Nespresso Vertuo Plus review
If you must go capsule, Vertuo pods brew far more interesting cups than original Nespresso.
If you must go capsule, Vertuo pods brew far more interesting cups than original Nespresso.
Best for: One-cup drinkers, offices, mornings when technique is the enemy.
Check price on Amazon UKWhere this machine fits in
Nespresso launched the original espresso-only capsule system in 1986 as a Nestlé research side-project; the current Vertuo line arrived in 2014 as their answer to the American demand for longer drinks (Americano, brewed coffee, iced coffee). Vertuo pods are barcoded — each one tells the machine the brew size, temperature and duration — which is why third-party Vertuo pods effectively don't exist in the UK (Nespresso enforces the barcode and generic capsules brew inconsistently or refuse to brew). Original Nespresso remains the espresso-focused product; Vertuo is the multi-size line.
How it actually works
The Vertuo Plus's core mechanism is centrifugal extraction: the pod spins at 7,000 rpm while hot water is injected, forcing the water through the coffee grounds outward via centrifugal force. This produces a denser crema on longer drinks (150 ml Gran Lungo, 230 ml Mug) than a traditional pump-driven capsule machine can manage, and lets Nespresso sell 'proper coffee-sized' pods rather than shot-sized espresso to an audience that wants a mug of coffee, not an espresso. The trade-off: extraction is louder (~70 dB during the spin), and the range is tightly controlled by Nespresso (no genuine third-party alternative). Nespresso's own pod range is broader than most people realise, including single-origin from named farms and specialty-tier roasters like Rare Coffee — worth exploring beyond the standard Melozio and Odacio.
The full picture
The Vertuo system reads a barcode on each pod and spins the capsule at 7,000 rpm to extract five drink sizes from a 40 ml espresso to a 414 ml carafe. The centrifugal extraction produces a heavier crema than pump-driven capsule machines. The pods are more expensive than original Nespresso (£0.42–£0.60) but the range includes single-origin pods from proper roasters like Rare Coffee. Only downside: it uses proprietary Nespresso pods, no third-party option that we would recommend.
What we like
- Five drink sizes from one machine
- Excellent crema on longer drinks
- Auto-eject used capsules into internal bin
- Very fast start-up (15 s)
What we don't
- Locked to Nespresso Vertuo pods (no compatible pods worth buying)
- Loud extraction
- Pods are aluminium, recycle via Nespresso bag
Key specifications
| Pod type | Vertuo (5 sizes) |
| Tank | 1.7 L |
| Pressure | Centrifugal 7000 rpm |
| Cup sizes | 40 / 80 / 150 / 230 / 414 ml |
Long-term ownership notes
Not personally owned long-term — used a Vertuo at a friend's house for a year, plus test unit for two weeks. Amazon reviews with 3-5 year timelines report the extraction motor as the eventual failure point (spinning mechanism wears out around year 4-5). Descaling every 3 months is essential; skipped descaling brings that failure point forward to year 2-3. Broadly reliable within its intended lifespan, but shorter than any real espresso or bean-to-cup machine.
Maintenance schedule
The routine that keeps the Nespresso platform running for its expected lifespan.
- Daily: empty used pod container (holds 10-13 depending on size)
- Weekly: rinse water tank and empty drip tray
- Every 3 months: run Nespresso descaling programme (Nespresso descaling kit £8, 2 doses)
- Every 6 months: send used pods for recycling via Nespresso's free Royal Mail scheme
- No user-serviceable internals — professional service only
Common issues and their fixes
Problems reported by owners and users, plus the practical solutions.
- 'Blinking orange light' errors — usually descaling needed (menu code: hold buttons for 7 seconds)
- Pods getting stuck in the extraction chamber — flip machine upside down over sink and gently tap
- Weak brew after year 2 — descale immediately; if flow still slow, mechanical wear (approaching end of life)
Who else recommends it
Independent editorial and community recommendations we track. We don't take their word for it, but consistent endorsement across independent sources is a useful sanity check.
- Which? magazine — Best Buy in Vertuo capsule category 2023, 2024
- Which Coffee Machine — Recommends Vertuo Plus specifically over cheaper Vertuo models — longer tank, better value
- Amazon UK — Top 5 capsule machine bestseller for 5+ consecutive years
If you'd rather spend more or less
Upgrade
De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM290.81.TB — £499
£370 more, but the cost-per-cup break-even is 18 months at 3 cups/day. Above 3 cups/day, always upgrade.
Downgrade
The Nespresso Essenza Mini (£99) is smaller and cheaper but original Nespresso pods only — no Vertuo drink sizes. Only worth it if you specifically want espresso.
Common questions
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus worth the price?
At £129, we rate it 4.4/5 because if you must go capsule, Vertuo pods brew far more interesting cups than original Nespresso. Whether that is worth the money depends on how the strengths above line up with your daily use.
How does it compare to other capsules machines?
See our full capsule machines comparison for direct alternatives at higher and lower price points.
Where should I buy it in the UK?
Amazon UK is usually the fastest route and offers the best return policy for higher-priced machines. John Lewis and Currys often match on price and add a longer warranty on premium models. Check both before committing.