Nespresso Vertuoline Review – Coffee and Espresso Maker

Nespresso is an undisputed leader in at-home espresso beverages. In their latest release, this Swiss manufacturer introduced the Nespresso Vertuoline- a machine that tickles the palate of espresso lovers and traditional coffee nerds alike.

The Vertuoline machine is one of its kind in Nespresso’s offerings. It combines a single-serve coffee brewer and an espresso machine complete with Aeroccino milk frother. This is a fantastic perk for individuals who want their traditional black coffee and occasional espresso-based beverages. And since this is a pod-based machine with a barcode reading system technology, you get your shots fast and consistently over and over again.

There are lots of things that make this machine worth the splurge. Similarly, there are a few bummers that we feel you need to beware of, considering the price that you’re going to pay for this unit.   So is Nespresso worthy it? This Nespresso Vertuo review is a summary of our thoughts on this machine.

What is Nespresso Vertuoline Single-Serve Coffee Machine?

The Nespresso Vertuo is a pod-based 2-in-1 single-serve coffee and espresso machine. On the one hand, the Vertuoline offers the convenience of making a single cup of coffee instead of brewing a full carafe. Think of it as your regular Keurig coffee maker only that this one is drop-dead easy to use.

On the other hand, it makes gourmet espresso shots with the same barista-level crema that Nespresso machines are known for.

There is an option to purchase the Nespresso Vertuo as a bundle consisting of the machine and an Aeroccino frother, but you can also buy the coffee maker only. The benefit of getting the 2 as a package is that you get the frother at half the price.

The Nespresso Vertuo bundle also includes a 12-capsule sample set to get you started. We’ll talk more about the capsules later.

What you get in the box

• Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine
• Aeroccino frother
• A 12-pod starter pack
• Nespresso Vertuo machine manual
• Information folder

Big on Performance, Compact in Size

This model’s compact size is a regular highlight in most Nespresso Vertuoline coffee and espresso machine reviews. We bet you’ll be impressed too, especially if you don’t have the most spacious countertops in your kitchen.

The Vertuo is 8.32″ wide, 11.91 deep, and 11.93 inches tall. This is pretty much the size of a standard Keurig coffee maker, which is quite impressive for a 2-in-1 unit. At around 10.4 pounds, this machine is heavy enough to stay put on your countertops, yet light to move from point A to B.

The Aeroccino frother is compact too at 3.5 x 6.7 inches. So you can have it right next to the coffee maker ready for the next brewing session.

Design- a retro look with a modern touch 

The Nespresso Vertuo machine has a simple but clean design combining a retro vibe and a modern flair. It’s not flashy to grab all the attention in your kitchen, but it won’t go unnoticed thanks to its classic look. 

The Vertuo coffee and espresso machine comes in 5 colors; 

• Chrome
• Black 
• Matte black
• Red
• Titan

For this Breville Nespresso Vertuo review, we went with the chrome model. This is the most popular color, and it tends to blend nicely with other appliances and different kitchen themes. You’re not limited to it, though: compare all the available colors and get what’s best for your kitchen tops. 

The Nespresso Vertuo has what seems like 2 water tanks on its sides. On the left-hand side is a 40oz (1.5 liters) water reservoir that can be lifted and removed for easy refills. The compartment on the right-hand side holds your used pods and has a capacity of 20 espresso capsules. The coffee capsules are slightly larger, so only 13 of them can fit in this compartment.

All in all, we believe this container is large enough to hold a weeks-worth of capsules before the need to empty. Moreover, this compartment is removable, too, so the dumping process is a breeze as well.  At the front, the Vertuo has a small removable drip tray made of 3 pieces. The main unit is a square’ container’ with a lid, and it slides into a compartment in a cassette-style.

At the top is a small, circular metallic ring that you can move up to prevent coffee from splashing when using smaller cups. You can also move it down to accommodate large cups or remove the entire drip tray when brewing into an oversized travel mug.

Vertuoline review- let’s dig into the details 

Barcode scanning technology

If you’re familiar with Nespresso’s Originalline machines, you should know that they use bullet-shaped capsules. Also, you’re probably aware that these machines are compatible with espresso pods from third-party coffee brands, too.

