Out of the many coffee machines we reviewed in the past, many of them are Nespresso machines. While these types of coffee machines adopt Nestle’s coffee capsule standard, the category is quite fragmented to the point that you must carefully examine the different models to ensure you get the machine that best fits your needs. You can check out my reviews of other Nespresso machines here:

Full review: Nespresso Essenza Mini (Original)

Full Review Vertuo NEXT

Full Review: Vertuo PLUS

Sound familiar? I actually reviewed the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi back in 2021 and found it to be a versatile, compact Nespresso machine. However, despite its name, Nespresso didn’t design the Next to replace the original Vertuo model which the company introduced way back in 2014 (known as the VertuoLine back then). In this review, I’ll explain what the Nespresso Vertuo is, who should buy it, and how it compares with other Vertuo models.

What is Nespresso Vertuo?

The Nespresso Vertuo is special kind of Nespresso machine designed for the coffee lovers who enjoy more variety in their coffee and may want larger cups.
The Vertuo machines are a bit more complex, so they tend to be bigger, in order to accommodate larger cup sizes without compromising on flavor. The difference in Vertuo machines lies in the Vertuo’s patented “Centrifusion” technology which works by spinning the coffee pod really fast, creating centrifugal force while injecting hot water to infuse it into the coffee grounds inside the pod. This creates more crema than the traditional method but it also allows for more different coffee types outside of the usual espressos. That means Vertuo coffee pods come in several different sizes, for making drinks from single and double espressos, to more traditional, large-cup brewed coffees, all from one machine.

Watch my hands-on review video of Nespresso Vertuo

What you get

First off, the Nespresso Vertuo is the original model released 3 years before the Vertuo Plus. The fact that Nespresso and its manufacturers continue to sell Vertuo nearly a decade later is a testament to its build quality.
Vertuo is what I’d call more of a manual operation machine. While the look of the top portion here may vary depending on the style you order, and my review model has a pretty chrome dome on top, Vertuo machines need you need to lock and unlock it yourself, and the lever, while it’s large, can be a challenge to grip correctly, depending on where you place it.

The machines use a single button on top to make coffee.

Nespresso Vertuo machines have an adjustable cup riser for accommodating different types of coffees.

The original Vertuo has a slightly powerful heating element that shaves a few seconds off the overall prep time and the waste container on the righ hand side is a bit larger being capable of storing up to 12 capsules. The water tank is on the left holds The overall dimensions of the original is slightly smaller and has a longer power cord.

Set up and priming: Defective units common?

Before you make your first coffee yo have homework to do. You need to prime the machine by running water through it.
While this sounds like it should be easy, there is a specific process you need to follow and it’s apparently common enough that the machine won’t initialize that Nespresso has laid out what to do in the manual.

The first Vertuo I bought was one of these defective models. I spent 30 minutes trying to get it to pump water to no avail. I contacted Nespresso customer service, as the manual recommends, and did get great help, but after nearly an hour of trial and error, I was told the machine was defective and to simply return it where I bought it from.
Fortunately my replacement worked and I had it primed in about 5 minutes, and ready to make the first coffee.

Using Nespresso Vertuo

Using this machine is very simple. Just fill the water tank, choose your pod, and ready a cup to match. There is that adjustable cup rack which just slips into place underneath the spout.
Twist the lock to open the lid and place the pod into the holder, round side down. Push the lid back down and lock it onto place with the locking lever.
When you’re ready, press the single button on top. You’ll hear the machine start to spin up and within about 15 seconds you should start to see coffee flowing. Depending on the size of your drink it will brew up in anywhere from about 30 seconds to about a minute.

I like the design of the machine since it uses a concave recess to allow you to get the cup in snugly; this is different from the Vertuo Plus, which bows out in front.

A removable drip tray sits underneath.

When you unlock and lift the lid to brew your next coffee, pod is automatically lifted and ejected into a discard bin around the back of the machine. This bin should hold about ??? 10?
If your municipal recycling program doesn’t accept coffee pods, Nespresso will send you a free return recycling bag so you can collect your used pods and ship them back.

Coffee taste & temp

So what’s the coffee like? When it comes to the espresso I found it extremely delicious. The coffee quality is high, the beverage is silky and never bitter, and it’s smooth with a beautiful crema on top. The shots brew up fast and they seem to be at just the right temperature.

Conversely I found the coffee pods were not as much to my taste. I found them kind of dull and a bit watery tasting. But with that said I’d like a big, bold, punch-you-in-the-mouth brew first thing in the morning so lighter coffees and gentler roasts are generally not for me.

Let’s touch on the Cost of Nespresso pods

The price of these Vertuo pods does vary a little more than the original; not surprising since you might be getting different sizes of beverage from them. For the most part you can expect to pay about 80 cents to $1.20 for espressos and up to about $1.50CAD for bigger coffees. Reasonable, considering what some coffee shops charge for fancy or large coffees.

Coffee types and sizes

The original Vertuo can make 5 different cup sizes of drink from ristretto and the usual 1.35-ounce espressos and 2.7-ounch double espressos as well as 5-ounce Gran Lungo and 8-ounce cups. Because of the extra flexibility, some of the Vertuo coffee pods are considerably larger. When you shop around for Vertuo pods, you will also notice how each one is tailored to a specific size.

This might seem a bit odd at first given the single-button operation of the Nespresso Vertuo. But one of the unique features exclusive to Vertuo machines is its ability to recognize the pod and automatically apply the cup setting so you get the brew as intended by the supplier. The Nespresso Vertuo detects this by scanning the barcode embedded on the rim of the pod.

Customizing Vertuo

Of course, the best brew is totally subjective and the Vertuo does offer a way to tweak the coffee size to your liking. Simply hold the top button when the machine is ready to brew and let go as soon as you want the machine to stop. The Nespresso Vertuo will then save that specific setting for that pod size until you revert the machine to factory settings.
Vertuo vs. Vertuo Plus vs Vertuo Next

Be careful when choosing your Nespresso Vertuo machine because their names do not tell the full story. As I noted, there are several Vertuo machines including Next and Plus, so what are you getting with this one?

In essence, the Vertuo is a more manual machine while Vertuop Plus offers some automation.
The key improvement of the Nespresso Vertuo Plus over the original model is the motorized head where you just gently touch a lever to open the pod chamber.

