Nespresso Vertuo Plus Review (2026)
★★★★★4.5 (1) · by Marcus Delgado · Updated Aug 5, 2026
Tested over 3+ weeks in our lab — see our methodology
$179 typical price
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Our Verdict
The Vertuo Plus is the default answer to 'which pod machine should I buy?' Centrifusion extraction spins each barcode-scanned capsule at up to 7,000 rpm, brewing five cup sizes from espresso to a 14oz mug — all crowned with Vertuo's signature thick crema. It's fast, foolproof and consistently the best-tasting large-format pod coffee.
Test Scores
Key Specifications
| Type | Centrifusion capsule (Vertuo system) |
| Cup Sizes | 5 (1.35 oz espresso to 14 oz alto) |
| Heat-up | ~20 seconds |
| Water Tank | 1.1 L (adjustable position) |
| Capsule Bin | ~10 used pods |
| Extraction | Barcode-read, per-pod parameters |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Pros & Cons
What we love
- Barcode system nails parameters per pod — zero settings
- Real crema even on 8–14oz cups
- Motorized head and adjustable tank are daily-use luxuries
- Wide official capsule range
What could be better
- Locked to Vertuo capsules — few third-party options
- Pods cost ~$1.10–$1.35 each
- Espresso pods good, but Original-line machines pull closer to true espresso
Performance Testing
Cup after cup, Vertuo brews the best big-mug pod coffee available: full-bodied, aromatic, with a dense foam cap that survives milk. Espresso-size pods produce an intense, crema-rich shot that's espresso-adjacent if not espresso-authentic. Barcode automation means a guest literally cannot brew it wrong. From button to 8oz cup: 75 seconds including heat-up.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Eject the pod, occasionally empty the bin and drip tray, descale twice a year — that's the entire relationship. The pod bin's capacity conveniently forces a weekly emptying rhythm.
Who It's Best For
Households wanting one machine for espresso-ish shots and full mugs, upgraders from drip seeking convenience, and anyone allergic to cleanup.
How It Compares
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs Keurig K-Elite
Keurig wins on pod price and variety; Vertuo wins decisively on taste and crema.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs Nespresso Creatista Plus
The Creatista (Original line) adds a real steam wand for genuine flat whites — a different mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vertuo or Original line?
Vertuo for big cups and mixed households; Original for espresso purists and access to cheap third-party capsules.
How much does it cost to run?
At ~$1.20/pod, a two-cup-a-day household spends ~$875/year on capsules — the real cost of pod convenience.
Can I recycle the pods?
Yes — Nespresso's prepaid recycling bags accept used aluminum capsules; drop at UPS or boutiques.
Guides featuring this product
- Iced Latte Recipes: 7 Café Drinks to Make at Home
- Best Single Serve Coffee Makers: Nespresso, Keurig & Beyond
- Nespresso vs Keurig: The Pod Wars, Settled
- Nespresso Vertuo vs Original: Which System to Buy Into
Related Single Serve Coffee Makers
Nespresso Creatista Plus
Built by Breville, the Creatista Plus bolts a genuine automatic steam wand onto an Original-line Nespresso — the only pod machine that produces true microfoam for latte art.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is proof that pod espresso needs almost no machine at all: a 19-bar pump, two buttons, and a footprint smaller than a hardback book.
Keurig K-Café SMART
The K-Café SMART is Keurig's answer to the milk-drink question: a MultiStream K-Cup brewer with a dishwasher-safe electric frother and app-connected recipes for lattes and cappuccinos.