If you’re looking for a convenient way to enjoy espresso, coffee, and milk-based drinks at home, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Milk Frother (Ink Black) is one of the most popular capsule coffee systems available in 2026. With one-touch brewing, automatic capsule recognition, and the included Aeroccino milk frother, it offers an easy way to prepare everything from espresso shots to creamy lattes.
In this review, we’ll evaluate its brewing performance, milk frothing capability, design, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value to help you decide whether it’s the right machine for your kitchen. If you’re also considering other options, check out our guides to the Best Espresso Machines and Best Espresso Machines for Beginners.
Overall Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Espresso Brewing Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) |
Who It’s Best For
| Who It’s Best For | Who Should Look Elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Beginners who want effortless espresso and coffee | Users wanting a traditional espresso machine |
| Busy households needing fast one-touch brewing | Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy manual brewing |
| Latte and cappuccino drinkers using the included milk frother | Buyers looking for a built-in grinder |
| Anyone wanting reliable capsule convenience | Users seeking maximum brewing customization |
Pros
- One-touch operation across multiple cup sizes simplifies daily routines
- Milk frother produces consistent foam for milk-based drinks
- Fast heat-up time reduces waiting between brews
- Automatic power off adds safety and energy efficiency
- Compact footprint with 40 fl oz water tank suits most counter spaces
Cons
- Limited to proprietary Vertuo capsules with no manual brew adjustments
- Capsule container holds only 10 used pods before emptying
- Water tank capacity requires refills during busy periods with multiple users
- No integrated grinder or traditional pressure system for advanced customization
The Nespresso VertuoPlus features a sleek design with a rotating water tank and electric opening mechanism for easy access during daily use. Its build emphasizes durability from the De'Longhi partnership while maintaining a footprint of 9.1 x 13.2 x 12.8 inches.
Espresso performance relies on Centrifusion technology that reads each capsule barcode and spins at up to 7,000 RPM to create consistent extraction and crema. Five cup sizes are supported including 1.35 oz Espresso through 14 oz Alto.
Ease of use comes from single-button activation with a 25-second heat-up cycle and automatic capsule ejection into a 10-capsule container. The machine also includes automatic power-off for convenience.
The Aeroccino3 milk frother handles both hot and cold milk frothing in seconds, enabling quick preparation of lattes and cappuccinos alongside brewed coffee.
Cleaning involves simple capsule disposal and occasional tank rinsing with no complex internal components to maintain beyond standard descaling.
Daily workflow benefits from the welcome capsule assortment and app connectivity for reordering, making it straightforward for repeated use throughout the day.
Value stems from the included frother and starter set combined with reliable multi-size brewing that reduces the need for separate appliances.
Overall the VertuoPlus earns a strong recommendation for capsule-based home setups focused on speed and variety without manual intervention.
Centrifusion extraction replaces traditional pressure systems by spinning capsules to blend coffee and water evenly, resulting in smooth crema across all sizes.
Consistency remains high due to barcode reading that automatically adjusts parameters for each capsule type, delivering repeatable results from espresso to larger coffee brews.
Crema quality stands out with a thick layer produced at up to 7,000 RPM, enhancing both visual appeal and mouthfeel in every cup.
Temperature stability supports proper extraction for hot drinks while allowing direct pouring over ice for cold preparations without additional steps.
The included frother expands capability to cappuccinos and lattes, making the setup beginner-friendly for users exploring milk-based espresso drinks.
Our Verdict
The Nespresso VertuoPlus excels in delivering consistent, high-quality espresso and coffee with rich crema thanks to its Centrifusion technology. Strengths include its compact footprint, user-friendly one-touch operation, and effective milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos. Weaknesses involve reliance on proprietary pods and higher long-term costs. Overall, it is recommended for those prioritizing convenience and flavor in a stylish package.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nespresso by De’Longhi |
| Model | VertuoPlus with Milk Frother |
| Machine Type | Pod-based (Vertuo capsules) |
| Pump Pressure | 19 bars |
| Water Tank Capacity | 40 oz |
| Built-in Grinder | No |
| Milk Frother | Yes, Aeroccino |
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 9.1 x 12.9 inches |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs |
| Best For | Home espresso and coffee lovers seeking convenience |
Design & Build Quality
The Nespresso VertuoPlus features a sleek, modern aesthetic in Ink Black that blends seamlessly into contemporary kitchens. Constructed with durable plastic and metal accents, it feels solid and premium despite not being fully metal. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller countertops, with a footprint that doesn’t dominate space. The build quality supports daily use without quick wear, though the water tank and drip tray are removable for easy cleaning. It fits well in apartments or busy households where style and functionality matter equally.
