Nespresso Researched
Essenza Mini
The smallest, cheapest way into Original-line espresso — barely bigger than a mug.
Tiny kitchensBudget pods
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe
The pick for mug drinkers, not espresso: barcoded pods auto-brew everything up to a 14oz cup — priced into Vertuo's costlier capsule system.
ResearchedCrema & cup-size varietyNo-fuss mornings
8.1
BrewSift Score
Excellent
$171.61
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Should you buy it?
Buy it if
- Crema & cup-size variety
- No-fuss mornings
- Barcode auto-brews each pod
- Espresso to mug-size
Skip it if
- Locked to Vertuo capsules
- Pods cost ~$1+ each
- Bulkier than Original machines
Not for you? Consider the Nespresso Essenza Mini — or see all pod & capsule machines .
The verdict
Vertuo reads a barcode on each pod and dials in the right water volume and brew, producing everything from espresso to a 14oz 'coffee' with a signature crema. The trade-off: you're locked to Nespresso's own Vertuo capsules (no third-party ecosystem like Original).
BrewSift Score breakdown
Scored across the dimensions that matter for pods. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.
Drink quality8.0
Convenience9.2
Drink variety8.4
Pod cost & value7.0
Build quality7.6
Pros & cons
What we like
- Barcode auto-brews each pod
- Espresso to mug-size
- Thick crema
Watch-outs
- Locked to Vertuo capsules
- Pods cost ~$1+ each
- Bulkier than Original machines
Specifications
- System
- Vertuo (barcoded)
- Sizes
- Espresso → 14oz
- Pods
- Nespresso Vertuo only
From the journal
Where the Vertuo Plus Deluxe comes up in our guides.
Complete your setup
The gear that pairs with the Vertuo Plus Deluxe to make a complete, working setup.
Pick the capsules
Starbucks
Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo, Blonde Espresso, 50 ct
Original machines take third-party capsules from about 32 cents; Vertuo is locked to Nespresso-made capsules from about $1.24.
$64Buy
Froth the milk
Maestri House
Automatic Milk Frother & Steamer
A standalone frother adds café-style milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos without a steam wand.
$80.99Buy
Take it with you
Zojirushi
Stainless Steel Mug 16oz
A vacuum-insulated mug keeps your coffee hot for hours and doesn't leak in a bag.
$29.59Buy
Compare it head-to-head
Read the rivals' reviews:Nespresso CitiZKeurig K-Elite
Alternatives to consider
All pod & capsule machines
Nespresso Researched
CitiZ
Original-line espresso with a thick crema and the widest third-party pod ecosystem.
True espresso shotsThird-party pods
Keurig Researched
K-Elite
The premium K-cup machine: strong-brew mode, iced setting, big sizes, and a large reservoir.
K-cup householdsBig mugs & iced
Nespresso Researched
Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe
The cheapest current route into Vertuo — five cup sizes, a side-mounted tank, and a footprint built for a small counter.
Cheapest way into VertuoSmall counters
Keurig Researched
K-Café SMART
The K-Cup machine for households that also want lattes — a built-in frother handles the milk the rest of the Keurig line ignores.
Lattes from K-CupsHouseholds split between coffee and milk drinks