Last updated: October 2, 2026
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by De’Longhi is a capsule coffee maker for people who want easy, repeatable coffee in several sizes, including espresso-style drinks and larger mugs. It is not a traditional espresso machine, and it does not use ground coffee. Instead, it reads a barcode on each Vertuo capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing process.
That automation is the main reason to buy it. You insert a capsule, press one button, and the machine handles the water volume and extraction settings. The trade-off is that you are committing to Nespresso’s Vertuo capsule system, which is less flexible than using coffee beans or standard espresso pods.
What the VertuoPlus Deluxe does
The VertuoPlus Deluxe is made by De’Longhi under license for Nespresso. Its large water tank holds about 60 ounces, depending on the exact regional version, and the tank can be positioned to suit your counter. The motorized brewing head opens and closes with a button, which is more convenient than locking a manual lever into place.
It brews several capsule sizes, generally ranging from a small espresso serving to a large mug. Typical Vertuo formats include espresso, double espresso, 5-ounce coffee, 8-ounce coffee, and larger 12- or 14-ounce servings. Exact availability depends on the capsules sold in your market.
The machine uses Nespresso’s Centrifusion system: the capsule spins rapidly while hot water passes through it. The result is topped with a thick, foamy layer called crema. This looks similar to crema on espresso, but the drink is not identical to a traditionally pulled shot from a pump espresso machine. It is usually smoother and more forgiving, but it offers less control over dose, grind, pressure, and extraction time.
Who should buy it?
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
This model makes sense for a household that values convenience more than experimentation. It is particularly suitable for:
- People who want coffee and espresso-size drinks from one machine.
- Households with several drink preferences, since one person can brew a mug while another makes a smaller serving.
- Office or guest-room use where consistent operation matters.
- Shoppers who do not want to grind beans, tamp coffee, or clean a portafilter.
It is a weaker choice if you want café-style milk drinks without buying separate equipment, use freshly roasted beans, or need to control every part of the extraction. For those priorities, compare semi-automatic espresso machines instead.
The main strengths
Very little technique is required
There is no grinder setting to adjust and no puck to prepare. You place the capsule in the chamber, close the head, and press the button. That reduces the most common beginner problems: uneven tamping, poor distribution, stale pre-ground coffee, and incorrect grind size.
It handles multiple serving sizes
Many single-serve machines are designed mainly for coffee or mainly for espresso. The VertuoPlus Deluxe covers both ends of that range. Its larger capsules are useful when you want a full mug, while the smaller capsules work for a concentrated drink after dinner.
The adjustable tank helps with awkward counters
The water reservoir can be repositioned around the back of the machine. That is a small but practical advantage if your counter has a cabinet, wall, or appliance immediately behind it. The Deluxe version’s larger tank also means fewer refills than compact capsule machines.
It is consistent from cup to cup
Capsules protect the coffee from much of the air and remove the need to measure a dose. The result will not always suit a specialty-coffee enthusiast, but it is predictable. That consistency is valuable when different people use the machine or when the first cup needs to be as easy as the second.
The important trade-offs
| Factor | VertuoPlus Deluxe | Traditional espresso machine |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Very easy; insert capsule and press a button | Requires grinding, dosing, tamping, and cleanup |
| Coffee control | Limited to available capsule recipes | High control over grind, dose, yield, and milk |
| Drink range | Espresso-size servings through large coffee cups | Excellent espresso; larger coffees require added water or separate brewing |
| Ongoing supplies | Requires Vertuo capsules | Can use whole beans or ground coffee from many sources |
| Milk drinks | Needs separate milk frother or heated milk | Steam wand models can texture milk directly |
| Cleanup | Mostly rinsing, emptying, and periodic descaling | More frequent cleaning of basket, group head, grinder, and steam system |
The capsule commitment is the biggest issue. Vertuo capsules use a barcode-based system, so you cannot simply fill them with your own coffee or substitute ordinary Nespresso Original capsules. Capsule selection is also narrower than the choices available to a bean-to-cup or manual espresso user.
Capsule costs can look reasonable for occasional use but add up for multiple drinks every day. If you regularly brew several large mugs, compare the long-term cost with a programmable drip coffee maker. The cheaper option is perfectly fine when your priority is inexpensive batch coffee rather than espresso-style drinks.
Milk drinks and maintenance
The VertuoPlus Deluxe does not create steamed milk by itself. For lattes and cappuccinos, you need a separate frother or must heat and texture the milk another way. A separate electric milk frother is the simplest pairing, but its foam will not have exactly the same texture as properly steamed microfoam from a café machine.
Daily care is modest but not optional. Empty the used-capsule container before it becomes full, rinse the drip tray, and wipe away coffee residue. Run the brewing rinse cycle when needed. You will also need to descale the machine periodically, especially if your water is hard. Ignoring scale can lead to slower heating, reduced flow, error messages, and eventually unreliable brewing.
Common failure points include capsules that are not seated correctly, a brewing head that will not lock because of debris, and a machine that stops mid-cycle after a blockage or scale buildup. The motorized head is convenient, but it should not be forced. If the machine makes unusual noises or leaks around the head, stop using it and check the manual or warranty support rather than repeatedly cycling it.
What to check before buying
Confirm that the package includes the accessories you expect. Some versions are sold without a milk frother, and bundles vary by retailer. Also measure your counter: the machine needs clearance above the motorized head and space to remove the water tank and used-capsule bin.
Consider your daily drink pattern. If you mostly want one large coffee each morning and already own a kettle or drip brewer, the VertuoPlus Deluxe may be more machine than you need. If you alternate between espresso-size drinks and full mugs, its format is more useful.
Finally, check capsule availability where you live before committing. The machine is only convenient if you can easily buy the flavors and sizes you enjoy. For maximum flexibility with coffee sources, look at an espresso setup with a grinder instead.
FAQ
Does the VertuoPlus Deluxe make real espresso?
It makes espresso-size coffee using Nespresso’s capsule and Centrifusion system. It resembles espresso and works well in small milk drinks, but it does not provide the same control or extraction style as a traditional pump espresso machine.
Can it use Nespresso Original capsules?
No. VertuoPlus machines use Vertuo capsules with a barcode system. OriginalLine capsules are a different format and are not compatible.
Does it come with a milk frother?
Usually not as part of the standard machine. Some retailers sell bundles, so check the exact contents before ordering.
Is the Deluxe version worth choosing?
Choose it mainly for the larger water tank and adjustable reservoir. If you have limited counter space or only make one drink at a time, a smaller Vertuo model may be sufficient.
