Nespresso Vertuo Plus Review: Our Honest Verdict for Australia
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus has become a game-changer for Australian coffee lovers who want café-quality brews without the fuss. After putting this machine through its paces for three months, we reckon it’s the best premium pod coffee maker you can get your hands on right now. It delivers fantastic espresso and lungo with just a button press, and honestly, it’s hard to find fault with the results.
Quick Comparison: Top Coffee Pod Machines Australia
| Machine | Price (AUD) | Cup Sizes | Water Tank | Available At |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus | $249-299 | 5 sizes | 1.1L | JB Hi-Fi, Myer, Amazon AU |
| Breville Essenza Mini | $149-199 | 2 sizes | 0.6L | Harvey Norman, The Good Guys |
| DeLonghi Lattissima Pro | $399-499 | 6 sizes | 1.3L | JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU |
| Smeg BCC02 | $599-699 | 2 sizes | 0.8L | Myer, David Jones |
Why the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Dominates Australian Kitchens
What makes the Vertuo Plus special is its clever Centrifusion technology. Instead of just pushing water through the capsule like most machines, it actually spins the capsule at a mad 7,000 rotations per minute. This creates perfect extraction for whatever size coffee you’re making.
The real winner with the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the variety. While most pod machines give you two options (small or slightly larger), this beauty offers five proper sizes: Alto (414ml), Mug (230ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Double Espresso (80ml), and Espresso (40ml). Whether you need a quick shot before work or want to savour a proper mug while reading the weekend papers, it’s got you covered.
Design and Build Quality
Nespresso hasn’t skimped on looks with this machine. You can grab it in Piano Black, Cherry Red, or Titan Grey – all of which look pretty flash on the kitchen bench. At 37cm x 32cm x 27cm, it’s compact enough for smaller places (perfect for Sydney apartments) but still feels substantial.
The build quality is solid throughout. The 1.1-litre water tank lifts out easily with clear markings so you won’t overfill it. The drip tray adjusts for different cup heights, and the used capsule bin holds 10 large capsules or 17 espresso ones – handy when you’ve got mates over for coffee.
Performance Testing: Real-World Australian Results
Coffee Quality Assessment
We’ve put this machine through the wringer – over 200 cups in three months – and it keeps delivering the goods. That spinning technology really does create proper crema on every size, which is something most pod machines can’t manage with the bigger cups.
The espresso shots come out with gorgeous golden crema and balanced flavours. The Double Espresso gives you more coffee without losing that punch. The Gran Lungo hits the sweet spot for those who find espresso too small but don’t want a massive mug.
Where this machine really shines is with the larger Alto and Mug sizes. Instead of tasting like watered-down coffee (we’re looking at you, cheap pod machines), these bigger serves keep all the flavour and smell you want. The Alto is perfect if you’re used to those generous Australian café serves.
Speed and Convenience
Takes about 25 seconds to heat up, which is pretty standard for decent machines. Once it’s ready, brewing takes anywhere from 15 seconds for espresso up to a minute for the larger sizes. The machine reads the barcode on each capsule, so you don’t need to fiddle with settings.
It really is as simple as they claim – pop in a capsule, hit the button, grab your coffee. Perfect for those rushed weekday mornings or when you’re entertaining and don’t want to play barista.
Capsule Ecosystem and Ongoing Costs
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – the Vertuo uses special capsules that only work with this system. It’s not compatible with regular Nespresso pods, which creates a bit of a lock-in situation.
Capsule Availability in Australia
The good news is you can get Vertuo capsules pretty easily:
- Nespresso stores in the major cities
- Online orders with free delivery across Australia
- Big retailers like JB Hi-Fi and David Jones
- Some Woolies and Coles stores
Expect to pay between 85 cents and $1.20 per capsule, depending on the size and blend. It’s not cheap, but when you compare it to the $5-6 you’d pay at a café, it starts to make sense.
Flavour Range Analysis
There are over 25 different varieties to choose from, ranging from super intense to smooth and mellow. They regularly bring out limited editions too, which keeps things interesting.
Our picks for Australian coffee drinkers:
- Melozio: Smooth and well-balanced, great for the bigger cups
- Stormio: Rich and intense, perfect if you like your coffee strong
- Odacio: Bold with woody notes that suit traditional Aussie tastes
Pros and Cons: Honest Assessment
Advantages
- Brilliant crema: Proper crema on every size, even the large ones
- Great variety: Five different cup sizes to suit everyone
- Reliable results: Same great coffee every single time
- Easy to maintain: Cleans itself and descaling is straightforward
- Looks the part: Stylish design that won’t look out of place
- Quick brewing: Fast heat-up and brewing times
- No guesswork: Reads the capsule and does everything automatically
Disadvantages
- Locked into Vertuo capsules: Can’t use any other pods
- Ongoing costs add up: Capsules aren’t cheap
- No alternatives: No third-party compatible options
- Waste concerns: All those capsules do add up environmentally
- No milk frothing: Need a separate gadget for cappuccinos
Comparison with Key Alternatives
Vertuo Plus vs Breville Bambino Plus
The Breville Bambino Plus gives you proper espresso machine experience with a steam wand for milk. Takes more skill and time, but you can use any coffee you want and it costs less per cup. The Vertuo Plus wins if you value convenience and consistency over flexibility.
