I Give up Starbucks for a Month: My Trustworthy Overview of the Nespresso VertuoPlus

We have to have an intervention about my financial institution assertion. I took a take a look at it final month and realized I spent practically $200 on iced lattes and americanos. That’s… painful.

I’ve all the time been a “espresso store particular person” as a result of I believed dwelling espresso machines have been both: A) Too costly and sophisticated (I’m not a barista, sorry). B) Watery, unhappy, brown water ( you, outdated drip pot).

I lastly determined to satisfy within the center. I purchased the Nespresso VertuoPlus. It’s not a full-blown espresso machine with all of the knobs, however it guarantees “wealthy crema” and ease of use.

Is it truly higher than a $6 latte? I examined it for 30 days. Right here is the decision.

The Tech: It Spins?

Not like conventional machines that simply push scorching water by means of the grounds, Nespresso makes use of one thing known as “Centrifusion.”

Mainly, you drop the pod in, shut the lid, and the machine spins the pod at 7,000 rotations per minute whereas brewing. That is what creates that thick, foamy layer on prime known as “crema.”

And truthfully? It’s mesmerizing to look at.

The Comfort Issue

That is the lazy lady’s dream. There’s one button. That’s it. The machine reads the barcode on the rim of the pod and mechanically is aware of precisely how a lot water to make use of, how scorching it must be, and how briskly to spin.

You do not have to weigh beans. You do not have to tamp grounds. You simply pop it in, press the button, and 45 seconds later, you have got a double espresso or a full 7.7oz espresso.

The Style: Is It Legit?

That is the place I used to be skeptical. I’m choosy about my espresso. The VertuoPlus espresso is extremely easy. It lacks that burnt, acidic style you get from low cost espresso makers. The crema provides a texture that makes it really feel wealthy, even when you drink it black.

My go-to order is an “Iced Leggero” (a double espresso pod) over ice with oat milk. It tastes precisely just like the shaken espresso I used to pay $7 for.

The Environmental Concern

Okay, let’s handle the elephant within the room: The waste. I hated the concept of throwing plastic pods within the trash day by day.

The excellent news is that Nespresso pods are aluminum, not plastic. Nespresso sends you a free pre-paid recycling bag. When it’s full, you simply drop it off at UPS or a Nespresso boutique. They recycle the aluminum and compost the grounds. It requires a tiny little bit of effort, however I really feel means much less responsible about it.

The Water Tank Swivel

This can be a small design element, however I adore it. The water tank on the again of the VertuoPlus strikes. You’ll be able to swivel it to the left, the appropriate, or hold it within the again. When you have a weirdly formed counter or a cramped house kitchen, this characteristic is a lifesaver.

The Value Breakdown

• Machine: Typically on sale for round $120-$150.
• Pods: They common about $1.10 to $1.25 per pod.

Is $1.25 low cost? No, not in comparison with a bag of Folgers. However in comparison with the $6.50 I used to be spending on the café? I’m saving about $5 a day. The machine pays for itself in lower than a month.

Remaining Verdict

In order for you the comfort of a Keurig however the style of an precise espresso store, that is the machine to purchase. It’s dependable, it seems to be costly on the counter, and the espresso is persistently scrumptious.

I have not been to a drive-thru in weeks, and my pockets is lastly therapeutic.

Test the present value of the Nespresso VertuoPlus on Amazon