The Vertuoline is a very different animal. First, this machine uses dome-shaped capsules and won’t take capsules from the Originalline. Secondly, Vertuoline pods have a barcode on the underside of the rim that does 2 things. 

Using Barcode laser reading technology, this barcode tells the machine the type of that particular pod and how it should be brewed. Also, this scanning system is Nespresso’s way of ensuring that you don’t use pods from other brands. On this note, it’s important to highlight that Nespresso Vertuoline pods have patent protection until 2030. This means that until then, you’ll be stuck with Nespresso.

Coffee pod varieties

While it’s clear that Nespresso wants to make their Vertuoline pods your only option for years to come, we appreciate that they are really trying to cover all markets with their coffee pod varieties. 

Nespresso offers a wide range of coffee flavors consisting of 4 espresso variations and 12 varieties of coffee. Technically, there’s a favorite pod for everyone, whether you’re into espresso or coffee beverages. What’s more, the Nespresso Vertuoline package includes a welcome pack of 12 trial pods with an assortment of flavors, aromas, and textures. 

The only issue that we have with these Nespresso pods is that finding them in most local grocery stores is usually a hit or miss. Unlike Keurig, these pods are a reserve for select stores, Nespresso boutiques, and major retailers, such as Costco, Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target. On the upside, they are easy to order from Nespresso’s main website, Amazon, and even eBay. Nespresso also has this store locator that helps you find an open Nespresso Boutique near you.  

Cup sizes 

Nespresso Vertuoline has 5 default cup sizes depending on the particular pod that you’re using; 

• Espresso- 1.35 oz 
• Double Espresso- 2.7 oz
• Gran Lungo- 5 oz 
• Coffee- 7.7 oz 
• Alto- 14 oz 

Importantly, you can use these espresso bases for other recipes, such as cappuccinos, iced espresso, and even a black eye. 

Centrifusion brewing technology 

Centrifusion technology is another term that you’ll come across in most Vertuo Nespresso machine reviews. This word is derived from the words centrifugal (which means moving away from the center) and infusion (adding).

When you add a capsule into the brewing chamber and close the lid, the machine makes a hole at the center and 20 others around the edges. During the brewing process, hot water is infused through the center opening, where it mixes with the coffee grounds before being forced out through the holes along the edges into your cup below.

Lastly, the capsule is spun at a speed of up to 7000 RPMs to force all the water in the pod out. This leaves the capsule clean and ready for recycling.

Dead Simple to Use

For a long time, making espresso at home has been a dreaded affair due to these machines’ complexity and the precision required when dialing in the grind. However, the Nespresso Vertuoline replaces this hassle with a single button at the top. There are no multiple buttons to fiddle around with or a menu with a list of coffee extraction parameters to confuse you.

How to make coffee with Nespresso Vertuoline (step by step)

Step 1: Rinse the machine. When you get your Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine by Breville with Aeroccino bundle, it’s advisable to rinse the water reservoir and the frother to remove any plastics and dust from the manufacturing process.

Step 2: Fill the water tank and position a cup on the drip tray.

Step 3: Plug the machine.

Step 4: Add a capsule of your choice in the brewing chamber and close the lid. Lock the lid by turning the lever to the left-hand side.

Step 5: Press the button at the top and wait for your beverage. 

Step 6: When the machine is done brewing your drink, unlock the lever, and lift the lid. The used capsule will automatically slide to the trash bin, so you don’t have to make a trip to your kitchen trash bin after each brewing session.

When you press the brew button, the Barcode scanning technology immediately kicks in to read the type of pod in the brewing chamber. It also establishes the necessary brewing parameters depending on the capsule. These include things like the ideal temperature, infusion time, water flow rate, and rotational speed.

Interestingly, the Vertuoline machine has a super-fast heating speed of around 15 seconds. The entire brewing process takes about 2 minutes, which is still fast compared to the time you’d spend queuing at your favorite coffee shop.

You’ll follow the same process above to make espresso shots using the Nespresso Vertuoline. However, you’ll also need to froth your milk when making lattes and cappuccinos. Using the Aeroccino frother is pretty straightforward, too, though.

