus does
The Vertuo Plus reads the barcode printed around each capsule and automatically selects the brewing parameters. Its Centrifusion system spins the capsule while brewing, and the machine handles water volume, timing, and extraction without manual programming.
Depending on the capsule, you can make a small espresso or a larger coffee. In the US, the common sizes are approximately 1.35-ounce espresso, 2.7-ounce double espresso, 5-ounce gran lungo, 7.77-ounce coffee, and 14-ounce alto. Exact availability depends on the capsule range and the particular Vertuo Plus package.
The machine has a motorized opening and closing mechanism, a movable water tank, and a fairly simple control layout. The movable tank is useful when counter space is awkward: it can usually be positioned behind or to either side of the machine. The water reservoir is larger than the one on many compact espresso pod machines, though its practical capacity depends on how often you make large coffees and how frequently the machine runs its rinse cycle.
Strengths and weaknesses
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
| Area | What works well | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | One-touch brewing with automatic capsule recognition | Little control over dose, temperature, or extraction |
| Drink range | Handles espresso through large mugs | Large coffees are not the same as freshly ground filter coffee |
| Setup | No grinder, tamping, or portafilter cleanup | Capsules create ongoing waste and recurring cost |
| Milk drinks | Works well with a separate frother or heated milk | No built-in steam wand; milk must be prepared separately |
| Long-term ownership | Simple workflow and widely recognized capsule format | Availability and pricing of Vertuo capsules affect the value |
Coffee quality and drink choices
The Vertuo Plus produces a thick layer of crema-like foam on many capsules. It looks appealing and gives the drink a rounded texture, but it should not be confused with the true crema produced by a well-adjusted pump espresso machine. The result can be enjoyable, particularly with milk, but it is not highly adjustable.
Flavor depends heavily on the capsule. Darker roasts can taste strong in milk drinks, while lighter options may preserve more acidity and aroma in a smaller serving. Larger Vertuo coffees are convenient for a travel mug, but they may taste thinner or more muted than coffee brewed from freshly ground beans. If your priority is a large black coffee with control over strength and freshness, a drip coffee maker with a thermal carafe may be a better fit.
For cappuccinos and lattes, the Vertuo Plus makes the coffee portion but not the milk. You can add a separate electric frother, use a handheld frother, or simply add warmed milk. A separate electric milk frother is the easiest companion, but it adds another appliance to clean.
Capsule cost and ownership
The purchase price is only part of the decision. Vertuo capsules typically cost more per serving than ordinary ground coffee, especially for large cups. A household making several coffees every day can spend considerably more over a year than one using whole beans or bulk ground coffee.
Capsule availability is another practical issue. Vertuo capsules use a proprietary barcode system, so you cannot treat the machine like a standard ground-coffee brewer. There are compatible and third-party options in some markets, but the range is less open than standard coffee pods. Before buying, check the prices of the capsule sizes and blends you actually expect to drink.
Recycling also requires effort. Used capsules need to be collected and handled through the available recycling program or local arrangements. If minimizing packaging waste is important, consider a manual espresso machine with a milk frother instead. It creates coffee grounds rather than single-use capsules, but it demands more preparation and cleanup.
Common failure modes
The Vertuo Plus is simple to operate, but it is not maintenance-free. Coffee oils and residue can build up around the capsule area and outlet. If the machine is rinsed infrequently, drinks may develop stale flavors or the flow may become inconsistent. Regular rinsing and the manufacturer’s cleaning procedure matter more than many first-time owners expect.
A capsule that is not seated correctly can prevent brewing or cause an error. The motorized lid is convenient, but it should not be forced if a capsule is stuck. Heavy scale buildup can also cause flow and heating problems, particularly where the tap water is hard. Use the descaling process at the recommended interval rather than waiting for a failure.
Another limitation is the lack of a proper steam wand. If you want glossy microfoam for latte art, this is the wrong machine. A frother can make airy foam for everyday drinks, but it does not provide the same control as steam.
Who should buy the Vertuo Plus?
Buy it if you want a quick morning drink, prefer larger coffees as well as espresso, and do not want to weigh beans or learn extraction technique. It is particularly convenient for couples or households with different drink preferences, since one person can use an espresso capsule and another can brew a mug without changing settings.
It also makes sense as a gift for someone moving into a first apartment, provided they are comfortable buying capsules. The automatic operation is less intimidating than a traditional machine, and the movable tank helps in cramped kitchens.
Choose something else if you want the lowest cost per cup, fresh-bean flavor, refillable brewing options, or café-quality steamed milk. A standard automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine costs more upfront but offers freshly ground coffee and usually more control. A basic drip machine is the cheaper option when your household mainly drinks full mugs of black coffee.
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus worth buying?
The Vertuo Plus is worth considering when convenience and drink variety matter more than control and running cost. Its larger capsule sizes, automatic brewing, and adjustable water-tank position make it more flexible than a small espresso-only pod machine.
It is not the best value for someone who drinks several large coffees daily, and it is not the right tool for practicing espresso. Check capsule prices first, budget for a separate frother if you drink milk beverages, and keep up with rinsing and descaling. For the right user, those compromises are easier to live with than the routine of grinding, tamping, and cleaning a manual machine.
FAQ
Can the Vertuo Plus use original Nespresso capsules?
No. The Vertuo Plus uses Vertuo capsules, which are a different shape and brewing system from the original Nespresso capsule format.
Does the Vertuo Plus make real espresso?
It makes a concentrated espresso-style drink from espresso-sized Vertuo capsules. It does not offer the same manual control or extraction characteristics as a pump espresso machine with a portafilter.
Can it make cappuccinos and lattes?
Yes, but the machine does not steam milk itself. You need a separate frother or another way to heat and foam the milk.
How often does the Vertuo Plus need cleaning?
Rinse it regularly, especially after periods of frequent use, and follow the manual’s cleaning and descaling instructions. Hard water and heavy use usually require more attention.
