De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker Review

If you’ve already decided the Nespresso ecosystem is for you and just want to know if the Nespresso VertuoPlus is a reliable choice, you can stop reading. It is. It’s one of the most-liked models in the entire Vertuo lineup, and for good reason.

But if you're here because you’re caught between the allure of one-touch convenience and a nagging voice wondering about the catch, this is for you. You've seen the ads, you've tasted the coffee at a friend's house, but you suspect there's a tradeoff that isn't on the box. You are correct. This review synthesizes years of owner feedback to tell you exactly what that tradeoff is, what it feels like six months after purchase, and who ends up regretting this machine.

The central tension of the Nespresso VertuoPlus is not its performance, which is excellent for what it is. It's the conflict between its upfront affordability and the non-negotiable, premium long-term cost of its proprietary pods. It brews a wide range of palatable coffee and espresso-style drinks with zero effort. The De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus is the peak of convenient, high-quality pod coffee, but it is an entry gate to an expensive, closed garden you can never leave.

What it sets out to do

The De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus is designed to do one thing perfectly: eliminate user error from the coffee-making process. It’s not a traditional espresso machine. It doesn't use a 9-bar pressure pump to force water through a puck of finely ground coffee. Instead, it uses a Nespresso-patented technology called Centrifusion. The machine reads a barcode on the rim of each pod, then spins it at up to 7,000 RPM while injecting water, creating a blended, crema-topped beverage. This is its core design choice, optimizing for consistency and ease above all else.

Its target buyer is someone who wants both a full mug of coffee and an occasional espresso-style drink from a single machine, without learning any technique. The marketing often frames its output as “espresso,” but here is an explicit disagreement: the thick, foamy topping on a Vertuo shot is not true crema. Real crema is an emulsion of coffee oils created by high-pressure extraction. Vertuo's foam is aerated coffee, a byproduct of the spinning process. It looks similar but has a lighter, bubblier texture and dissipates faster. For many, this is a distinction without a difference. For anyone coming from a semi-automatic machine, the difference is immediate.

Nespresso Vertuo vs. VertuoPlus: Key Differences Explained

What's the difference between Nespresso Vertuo and VertuoPlus? The Nespresso VertuoPlus has two main upgrades over the original Vertuo model. First is the motorized brew head; a light touch on the lever automatically opens and closes the machine, which feels premium. The second, and more practical, upgrade is the adjustable 40 oz (1.1L) water tank. It can be swiveled to sit behind the machine or on either side, making it far more adaptable to tight or unusual counter spaces. The original Vertuo has a manual-lift head and a fixed water tank, which can be a deal-breaker for some kitchen layouts.

Fit, finish and durability

The machine feels solid for its price tier.

Build Quality: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)

De'Longhi's version of the Nespresso VertuoPlus is almost entirely plastic, but it’s a high-grade ABS that resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily. The chrome accents and lever feel substantial. The key differentiator is the motorized head, which provides a satisfyingly smooth, automated action for opening and closing. The drip tray is adjustable to accommodate five brew sizes, from a 1.35 oz espresso to a 14 oz Alto. It’s a thoughtful design that feels well-executed, though the tray itself can feel a bit flimsy compared to the main body.

Long-term Reliability: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)

Long-term owner feedback shows the Nespresso VertuoPlus to be one of the more reliable machines in the Vertuo line, especially compared to the leak-prone Vertuo Next model. However, its primary point of mechanical failure is the very feature that makes it unique: the motorized head. After two to three years of daily use, some owners report the open/close mechanism can become sluggish or fail entirely. The other common issue is the machine needing a deep cleaning or descaling cycle, often indicated by a blinking orange or red light. The warranty process is generally straightforward, but repairs outside of warranty can be costly.

The De'Longhi Difference: Build Quality and Design

Is De'Longhi or Nespresso better for Vertuo? This question misunderstands the business model. Nespresso designs the core brewing technology and pod system. They then license the manufacturing to partners like De'Longhi and Breville. Functionally, the machines are identical. They use the same Centrifusion tech and produce the exact same coffee. The difference is purely aesthetic. De'Longhi models, like the ENV155T, often feature a squared-off, more classic Italian design language, particularly on the coffee spout. Breville versions tend to have a rounded, softer spout. Your choice should be based entirely on which design you prefer and the current price, as performance will not vary.