After plugging it in, add milk and place the lid. Next, press the only button on the frother once for hot milk froth. You can also make cold milk froth by pressing and holding the button for around 2 seconds. The frother takes under 2 minutes to do its thing.

Any maintenance needs?

Like other Nespresso machines, the Vertuoline requires maintenance, too, but it’s relatively hassle-free and straightforward. Basic maintenance involves cleaning the drip tray and emptying the trash compartment when it gets full. Nespresso also recommends descaling the system after 3 months of continuous use or after brewing approximately 300 capsules.

It’s important to rinse the Aeroccino between each use, though. If you make several rounds of hot milk froth without cleaning the frother, the milk residue on the sides and bottom starts burning. In extreme cases, continuous use of the frother without cleaning may cause a nasty burn stain, something that you don’t want.

Are Nespresso capsules recyclable?

The environmental impact of single-serve capsules is a hot topic today. Similar to other “k-cups,” Nespresso Vertuoline pods have the potential to end up in landfills, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Fortunately, Nespresso has a complex recycling scheme that helps minimize your carbon footprint, making your coffee ritual even more fulfilling.

How to recycle Nespresso pods

The process of recycling Nespresso pods is very easy on your side. The whole process starts with ordering a free recycling bag from Nespresso, and it will be shipped right to your doorstep. Note that you don’t need a unique bag for this. You can also collect the capsules into any recycling bag around your home.

When the bag gets full, you have the following options:

1. Give the bag full of capsules to the postal worker when delivering your next order of pods. We bet this is the most convenient. You may also drop off the bag at the UPS store near you.
2. Drop the bag off at the Nespresso boutique or Nespresso partner store near you.
3. You may also take the bag at any of Nespresso’s collection points. Use this Nespresso Locator to identify the closest collection point to you.

What does Nespresso do with the recycled pods?

Nespresso Vertuoline pods are made of aluminum. When you drop off a bag at a collection point, the capsules go to a recycling plant where a machine empties the coffee ground into one container and puts the aluminum body in a separate box. The Aluminum body is reused in the manufacturing of other metallic products. On the other hand, the coffee grounds are incorporated into organic nutrient compost and used in plants as a natural pest control.

With that, let’s get to the bottom of this Nespresso Vertuoline Aeroccino review.

Is it worth buying Nespresso machine?

If you’ve scoured Nespresso Vertuoline bundle reviews, it’s clear that this machine nails it with its black coffee and full brew Alto. However, there are 2 viable complaints that you may have found buried in the positive reports.

First, a few people say that the Nespresso Vertuoline coffee is not as hot as they’d like. This may be an issue if you prefer your coffee scorching hot. However, we reckon it won’t be a problem if you’re in the other camp of people who wait for their piping hot coffee to cool down a little bit. On this note, there are a couple of ways to mitigate this issue, including pre-heating the machine by running it without a capsule. Also, you could put your coffee in the microwave for a few seconds.

On to the second bummer, Nespresso Vertuoline espresso shots are great, but not the best. This is another valid complaint that we hear, especially from people switching from a traditional 19-bar espresso machine.

In most Nespresso opinions, this variation in espresso quality is a result of the Centrifusion technology that fails to hit the 19-bar pressure required for a perfect crema. The lack of enough pressure leads to under-extraction, giving the espresso a thinner-than-average body and a slightly bitter tone. While these 2 issues may be a concern for some, we feel that they boil down to personal preference.

All in all, we believe the Nespresso Vertuoline will make a significant investment if you’re buying it, particularly for black coffee and occasional espresso shots. Again, although its espresso doesn’t meet the quality that most serious drinkers yearn for, feedback from most Nespresso Vertuo machine reviews suggest that most people are quite happy with its performance.

Nespresso Vertuoline Pros

• Make espresso and single-serve traditional coffee from one machine
• One-button control for fuss-free operations
• Barcode scanning system adjusts all the brewing parameters for you
• 40-ounce water reservoir allows multiple cups before refill
• Removable water tank makes refilling easy
• Makes formidable traditional coffee and Alto

Nespresso Vertuoline Cons

• Does not accept third-party coffee pods
• This machine is notably pricier than the competition
• Doesn’t hit the mark on body and crema for most espresso snobs