Nespresso’s Vertuo range of machines has become one of the more popular options for domestic brewers eager to enjoy espresso-like coffee at the touch of a button.
However, there is now a new model on the market – the Vertuo Pop, which is the smallest in the range, making it an attractive option for those with limited countertop space.
But how does the Nespresso Vertuo Pop perform, and does it compromise on the abilities and quality of the other coffee machines owing to its more compact size?
In this article, I will explain exactly what the Vertuo Pop offers and its drawbacks so that you can decide whether it is a good option for you.
- Inexpensive compared to other Vertuo machines
- Compact
- Uses recycled plastic
- Several color options
- Easy to use
- Provides coffee within one minute
- Small water tank capacity
- Loud
- Can only fit small cups
I will also compare it to another machine I am familiar with, the Nespresso Vertuo Next, examining its key differences, including build and capacity. Let’s get started.
Design And Build Quality
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the latest in the range, so not surprisingly, it has a stylish and modern aesthetic. Like other Nespresso machines, the build is mainly plastic. However, for the environmentally conscious, there is the comfort of knowing that it uses mainly recycled materials.
One of the most appealing aspects of the coffee machine is its minimalist design, with a water reservoir at the back and only one button on the lid, making it a viable option for anyone who wants coffee without any concerns over preparation or technique.
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee machine comes in several attractive colors, too. While the main body of the machine is black, you can choose the color of the top section, including Pacific Blue, Aqua Mint, Spicy Red, Mango Yellow and Liquorice Black. Meanwhile, there are also deluxe versions in silver or Titan grey. I selected the red one and the machine looks great on my counter top.
A big feature of the coffee machine is its compact size, making it perfect for even those with the smallest work surfaces, with dimensions of 8.6w x 14d x 10.4h in. It is also lightweight, too, at just 3.6 kg.
Overall, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop offers a reassuringly uncluttered and modern aesthetic that will look good in any kitchen.
Ease Of Use
As stated in the previous section, only one button controls the machine, making brewing coffee as easy as possible.
One small issue is its lightweight nature, which means opening the lid to insert the coffee capsule is difficult with one hand, as the machine is liable to move. Therefore, holding the machine with one hand while twisting the paddle to open the lid with the other is a suitable technique.
All you need to do to brew coffee is fill the tank with fresh water, open the lid, insert a capsule, close and lock the lid and press the button. This pod coffee machine will then get to work scanning the barcode on the capsule and brewing the coffee to the right parameters and size.
The machine also takes only 30 seconds to preheat, and you will have your coffee within one minute.
After use, open the lid, and the used capsule will drop into the capsule container at the machine’s base.
Brew Sizes
The Vertuo coffee machine can brew four cup sizes: espresso, double espresso, lungo and coffee. That is the main difference between Vertuo Nespresso machines and its Original models – the Vertuo can brew larger cup sizes, while the Original machine only brews single or double espresso shots.
Owing to its size, one small drawback is the Pop’s inability to brew a carafe of coffee, which the Vertuo Next can achieve.
You can also customize the brew sizes by pressing and holding the button. However, I don’t think altering the preset ratio for each capsule is necessary.
Capsule Options
Machines in the Vertuo range can only use Nespresso Vertuo Pods. The Original capsules are incompatible with the machine because the Vertuo machines need to read the barcode on the capsule.
The Vertuo capsules are slightly more expensive than those of the Original. However, they offer more options.
The machine also comes with a box of taster capsules, offering 12 varieties of roasts and sizes.
Another advantage of Vertuo capsules is they have different sizes depending on your cup size, whereas Original capsules only have one size.
Espresso Quality
Rather than use pressure, Vertuo machines utilize Centrifusion technology, which spins the capsules at high speed, extracts the coffee flavor and creates crema-like foam on top of the beverage.
Overall, the espresso tastes quite good, is flavourful, and has a complex profile. One drawback is that the flavor is milder than the Original capsules and lacks the body.