What it does well

Its primary strength is effortless consistency. Every pod brews exactly as intended, every time. The barcode system removes all guesswork about volume, temperature, and spin speed. For a household with multiple coffee drinkers who have different preferences, this is a massive advantage. One person can have a Gran Lungo, the next an espresso, with zero transition time. Heat-up time is a swift 20-25 seconds, a stark contrast to the several minutes a traditional single boiler espresso machine might require.

The sheer variety of coffee styles is another win. It produces five distinct sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5.07 oz), Coffee (7.77 oz), and Alto (14 oz, though these pods are becoming rarer). This versatility is something that even premium super-automatic machines struggle to replicate without significant programming. The adjustable water tank is a genuinely clever piece of industrial design, solving a common kitchen layout problem that most appliance makers ignore. What most reviews miss is how much this one feature can influence where the machine can live in your kitchen, freeing up precious prep space.

Buy this if: you live in a busy household with multiple coffee preferences, have limited counter space next to your outlets, and value speed and consistency above all else. You see coffee as a utility to get you going, not a hobby to be perfected. You would otherwise be buying daily coffee from a cafe and want to replicate that variety at home for a lower long-term cost.

Where it frustrates

The core frustration is the proprietary pod system. This cannot be overstated. You can only use Nespresso-branded Vertuo pods, which are patent-protected. Unlike the Original Line or Keurig systems, there is no thriving market for third-party capsules. This locks you into Nespresso's pricing, selection, and availability. You cannot use your own freshly ground coffee. This is the fundamental tradeoff: you surrender all control for the sake of convenience. Owners discover after six months that the cost per pod, especially for larger coffee sizes, adds up significantly, making the cost of ownership much higher than for a drip machine or even a semi-automatic espresso setup.

A recurring complaint in owner reviews is confusion over the blinking lights. A blinking orange light can mean several things, from needing a cleaning cycle to a factory reset, and the manual isn't always clear. Troubleshooting often involves a frustrating process of elimination. While more reliable than the Vertuo Next, some owners do report eventual leaks from the brew head, a problem that can be difficult to fix out of warranty. Finally, the environmental impact of single-use aluminum pods is a valid concern for many, even with Nespresso's recycling program, which requires users to collect and mail back used pods.

Why are people getting rid of Nespresso Vertuo machines?

Why are people selling Nespresso Vertuo machines? The number one reason cited in online marketplaces is the pod cost. Many buyers are seduced by the machine's relatively low upfront price, only to experience sticker shock from the ongoing expense of Vertuo capsules. A secondary reason is the desire for more control and better-tasting, true espresso, which leads them to upgrade to a semi-automatic machine like the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS. The waste factor and the inconvenience of the recycling program are also frequently mentioned.

Skip this if: you are on a tight budget for recurring expenses, want the freedom to choose your own coffee beans from local roasters, or enjoy the ritual and craft of making coffee. The pod lock-in will eventually frustrate you. Instead, consider a quality drip coffee maker for mugs of coffee and an entry-level semi-automatic like the Breville Bambino for real espresso. The initial investment is higher, but the long-term cost per cup is drastically lower.

Using it for real

Your daily routine settles in fast. Wake up, place a mug, pop in a pod, touch the lever, press the button. By the time you've pulled milk from the fridge, your coffee is ready. The auto-eject feature, which drops the used pod into an internal bin when you open the head, is a small but satisfying touch. The bin holds about 10 large pods, so you're not emptying it constantly. What owners wish they'd known is that sometimes pods get stuck, and you have to manually nudge them into the bin. It’s a minor annoyance.

After a few weeks, you have your 3-4 favorite pods and you stop experimenting. The sheer variety that seemed so appealing at first narrows down to a functional rotation. One feature that gets used far less than marketing suggests is the ability to top up or stop a brew early by pressing the button again. The barcode system is so accurate that 99% of the time, owners just let it run its pre-programmed cycle. The machine is loud—a distinct whirring sound as the capsule spins up. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's not silent.

Long-term ownership

Maintenance is straightforward but mandatory. The machine will tell you when it needs a cleaning cycle (three quick presses of the brew button) or a full descaling. Overlooked detail: Nespresso strongly recommends using their proprietary descaling solution. While other solutions might work, using them can void the warranty. A descaling kit is an additional running cost to factor in, and you'll likely need to do it every 3-6 months depending on your water hardness.

