Nespresso Vertuo Machines

When you want an espresso or coffee drink that’s coffee house quality, but you don’t want to leave home to get one, all you need is a Nespresso Vertuo. With a Nespresso Vertuo Plus or Nespresso Vertuo Next, you’ll feel as though you have your own personal barista in your kitchen.

Nespresso makes a wide range of coffee and espresso machines, including models in the versatile and expansive Vertuo line.

What are Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines?

Nespresso Vertuo coffee makers are geared toward coffee lovers who are looking for a convenient and high-quality coffee experience from the comfort of their homes.

Unlike original Nespresso coffee makers, Vertuo machines use centrifugation to circulate water with the coffee grounds. The hot water pumps into the special barcoded capsules and spins at 7,000 rpm to infuse, delivering a delicious cup every time. The unique extraction system allows for various coffee sizes and types, from a single espresso to a large mug of coffee. You also get a thicker crema on top (even more so when you opt for the Aeroccino milk frother, which comes on its own or bundled with the machine) and enjoy quieter operation.

By contrast, the original machines use different pods and a method that involves pressure. The top of the capsule is punctured and the hot water is forced inside until the bottom bursts, delivering a piping hot, flavourful cup of java.

The different Nespresso Vertuo models

Nespresso Vertuo machines by Breville and De’Longhi are virtually identical but for minor cosmetic differences as well as branding. The most popular models include the Nespresso Vertuo Next, Nespresso Vertuo Plus, Nespresso Vertuo Deluxe, and Nespresso Vertuo Premium.

The compact, slim, and elegant Nespresso Vertuo Next is the entry model, made of 54% recycled plastic. It offers 1,500 watts of power and five cup sizes with an adjustable cup holder, ranging from a small 40mL espresso to a 230mL mug. Equipped with a 1.1L tank positioned in the back, it has a manual machine head and lever. One button operation makes it easy to use, and it’s quick, providing a drink in under a minute. Auto capsule ejection makes clean-up a breeze. Available in a variety of finishes, there’s a model to match every kitchen.

The Nespresso Verto Plus is a step-up, made of high-quality plastic and with a swivel water reservoir that can be positioned on the left, right, or behind to accommodate the space you have in your kitchen. It can also hold twice as many capsules before it needs to be emptied.  Upgrade to the Nespresso Vertuo Next Premium to enjoy a few cosmetic and material differences, like chrome accents along with a plastic pourer and metal cup support. The top-line option is the Nespresso Vertuo Deluxe, which has a stainless-steel pourer and metal cup support. All Nespresso Vertuo espresso machines work with the optional Aeroccino milk frother for thick crema to top off espresso for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Differences between Nespresso Original and Nespresso Vertuo

There are a few similarities and a few differences between the Nespresso Original and the Nespresso Vertuo. Both the Nespresso Original and the Nespresso Vertuo are one-touch machines that make the perfect cup of coffee, but the coffee capsules used by the two machines are slightly different. Nespresso pods Vertuo are proprietary Nespresso brand capsules, and they are available in different styles and different sizes, while Nespresso Origional uses a variety of non-proprietary pods as well.

The Nespresso Vertuo also uses Centrifusion technology to extract coffee from Vertuo pods. It’s an intelligent system that uses barcode technology to recognize each coffee pod, adjust the brewing method for that pod, and deliver the best coffee for every cup.

Differences between Nespresso Vertuo and Nespresso Vertuo Next

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is a range of Nespresso machines designed by different brands. If you like to choose all of your coffee makers from the same brand like Delonghi or Breville, you can choose a Beville Nespresso Vertuo or a Delonghi Nespresso Vertuo. They have the same style, but some will have an all-black style or have colour while others will have chrome accents.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next will often have the Aeroccino milk frother bundled with the machine, giving you the ability to make lattes or other frothed milk drinks. The Nespresso Vertuo Next also has unique power saving abilities, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity to keep the brewer’s software up to date.

Differences between the Nespresso Vertuo and Nespresso Vertuo Plus

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is an upgrade of the Nespresso Vertuo. It has a larger water reservoir and can preheat in 10 to 15 seconds. With a used capsule container capacity of 10 Vertuo pods, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus also offers electric opening and closing for easy use. In contrast, the Nespresso Vertuo offers 6 to 10 used capsule capacity, a slightly smaller water reservoir, and manual opening and closing.

How many times can you use a Nespresso Vertuo pod?

For the freshest, best tasting coffee, you’ll only want to use your Nespresso Vertuo pod once. If you’d like to use a Vertuo pod twice you can do so, but your cup of coffee will be weaker and less flavourful.

Maintenance: descaling a Nespresso Vertuo

Descaling your Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine is important to ensure proper operation, premium quality taste, and longevity of the machine. Each machine has detailed instructions on how to descale it. This cleaning process removes limescale build-up caused by calcium, magnesium, and other minerals from the water, ensuring the machine continues to work as new.

Empty and remove all trays and removable components. Wash these by hand or, if indicated, in the top rack of the dishwasher. Fill the tank with descaling liquid and water (Nespresso offers its own solution), or simply vinegar and water if preferred. Heat it up, and run the descaling cycle, which should take about 20 minutes. Once done, run an empty cycle or two with just water to rinse out the machine, then let it dry before using it again.

Nespresso Vertuo descaling should be done at least every six months based on daily usage. Regular cleaning of removable parts as well as a quick wipe-down of the machine itself on a regular weekly basis will also help preserve the integrity of the machine.