The design of the Vertuo Plus is also a bit sleeker with a redesigned water reservoir that you can swivel to the left or right which opens up more placement possibilities on your countertop.
These extra improvements don’t make the original Vertuo less appealing though as you might even notice the Vertuo model being more expensive than the Plus. Vertuo vs. Vertuo Next
Choosing between the Vertuo against the Vertuo Next is even more confusing because the Vertuo Next is often priced in between the original model and the Plus model. The Vertuo Next is the newest and slimmest model of the three, but least powerful in both heating and coffee extraction. It also has a slightly smaller reservoir which is forgivable given its focus on having a smaller footprint.

Perhaps the biggest reason to consider the Vertuo Next over the other models is if you want to brew the larger 12-ounce Alto and 18-ounce Carafe cups.

Overall Thoughts: Nespresso Vertuo

The Nespresso Vertuo is something of an icon in coffee pod machine space. Nespresso clearly didn’t want to mess with its original formula, making it a great choice if you want reliability and performance above all.

Let’s go over the pros and the cons.

On the pro side, Vertuo gives you more options for different sizes of espresso and different types and sizes of coffee depending on which pod you order. That alone may make it a major upgrade from Nespresso Original. This is ideal for a household where everybody likes their drink just so.
The large water tank is a good size if you stick to espressos but feels small if you like a coffee or two each day and big pod discard bin means you shouldn’t have to fuss with emptying as often. I found the espresso from this machine to be really delicious and extremely high quality. I appreciate the fact the cup riser is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of mugs which also helps to eliminate splashing. There is also the option to run a manual extraction of you don’t like the pre-set Nespresso sizes.

When it comes to the cons, getting a defective machine seems like it might be common, which is kind of frustrating and would make me pretty wary of this machine. Also, the Vertuo has a larger and wider footprint than a Nespresso Original machine, if that’s a concern. I also didn’t love the clunky operation of the manual locking mechanism enough that I may actually prefer the Vertuo Plus over Vertuo.

On its own merits, the Nespresso Vertuo is a capable and versatile coffee pod machine that will deliver on what it says, and that’s great coffee and espresso—fast.
But comparing it head to head with other Vertuo Machines, I actually like the Vertuo Plus better thanks to its narrower footprint, moveable water tank and automatic motorized lid.
Nespresso Vertuo sells for about $279CAD/$199USD while Vertuo Plus sells for mostly the same price.

Still unsure which Nespresso machine is best for you? Check out my Nespresso buying guide which covers other models outside of the Vertuo lineup.

The post Nespresso Vertuo hands-on review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Be careful when choosing your Nespresso Vertuo machine because their names do not tell the full story.   In this article I’ll take a look at what you’re getting with each of the machines and which one might be right for you. I’ve done full hands-on reviews and demonstrations of each machine, so you can check out those videos/articles too.

Full review: Vertuo

Full Review Vertuo NEXT

Full Review: Vertuo PLUS

Common Features

Let’s start with What they have in common…

Each of these machines is a pod coffee maker using the larger format Vertuo coffee and espresso pod capsules, which have barcodes on the rim that tell the machine how much water to use. That’s where the similarities end.

Manual vs Automatic

Three of these machines, Vertuo, Vertuo POP and Vertuo Next are what I’ll call manual operation, meaning you have to lock and unlock the lid of the brewing chamber yourself. Only one, Vertuo Plus, has an automatic mechanism for this.

Size

When it comes to the footprint, Vertuo is a wider machine, while Vertuo NEXT and Vertuo PLUS are narrower. Vertuo Plus takes it one step further though, offering a swivelling water tank that can sit to the left, right or rear, so you can adjust it to suit your space.  Pop is the smallest of all the Vertruo machines and takes up the least amount of counter space.

Design

Design is where things differ too…Vertuo has a domed lid, Next and Plus are flatter. Vertuo offers a bit more flash, while Plus is more monotone and subdued while Next adds colour choices. Pop is the smallest Vertuo machine you can get, and also offers many more colours

Water Capacity

The size of the water tanks is also different among each machine.

Vertuo Next has a 1.1L water tank,  Vertuo has a marginally bigger 1.2L tank while and Vertuo Plus is largest, nearly doubling water capacity at 1.8L. Pop has the smallest capacity, with a 750ml tank.

Drink Sizes

There is some difference too in terms of which coffees a Vertuo machine can brew.

Vertuo and Vertuo Plus both make 5 sizes of drink from espresso to full cup, while Vertuo Next lets you make 7 including a much larger coffee. Vertuo POP makes 6 sizes of drink.

I am a big Nespresso fan because the machines are easy to use, the coffees are great and it’s so easy and cost effective to make my double espresso here at home. Which machine you choose will depend on which coffees you like best and how much space you have to place it. If you want more information on any of these machines, check out my full reviews, or find out what the difference is between Nespresso original and Vertuo…

The post What’s the difference? Nespresso Vertuo, Nespresso Vertuo Plus, Vertuo Next, Vertuo POP appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

About Nespresso Vertuo Plus: what you’re getting

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a variant of the original Nespresso Vertuo. The original Vertuo made its debut in 2014 as a coffee pod machine with a revolutionary extraction technology called “centrifusion” which spins the coffee pod at 7,000 rpm while infusing the coffee grounds inside the pod with hot water. This patented technology is Nespresso’s approach for generating silkier crema to improve the smoothness and flavor of the extracted coffee and it’s also allowed Nespresso to work in coffee sizes larger than the few ounces you get with Nespresso Original pods and machines.

Watch my hands-on review of Nespresso Vertuo PLUS

That’s the Vertuo difference, so what about the Plus?

The Vertuo Plus name would have you thinking you’re getting a little something extra, but that’s not quite the case here. Nespresso created the “Plus” variant for folks who are willing to trade some small spec reductions for extra usability improvements and a slightly lower cost of entry.
Possibly worth noting is that the pods for Vertuo are vastly different from and completely incompatible with regular or ‘Original’ Nespresso machines. Espresso has generally positioned the Vertuo pods as being better quality.

Vertuo Pods are different

Like other classic Nespresso machines, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus can create a single or double shot espresso from a compatible coffee pod in less than a couple of minutes. But because of the Centrifusion technology exclusive to Vertuo models, the Vertuo Plus can support larger 5-ounce and 8-ounce cups. Gran Lungo and ‘cup o’ coffee’ fans, rejoice!
Larger coffee servings mean larger coffee pods too and there’s actually several different sizes of Vertuo pods, depending on the type of coffee you want to order. At the same time, the Vertuo Plus sticks with its Nespresso essence by making the machine a one-button operation. So how does it work?

How does Vertuo work?

