Nespresso Vertuo Pop capsule coffee machine review

Should you’re an extended espresso drinker, buying round for a pod machine could be irritating. Many will solely brew shorter drinks, leaving giant cups solely half full. That is the place the Nespresso Vertuo system has discovered its area of interest, delivering lungos and mugs stuffed with espresso in addition to morning espressos.

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the smallest of the household at solely 25cm tall, enabling it to tuck beneath wall cupboards or into a cabinet in probably the most compact of kitchens. And whereas it gained’t ship the biggest sizes – you’ll want the Vertuo Subsequent for the XL brews – it’ll nonetheless produce lengthy drinks full of loads of flavour.

Design and construct

• 0.6 litre water tank
• Small countertop footprint
• Single button operation

To say that the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is minimal is one thing of an understatement. Apart from its diminutive top, it’s simply 13.6cm vast (though the depth is 42.6cm) and weighs solely 3.5kg. Seems to be-wise, those that like color are in luck as there’s a alternative of six shades, though a kind of is black. The others are white, crimson, blue, yellow and aqua.

The 600ml water tank is parked neatly on the again, whereas the left facet is dwelling to an inner used capsule container, which slides or ideas out for emptying. On the entrance, you’ll discover an elective drip tray/cup platform, although because the spout is low to begin with, you’d most likely solely use this to lift up espresso cups.

The highest of the machine is the place the motion occurs. Should you’re not conversant in the locking system for capsules, the design could be perplexing at first – to insert a capsule, you’ll want to show the lever to unlock, earlier than pushing it once more to entry the chamber inside, then decreasing the pinnacle and locking all of it into place.

There’s a single button for the entire machine’s options, together with descaling, one thing which, together with the multi-language guide, makes getting comfortable with its performance fairly tough. Whereas on a regular basis brewing requires one push and also you’re completed, there’s an explainer about what all of the completely different mild blinks imply and get into completely different menus that makes you want they’d added one or two extra buttons or lights to the glossy exterior.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

For instance, do you have to need extra intense/shorter espresso to pair with milk, you’ll have to click on twice on the button shortly – typically, we simply weren’t quick sufficient.

Efficiency and options

• Black espresso solely
• 4 drink sizes
• Noisy in use

Unsurprisingly for such a small machine, there’s no milk performance on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop – it’s all about black espresso. Brewing is simple – every capsule has a barcode, which tells the machine make it, so there’s no want to pick a most popular cup measurement.

Relying on the capsule inserted, it’ll make 4 drink sizes, starting from espresso (40ml) to a mug (230ml). Though you may cease meting out early by pushing the button or tapping it once more for extra water, you’ll should be fast: you’re granted 45 seconds after brewing has completed to take action.

The capsules are brewed utilizing what Nespresso calls “centrifusion” – it’s spun because the espresso is made – with a spin afterwards to dry the capsule, leading to much less moist mess than many different pod machines.

As the pinnacle of the machine is raised, the capsule is ejected backwards into the inner container. This implies it’s a mess-free machine. There’s by no means any have to fish out used capsules together with your fingers – they are often tipped straight out of the container with out being touched.

The opposite great thing about this technique is that you simply gained’t must empty water out of the used capsule container. Nevertheless, centrifusion is a loud course of and sure to get up different members of your family for those who’re up and making espresso early.

We tried making espresso with each Gran Lungo (150ml) and Mug (230ml) sized capsules. We favored that the Vertuo Pop heated up in seconds (typically lower than the producer’s estimate of 30 seconds) and that you may pop in a capsule and it could begin brewing when it was prepared.

Nevertheless, what shortly grew to become obvious is how limiting the machine’s water tank measurement was. If, for instance, you make simply two mugs of espresso, you gained’t have sufficient water for a 3rd with out topping up the tank. And, do you have to make the most of the power to vary the default meting out quantities – the biggest being 535ml – you’ll virtually empty your tank in a single go.

One other difficulty was the drip tray – it’s redundant until you’re brewing into small cups, and even then struggles to remain connected to the machine – ours indifferent each time we moved the machine. Even with out the drip tray, there’s not plenty of clearance beneath the spout for big mugs – we needed to choose people who would match beneath as not all of the mugs in our cabinet did.

This meant that after the cup was eliminated, we ended up with drips on the worktop.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

Apparently for an reasonably priced espresso machine, the Vertuo Pop connects to the Nespresso app, which is definitely completed – however the reward is proscribed. You possibly can’t inform it to begin brewing at a sure time for instance, or alter meting out quantities from right here.

What it largely appears to do is permit system updates and inform you the standing of the machine, though there are additionally helpful movies beneath its assist part, that are simpler to observe than the included directions.

Regardless of some shortcomings, the espresso made by the Vertuo Pop is completely good – not too sizzling, at all times with a frothy fragrant crema, and flavourful. A few of the capsules we tried had a slight bitter end to them however at all times smelled engaging.

Brewing utilizing the extreme setting eliminated the bitter edge and introduced out extra of the espresso’s sweetness – we solely want it was easier to pick this each time.

Value and availability

The Vertuo Pop is extensively obtainable for £99-£100 within the UK. There’s little distinction between most retailers’ normal costs however you should buy it from John Lewis (the place, on the time of writing, you’ll additionally get 50 espresso capsules free), Argos and Very.

Nevertheless, Amazon at present has a limited-time low cost that’ll internet you £10-£20 off, relying on the color you need.

Within the US, the Vertuo Pop+ is on the market solely from Nespresso for $129.

Verdict

Should you prize consistency and comfort above all else, you’re positive to like the sheer simplicity of the Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Every little thing has been completed for you, from dealing with the mess of capsules and deciding how a lot water to make use of, to turning itself off after two minutes.

And, when you could not have the area for one of many bigger Vertuo machines, the Pop’s small measurement means it’s good for these with restricted kitchen area or a house workplace.

Nevertheless, like all Vertuo machines, you’re restricted to appropriate capsules, moderately than the unique Nespresso system, which now gives alternative from different roasters.

Along with this, by making the Vertuo Pop small and easy, there have been concessions in practicality. These is probably not a difficulty for individuals who solely need their espresso sizzling, black and moist, and don’t thoughts preserving a water provide close by.

However for busy households, all-day espresso drinkers and latte lovers, its limitations could show a frustration too far. Finally, how a lot you like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop will come all the way down to how a lot versatility you’re joyful to sacrifice for the benefit of excellent espresso with one faucet.

The query could also be whether or not one of many different Vertuo machines is best for you. Our fundamental bugbear with this machine is its petite water tank. However we’ve additionally reviewed the Vertuo Subsequent, which has a bigger, one litre water tank you should utilize to fill a carafe, and the Vertuo Plus, which has a 1.2 litre water tank and may accomodate 4 cup sizes.

For extra espresso machine choices of all kinds, take a look at our round-up of the very best espresso machines. And to see how the Vertuo Pop fares in opposition to different capsule espresso machines, browse the very best pod espresso machines we’ve examined.