Espresso Brewing Performance
Using Centrifusion technology, the machine spins pods at high speeds for optimal extraction, producing espresso with excellent crema and balanced flavors. Pressure remains consistent at 19 bars, yielding shots that taste robust and aromatic. In real-world tests, shots from medium and dark roasts delivered smooth results without bitterness when using fresh pods. This performance suits both solo espresso and larger coffee servings, maintaining quality across different capsule types.
Milk Frothing Performance
The included Aeroccino milk frother creates silky microfoam quickly, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. It handles both cold and hot frothing modes effectively, producing consistent texture with minimal effort. Users observe that it works well with various milk types, including oat and almond alternatives, though results vary slightly by fat content. This attachment enhances the machine’s versatility for milk-based beverages without needing separate equipment.
Ease of Use
Controls are intuitive with simple buttons for espresso, coffee, and cleaning cycles. The workflow involves inserting a pod and pressing a button, making it beginner-friendly with almost no learning curve. The machine automatically recognizes pod sizes for proper brewing. Practical observations show it streamlines morning routines, though remembering to descale periodically is key for longevity.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintenance is straightforward with removable parts like the drip tray and water tank that rinse easily. The machine prompts for descaling when needed, and the process takes about 20 minutes. Pods eject automatically into a container, reducing mess. Long-term, regular cleaning prevents buildup, ensuring reliable performance over years of use.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact design | Capsule-only system |
| Consistent coffee quality | Higher pod cost |
| Includes milk frother | Limited manual control |
| Easy to use | Plastic construction |
| Simple maintenance | No built-in grinder |
Is the Nespresso VertuoPlus by De’Longhi worth buying?
Yes. It offers excellent convenience, reliable coffee quality, and includes an Aeroccino milk frother, making it one of the best capsule coffee systems for busy households.
Does the VertuoPlus make real espresso?
Yes. It brews espresso using Nespresso’s Centrifusion™ technology, producing rich crema and consistent flavor, although it differs from traditional pump-driven espresso.
Can it brew regular coffee?
Yes. Besides espresso, the VertuoPlus can brew several coffee sizes using compatible Vertuo capsules.
Does the included milk frother make hot and cold foam?
Yes. The Aeroccino milk frother prepares both hot and cold milk foam for cappuccinos, lattes, iced coffees, and other specialty drinks.
Can I use third-party capsules?
No. The VertuoPlus is designed exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo capsules and is not compatible with OriginalLine capsules or most third-party alternatives.
Is the VertuoPlus easy to clean?
Yes. The removable water tank, used capsule container, and automatic cleaning reminders make maintenance quick and simple.
Is the VertuoPlus beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Its one-touch brewing system and automatic capsule recognition make it an excellent choice for first-time coffee machine owners.
Is the included milk frother worth it?
Yes. Purchasing the bundle with the Aeroccino generally offers better overall value than buying the milk frother separately.
Final Verdict
If you’re still deciding whether this capsule coffee machine is the right fit, these guides may also help:
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Milk Frother (Ink Black) combines outstanding convenience, consistent coffee quality, and simple maintenance into a compact package. The included Aeroccino milk frother expands its versatility, allowing you to prepare cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks with minimal effort.
While it isn’t designed for users who prefer manual espresso extraction or complete brewing control, it delivers dependable results for anyone who values speed, consistency, and ease of use. For beginners, busy households, and capsule coffee enthusiasts, it remains one of the strongest all-around choices in the Nespresso Vertuo lineup.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!