Nespresso Vertuo: Specifications
Cup capacity: espresso, double espresso, 5oz, 8oz (UK cup sizes: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug)
Size: 9 x 12.3 x 12.2 inches
Libra: 10.85 lbs / 4.92 kg
Pod type: Vertuo Line
Automatic capsule detection: Yes
Centrifuge brewing: Yes
Removable water tank: Yes
Milk frother: NO
Strength settings: NO
Iced coffee: NO
The Vertuo line of coffee capsules is Nespresso’s latest coffee innovation, and the Nespresso Vertuo was the first compatible device. However, since its launch, the Vertuo series has expanded to include more compact and Wi-Fi-enabled models, as well as more affordable options.
The Nespresso Vertuo can make four different-sized coffees and has the signature centrifugal brewing system used in all Vertuo machines, as well as intelligent capsule-detection technology. However, it can’t make milky drinks and, at first glance, doesn’t seem to offer any features or technology over the cheaper Vertuo models. So we put the Vertuo to the test to see how it performs and whether it’s worth the investment.
Nespresso Vertuo Review: Price and Availability
The Nespresso Vertuo is one of the more high-priced models in the Vertuo range. It starts at $150/£219, but prices in the US vary, going up to around $250 depending on the capacity and colour you choose. It’s available from Nespresso or on Amazon, as well as a few other home appliance retailers. However, if you want a milky coffee, you’ll need to factor in the extra cost of a milk frother.
There are several colors to choose from, so you can match the Vertuo to your kitchen. Options include black, red, matte black, or chrome, with an additional gray color called Titan available in the U.S. Breville often collaborates on the design of this machine in the U.S. as well.
Vertuo capsules start at $0.98/48p for a single espresso, which is a bit more high-priced compared to Nespresso Original capsules, which start at around $0.80/39p. The capsules are readily available online, directly from Nespresso and many other retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart.
Nespresso Vertuo Review: Design
One of the things that first struck me about this Nespresso machine is its size. The countertop space is almost twice as enormous as the Vertuo Next. And while its 54-ounce/1.2-liter water tank is larger, there doesn’t seem to be any other reason for its bulkiness. So if you’re brief on space in your kitchen, it’s definitely worth keeping in mind.
Unlike many Nespresso machines, where it’s usually located at the back, the water tank is located on the side of this machine, making it much easier to access. This is also especially helpful if you want to move the coffee machine all the way to the back of your countertop and don’t want to have to bother pulling it forward to access the water tank.
To balance the machine, the design of the used capsule container is the same as the water container and is located on the opposite side of the machine. However, the clear, ribbed plastic means you’ll be able to see the used capsules inside, which may seem messy to some people.
There’s just one button on the top of the Nespresso Vertuo – that’s it, absolutely no other controls or buttons. This is possible thanks to the bright capsule recognition technology, which reads the capsule and automatically dispenses the right amount of water, regardless of whether the capsule is for an espresso, double espresso, gran lungo or a cup.
While it’s very clever and automatically detects the capsule, thankfully this machine still lets you program the water volume so you can adjust it to pour the right amount of coffee into your favorite mug. Once programmed for a specific capsule size, every time you insert a capsule of that size, the machine will deliver the programmed volume of coffee unless you reset it.
A basic lever at the top slides to the right to unlock the capsule slot, which then lifts up so you can add a capsule. Then, press down and slide the lever to the left to lock it in place, ready to brew. The cup support under the spout can be set at two different levels to accommodate cups of different heights. It can also be removed completely, as can the drip tray beneath it. This allows taller cups up to 6.7 inches/17 cm in diameter to stand directly on the countertop.
Nespresso Vertuo Review: Performance
When first switched on, the featherlight on the button flashes to indicate that the Nespresso Vertuo is warming up, but it is ready to employ in just 12 seconds. The machine brews a single espresso in about 40 seconds, while a double espresso takes about 60 seconds. These brewing times are longer than most Nespresso machines that employ the original capsules. But it is about 10-15 seconds faster than the Vertuo Next, which is one of the newest models.
The average espresso temperature I recorded was around 157 degrees Fahrenheit, and the same was true for double espressos. This is one of the quietest Nespresso machines I’ve tested, with my noise meter reading averaging 64 decibels. The loudest part of the brewing cycle is right at the end, thanks to the swirling sound of the capsule rotating.
I monitored the energy usage and the machine used 0.007 kWh to brew the espresso, for a total of 0.013 kWh including the energy used to heat it up. That’s slightly more than the Vertuo Next, but because the numbers are so compact, the difference isn’t significant. To save energy, the machine switches off after 9 minutes of inactivity—newer models like the Vertuo Next only run for 2 minutes.
Nespresso Vertuo Review: Ease of Exploit and Cleaning
By their very nature, Nespresso Vertuo machines are incredibly basic to employ. The clever capsule detection system, which enables one-button operation, means that preparing your morning coffee requires very little thought.
Used capsules are automatically ejected every time the top is opened, and the container holds up to 13 used capsules. Emptying is basic, simply swing it away from the side of the machine, lift the lid and tip the capsules into the appropriate recycling bag. There’s a hole in the bottom of the container, and a well below that allows excess liquid to drain from the capsules. The only caveat is that the well isn’t removable, meaning you have to manually wipe away any liquid that has collected there. It’s worth noting, though, that even after a few coffees, no liquid had collected in mine.
Both the used capsule container and the water container have a finger recess in the lid to make it easier to tilt them away from the machine for removal. The water container is similarly basic to remove and also has a hinged lid. There are no minimum or maximum water level lines, and although it is clear plastic, the grooved texture can sometimes make it arduous to see the water level.
I found that the lever to lock the capsule into position had to be pushed far to the left. A few times it looked like I had pushed it all the way in, but it was a bit too brief to lock it all the way in and the Vertuo wouldn’t brew. But I quickly learned how to make sure it was fully locked in position.
This machine has a great automatic cleaning cycle that flushes the internal mechanisms. You can employ it as often as you like – it only takes three quick presses of the button and a full tank of water. Similarly, there’s an automatic descaling function, and a descaling featherlight warns you when to do it. The instructions in the manual guide you through the process, but it’s basic enough.
The water tank, used capsule container, cup stand and drip grid are all removable and only require occasional hand washing with heated soapy water. The outside of the machine can be wiped with a damp cloth. In brief, the Nespresso Vertuo is basic to immaculate.
Nespresso Vertuo Review: The Verdict
The Vertuo may be the original Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, but its successors, like the Vertuo Next, are likely to take up less counter space and offer just as many features for less money. The Vertuo brews coffee a bit faster and has a slightly larger water tank than the Vertuo Next, but those are really the only benefits I can see in buying this larger, more high-priced machine.
