Okay, confession time: I’m a coffee addict. A full-blown, needs-a-fix-before-functioning human being. So, naturally, I’m always on the prowl for the ultimate caffeine delivery system. I’ve dabbled in everything – the zen-like ritual of pour-overs, espresso machines that practically require a PhD to operate… you name it. When the De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus showed up, promising both convenience and a decent cup, I was skeptical, but definitely intrigued.
Right out of the box, the Vertuo Plus looks the business. That “Titan” finish? Seriously sleek. It’s the kind of appliance that makes you feel like you’ve adulted correctly. But let’s be real, looks aren’t everything. The real draw was the promise of single-serve coffee and espresso at the touch of a button. As someone who’s usually juggling a million things before 9 AM, that sounded like a dream come true. Plus, the fact that it came bundled with a Starbucks by Nespresso variety pack? Bonus points! A chance to sample different flavors without committing to a whole bag? I’m in.
Now, about that brewing experience… This thing heats up FAST. They say 25 seconds, and honestly, that feels about right. No more impatiently tapping my foot while I wait for my caffeine lifeline. And the one-touch operation? Child’s play. Even I couldn’t mess it up. The machine uses some fancy “Centrifusion” tech and scans the barcode on each capsule to figure out how to brew it. Okay, I don’t really understand how it works, but the results speak for themselves.
What I really dig is the versatility. Some days, I just need a standard 8oz coffee to get me going. Other days? Only a double espresso will cut it. And you can do both with this thing! I even got a little fancy and poured the espresso over ice with some milk for a makeshift latte. Not bad at all!
Let’s talk coffee. The included Starbucks capsules are a solid starting point. That Veranda Blend (intensity 6) is seriously smooth – perfect for those mornings when you need a gentle nudge. But when you need a KICK? The Caffè Verona (intensity 10) will definitely wake you up. And here’s a detail that made me feel a little less guilty about my caffeine habit: the capsules are recyclable!
Okay, a couple of minor things. This “Deluxe” version has a 60-ounce water tank, which is awesome. Seriously, who wants to be constantly refilling the water? But the used pod container? It holds 10 capsules, which is fine, but could be bigger. Just sayin’.
So, the final verdict? The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a winner. It’s ridiculously easy to use, brews a consistently good cup, and offers a decent range of options. Will it completely replace my coffee shop visits? Probably not. Sometimes you just need that atmosphere, you know? But for my daily caffeine fix? This thing is a game-changer. If you’re thinking about upgrading your coffee setup, you should definitely check it out.
Is it for you?
- If you’re a busy person who needs coffee, like, yesterday.
- If you like trying different coffee flavors without buying a ton of beans.
- If you want a coffee machine that looks good on your counter.
Maybe not if…
- You’re a coffee snob who insists on grinding your own beans and hand-pouring every cup.
- You’re on a super tight budget. Nespresso capsules aren’t exactly cheap.
- You need to brew a whole pot of coffee at once. This is strictly a single-serve situation.