Nespresso VertuoPlus: Cafe-style coffee at the push of a button

Finder score: 4

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Pod coffee has become extremely popular these days as it is a relatively effortless way to achieve good quality coffee from the comfort of your own home. Nespresso offers a wide variety of pod coffee machines, but the Vertuo range differs slightly as it's the pod that determines the type of coffee produced. While this simplifies the process even further, it does mean that you're limited to buying only Nespresso pods.

We have previously reviewed the Nespresso Vertuo Next at Finder, and while very similar in many ways, the VertuoPlus presents an appealing alternative. Larger in size, it has a bigger water tank and is even easier to use. It doesn't present any smart capabilities like the Vertuo Next, but its simplicity, style and great coffee-making abilities are definitely worth considering.

Design

Image: Susannah Hardy/Finder

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is a striking coffee machine that looks impressive on the kitchen bench. I tested a shiny black version, but there are a number of colours and finishes available. The VertuoPlus does require a decent amount of space, which can be problematic if, like me, your kitchen is on the smaller side.

However, compared to other machines of this standard, the VertuoPlus is still fairly streamlined, measuring approximately 14.22cm x 41.18cm x 32.51cm. But this doesn't include a milk frother, which would require further room and another power point. Still, the water tank at the back actually swivels from side to side, allowing a little more flexibility when positioning the machine on the bench.

Image: Susannah Hardy/Finder

Crafted from plastic materials, it does feel a little fragile and susceptible to breaks or cracks, but it's really only the water tank that is regularly handled. However, the benefit of this is that it weighs just 4.6kg, so it's easy to unpack and move around.

It's also simple in terms of controls with no gadgets, switches or screens. It comes out of the box, almost ready to go with little set-up. The water tank clicks in easily as does the adjustable cup tray at the front. The lid opens automatically when touched and closes just as easily.

Other than that, there is one discreet button on top to kick off the coffee-making process. The pod and machine do the rest, which means the overall physical appearance of the machine remains incredibly sleek and simple.

Performance

The VertuoPlus is intelligently designed, with every part serving a purpose. Image: Susannah Hardy/Finder

The Nespresso VertuoPlus makes coffee brewing look incredibly easy. Once the water tank is in position and the cup tray put in its place, you're pretty much ready to go. The instructions are sparse, but clear enough as the machine set-up is fairly intuitive, especially if you've used Nespresso pod machines before.

Image: Susannah Hardy/Finder

To get started, you simply click out the water tank and fill it up. Being a large size that holds an impressive 1.2l, it doesn't require constant refilling as with the case of smaller machines. The lid at the top opens automatically when pressed. I'm not sure this feature is really necessary or time-saving, but it's a nice touch.

As the lid lifts, the previous pod is discarded into the used pod container at the back. Much like the size of the water tank, this container holds up to 13 pods, so doesn't need to be emptied as often as smaller pod machines.

Once the lid opens, you simply place your pod of choice in position, lightly touch the lid and it closes before your very eyes. The cup holder below is not only sturdy but also height adjustable, perfect for whatever cup you desire. There are 3 pods sizes on offer to produce the following 5 drinks:

• Expresso - 40ml
• Double Expresso - 80ml
• Gran Lungo - 150ml
• Coffee Mug - 230ml
• Alto - 414ml

Once your cup is ready and the pod in place, you close the lid. When the button on top stops flashing, you simply press it once. And that's it. The machine spins into action, with a gentle whirring noise that's short-lived and not at all loud or invasive. With Centrifusion technology, the pod is spun up to 7,000 times in a minute, blending ground coffee and water and producing a thick crema that looks beautiful.

The machine recognises the barcode on the side of the pod and adjusts the blending to suit. There are no fancy gadgets to work or automatic screens to navigate. The aroma alone is extremely enticing and the actual coffee is delicious. The only feature missing for me is a milk frother, which you have to buy separately.

Another advantage to the Nespresso VertuoPlus is that it's a fairly low maintenance machine. Cleaning out the inside is straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions, while the pod container, water tank and cup tray can be removed and hand-washed with warm water and detergent

Overall, a super simple way to achieve a delicious coffee with a more-than-pleasing crema.

Image: Susannah Hardy/Finder

Should you buy the Nespresso VertuoPlus?

I've been using pod coffee machines for some time now, so I'm already a fan. I love the ease with which you can enjoy good coffee, so for me, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is a great option. It is attractive and stylish on the bench, which is an important consideration if it's on display for all to see. Personally, I have a small kitchen with little bench space so I probably don't need such a big machine, especially with no milk frother included. But in saying that, I did appreciate the extra-large size of the water tank as it didn't have to be filled up as often. The same goes for the spacious used-pod container, which requires less emptying than smaller machines.

The Nespresso VertuoPlus comes in at a reasonable price compared to other quality coffee machines on the market and is definitely worth the money. It offers ease and convenience as well as excellent coffee that is comparable to the coffee served in a cafe. The only drawback is you can only use Nespresso Vertuo pods as there are no alternatives on the market for now. However, they're very easy to order online and cost approximately 90 cents to $1 per pod, in packs of 10. Plus they're delivered freight free when purchasing a minimum of 100 pods. So overall, it's a cost-effective way to have your daily coffee within easy reach.

Pricing and availability

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How we tested

We used the Nespresso VertuoPlus regularly for several weeks, trying an assortment of Nespresso pods and making several different coffee styles.

Specifications

Images: Susannah Hardy