Breville Nespresso Vertuo Review

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Review Summary

Chock full of features that appeal to people after cafe-quality coffee at home, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo regularly ranks among the best affordable coffee makers on the market. 

Nespresso’s Vertuoline was introduced to cater to the American market, where bean enthusiasts prefer larger cups of coffee and espresso. It’s no surprise then, that the Vertuoline’s generous and tasty coffees continue to be such a hit.

Compared to other Nespresso and collaborative machines, the Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine can be seen as an entry-level choice. There is a noticeable lack of customizable features, but what it lacks in this regard it more than makes up for in quality and convenience.

This machine is powerful thanks to systems not found in Nespresso’s OriginalLine such as the company’s patented Capsule Recognition and Centrifusion technologies. 

The former automatically matches your machine’s settings to the pods you’re using. The latter rotates your coffee pods at ridiculous speeds for a smoother, tastier, higher-quality coffee that you’re hard-pressed to get from other machines.

While its one-touch interface, hardware, and functions aren’t anything to write home about, it shines where it counts: in making excellent coffee. That alone makes it worth investing in and speaks volumes to just how great this little machine is.

Features and Benefits of the Breville Nespresso Vertuo

At first glance, the Breville Nespresso Vertuo doesn’t look like all that much, so why buy it over larger, fancier looking machines? 

Take a look at its cool features to understand why this plucky little coffee maker shouldn’t be overlooked.

Patented Brewing Technologies

The Vertuo (product code BNV220CRO1BUC1) is an excellent example of why Nespresso’s VertuoLine is so innovative. Though the OriginalLine is a firm favorite, it’s missing the updated systems and technologies found in Vertuo machines. This coffee maker has two features that give it the upper hand over most competitors. 

As mentioned, the Capsule Recognition Technology is as sophisticated as it is nifty. It works by reading the barcodes of the coffee pods you use and then optimizing your coffee maker’s brewing settings accordingly. You don’t have to exclusively stick to Nespresso coffee and if you’re in the mood for other brands, the machine won’t muck it up.

More importantly, is the patented Centrifusion Technology. Your coffee pods rotate at lightning speeds — up to 7000 times a minute — to more effectively blend the grounds with the hot water. This gives you smoother, stronger coffee as a result and is a sorely underrated feature of Nespresso’s VertuoLine.

Convenient Maintenance

Few models are as easy to take care of as the Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine.

For one, its removable reservoir and spill stray make for easy rinsing and cleaning, which is always appreciated. It also includes used capsule storage and can hold up to 20 pods at a time.

Not to mention that handy descaling alert that tells you when it’s time to clean the machine’s chamber out. While it doesn’t have a rinse function and some elbow grease is required, it’s better to be proactive and avoid a harder task later, something the descaling alert ensures.

Brews Coffee And Espresso

The Breville Nespresso Vertuo brews espresso — a feature that’s important to those looking for something punchier than filter coffee. Many pod coffee makers lack this function, so this model gets extra points here.

What makes it really nifty, though, is that it’s not just an espresso machine. It can brew coffee just as easily and just as well — a much-needed touch of variety to an otherwise limited machine.

In some ways, it compensates for the absence of temperature and brew-strength controls. You can’t adjust the strength of your coffee or espresso, but it’s great that you can choose between the two. As any coffee aficionado knows, sometimes you need a shot and sometimes you want a long sip-worthy coffee.

Automatic Functions

An auto-off function is always appreciated in a coffee maker as it saves energy and therefore money. It’s also handy on those busy mornings when you’re in a hurry as you can leave the machine unattended without worrying about whether it’s still on. Even better, the automatic shut down kicks in nine minutes after your last brew.

The aforementioned descaling alert is a nice addition as well. Sure, it won’t do the work for you, but the machine will tell you when it needs servicing, which is one less thing to think about.

There’s also an auto-eject function that deposits your spent pods into the storage container without intervention from you. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference when it comes to ease of use.

When it comes to convenience, three features kick the Breville Nespresso Vertuo up a notch. Take into account its size and it’s arguably one of the most efficient compact coffee makers on the market.

User-Friendly Design

It’s not much to look at, but there’s a charm to its simplicity. Yes, functionality matters but ultimately the Vertuo isn’t hindered by its limitations.

In fact, its simplicity may be its greatest feature — gift it to your granddad, for example, and he won’t struggle to operate the machine. And for people who don’t want the hassle of too many bells and whistles getting in the way of good coffee, the Vertuo is a boon.

Its One-Touch interface means there’s nothing to program, set, or even think about, except your cup size and coffee choice. For those who are not technology inclined, this is a godsend.

The Vertuo is Fast

At only 15 seconds, the Vertuo’s heating time is mere nanoseconds when compared to similar machines. While it’s unclear how quickly the Breville Nespresso Vertuo brews coffee (or espresso), it still deserves some praise for how little time it takes to prepare.

Breville Nespresso Vertuo FAQs

What’s the Difference Between the Breville Nespresso Vertuo and Vertuo Plus?

All VertuoLine machines use the same technology and therefore have the same features. The Vertuo Plus, however, has a sleeker design and is quieter than its predecessor.

Does the Breville Nespresso Vertuo Come With a Milk Frother?

No, but you can purchase a Vertuo milk frother as an add-on.

Can You Use Regular Nespresso Pods in the Breville Nespresso Vertuo?

Unfortunately not. All VertuoLine machines accept Vertuo pods only.

What Is the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine’s Product Number?

The Breville Vertuo’s model number is BNV220CRO1BUC1.