Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker Review Breville’s Deluxe Single Serve Espresso Machine

Description

Strengths of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker

Trying out the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville has been quite the experience, especially for someone like me who appreciates both a strong espresso and a smooth cup of coffee. One of the biggest perks is the versatility in brewing options. The machine offers four different cup sizes ranging from 1.35 oz espresso shots to a generous 8 oz coffee, which covers most of my caffeine needs throughout the day. The capsule system is incredibly straightforward; just pop in the capsule—either the small one for espresso or the larger for coffee—and the machine does the rest, thanks to its barcode reading technology that adjusts brewing parameters perfectly every time.

The CentriFusion technology that spins the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute is not just a fancy marketing term—it genuinely produces a rich crema on top of the espresso, which I find impressive for a home machine. The programmable settings allow me to customize extraction times, giving me control over the strength and flavor profile. Also, having an extra-large 60-ounce water tank means fewer trips to refill, which is great when I have friends over for coffee.

• Convenient single-serve use with automatic capsule recognition
• Rich crema and authentic espresso flavor thanks to CentriFusion technology
• Multiple cup size options for different coffee preferences

Drawbacks I Noticed with the Coffee Maker

Despite the many advantages, there are some limitations that I had to get used to. For starters, the machine’s size is a bit on the larger side with dimensions of 6″ deep, 17″ wide, and 13″ high, which meant I had to shuffle some kitchen counter space to accommodate it. The black color and sleek design look fantastic, but it might not fit everyone’s kitchen aesthetic or space constraints.

The capsule system, while convenient, also brings a couple of pitfalls. The capsules are proprietary, so you’re locked into buying Nespresso’s pods, which can add up financially. Also, the used capsule container fills up quickly if you’re brewing multiple cups a day, requiring frequent emptying. Some might find the price point a bit steep considering these ongoing costs.

• Bulky footprint that requires dedicated counter space
• Proprietary capsules can be costly over time
• Used capsule container needs frequent emptying

Features and User Experience Breakdown

Exploring every feature of this espresso maker was like unlocking a mini coffee bar at home. The motorized opening and closing brew head is a nice touch—it saves effort and feels high-tech. The movable water tank adds practical flexibility, especially in smaller kitchens. I found the 25-second heat-up time impressively fast, which means no waiting around for your morning caffeine fix.

Operating the machine is intuitive with its button interface, making it accessible even for guests or family members who aren’t coffee aficionados. The energy-saving automatic shutoff was a relief for my forgetful self, ensuring the machine doesn’t stay on unnecessarily. Additionally, the complementary starter set of Nespresso capsules was a pleasant surprise, allowing me to sample several unique blends right out of the box.

My kids even enjoyed watching the capsule spin inside the machine, and they liked how the espresso shot could be turned into a creamy iced latte with ease. This machine really brings café-style drinks to your kitchen without the hassle of complicated barista techniques.

Product Competitors and How This Machine Stacks Up

Comparing this espresso maker to other popular single-serve machines like the Keurig K-Cafe or the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima, a few differences stand out. The VertuoPlus Deluxe excels in its unique CentriFusion extraction, which is unmatched in producing crema and rich espresso. Its ability to brew multiple cup sizes, including larger coffee servings, puts it ahead of many espresso-only machines that struggle with versatility.

However, competitors like the DeLonghi offer built-in milk frothers, which this model lacks, so if you’re looking for a one-stop machine for lattes and cappuccinos, you may need an additional accessory. On the other hand, compared to standard drip coffee makers, this machine provides café-quality coffee quickly and with less mess, but it comes at a higher price and ongoing pod costs.

Overall, the premium build quality and advanced brewing tech make this coffee and espresso maker a strong contender in its category, though it’s not the cheapest or most compact option available.

Value Assessment: Is It Worth the Investment?

Considering the price to quality ratio, this machine offers solid value for coffee lovers who want a high-quality, versatile brewing system at home. The convenience of brewing both espresso and larger cups of coffee with a simple button press is a major selling point. If you drink a variety of coffee styles regularly, this machine can easily replace multiple devices.

The energy efficiency features and fast heat-up time contribute to its overall cost-effectiveness, but the ongoing expense of capsules should be factored in. If you’re someone who values consistent coffee quality and minimal fuss, this could be a smart spending choice. However, budget-conscious buyers might find cheaper alternatives that offer fewer features but also come with lower maintenance costs.

Design and Aesthetics

The sleek black finish and chromed details give this machine an elegant and modern look. Its design balances functionality with style, making it a nice centerpiece on my kitchen counter. The movable water tank is a thoughtful addition, allowing for better placement flexibility. However, due to its size, it isn’t the best fit for cramped spaces.

I appreciate the machine’s craftsmanship, which feels sturdy and well-built. The button interface is simple, with clear labels, so operating it is easy even without consulting the manual. The motorized head mechanism adds a touch of luxury, making the brewing process feel smooth and effortless.

Coffee Quality and Brewing Performance

Every cup brewed by this machine has consistently impressed me. The espresso shots are rich, with a thick crema that rivals those from local coffee shops. The larger coffee servings are smooth and flavorful, not bitter or watered down. I experimented with different capsule flavors, and the machine handled them all beautifully, adjusting brew strength and temperature automatically.

The barcode reading system ensures each capsule’s unique recipe is respected, which means the coffee tastes as the roasters intended. I also enjoyed brewing iced coffee by simply pouring over ice—this machine adapts well to different coffee styles. For anyone who appreciates quality coffee with minimal effort, this product delivers on its promise.

Downsides to Keep in Mind Before Buying

Although my experience was mostly positive, a few less favorable aspects stood out. The noise level during brewing is louder than I expected. The capsule spinning and water injection create a noticeable hum, which might be disruptive in quiet environments or early mornings.

Another issue is the dependence on proprietary capsules, which limits freedom to use ground coffee or alternative brands. This can be frustrating for those who prefer variety or want to save money with bulk coffee grounds. Finally, the used capsule container’s small capacity means you’ll need to empty it frequently if you’re a heavy coffee drinker.

• Noticeable noise during brewing cycle
• Capsule dependency limits coffee variety
• Small capacity for used capsules requires frequent emptying

Additional information