The Vertuo Plus and its other Vertuo cousins have the unique ability to read a special bar code on the pod’s rim and translate it to uniquely measured brewing instructions which gives you the exact amount of coffee as indicated in the pod packaging. You can also customize your serving by holding that button which triggers a manual dispense mode.

Using Vertuo Plus: what’s it like?

This machine is larger than your average original Nespresso machine. That’s for good reason. Generally speaking you’ll find larger water tanks on Vertuo, need a little more space for all that centrifugal force. Small kitchens might be better off going the original route but if you’ve got the real estate to spare you might really enjoy this machine.
Using this machine is very simple, but ensure you follow the directions in the manual to prime it the first time or it may not work correctly. Just fill the water tank, and choose your pod, and ready a cup to match. There is an adjustable cup rack which simply locks into place underneath the spout.
The lid lifts by itself, by pushing up on the lever on the front. Then place the pod into the holder round side down. Tap the lever to have it lower the lid then lock it into place with the locking lever.

When you’re ready press the single button on top. You’ll hear the machine start to spin up and within about 15 seconds you should start to see coffee flowing. Depending on the size of your drink it will brew up in anywhere from about 30 seconds to under a minute.

The design of the machine is a little bit odd since the front of it protrudes out like a bow. It would be nice to have a little more space here to talk the cup under the spout but it didn’t seem like it was making much of a mess despite that. A removable drip tray sits underneath.

When you lift the top to make your next coffee, the pod is automatically lifted and ejected into a discard bin around the back of the machine. This bin should hold about ??? 10?
If your city recycling program doesn’t accept coffee pods, Nespresso will include a free return recycling bag so you can collect your used pods and ship them back.

Coffee taste & temp

My preference is for espresso and double espresso in the morning and then I usually brew a full pot of drip coffee. Since husband Roger was away during my testing period, it was convenient for me to check out using single cup pods instead. When it comes to the espresso I actually found it extremely delicious. The coffee quality is high, the beverage is silky and never bitter, and it’s smooth with a beautiful crema on top.

Since I also had a milk frother to test I also made a few beverages like cappuccino, flat white, and lattes. Choosing the right type of espresso roast usually goes a long way to making your beverage perfect, but I found the drinks were really enjoyable from the Vertuo Plus, and with the milk frother.

Conversely I found the coffee pods were not as much to my taste. I found them kind of dull and a bit watery tasting. But with that said I like a big, bold, punch-you-in-the-mouth brew first thing in the morning so lighter coffees and gentler roasts are generally not for me.

Temperature

Check the temperature of both the espresso brews and the coffee. I found that…

Let’s touch on the Cost of Nespresso pods

The price of these Vertuo pods does vary a little more than the original; not surprising since you might be getting different sizes of beverage from them. For the most part you can expect to pay about 80 cents to $1.20 for espressos and up to about $1.50CAD for bigger coffees. Reasonable, considering what some coffee shops charge for fancy or large coffees.

Vertuo vs. Vertuo Plus

Contrary to the name, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus doesn’t build upon the original model, but instead sidesteps into a completely different product.

Moveable water tank

The design looks sleeker although it’s still nearly as heavy as the original, but the Plus version features a redesigned water reservoir that you can swivel left or right, or place at the back, depending on how your space is configured and where you need to place it.

When you want to load the original Vertuo with a pod, you lift the top dome, insert the pod, and close the dome shut. The Vertuo Plus simplifies the process requiring only a gentle tap on a lever on the front of the machine and let the motorized head open the pod chamber.

Both the Vertuo and Vertuo Plus models have the same 40-ounce water capacity. (Nespresso also sells a Deluxe model which offers a 60-ounce tank. However, the maximum power output is slightly reduced so coffee preparation takes a little bit longer.) The original Vertuo also has slightly better build quality which contributes to the higher overall asking price despite the lack of “Plus” features.

Vertuo Plus vs. Vertuo Next

I reviewed the Vertuo Next back in September 2021 and praised the Nespresso machine for its compact form factor while maintaining the flexibility of the “Centrifusion” technology. Released 3 years after the Vertuo Plus, the Next variant offers support for 12-ounce Alto and 18-ounce Carafe cup sizes in addition to the usual Vertuo options. The Vertuo Next used to support 14-ounce Alto pods, but unfortunately Nespresso discontinued them.

To keep the footprint small, the Vertuo Next has a smaller 37-ounce water capacity. While I enjoyed my morning Joes with the Vertuo Next, the Vertuo Plus makes slightly better cups of coffee with silkier crema out of the same pods.

Overall Thoughts: Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Overall, Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a fine pod machine that looks good, makes delicious coffee and gives you more options than a Nespresso Original machine.

On the pro side, the different form factor of Vertuo gives you more options for different sizes of espresso and different types and sizes of coffee depending on which pod you order. That alone may make it a major upgrade from Nespresso Original. This is ideal for a household where everybody likes their drink just so. The moveable water tank, which is nice and large and the big pod discard bin mean you shouldn’t have to fuss with refilling and emptying as often. I found the espresso from this machine to be really delicious and extremely high quality. I appreciate the fact the cup riser is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of mugs which also helps to eliminate splashing. There is also the option to run a manual extraction if you don’t like the pre-set Nespresso sizes.

So what are the cons? Probably the biggest distractions for this machine will come before you ever buy one; you’ll have to make peace with the extra waste and unique recycling program of using coffee pods, and some might balk at the cost of each. The other thing with this machine might be it’s slightly larger footprint.

On its own merit however I think this machine delivers on what it says; great tasting coffee and espresso with little fuss in a flash.

The real value of the Nepresso Vertuo Plus is its slightly lower $199 price tag and you will often also see the machine bundled with the Milk Frother cup too. Just remember, the ability to make larger cups of coffee is the main attraction of the Vertuo series and the Vertuo Plus is a terrific value for what it can do. But if you are still open for other Nespresso options, head to my guide to choosing a Nespresso machine!

Nespresso Pod Pack Review

When I placed my order for my Nespresso Vertuo machine, I wanted to make sure I got to sample a good array of coffees in different roasts types, and sizes. That’s why I added a special variety pack of coffees to my order. I chose the Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine, Dark Assortment Variety Pack from Amazon to have a good sampling of what Nespresso Vertuo has to offer. In this review I’ll take you through what you’re getting, what type of drinks each pod will create, as well as my overall impressions and if I think it’s worth it.

What you get

This 4-box pack of Nespresso Vertuo pods is a DARK ASSORTMENT which includes 40 capsules of what Nespresso says is its most popular dark roast coffees and espressos for the VertuoLine system.

