One of the benefits of buying a Nespresso Vertuo machine is the huge variety of capsules available. From a single espresso to a full-size jug, the best Nespresso machines are designed to always brew the perfect amount of coffee with the flavour you want. However, for users like me who prefer espresso-based coffee, the Vertuo capsule system can be a bit limiting if you run out of the right capsules.
I’m guilty of going through novel packs of espresso or double espresso capsules while my gran lungo or cup-sized capsules gather dust in the bottom of my kitchen cabinet. Until I discovered Expert Mode, which gives you the ability to bypass the Vertuo’s pre-set shot lengths and automatically brew a shorter shot, regardless of capsule size.
If, like me, you really want to try the endless flavors of Nespresso’s narrow edition but don’t feel like making a Gran Lungo or mug-sized coffee, this trick opens up a whole novel world of options. It’s also useful as we enter the iced coffee season and start using our coffee machines a little differently. When making iced coffee, it’s best to brew a concentrated dose of coffee over ice to prevent a watered-down or lukewarm drink, so the expert mode is a huge aid.
Although Nespresso Expert Mode has been around for over a year, I only recently learned of its existence, and it has completely changed the way I utilize my Nespresso. And according to a recent TikTok, I’m not the only one.
@brookelynlikesespresso
♬ original sound – Brookelyn | coffee girly🌸💗
Viewers have noted that they love using Nespresso flavored capsules in this way as an basic way to make homemade vanilla or pumpkin spice lattes. They’ve also highlighted that Expert Mode is a great way to utilize up ancient capsules that aren’t the right size for their preferred drink.
What is expert mode used for?
Expert Mode will make a more concentrated version of any capsule you put into your device. The size of the concentrated shot will vary depending on which capsule you choose.
- Espresso becomes Ristretto
- Double Espresso becomes Espresso
- Gran Lungo becomes espresso
- The cup becomes a double espresso
How to activate expert mode
Activating Expert Mode on your Nespresso Vertuo couldn’t be simpler. Simply switch on the machine, add your chosen capsule and lock it into place, then press the brew button twice. It should then flash blue, indicating that Expert Mode has been selected to override the capsule’s pre-set brewing preferences.
Which Nespresso machines have expert mode?
Unfortunately, only the newest Nespresso machines offer Expert Mode. It is only available on Vertuo machines, but not on Vertuo Plus.
If you have the following machines, you should be able to utilize expert mode:
- Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
- Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
- Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
- Nespresso Vertuo Next
Why can’t I utilize expert mode?
If you have one of the compatible devices but can’t activate Expert Mode, you’ll need to update the software on your device. To do this, simply download the Nespresso app and pair it with your device. From there, you’ll be given the option to update the firmware, which will enable the novel mode.