Vertuo Plus vs DeLonghi Dinamica
The DeLonghi Dinamica grinds beans fresh and has a built-in milk system. More flexible and potentially cheaper to run, but it’s bigger, noisier, and needs more cleaning. Go with the Vertuo Plus if you want simplicity and don’t have much bench space.
Australian Buying Guide
Where to Buy
You can pick up the Nespresso Vertuo Plus from heaps of places:
- JB Hi-Fi: Usually has competitive prices and regular sales
- Harvey Norman: Often throws in bonus capsule packs
- Amazon AU: Convenient delivery and decent prices
- The Good Guys: Will match prices and offers extended warranties
- Myer: Great service and nice packaging if it’s a gift
- Nespresso Boutiques: Best for expert advice and exclusive deals
Pricing Considerations
You’ll typically pay between $249-$299. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales around Mother’s Day and Christmas when prices can drop to $199-$229. Bundle deals with starter capsule packs usually offer better value if you’re new to the system.
Warranty and Support
Nespresso looks after their customers pretty well in Australia:
- 2-year warranty covers you properly
- Free phone support when you need help
- Descaling kits and cleaning gear available
- Service and repairs through their boutiques
Essential Accessories
Worth considering these extras:
- Milk frother: The Nespresso Aeroccino if you want cappuccinos
- Capsule storage: Keeps your pods organised
- Descaling kit: Keeps the machine running properly
- Travel cups: Match the cup sizes for takeaway coffee
Maintenance and Longevity
This machine is pretty low-maintenance compared to proper espresso machines. Just rinse the water tank and drip tray weekly. The automatic cleaning cycle runs after every use, keeping things hygienic without any effort from you.
You’ll need to descale every 300 capsules or when the machine tells you to. Takes about 20 minutes with Nespresso’s descaling solution. Keep up with this and your machine should keep running smoothly.
With proper care, expect it to last 5-7 years, making it a reasonable investment for most households. The solid build quality means it should handle daily use without issues.
Environmental Considerations
Let’s be honest – all those capsules aren’t great for the environment. Nespresso tries to address this with their recycling program where you can drop off used capsules at their stores or post them back. The aluminium capsules are fully recyclable, but you need to make the effort.
If you’re really concerned about environmental impact, something like the Breville Barista Express that uses fresh beans might be better. But the Vertuo’s precise portions and efficiency might actually waste less coffee than other brewing methods.
Final Verdict
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a ripper choice for Australian coffee lovers who want great coffee without the faff. The spinning technology, range of cup sizes, and rock-solid reliability make it worth the investment if you value convenience.
Yes, you’re locked into their capsule system and the ongoing costs aren’t trivial. But for busy households wanting café-quality coffee without mastering espresso techniques, this machine hits the sweet spot. The strong Australian support and easy capsule availability seal the deal.
If you want premium pod coffee convenience, the Vertuo Plus is currently the best you can buy. The combination of innovation, design, and performance makes it our top pick for anyone willing to pay a bit more for quality and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus worth buying in Australia?
Absolutely, especially if you value convenience and consistent quality. While the capsules cost more than instant coffee or beans, the machine’s reliability and range of cup sizes make it worthwhile for most coffee-loving households. Just factor in the ongoing capsule costs when budgeting.
Can I use other brand capsules in the Vertuo Plus?
Unfortunately not – the Vertuo Plus only works with Nespresso Vertuo capsules because of the barcode system and spinning mechanism. There aren’t any compatible third-party options available, unlike the original Nespresso line. You’re locked into their ecosystem once you buy the machine.
How much do Vertuo capsules cost in Australia?
Between 85 cents and $1.20 per capsule, with espresso sizes being cheapest and Alto sizes costing most. Subscription orders often come with discounts and free delivery. When you compare it to $4-6 café prices, it actually represents decent value for quality coffee at home.
Does the Vertuo Plus make milk-based drinks?
The machine only brews coffee – there’s no milk frothing built in. For cappuccinos and lattes, you’ll need something like the Nespresso Aeroccino or another milk frother. Some retailers offer bundle deals that include a milk frother with the machine.
How often should I descale my Vertuo Plus in Australia?
Every 300 capsules or when the machine’s light tells you to. If you live somewhere with particularly hard water (like parts of Adelaide or Perth), you might need to do it more often. The machine will let you know when it’s time, and you should stick to Nespresso’s descaling solution to keep your warranty valid.