For that reason, I still prefer the taste of the Original machines, which is closer to authentic espresso.
I made the following short video to show you the espresso shot from the Nespresso Vertuo Pop.
Coffee Quality
One of the standout features of the Vertuo machines is their ability to brew larger cups of coffee. Even with its small size, the Pop makes a maximum of 230ml (7.7fl.oz) coffee.
The brewing methods are the same as making espresso with the machine, but you need a larger capsule. After that, the machine takes care of the rest, reading the barcode to ensure the larger cup of coffee is automatically brewed.
However, I’m not particularly keen on the larger cups of coffee the machine produces. It creates an extremely foamy top with many bubbles, and the ratio of coffee to foam is approaching 1:1. While having a crema-like foam is good, it’s strange having such a thick layer on top.
Despite that, the bubbles dissipate after a few minutes, leaving a coffee that resembles and tastes like a drip coffee.
The following short video shows you how the coffee looks.
Other Great Features
One nice feature of the machine is its ability to connect to the Nespresso app via Bluetooth. However, it’s not that useful, although you can get maintenance alerts or instructions for scaling. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t offer advanced options or customization settings.
Drawbacks
The main drawback of the Vertuo Pop is the noise it makes while brewing. It is not dissimilar to a vacuum cleaner as it spins the capsule at high speed.
Another issue I have with the machine is it is short, meaning there is only a small clearance under the spout, making it incompatible with larger coffee mugs.
Because of its compact size, the water tank also has a small capacity of only 750ml, meaning it will need refilling after every couple of cups or so. The drip tray is very small and easy to fall off.
Value For Money
Vertuo machines are typically more expensive than the Original models. However, the Vertuo Pop is priced the same as the entry-level Nespresso Original machine.
This makes it the most affordable Nespresso Vertuo machine in the range and considerably cheaper than the Vertuo Next or Plus. The 12-capsule welcome set is also useful as it means you don’t need to worry about buying separate capsules straightaway.
On that subject, the capsules are also something you need to consider going forward. After all, they are more expensive than buying larger batches of espresso beans. However, they are easy to order via the app.
Overall, the machine offers reasonable value for money, and it is a good option for those who want to try Nespresso but don’t want to buy one of the more expensive, larger machines.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop vs Vertuo Next
The first thing to note is the design. The Vertuo Next is larger, particularly in height, at 5.6w x 16.8d x 12.3h. This is worth considering if you have limited space between your counter and cupboards, and you also need to consider that opening the lid adds more height to each machine.
The Next also has a few more chrome accents, although not the color options of the Vertuo Pop.
Round the back, there is also a far larger water tank on the Next than the Pop, at 1.1 liters, and this, combined with its larger cup clearance, also makes it capable of brewing a carafe of coffee.
Price is significantly different on the Next, too, at more than double the cost of the Pop.
Whether you think the Next is worth the extra investment will likely come down to how important making carafes of coffee is to you and whether the smaller water reservoir of the Pop is a hindrance.
Aside from the carafe, they are identical in terms of the coffee they brew. Each uses the same capsules and brewing methods, so the quality will not suffer because the Pop is smaller and cheaper.
Final Thoughts
If you’re keen to try Nespresso coffee but are put off by the other models’ size or cost, the Vertuo Pop is a good option.
There are limitations, including the need to refill the water reservoir after every two or three cups, its inability to brew a coffee carafe and the noise it makes while brewing.
However, there is no difference in coffee quality from other Vertuo machines as it uses identical capsules. Taste is subjective, meaning you may or may not enjoy Nespresso coffee. I prefer the coffee from the Original machines, but that won’t necessarily apply to you and in my opinion, the coffee it produces is still decent.
One thing the machine does excel at is its ease of use, which is just as straightforward as others in the range, meaning if you’re keen to have good coffee quickly and without the hassle, the Vertuo Pop is well worth considering.
