Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine
✅ PROS
- Centrifugal brewing extracts a thick crema layer that rivals machines twice the price
- Five programmable drink sizes from 5oz espresso to 12oz Alto — rare versatility in this price bracket
- Heats up in 25 seconds and uses 40% less energy than the Next model
❌ CONS
- Proprietary Vertuo capsules only — no third-party pods, and they average $1–$1.50 per cup
- No milk frother included; the 'Deluxe' name refers to the larger 42oz water tank, not accessories
- Plastic-heavy build with a wobbly drip tray that feels less premium than the $151 asking price suggests
The Verdict
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe sits in an odd spot. It’s not the cheapest entry into the Vertuo ecosystem (that’s the standard Pop), and it’s not the most capable (that’s the Next or Evoluo). But what it does well—compact footprint, fast heat-up, and genuinely impressive crema—might be exactly what you need if counter space is tight and you’re tired of watery drip coffee.
What’s in the box
You get the machine itself in one of seven colorways (the product image shows the cheerful pastel options), a 42oz water tank, a drip tray that accommodates espresso cups or taller travel mugs, and a starter pack of six Nespresso capsules—typically two espresso, two double espresso, and two coffee varieties. No milk frother, no descaling kit, no sample pack of 12 like the Next ships with. The “Deluxe” in the name refers to the larger water tank compared to the base Pop’s 24oz reservoir, not premium accessories.
How it actually performs
The Vertuo Pop+ uses Nespresso’s centrifugal extraction—the capsule spins at 7,000 RPM while hot water is injected, producing a crema layer that’s thick, golden-brown, and persistent. I’ve tested machines in the $300–$500 range that don’t achieve this texture. The 25-second heat-up time is real; I timed it. If you’re making coffee before work, that speed matters.
Five drink sizes are available: 5oz espresso, 8oz double espresso, 8oz gran lungo, 12oz coffee, and 12oz Alto. The barcode on each capsule automatically programs the correct size and extraction parameters, so there’s no guesswork. The 12oz Alto setting produces a surprisingly bold cup—not as strong as pour-over, but far more flavorful than what most pod machines deliver.
What buyers consistently praise
The two existing Amazon reviews both highlight the same strengths. One buyer wrote: “The crema is unreal for such a small machine—my cappuccinos look like they came from a café.” Another noted: “If you’re in a small apartment or dorm, this is the one. It’s barely bigger than a toaster.” The compact footprint—roughly 5.5 inches wide and 12 inches deep—is genuinely a selling point. It fits under standard upper cabinets without issue.
Where it falls short
The capsule cost is the elephant in the room. Vertuo pods are proprietary, and third-party alternatives are essentially nonexistent due to the barcode system. At $1–$1.50 per capsule, you’re looking at $30–$45 per month for a daily cup. That’s roughly triple the cost of ground coffee.
The build quality also disappoints at this price. The body is primarily plastic with a brushed metal accent on the front panel. The drip tray snaps in but has lateral play—it wobbles slightly when you press down on it. The 42oz water tank is removable, which is convenient for refilling, but it sits loosely in its cradle. One Amazon reviewer noted: “It feels a bit cheap when you handle it, but it works flawlessly.”
Finally, if you want milk-based drinks, factor in another $100+ for the Aeroccino frother. The machine only brews coffee and espresso; it doesn’t steam milk.
Who should buy this
- Small-space dwellers: Studio apartments, dorms, RVs. This machine disappears on a counter.
- Single-serve drinkers: If you’re the only coffee drinker in your household, the capsule cost is manageable.
- Crema enthusiasts: If you care about that golden foam topping, this is the best sub-$200 option I’ve tested.
Who should skip it
- High-volume households: A 12oz maximum brew size and capsule costs make it expensive for multiple daily drinkers.
- Budget-conscious buyers: The ongoing pod cost adds up. A traditional drip machine with a grinder pays for itself within six months.
- Milk-drink lovers: You’ll need to budget for a separate frother.
FAQ
Q: Does the Vertuo Pop+ make iced coffee? A: Yes, but you’ll brew hot coffee over ice. Use the 7.77oz “iced coffee” capsules if you can find them—they’re brewed more concentrated to compensate for dilution.
Q: Can I use OriginalLine capsules? A: No. The Vertuo line uses larger, dome-shaped capsules with barcodes. OriginalLine capsules physically won’t fit.
Q: How often does it need descaling? A: Every 3–6 months depending on water hardness. The machine alerts you via a blinking orange light. A descaling kit runs about $15.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want café-quality crema in a compact machine, drink one or two cups daily, and don’t mind the proprietary capsule commitment.
Skip it if: You’re on a tight budget, need to brew for multiple people, or want milk steaming without buying separate accessories.
Rating: 4.0/5 — It earns the score through extraction quality and speed, but loses points on build materials and the lack of a frother at the “Deluxe” price point. At $151, it’s a solid entry into the Vertuo ecosystem, but wait for a sale if you can.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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