The part that wears out is often not on the machine itself, but your patience with the pod ordering process. You can't just run to any grocery store for Vertuo pods; they have more limited distribution than the Original Line or Keurig pods, often requiring an online order or a trip to a dedicated Nespresso boutique. The hidden cost is not just the pods themselves, but the mental energy of keeping them in stock. A realistic lifespan for the De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus, based on forum discussions, is about 3-5 years of daily use before mechanical issues, often with the motorized head, become more likely.

How to Descale and Clean Your Machine

How to descale De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus? First, empty the capsule container and drip tray. Fill the water tank with one Nespresso descaling unit and 17 oz (0.5 L) of water. To enter descaling mode, hold the button and the lever down for 3 seconds. They will turn orange. Lock the machine by pushing the lever left, then press the button to start. The machine will run the solution through. After it finishes, rinse the tank, refill with fresh water, and press the button again to run a rinse cycle. To exit, hold the button and lever for 3 seconds. The De'Longhi Nespresso manual provides a clear diagram for this.

Other options on the table

Your primary alternative within the Nespresso ecosystem is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine. The 'Deluxe' model, whether by De'Longhi or Breville, is functionally identical but features a larger 60 oz water tank and more premium chrome or metal finishes. It's a worthy upgrade if you have a large family or entertain often.

For those questioning the pod system entirely, the Breville Bambino is the most logical next step. It's a true semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers 9-bar extraction and has a proper steam wand for microfoam. It requires a separate grinder and a learning curve, but it liberates you from pods and produces far superior espresso. Its upfront cost is higher, but the per-cup price is a fraction of the Vertuo's.

An overlooked competitor is a high-quality drip coffee machine paired with a Nespresso Original Line machine, like the Essenza Mini. This combination often has a similar total cost to the VertuoPlus but offers the best of both worlds: cheap, excellent drip coffee in large batches, and access to the much wider, less expensive, and competitive Original Line pod market for espresso shots. Owner feedback splits roughly evenly on this; some find two machines cumbersome, while others find the flexibility and lower running costs liberating.

Is the VertuoPlus Being Discontinued? The Real Answer

Why is the Nespresso VertuoPlus being discontinued? It is not officially discontinued by Nespresso, but it is being phased out of many retail channels in favor of newer models like the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop. This creates the perception of discontinuation. The Nespresso VertuoPlus is widely considered by long-term owners to be more reliable than the newer, more compact models. Pods for the VertuoPlus are still in full production and will be for the foreseeable future. The machine's phase-out from some stores means you can often find the De'Longhi Vertuo Plus on sale, making it a solid purchase in 2026 if you find a good deal.

Who should pick it up

Best for: The person or family who prioritizes speed, variety, and zero-effort consistency. This buyer sees a coffee machine as an appliance, not a hobby. They want a single machine that can make a convincing-enough latte and a full mug of coffee with equal ease, and they are willing to pay a premium for that convenience in the form of pod costs.

Not ideal for: Anyone with a desire to control their coffee's strength, temperature, or origin. The Nespresso VertuoPlus is a black box. It's also a poor choice for the budget-conscious user who calculates per-cup costs. The inability to use third-party pods or your own coffee is a deal-breaker for those who value freedom of choice and supporting local roasters.

This machine exists for the user who finds the idea of dialing in a grinder, tamping, and timing a shot to be a nightmare. It delivers a result that is 80% as good as a cafe drink for 10% of the effort, and for its target audience, that is a perfect exchange. The value proposition only works if you accept the pod system as a permanent subscription.

In the end

The De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus remains one of the best machines Nespresso has ever made. It is a masterclass in convenient, user-friendly design. The motorized head is a delight, the adjustable water tank is a stroke of genius, and the coffee it produces is consistently good for a pod system. It successfully bridges the gap between espresso and drip coffee in a way no other system has quite managed.

However, the praise must be qualified by the system's gilded cage. Buying a Nespresso VertuoPlus is less like buying an appliance and more like signing up for a service. Your coffee supply is forever tethered to Nespresso. This isn't a flaw; it's the business model. For many, the convenience is so overwhelming that the cost and lack of flexibility are a worthwhile price. For others, it becomes a source of regret. The machine itself is not the question; the ecosystem is.

If you value time and convenience above all, and accept the pod costs, buy this machine.