Last updated: October 2, 2026
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe is a pod coffee maker for people who want both regular-size coffee and espresso-style drinks without weighing beans, dialing in a grinder, or learning to tamp. It is easy to use, but it also locks you into Nespresso Vertuo capsules and costs more per serving than most ground coffee.
The “Deluxe” version is mainly a larger-capacity variation of the Vertuo Plus. Its water tank and used-capsule container are bigger than the standard model’s, making it better suited to several drinks a day. It does not turn it into a café-style espresso machine, and it does not include a built-in milk system.
What the Vertuo Plus Deluxe makes
The machine reads a barcode on each Vertuo capsule and automatically chooses the brewing settings. Depending on the capsule, it can make espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug-size coffee, or larger carafe-style servings. The exact sizes available depend on the capsules you buy and the version sold in your market.
This is the main advantage over a traditional espresso machine: the machine handles dose, water volume, and extraction timing. You insert a capsule, press the button, and wait. The resulting coffee is topped with a thick crema-like layer, even on the larger coffee sizes.
That crema is part of the Vertuo presentation, but it is not the same thing as the dense crema from a properly dialed-in café espresso. The system is designed for convenience and variety rather than manual control. You cannot freely adjust grind size, dose, pressure, or brew temperature.
Design and everyday use
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
The Vertuo Plus Deluxe has a motorized opening mechanism: press the lever and the head opens or closes electronically. This feels more polished than the manual lid on some pod machines, although it adds another part that can eventually fail. The water tank can usually be repositioned to suit the available counter space, which is useful if the machine sits beneath cabinets or beside other appliances.
Setup is simple. Rinse the removable tank, fill it with fresh water, run the cleaning cycle, and brew a capsule. The machine heats up quickly enough for normal morning use, but it is not completely silent. Brewing produces a noticeable whirring sound, followed by the sound of the pump and the capsule mechanism.
The larger Deluxe water reservoir means fewer refills, but it also occupies more counter space. Measure your available depth and overhead clearance before buying. The opening head needs room to move, and the used-capsule bin needs to be emptied regularly.
Strengths and limitations
| Feature | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| One-button brewing | Very little technique is required, but you give up control over extraction. |
| Multiple drink sizes | It can replace a separate coffee maker for many households, provided you like Vertuo capsules. |
| Barcode-based brewing | The machine automatically sets the recipe, but compatible capsules are more restricted than ordinary grounds. |
| Large water tank and capsule bin | Convenient for families and offices, though the machine takes more space than compact pod brewers. |
| No built-in milk frother | You need a separate frother, steam wand, or saucepan for cappuccinos and lattes. |
Capsule cost and availability
Vertuo capsules are the biggest ownership trade-off. You cannot use ordinary Nespresso Original capsules, K-Cups, or loose ground coffee in this machine. Vertuo capsules have their own shape and barcode system, so your long-term choices are tied to that ecosystem.
Capsules are convenient and consistent, but the cost per cup is usually higher than brewing with a bag of ground coffee. Larger Vertuo coffees can also use more coffee and cost more than the smaller espresso capsules. If everyone in your household drinks multiple large mugs each day, the difference adds up.
Availability is generally good online, but flavor preferences vary. Some blends may taste thin or overly roasty to people used to freshly ground specialty coffee. Buying a variety pack before committing to large quantities is sensible. You can also look for Vertuo-compatible capsules, but check the listing carefully: “compatible” does not always mean the same thing as officially branded capsules, and performance can vary.
Is it an espresso machine?
It makes small, concentrated espresso-style servings, so it can satisfy someone who wants a quick shot over ice or as the base of a milk drink. It is not the right purchase for someone who wants to practice espresso preparation or reproduce coffee-shop espresso with maximum control.
A traditional machine requires more work but allows you to choose fresh beans, adjust the grind, control the dose, and steam milk with a wand. A semi-automatic espresso machine is usually a better fit for an enthusiast who considers preparation part of the hobby.
For milk drinks, the simplest pairing is a separate electric frother. A milk frother adds cost and another item to clean, but it makes the Vertuo Plus Deluxe more versatile. Remember that frothing changes the drink; it does not make the underlying coffee taste like manually extracted espresso.
Cleaning and common problems
The machine needs regular rinsing and periodic descaling. Coffee oils and residue can build up around the capsule area, while mineral deposits from hard water can reduce flow or trigger a descaling warning. Follow the manual’s cleaning cycle rather than relying only on an occasional wipe-down.
Common frustrations include a machine that refuses to brew, a flashing orange light, leaking around the head, or coffee that tastes weak. First check that the capsule is seated correctly, the water tank is full and properly fitted, and the head is fully closed. A capsule barcode that cannot be read, accumulated residue, or a needed descaling cycle can also interrupt brewing.
Do not force the motorized head if it jams. Remove power and consult the instructions, especially if a used capsule is stuck. Repeated leaks, grinding noises, or failure to close are signs that a return or warranty claim may be wiser than repeated troubleshooting.
Who should buy it?
Buy the Vertuo Plus Deluxe if you want coffee with almost no preparation, need several drink sizes, and accept the continuing capsule cost. It suits busy households, occasional espresso drinkers, and anyone who does not want a grinder on the counter.
The cheaper standard-size Vertuo Plus can be perfectly adequate for one or two users who do not mind refilling the tank. Paying extra for the Deluxe version makes more sense when multiple people brew throughout the day or when fewer refills are worth the larger footprint.
Choose a drip coffee maker instead if your priority is inexpensive large-batch coffee. Choose a traditional espresso setup if fresh beans, milk steaming, and hands-on control matter more than speed. The Vertuo Plus Deluxe occupies the middle ground: more flexible than a basic pod brewer, but less economical and less adjustable than conventional brewing.
FAQ
Does the Vertuo Plus Deluxe come with a milk frother?
No. It brews the coffee or espresso-style serving only. A separate frother is needed for cappuccinos, lattes, and similar drinks.
Can it use Original Nespresso capsules?
No. It uses Vertuo capsules, which have a different shape and barcode system. OriginalLine capsules will not fit.
Is the Deluxe version worth paying more for?
It is worth considering if you make several drinks daily and want a larger tank and capsule container. For light use, the standard Vertuo Plus may provide the same brewing experience for less money.
Can I use ground coffee in it?
No. It is a capsule-only machine. If you want to brew ground coffee, choose a drip maker, manual brewer, or semi-automatic espresso machine instead.