If you want to learn about the different types of Vertuo machines you can check out some of my reviews.

The Vertuo pods have a special bar code on the pod’s rim that translates to uniquely measured brewing instructions which gives you the exact amount of coffee as indicated in the pod packaging.

You can also customize your serving by holding that button which triggers a manual dispense mode.

This multi-pack has four different types of pods; let’s take a look at each one:
Starting with the brewed coffees:

• STORMIO: This brews a 7.7 ounce coffee Nespresso calls “rich and strong” and it rates it an 8 on the intensity scale. 100% Arabica – Nicaraguan and Guatemalan Beans
• INTENSO: Another 7.7 ounce brew, this one is described as “A dense, deep coffee”with an intensity level of 9. The beans are Guatemalan washed Robusta, Mexican; South American Arabica. I did not find this one nearly as strong as Nespresso would have you believe. I would rate it more like a five in intensity and found it tasted a little weak and watery.
• ALTISSIO: A full-bodied creamy espresso. Nespresso Intensity 9. Costa Rican Arabica; South America Robusta
• DIAVOLITTO: A 1.3 ounce highly intense and powerful espresso. Nespresso says the intensity here is an 11. The coffee is Central; South America Robusta beans with Brazilian Arabica. Loved this espresso and found that it was ultra smooth and creamy, with just the right boldness to wake my mouth up in the morning. 1.3 ounces is hardly enough and I often found myself either manually brewing a double or just helping myself to a 2nd cup.

If your local municipal recycling program does not accept used coffee pods, Nespresso will pay to take them back. You can request a free return bag or drop them off at any of the Nespresso boutiques near you.

Overall, I really like this as a taste tester introduction to Vertuo coffees. It’s nice to get some variety and to be able to start choosing a few of my go to’s.

I think if you are a dark coffee and espresso lover, you’ll probably find something to love here and you’ll have fun experimenting even if there are a couple you end up not favoring. I highly recommend hitting add to cart if you’re purchasing an Nespresso Vertuo machine, or if you just want to experiment.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Nespresso Original versus Nespresso Virtuo: How To Choose, what’s the difference?

Specifically, I’m reviewing  Nespresso original versus virtuo here in this video, but I’ve reviewed many more models. Both machines make espresso, the Vertuo line is also designed to brew regular coffees to – all in the same machine.

Nespresso launched the VertuoLine in about 2014 as a way to lure North American coffee drinkers, who are less about espressos than they are about full size coffees.

Coffee pods and capsules: what’s the difference?

First, let’s look at the difference between Verturo and original Nespresso pods. The original Nespresso pods are small and narrow and come in one size only (since they’re really meant for espresso), while the Nespresso Vertuo pods are wide and round and may differ in height depending on what’s inside. With an original pod you can make espresso, double espresso or add water for an Americano. Vertuo coffee pods have special barcodes on the pod that carry specific instructions for how each coffee is to be extracted. The Virtuo lineup offers drinks in five sizes, from a single espresso, to double espresso, a 5 ounce gran luongo/Americano (150ml), a 230ml/8 oz ‘mug’ coffee to a 14 oz Alto coffee.

Milk or no milk?

Let’s move on to another differentiator: milk or no milk?

One of the key differences between Nespresso Virtuo vs original set ups is that none of the Vertuo models come with built-in milk frothers, while Nespresso Original does offer machines that will handle the milk, like the automatic Lattissima here.
But you can bundle a Vertuo with Nespresso’s popular Aeroccino frother —often at a discounted price.When it comes to Choice and availability, The Nespresso Original machine has a far bigger selection of capsules. And because the patent on the capsules has expired, you can get them everywhere – and even fill reusable ones with your own coffee.
Vertuo capsules by contrast are available only from Nespresso because they need a proprietary barcode to be recognized by the Vertuo machine.

Nespresso Vertuo vs Original: Drink options and sizes

Time to talk drink sizing…Nespresso VertuoLine capsules come in three different sizes, so larger drinks can be as strong as smaller ones. In total those three sizes will make 5 different coffee drinks. Nespresso Original Pods only come in one size and are meant to make espresso, double espresso or a luongo.
Now, you can make a bigger coffee with an original pod by adding more water, but it is obviously more diluted… something you don’t get with the Vertuo.
With that said, both the Nespresso and Virtuo machines let you permanently alter the drink size to your tastes – yes even the Nespresso Vertuo capsules with the special barcode can be easily reprogrammed to make the drink you want. I’ve got videos here on the channel that show you how to do that on both types of machines.
I have a how to video that can show you how to do this, right here on the blog.

Nespresso Original Machine vs Vertuo: Coffee quality

Crema is a hot word in coffee circles… Both Original and Vertuo machines and their coffee pods give you a beautiful crema on top of the coffee which a lot of folks really love.
Some say the Vertuo Nespresso capsules produce a thicker layer of crema, and I guess that’s true, but it begins to dissipate almost immediately since it’s mainly a product of all the air in the spinning process. For me, I’d rather a better coffee than taller coffee foam, so I’m not as wowed by that, personally.

I’ve tried dozens of coffee pods from both lineups and I can say there’s lots to choose from and you’ll be able to find something you really like. I find the coffee fresh, delicious, hot and tasty.

Which machine is stronger: Nespresso Vertuo or Original

Brewing pressure is another hot topic, since that helps make a creamier drink.
Despite the seeming higher end feel and more tech smarts of the Vertuo experience, the Vertuo machines use exactly the same amount pressure to extract coffees as the Original line does; you can generally expect 19 bars from both sets of machines.
When it comes to Brew time… Perhaps not surprising but the Original lineup tends to produce faster results. This is likely because original line drinks are smaller.

Coffee Temperature

Coffee should be hot, right? Not so fast. We tend to brew our coffee with boiling water since the temperature can help extract flavours and oils a little easier, but very hot water can make coffee bitter.
You’re probably familiar with cold brew coffee, which essentially replaces heat with time: letting ground coffee sit in cold water for up to 24 hours to extract the same flavors—without the bitterness and acrid taste. For that reason, the Vertuo line uses a slightly lower temperature when making coffee; and here all those rotations help saturate the grounds faster, so not as much heat is needed.
Now for some people this is a problem; coffee that comes out of the machine at any temperature other than volcanic may not be as enjoyable. I guess your temperature and taste preferences are probably very individual. So whether a slightly cooler but more flavourful and less bitter brew will be enjoyable for you is definitely a matter of taste.
For me, I found there were still some Vertuo coffee roasts that did taste bitter, and at the same time I didn’t really notice a huge difference in temperature.

