I’ve spent way too much money on coffee. Between the third-wave espresso shops where a latte costs seven bucks and the bags of beans that go stale before I can even find my grinder, it’s a mess. But then there’s the Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus. Honestly, it’s the one machine that actually stuck. Most kitchen gadgets end up in that "cabinet of shame" where the air fryer and the spiralizer live, but this one stays out. It’s not just about the convenience, though that's a huge part of it. It’s about that specific, thick layer of crema—or "aerated coffee foam" if we’re being technical—that you just can’t get from a standard drip pot.
The Vertuo Plus isn't just another coffee maker. It’s a weird, brilliant hybrid.
The Centrifusion Magic in the Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus
Most espresso machines use pressure. You know the sound: that aggressive pumping noise that makes your kitchen feel like a construction site. The Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus does things differently. It uses something Nespresso calls Centrifusion. Basically, the machine spins the capsule at about 7,000 rotations per minute. That is fast. Like, "don't touch the moving parts" fast. This spinning blends ground coffee with water in a way that creates a incredibly smooth profile. It’s not a true 9-bar espresso like you’d get from a $2,000 La Marzocco, but for something that happens while you're still blurry-eyed in your pajamas, it's pretty dang close.
One thing people get wrong is thinking all Vertuo machines are the same. They aren't. Breville's build quality on the Plus model feels sturdier than the Next or the Pop. It has this motorized head. You just tap a lever, and it whirs open like a little robot. It’s satisfying. It’s also quieter than the older models. If you have roommates or a sleeping partner, you’ll appreciate not waking the whole house just because you need caffeine at 6:00 AM.
The barcode system is where the "smart" stuff actually matters. Each capsule has a ring of code around the edge. When you drop it in, the machine reads it. It knows exactly how much water to use, what temperature it needs to be, and how fast to spin that specific pod. You don't have to program anything. You just press the one button. One. That’s it.
Why the "Plus" Model is the Sweet Spot
There are a lot of versions of this machine. You’ve got the Vertuo Next, which is smaller but has a reputation for... well, let’s just say "reliability issues" among the enthusiast community. Then there’s the original Vertuo. The Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus sits right in the middle.
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The water tank moves. This is huge. If you have a cramped kitchen, you can swing the reservoir to the side or behind the machine. It’s a simple mechanical design choice, but it makes the machine fit your life rather than forcing you to rearrange your counter. Plus, the tank is 40 ounces. That’s enough for a few days of coffee without feeling like you’re constantly running to the sink.
Dealing With the Cost of Convenience
Let's be real: the pods aren't cheap. If you're coming from a Keurig, the price jump per cup might hurt a little. You're looking at anywhere from $0.90 to $1.30 per capsule. It adds up. But comparing a Vertuo pod to a K-Cup is like comparing a steak to a frozen burger. There’s no contest. The Vertuo uses high-quality aluminum pods that keep the coffee fresh. Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable, which is a nice bonus if you actually use the Nespresso recycling bags (which are free, by the way).
- Standard Espresso: 1.35 oz
- Double Espresso: 2.7 oz
- Gran Lungo: 5 oz
- Coffee/Mug: 7.7 oz
- Alto: 12 oz (though these are becoming rarer in the lineup)
You can't just buy third-party pods for this machine at the grocery store yet. The patent is still locked down tight. That means you’re buying from Nespresso directly or through authorized retailers like Amazon. Some people hate that. I get it. It’s a "walled garden" situation. But the trade-off is that the quality control stays high. I’ve never had a "bad" pod, which is something I definitely can’t say for the plastic pods used by other brands.
The Crema Controversy
Go on any coffee forum—Reddit's r/nespresso is a great example—and you'll see people arguing about the crema. On a traditional espresso machine, crema is the CO2 bubbles that form from the pressure. On the Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus, it’s a bit different. Because of the spinning, the foam is more aerated. It’s thicker. Some purists call it "fake."
I call it delicious.
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If you stir it back into the coffee, it creates this creamy mouthfeel that makes the coffee feel more substantial. It’s not just brown water. It has texture. If you’re a fan of lattes or cappuccinos, this machine is a dream. You just need a separate milk frother—like the Aeroccino—and you’re basically your own barista.
Maintenance Is Easier Than You Think
People ignore maintenance until their machine stops working. Don't be that person. The Vertuo Plus will tell you when it needs descaling. Usually, the light will turn half-red and half-green. It looks scary, like a "check engine" light, but it’s just a reminder to clean out the mineral buildup.
Use the Nespresso descaling kit. Don't use vinegar. Vinegar is too acidic and can mess up the internal seals over time. The process takes maybe 20 minutes, and it keeps the water flowing at the right temperature. If your coffee starts tasting bitter or isn't as hot as it used to be, you probably just need to descale.
Another quick tip: run a "cleaning cycle" once a week. Just press the button three times quickly without a pod in the chamber. It flushes out any old coffee oils. It keeps the flavors bright. It’s a 2-minute habit that saves the machine's life.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked up a Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus, or you’re about to, here is exactly how to get the most out of it without wasting money.
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First, register your machine. Nespresso usually gives you a discount code for your first big order of pods, and the warranty is actually solid. Breville’s customer service is generally great, but having that Nespresso registration makes pod-related issues way easier to solve.
Second, get the recycling bags. Don't throw the pods in your regular trash. Nespresso provides pre-paid UPS bags for free. You fill them up, drop them off, and they take care of the rest. It’s the easiest way to handle the environmental guilt of using single-serve coffee.
Third, experiment with "Expert Mode" if you have a newer firmware. Some Plus models (and definitely the newer Next/Pop lines) allow you to double-tap the button to turn a regular coffee pod into a concentrated shot for milk drinks. If your Plus doesn't do this, you can always just stop the brew early by pressing the button again once you've reached your desired strength.
Finally, buy a sampler pack. Don't commit to a 30-count sleeve of "Stormio" until you know you like it. The intensity levels (1 to 13) are a decent guide, but the flavor profiles—like woodsy, flowery, or cereal—are what really matter. The "Melozio" is usually the safest bet for most people who just want a "good cup of coffee."
The Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Plus isn't a hobbyist's machine. It's for people who want amazing coffee without the learning curve of a manual portafilter. It’s fast. It’s consistent. And honestly, it’s the best part of my morning routine.
Stop settling for watery drip coffee. If you want that cafe-style foam and rich flavor at home, this is the most reliable way to get it. Just remember to keep it clean and keep those pods stocked. Your mornings are about to get a whole lot better.