In-Depth Review

Nespresso VertuoPlus Single-touch capsule machine built around a new brewing method

By OVR Guy
|
October 19, 2019
Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee maker review thumbnail. Image for The OVR Guy's full review on OriginalVideoReviews.com.

Overview

By this point I'd reviewed quite a few Nespresso machines, and right when I thought I'd already seen everything the brand had to offer, they released an entirely new series built around a completely different capsule.

The reason behind it: the patent on Nespresso's familiar original capsule design had expired, so any company could now manufacture that style of capsule on its own. In response, Nespresso created a whole new system, the Vertuo line, with its own capsule design and extraction method, and naturally claimed that if you're serious about coffee, this is exactly the machine for you.

Does that actually mean better coffee? Better machines? Or just another reason to spend more money? That's exactly what I set out to find out with the Nespresso VertuoPlus.

Watch The Unboxing
See the Nespresso VertuoPlus straight out of the box before diving into the detailed breakdown.

Product Description

Brand
Nespresso
Model
VertuoPlus also referred to as Vertuo Plus, model code GCB2
Type
Capsule espresso machine Centrifusion technology

The VertuoPlus is a one-touch coffee maker by Nespresso, built around Centrifusion, a patented extraction technology developed by Nespresso. As with previous Nespresso models that used the older capsule patent, operation stays simple: insert a capsule, close the lever, and activate the machine.

Once activated, the capsule spins at high speed (according to Nespresso, up to 7,000 rotations per minute) to extract the coffee. A barcode printed on the rim of each capsule lets the machine automatically adjust its brewing parameters to match that specific capsule.

According to Nespresso, the VertuoPlus supports 5 different cup sizes, from a small Espresso up to a larger Alto-size coffee, with the machine's cup support adjusting to fit each one.

Specifications

Dimensions & Weight
Physical Size
Width5.6 in / 142 mm
Weight~10.8 lb (~4.9 kg) according to the manufacturer
Capacity
Water Tank
Capacity1.2 L / 1.6 L varies by water tank position (side or back)
Cup Sizes
Alto14 fl oz / 414 ml
Coffee7.77 fl oz / 230 ml
Gran Lungo5 fl oz / 150 ml according to the manufacturer
Double Espresso2.7 fl oz / 80 ml according to the manufacturer
Espresso1.35 fl oz / 40 ml
Power
Electrical Data
Voltage / Frequency220-240V, 50Hz
Wattage1260 W
Operation
Extraction & Power Management
Extraction technologyCentrifusion capsule spins up to 7,000 RPM, according to the manufacturer
Automatic power offAfter 9 minutes of inactivity

Inside the box

1X Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker
12X Nespresso Vertuo capsules
1X User Manual

Pros

Simple to use This is a one-touch machine, so operating it is relatively easy.

Smart technology The barcode on each capsule determines the size of the cup of coffee that you will get.

Adjustable cup support There are four positions to accommodate different cup sizes.

Cons

Newer capsules cost more The newer Vertuo capsules are more expensive than the old Nespresso capsules.

Genuine capsules are pricey Genuine Nespresso capsules are expensive.

Newer models exist There are newer models in the Vertuo series.

Overall Verdict

The VertuoPlus itself is a genuinely cool machine, and I really appreciate what Nespresso did here. I understand the need to reinvent themselves once the patent on the original capsule design expired, and the concept behind Centrifusion, along with how it actually performs, is impressive on its own.

I drink a lot of coffee, and I really enjoy how simple it is to just insert a capsule and go. There's no doubt the VertuoPlus delivers good coffee, and if you're someone who drinks a lot of it, this machine can definitely suit you. Drinking more coffee this way arguably means less hands-on operation overall: less stepping away from what you're doing (say, sitting at the computer and staying focused) just to prepare a cup, and more just pressing a button and getting back to it.

Bottom line, the reasons to go for this machine come down to one of two things: either you're genuinely into Nespresso, whether that's the coffee itself or the brand, or it's simply a matter of functionality, where this new capsule format fits how you actually want to make coffee. The fact that these capsules cost more is part of the trade-off that comes with this newer capsule series and the machines built around it, like this one.

Either way, I'll keep enjoying this machine, but I don't see myself getting hooked on it at this stage, or swapping out something I already use specifically for it, certainly not when the alternative on the table is a real bean-to-cup machine.

The Bottom Line

A genuinely clever, well-executed machine that delivers good coffee with almost no effort, best suited to real Nespresso enthusiasts or anyone who specifically wants that level of simplicity, though the pricier capsules are the trade-off that comes with it.

Where to buy

Below is the link to purchase the Nespresso VertuoPlus:

Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee maker, front view, transparent background
Available On Amazon

Nespresso VertuoPlus

Check Price on Amazon

Videos

Unboxing the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker
Unboxing the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker.
Introducing VertuoPlus
Introducing the Nespresso VertuoPlus.

Official Nespresso video

Discover the Nespresso VertuoPlus Machine
A closer look at the Nespresso VertuoPlus machine.

Official Nespresso video

Nespresso VertuoPlus – Short Presentation
A short presentation of the Nespresso VertuoPlus.

Official Nespresso video

Photos

User Manual

Nespresso VertuoPlus User Manual

User manual (PDF)

View / Download

FAQ

What should I do when using the VertuoPlus for the first time?
If you are about to use the VertuoPlus for the first time, then watch the video tutorial below.
First use (official video by Nespresso)
How to prepare coffee with the VertuoPlus?
Below is a video tutorial on everyday coffee preparation with the VertuoPlus.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus – Coffee Preparation (official video by Nespresso)
How to program the cup size of the VertuoPlus?
Below is a video tutorial on cup size programming of the VertuoPlus.
Nespresso Vertuo: How To - Cup Size Programming (official video by Nespresso)
How to descale & clean the VertuoPlus?
Below is a video tutorial on descaling & cleaning the VertuoPlus.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus - Descaling & Cleaning (official video by Nespresso)
How to use the Aeroccino milk frother with the VertuoPlus?
Got questions about the Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee maker?
Feel free to drop them in the comments – I'll do my best to help.
Already tried the Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee maker yourself?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback might help others decide whether this coffee maker is worth picking up.

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[…] to the VertuoPlus I previously reviewed, the Next takes a noticeably different direction in its design footprint. It also brings distinct […]

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