Nespresso Original versus Nespresso Vertuo: which is better?

So…Which to choose? The Original or the slightly more advanced Vertuo line?
Now you know how the key features of Original and Vertuo stack up against each other. In my opinion you should buy a Nespresso Original machine if you want it for espresso or espresso-based drinks. You’ll pay less for the machine and the Nespresso capsules, and you’ll have way more espresso pod choices.
Buy a Nespresso Vertuo machine if you’re more of a coffee drinker and you want the option of making espresso and coffee from the same machine. With the barcoded capsule brewing system, the VertuoLine makes brewing any style and size of drink foolproof, but it is adjustable.

For me, since I want it mainly for espresso, I’m going to stick with my Nespresso Original machine, but I think both of these systems have their benefits. The choice is up to you.

I’d love to hear which line you chose and why, so share your story in comments below.

Nespresso Original and Vertuo are both available from Amazon and Walmart.

Also Read: 

The post How to Choose: Nespresso Original versus Nespresso Vertuo appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Each day starts with a double espresso for me and while I used to use a fancy, expensive machine, I’ve gotten to realize the efficiency of coffee pods. Now I’m a Nespresso convert. I wanted to try one of Nespresso’s newer machines that is extremely popular. So in this review of the Breville Nespresso Inissia, I’ll show you how it works, what the coffee is like, as well as the pros and one big con you’ll want to be aware of after having it in my home for two weeks.

Breville Nespresso Inissia review

Some out there may be wondering, is a Nespresso Innisia espresso machine worth it? I was not into Nespresso at first, but a couple things changed my mind: after staying with friends who both have Nespresso machines I discovered I like the coffee and it’s a very quick and easy way to get espresso.

I chose the Breville Nespresso Inissia espresso maker because it’s relatively small while still being kind of stylish. It measures about 5 inches wide by about 12 inches long, and 9 inches tall, and it offers two sizes of coffee with two preset buttons. I don’t add milk to my coffee so all I wanted was something for straight-up espressos.

Watch my video review of Nespresso Inissia

Set up: Breville Nespresso Inissia

Let’s start Nespresso Innisia review with its setup. There’s really no set up required for this machine. Just plug it in and push one of the buttons to power it on. It’s ready to go immediately. The kit I bought also included a sample pack of Nespresso capsules, which was a nice way to try some different coffees.

When it comes to the power, Nespresso machine inissia gives you 19 bars of pressure from its pump and has a 27 ounce water tank. It’s super small and weighs almost nothing (about 5 pounds).

The first time I ran the machine Nespresso recommends you run a cycle of water through it first before you brew coffee. Almost immediately the water tank leaked water all over the counter. Thinking I had just set it up incorrectly I took it apart and put it back together again, but same problem. For some reason the machine was oddly leaky. Now, once I got the brewing process underway and started using it regularly the leaks seem to have abated. But it doesn’t give me a whole lot of confidence to see that in the beginning so it’s something I will have to keep an eye on. I later went to the Nespresso website and saw that many customers are complaining that this device is leaky, so, be warned.

Breville Nespresso Inissia: Adjustable drink sizes

Though I didn’t realize it at the time, and the instructions don’t say so, you can actually program the exact size of drinks you want your Breville Nespresso Inissia espresso maker to make, for both the small size and the large.

It comes out of the box programmed for a small double shot from the small button, and what seems like a quad for the large.

By pushing and holding the button while it;’s making an espresso, then letting go when you’ve got your desired amount, you are creating a new saved setting. Next time you just touch the button your custom drink volume has been saved. I set mine so that the small button pours a single and the large an oversized double. If you want a little more detail on how to do this or to share these instructions with someone else, check out my video how to adjust Nespresso drink sizes easily.

Nespresso coffee & pods

We could spend some time here on the environmental impact of coffee pods. For the most part, neither aluminum Nespresso pods, nor plastic Keurig K-cups are recyclable in a lot of city’s recycling programs; they’re just too small. But I am really happy to say Nespresso inissia espresso machine encourages you to recycle the aluminum pods by including a pre-paid return bag with your order.

When it comes to the coffees and their taste, there’s lots to enjoy. I find the coffees, packaged in their little pods to be really fresh tasting, and with the stunning number of different roasts, tastes, flavours and options, you’re bound to find lots you’ll like.

Nespresso Pod cost

Let’s talk about what it costs to brew your morning espresso. Nespresso pods can be had on the Nespresso website for about 80 cents to $1.25 per pod. Compared to the cost of a coffee shop espresso, that’s a bargain. I have also, by the way seen reusable Nespresso capsules so you can use your own coffee too. Either way, I’m perfectly happy paying about a buck for my morning espresso.

Coffee brew quality: Breville Nespresso Inissia

Brewing a coffee is as simple as turning it on and waiting for it to heat up, which takes less than 20 seconds- about 10 seconds faster than my Delonghi. I’m impressed with how fast this is. Then you pop in a capsule, pull down the arm to lock the machine, and choose your size. My drink brewed in about 10 seconds.

One thing I like about the Nespresso machine Inissia and really all Nespresso machines is that the espresso comes out nice and thick, it’s not watery. It ends up with a nice crema on top, and it’s actually really hot, definitely hot enough for me. You can argue that crema has nothing to do with quality… But it is a nice touch that makes the espresso look appealing.

No adjustable temperature

This machine, like other Nespresso machines, doesn’t have an adjustable brewing temperature (it comes from the factory set to about 83-86 degrees, says Nespresso). Nespresso intends this to be at a hot but drinkable temperature so you can sip the espresso right away, and says if it’s not hot enough, to pre-heat your cup.

Some folks might not appreciate that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but I was definitely fine with the factory setting.

The Breville Nespresso Inissia has some handy features; the energy saver feature shuts it off in a few minutes if it’s not used again, the water tank holds more than enough water for 13 doubles before it needs to be refilled.

There’s a flip-out cup riser which actually works well for smaller espresso cups, but it’s extremely poorly designed for larger cups, with the rim of the cup being really close to the spout. Because the cup riser only flips up and it’s not removable, it actually gets in the way of getting a larger coffee mug into the proper position. I think this is a very poor design and hopefully will be reworked in future configurations.

There’s a small pod bin that holds about 10 discarded pods. All the pieces can go in the dishwasher.

