Nespresso Researched
Essenza Mini
The smallest, cheapest way into Original-line espresso — barely bigger than a mug.
Tiny kitchensBudget pods
$179.95Read review →Buy
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 countersIced coffee
7.8
BrewSift Score
Good
$159.95
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Should you buy it?
Buy it if
- Cheapest way into Vertuo
- Small counters
- Iced coffee
- Lowest entry price on the Vertuo system
Skip it if
- Vertuo capsules only — no third-party market
- Mostly plastic build
- No milk system of any kind
Not for you? Consider the Nespresso Essenza Mini — or see all pod & capsule machines .
The verdict
Same barcoded Vertuo brewing as the Vertuo Plus in a slimmer body: the machine reads each capsule and sets the volume itself, covering single and double espresso plus 5, 8 and 12oz coffees, hot or over ice. The manufacturer rates heat-up at about 30 seconds, the 37oz tank sits at the side so it clears a wall cabinet, and used capsules eject automatically into the bin. You are still locked to Nespresso's own Vertuo capsules, which is the system's real cost.
BrewSift Score breakdown
Scored across the dimensions that matter for pods. The overall is a weighted average — see the formula.
Drink quality7.8
Convenience9.2
Drink variety8.0
Pod cost & value6.6
Build quality7.0
Pros & cons
What we like
- Lowest entry price on the Vertuo system
- Five sizes including iced
- Side tank and small footprint
Watch-outs
- Vertuo capsules only — no third-party market
- Mostly plastic build
- No milk system of any kind
Specifications
- System
- Vertuo (barcoded)
- Sizes
- Espresso, double espresso, 5oz, 8oz, 12oz
- Tank
- 37oz, side-mounted
- Heat-up
- ~30 sec (manufacturer)
- Capsule ejection
- Automatic
What owners say
Owner reviews land at 4.4 stars across roughly 1,500 ratings, with the compact shape and one-touch simplicity the recurring praise and capsule price the recurring complaint.
From the journal
Where the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe comes up in our guides.
Complete your setup
The gear that pairs with the Vertuo Pop+ 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 $1.12.
$63Buy
Froth the milk
Nespresso
Aeroccino4
A standalone frother adds café-style milk foam for lattes and cappuccinos without a steam wand.
$74.99Buy
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.
$37Buy
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
$297.49Read review →Buy
Nespresso Researched
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.
Crema & cup-size varietyNo-fuss mornings
$199.49Read review →Buy
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
$149.99Read review →Buy
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
$199.99Read review →Buy