Breville Nespresso Inissia; not as quiet as other machines

The Delonghi Nespresso machine I currently have is a pretty quiet brewer, but this Breville Nespresso Inisia does make a noticeable and fairly loud buzzing noise. The noise stays on through the entire brewing cycle and is rather annoying. In comparison to my DeLonghi Essenza mini, it sounds like a freight train rolling through the kitchen. While I am exaggerating, it is a significant flaw in this machine as far as I am concerned.

Ending the Breville Nespresso Inissia Review

Overall this machine is a stylish and capable Nespresso machine that does the job admirably.

It’s small but it isn’t the smallest espresso brewer Nespresso makes. Here the bigger footprint allows for additional pods in the disposal bin and a bit more water in the tank.

This model has an industrial chic look that gives it a little more style than some other Nespresso machines. The coffee it makes is delicious, hot, thick, and with a beautiful crema, and I like that I can customize the sizes so it’s perfect for my morning routine. The water tank is plenty big enough so that I don’t feel like I’m refilling it constantly. For those who want a bigger water tank, there are larger machines out there, and they come with more features and a higher price too.

If there are any cons to this machine, for some it might be that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but for me this was not an issue. My biggest gripe was the loud and buzzing noise during the breathing process. If you also think that something that would annoy you, I can absolutely recommend my Nespresso Essenza mini as a quieter alternative.

The other potential downsides to this machine include the inept cup riser, and the potential for leaks.

While I had a fine experience with it, you’ll want to weigh these cons carefully. The Breville Nespresso Inissia sells for about $209 CAD though I have seen it on sale for about $139 CAD.

You can watch my full review of the Essenza mini which is my #1 pick for a great all-around Nespresso machine, or check out what a more full-featured Nespresso machine has to offer right now.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Review: Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi is a slim machine taking up a relatively small footprint. This espresso machine uses Nespresso’s Vertuo capsuels which are a bit different than the standard Nespresso capsules. These are bigger, and wider and come in different heights, according to what type of coffee they’re making.

This machine has a 1 litre water tank and a discard bin that holds up to 10 used pods.

Nespresso Vertuo – what’s so special?

It’s probably a good idea here to divert for a sec and talk about the difference in coffee pods and machines.

Nespresso launched the VertuoLine in about 2014 as a way to lure North American coffee drinkers, who are less about espressos than they are about full size coffees.  The original pods are small and narrow and come in one size only, while the Vertuo pods are wide and round and may differ in height depending on what’s inside.

Vertuo coffee pods have special barcodes on the pod that carry specific instructions for how each coffee is to be extracted. The Virtuo lineup offers drinks in five sizes, from a single espresso, to double espresso, a 5 ounce gran luongo/Americano (150ml), a 230ml/8 oz ‘mug’ coffee to a 14 oz Alto coffee.
Worth pointing out here is that you’re not supposed to adjust the drink for yourself; the barcode and size of pod determine the final beverage. But of course I found a way to change the sizes if you want. We’ll get to that too…

By the way, if you want to learn more about some of the differences in the Nespresso Original line and the Vertuo line I’ve got a more detailed comparison on the blog.

Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi: centrifugal force extraction

Let’s get back to our Vertuo machine: A key differentiator with the Vertuo line is that the machines use centrifugal force to extract the coffee. The machine will punch out a lot more holes in the capsule too. It spins the coffee pods with water at about 7,000 rpms (I think that’s supposed to be impressive). From what I understand, this force gets the grounds more saturated faster, resulting in a more fully brewed coffee in less time.

You can hear the motor at work, spinning up your coffee. So on that note, let’s look at how one is made in the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi.

How to use Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi

This machine is really easy to operate since it really just has one button.

Open the machine lid by unlocking the lever. Choose your pod, and remember, the pod dictates the coffee, so use the adjustable tray and the right size cup.
Pop it in dome side down and close the lid, then lock the lever in place. The small light will flash and when it stops, the machine is ready to go.

Pushing the button initiates the brewing sequence. You’ll hear a bunch of noise and spinning, but the machine isn’t loud in my opinion. The full brew sequence lasts about a minute for an espresso to nearly 2 minutes for a fuller size coffee.

After it’s brewed, the pod will stay in place until you open the top, then it’s automatically lifted out and flipped to the discard bin.

Coffee Temperature: Nespresso Vertuo

Coffee should be hot, right? Not so fast. We tend to brew our coffee with boiling water since the temperature can help extract flavours and oils a little easier, but very hot water can make coffee bitter. You’re probably familiar with colf bre coffee, which essentially replaces heat with time: letting ground coffee sit in cold water for up to 24 hours to extract the same flavors—without the bitterness and acrid taste. For that reason, the Vertuo line uses a slightly lower temperature when making coffee; and here all those rotations help saturate the grounds faster, so not as much heat is needed.

Now for some people this is a problem; coffee that comes out of the machine at any temperature other than volcanic may not be as enjoyable. I guess your temperature and taste preferences are probably very individual. So whether a slightly cooler but more flavourful and less bitter brew will be enjoyable for you is definitely a matter of taste.

For me, I found there were still some Vertuo coffee roasts that did taste bitter, and at the same time I didn’t really notice a huge difference in temperature.

Web & app connection, kinda

The Vertuo line seems to pride itself on being more tech savvy; the barcode system and all. It also lets you connect your machine to the Nespresso App. Why though seems to be a bit of a mystery. Don’t seem to be any additional features available for the machine. At most it seems to be a slightly more convenient place to order capsules from. In my opinion it would be pretty cool if you could somehow interact with your machine to adjust drink sizes inside the app and have them spit out of the machine. But that’s not what this technology appears to be about, so I’ll put that on my wish list for the future and leave it at this: well this machine may appear to have some smarts, it doesn’t.

Cost of Nespresso pods

The price of these pods does vary a little more than the original; not surprising since you might be getting different sizes of beverage from them. For the most part you can expect to pay about 80 cents to $1.20 for espressos and up to about $1.50CAD for bigger coffees.

Overall review: Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi

Overall this machine is a great coffee machine; it’s easy to use with the one-button operation and with the barcode system it’s foolproof. Even so you can make adjustments to the presets. The machine is quiet and has a relatively small footprint.
Being able to brew both coffee and espresso in this machine makes it versatile, so you don’t need space for multiple machines.

Downsides? It’s kind of hard to see any. I suppose you could say that it takes a bit longer to make your morning coffee, but it’s hard to crack on that since it’s taking longer to brew a larger cup. Some folks have complained that the coffee is just not as hot as the espressos the original machines put out, but I didn’t notice a discernible or unpleasant difference.

In short, if you’re looking for a compact do it all machine with great coffee options I think you’ll be very pleased with the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi sells for about $219CAD but the prices can vary quite a bit depending on the colour you’re looking at.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post Nespresso Vertuo Next by Delonghi: review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One review

This machine differs from some other Nespresso machines out there in that this one will also steam milk automatically and means you can make lattes, cappuccino, or espresso macchiato. It uses the Nespresso Original pods in the machine.

I got to spend a couple of weeks with the Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One; I’ll tell you about my experience with it, what it can do, how it works and the pros and cons after having it in my home for a week.

Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One: what do you get?

Let’s take a quick tour of the machine; there’s a big 1L or 34 oz, low profile water tank in the back. Around front there’s a moveable riser and drip tray, pod receptacle in behind. The milk cup is removable. Out of the box, this machine will brew a 1.3 ounce single shot or a nearly 4 ounce luongo.

You can adjust the default sizes of your shots if you want to. Check out how to adjust Nespresso drink sizes in this blog.

How to set up Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One

The set up of this machine is virtually non-existent; plug it in and power on. It’s ready to go immediately. The kit I bought also included a sample pack of Nespresso capsules, which was a nice way to try some different coffees.

How much pressure does Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One use?

When it comes to the specs, this machine gives you 19 bars of pressure from its high pressure pump

Brewing espresso drinks with Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One

Brewing an espresso is as simple as turning the machine on and waiting for it to heat up, which takes less than 20 seconds. I’m impressed with how fast this is. If you’re heating up milk for your morning up, that takes about another 15 seconds… and we’ll get to the milk-based drinks in just a sec…

Then you pop in a capsule, close the lid and choosing your size.

My single shot brews in about 15 seconds and the double in about 25.

One of the things I like about the Nespresso machines is that the espresso comes out nice and thick, it’s not watery. It ends up with a nice crema on top, and it’s actually good and hot, definitely hot enough for me.

Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One: milk drinks

Let’s move on to the milk drinks

As I noted up front, this machine will make only three milk based drinks: lattes, cappuccino, or espresso macchiato. It also won’t work with alt milks and is only designed to work with cow’s milk.

The milk container is labelled and will show you how much milk to add for each drink; you have to add the right amount manually and it will use all the milk in the jug so it’s up to you to measure correctly.

Easy to use… but foam & heat lacking in quality

The operation of the machine when adding milk to drinks is basically foolproof. When you add milk, it will heat the milk first, add it to your cup, then pour the espresso.

When it comes to the heat level and the foam, I was not impressed at all. The milk is basically warm, certainly not hot, and there’s not really any foam to speak of. While this machine will warm and dispense milk that’s basically it. In my opinion the milk features of this machine aren’t worth it. You’d be better off with a straight up Nespresso espresso maker and a different milk solution.

I took the temperature of the milk right out of the spout and it topped out at about 125 F. Most baristas would tell you the ideal milk temperature is between 155 and 165F.

There is an Automatic milk cleanup feature but this too is lacking… the machine will rinse the milk jug for you with hot water if you press the milk button after it’s done with the drink and you’ve ejected the used capsule. But the water gets everywhere… spilling out over the drip tray.

You’ll also need to finish cleanup of the jug either by hand or by putting the pieces in the dishwasher.

From what I can tell about this machine and other Nespresso machines, you can;t adjust the brew temperature (it comes from the factory set to about 83-86 degrees, according to Nespresso). Nespresso says it’s supposed to be at a hot but drinkable temperature so you can have the espresso right away, and recommends if it’s not hot enough, to pre-heat your cup.

Some folks might not appreciate that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but I was definitely okay with the factory setting.

Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One: Additional features

Other features worth making note of… there’s automatic shut off to save energy, and the water tank holds more than enough water for 17 doubles before it needs to be refilled (34 oz), you can use the cup riser or remove it to brew a bigger cup, and the pod bin holds about 10 discarded pods. All the pieces are washable.

Is Nespresso Lattissima One noisy?

The Delonghi Nespresso machine is a pretty quiet brewer, and you could easily make your morning coffee without waking anyone.

What to know about Nespresso pods: environmental impact and cost

I’ve talked in other reviews about the environmental impact of coffee pods so I’ll just recap quickly here. Nespresso has a pod recycling program and even pays the shipping. Pods cost about 70 cents to a dollar per pod which I find reasonable given coffee shop prices.

When it comes to the coffees and their taste, there’s lots to enjoy. I find the coffees, packaged in their little cups to be fresh, and with the huge number of different roasts, tastes, flavours and options, you’re certain to find some you love. Bottom line here, the coffee is good.

Overall review: Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattissima One

Overall there’s some things I like about this machine and some major downsides.

It’s small for a coffee and milk-capable device, I really like the white colour option and the modern, sleek design which helps it blend into my kitchen better. I also love the huge one litre tank.

The espresso it makes is delicious, hot, thick and with a beautiful crema, and I love that I can customize the sizes so it’s perfect for me.

If there are any downsizes to this machine, for some it might be that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but for me this was not an issue. For me the biggest downside is the lacklustre milk heating and foaming. If you drink cappuccino you aren’t getting them from this machine – there is really no foam to speak of. You’re really just getting different amounts of warm milk.

If you want a top quality espresso machine, this works, but the high cost of adding the milk system which doesn’t perform means I don’t recommend this machine. Instead I’d choose the Nespresso Pixie or Essenza Mini… (pause) you can see both those reviews here on the channel.

The Breville Nespresso Lattissima One sells for about $449 CAD.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post Review: Nespresso Lattissima One: automatic espresso, cappuccino & latte machine appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

If you’ve got yourself a new Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi you know these special coffee pods have a barcode that your machine reads, and that the drinks are all pre programmed to come out a certain way. But what if that’s not quite working for you? Let’s make this our little secret, but you can actually adjust a drink size or water volume on the spot, and you can even re-program your machine to read those barcodes in the way YOU want it to. Here’s how to adjust drink sizes on Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi.

Nespresso Vertuo Next: how to adjust drink sizes – one time

Let’s say you decide last second to change your drink size, or you didn’t choose a big enough cup and want to stop it.

If you do need to stop the flow of water early, you can press the button again, and it’ll shut down with a bit of delay. Similarly you can top up a coffee by pushing the button after the coffee is made, then pushing it again when you want it to stop.

Nespresso Vertuo Next: How to permanently reset drink sizes?

You can also Permanently change the water volume and save it as a new preset.

The drink size of each pod is specific to each capsule type dictated by that special barcode on the pod; there’s Alto, Mug, Gran Lungo, Double Espresso or Espresso. But you can alter this on your machine if you want and the machine will store it as a new saved preference.

To make a permanent change to a coffee size:

• Open the machine head; insert the capsule you want to program.
• Close the head and lock the machine. Wait; Light will blink while the machine is heating up.
• Push and hold the button until your desired volume is reached.
• A steady light indicates the machine is ready.
• Now, once a customer-specific volume is programmed by the user, every time that capsule type is inserted in the machine, the preparation will stop at the user-programmed cup size.

How to factory reset Nespresso Vertuo Next

Need to reset everything back to day 1 or otherwise do a factory reset?

• Open the machine head and let the used capsule be
  ejected.
• Close the head. Leave the handle in “UNLOCKED” position.
• Push the button 5 times within 3 seconds.
• The button blinks 5 x orange and changes than to steady white

Adjusting drink sizes on Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi

That’s how to get your Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi working for you. Now you aren’t stuck with the set sizes; you can even reprogram your machine so you always get the drink you want. You can pick one up at Amazon or  Walmart.

Still considering whether a Vertuo Machine is right for you. here are some of the reasons people love these machines.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post How to adjust drink sizes on Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

I’ll tell you about my experience with it, what it can do, how it works and the pros and cons after having it in my home for a week.

Breville Nespresso Pixie review

Now why get a Nespresso machine? Initially I was not into Nespresso, but a couple things changed my mind: after staying with friends that both have Nespresso machines I found out I like the coffee and it’s a very quick and easy way to get espresso. Then I got to review a manual espresso pump for travel and camping. Nespresso pods are actually great for travel because there’s no grinding, and no mess. Sold on those aspects, I decided to get a Nespresso machine to see if it would fit into my daily coffee routine.

I chose the Breville Nespresso Pixie because it’s small and unobtrusive measuring just 4.5 inches wide by about 12 inches long, and because it offers two sizes of coffee. I don’t add milk to my coffee so all I wanted was something for straight up espressos.

Set up: Breville Nespresso Pixie

The set up of this machine is virtually non-existent; plug it in and power on. It’s ready to go immediately. The kit I bought also included a sample pack of Nespresso capsules, which was a nice way to try some different coffees.

When it comes to the specs, this machine gives you 19 bars of pressure from its high pressure pump and has a 24 ounce water tank. It’s super small and weighs almost nothing (about 5 pounds).

Breville Nespresso Pixie: How to adjust drink sizes

Though I didn’t realize it at the time, and the instructions don’t say so, you can actually program the exact size of drinks you want your Breville Nespresso Pixie to make, for both the small size and the large.

It comes out of the box programmed for a single shot from the small button, and what seems like a small double for the large.

By pushing and holding the button while it;’s making an espresso, then letting go when you’ve got your desired amount, you are creating a new saved setting. Next time you just touch the button your custom drink volume has been saved. I set mine so that the small button pours a single and the large an oversized double.

Nespresso coffee & pods

We could get into a whole thing here about the environmental impact of pods. For the most part neither aluminum Nespresso pods, nor plastic Keurig K-cups are recyclable in a lot of city’s recycling programs; they’re just too small. But I will say this about Nespresso; they encourage you to recycle the aluminium pods by including a pre-paid return bag with your order.

When it comes to the coffees and their taste, there’s lots to enjoy. I find the coffees, packaged in their little cups to be fresh, and with the stunning number of different roasts, tastes, flavours and options, you’re bound to find some you like. I have a list of a few favourites already. Bottom line here, the coffee is good.

Nespresso pod cost

Let’s talk about what it costs to brew your morning espresso. Nespresso pods can be had on the Nespresso website for about 70 cents to a dollar per pod. Compared to the cost of a coffee shop espresso, that’s a bargain. Depending on what kind of espresso beans you might be buying now that may or may not be cost effective. I have also, by the way seen reusable Nespresso capsules so you can use your own coffee too. Either way, I’m perfectly happy paying about a buck for my morning espresso.

Coffee brew quality: Breville Nespresso Pixie is FAST

Brewing a coffee is as simple as turning it on and waiting for it to heat up, which takes less than 25 seconds- about 5 seconds faster than my Delonghi. I’m impressed with how fast this is. Then you pop in a capsule, close the lid and choosing your size. My single shot brews in an astonishing 9 seconds while the double takes about 20 seconds.

One of the things I like about the Pixie is that the espresso comes out nice and thick, it’s not watery. It ends up with a nice crema on top, and it’s actually really hot, definitely hot enough for me.

Adjustable water temperature?

From what I can tell about this machine and other Nespresso machines, you can;t adjust the brew temperature (it comes from the factory set to about 83-86 degrees, says Nespresso). Nespresso says it’s supposed to be at a hot but drinkable temperature so you can have the espresso right away, and recommends if it’s not hot enough, to pre-heat your cup.

Some folks might not appreciate that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but I was definitely okay with the factory setting.

The Breville Nespresso Pixie has some handy features; the energy saver feature shuts it off in a few minutes if it’s not used again, the water tank holds more than enough water for 12 doubles before it needs to be refilled (24 oz), you can use the cup riser or remove it to brew a bigger cup, and there’s a small pod bin that holds about a dozen discarded pods (way more than my Essenza mini!). All the pieces are washable.

Breville Nespresso Pixie; not as quiet as other machines

The Delonghi Nespresso machine I currently have is a pretty quiet brewer, but this Breville Nespresso Pixie does make a buzzing noise. It’s not as loud as some other Nespresso brewers I’ve tried but it is noticeable.

Overall review Breville Nespresso Pixie

Overall I’ve been really wowed by how much I love this machine. It’s small but it isn’t the smallest espresso brewer Nespresso makes. Here the bigger footprint allows for additional pods in the disposal bin and a bit more water in the tank.

This model has an industrial chic look that gives it a little more style than some other Nespresso machines. The coffee it makes is delicious, hot, thick and with a beautiful crema, and I love that I can customize the sizes so it’s perfect for me. The water tank is plenty big enough so that I don’t feel like I’m refilling it constantly. For those who want a bigger water tank, there are larger machines out there with more features.

If there are any downsizes to this machine, for some it might be that you can’t adjust the water temperature, but for me this was not an issue. Others may point to the environmental impact of aluminum pods. I do think this machine is also a bit louder than other Nespressos, my Delonghi Essenza Mini being one of the quieter options.

Overall, I really like this machine. It’s been an awesome addition to my coffee routine and I can definitely recommend it for you. The Breville Nespresso Pixie sells for about $199 CAD though I have seen it on Amazon for about $149 CAD, or about $139USD.

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