Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Review: Compact Pod Machine for Busy Mornings

Overview

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is a compact pod machine built for people who want quick, consistent coffee without much thought or counter space. It belongs to Nespresso’s Vertuo line, which uses barcoded capsules and centrifugal brewing to automatically adjust water volume, temperature, and spin speed for each pod. In practice that means you press one button and the machine does the rest.

The Pop+ is one of the smallest Vertuo models, with a narrow footprint that fits comfortably beside a toaster or under a cabinet. It has a removable water tank, a flip-up cup stand for espresso shots, and a simple, single-button interface. There is no touchscreen or multi-button programming, which keeps things approachable for sleepy mornings.

Compared with older Vertuo machines, the Vertuo Pop+ focuses on size and simplicity rather than extras. You still get multiple cup sizes from short espresso to larger mugs, thick crema, and the familiar Vertuo flavor profile. The trade-off is limited customization and no built-in milk frother, so it is best viewed as a fast, one-touch coffee maker rather than a full cafe setup.

Who it is for

The Vertuo Pop+ is ideal if you want a clean, quick, and mostly hands-off way to make single-serve coffee. It is especially well suited to small apartments, dorms, home offices, and anyone who values speed over tinkering. If you live with early risers or have a tight morning schedule, its short warm-up time and one-button brewing feel genuinely helpful.

You are a good match for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ if you:

• Prefer convenience over manual brewing techniques like pour-over or espresso machines with portafilters
• Have limited counter space and need a narrow, low-profile machine
• Drink mostly straight coffee or espresso with simple add-ins like milk or creamer
• Appreciate consistent results and do not want to fuss with grind size or tamping

You may want to choose another style of coffee maker if you:

• Love dialing in grind, dose, and temperature for each cup
• Want a large drip-style carafe to serve several people at once
• Need a built-in steam wand for latte art and very hot steamed milk
• Are trying to move away from pods for environmental or budget reasons

How it feels and performs

Design and footprint

The Vertuo Pop+ feels purpose-built for tight spaces. It has a tall but slim body that tucks next to other appliances without dominating the counter. The water tank sits at the back and slides off easily for filling, and the used capsule container pulls out from the front so you can empty it without moving the machine.

The plastics feel solid enough for daily use, though this is not a premium metal machine. The lever that locks the head closes with a soft, firm motion, and the lid pops open smoothly after brewing. The drip tray and cup stand are adjustable for small espresso cups or taller mugs, which helps reduce splashing and heat loss.

Speed and convenience

Speed is where the Vertuo Pop+ shines. From cold start to ready-to-brew typically takes well under a minute. Once warmed, brewing a standard coffee is mostly a matter of placing a pod, closing the head, and pressing the single button. The machine reads the barcode on the capsule and automatically chooses the right volume and brewing profile.

On a typical weekday morning you can have a hot cup on the counter in a few minutes without paying much attention. There is no need to measure water per cup, grind beans, or clear space for a large carafe. The auto shut-off after a short idle period keeps power use in check, so you do not need to worry if you rush out the door.

Cup sizes and coffee quality

The Pop+ supports multiple Vertuo capsule sizes that cover short espresso shots up to a generous mug. Espresso pods produce a dense, hazelnut-colored crema with a thick mouthfeel and a flavor that leans toward smooth and approachable rather than intensely bright. Double espresso and gran lungo pods give a bolder cup that works well with a splash of milk.

Standard coffee pods create a full mug with a thick layer of crema on top. The texture is different from traditional drip coffee, with a creamier, slightly heavier body. For many people this feels luxurious first thing in the morning. If you are used to lightly roasted, high-clarity pour-over, the Vertuo taste profile is richer and less nuanced, but it is reliably tasty and uses fresh-ground coffee sealed in each capsule.

Noise and heat

Vertuo machines spin capsules at high speed, and the Pop+ is no exception. During brewing there is a noticeable whirring sound that is louder than a basic drip maker but shorter in duration. Most households will find it acceptable, though if you make coffee in an echoey kitchen right next to a bedroom it may be a consideration.

The machine brews at a hot but drinkable temperature, especially for espresso and smaller cups. Larger mug sizes can feel slightly cooler by the time they finish, which is common with pod machines. Preheating your mug with hot water or running a brief water-only cycle before brewing helps keep the final cup hotter.

Maintenance and cleaning

Daily upkeep is minimal. Used capsules automatically drop into an internal container when you lift the lever, and that bin usually holds several days worth of pods for a typical household. The drip tray and cup stand come apart for a quick rinse, and the smooth plastic surfaces wipe down easily.

Like any coffee maker, the Vertuo Pop+ needs regular descaling to handle mineral buildup in the heating system. Indicator lights will alert you when it is time, and the process involves running a descaling solution through the machine and then flushing with clean water. If you use filtered water, you can usually go longer between full descaling sessions and keep flavor more consistent.

Pods, cost, and sustainability

The biggest ongoing cost with the Vertuo Pop+ is capsules. Vertuo pods are proprietary and generally cost more per cup than supermarket ground coffee or reusable-pod systems. On the other hand, they deliver consistent results and keep your morning routine simple. If you drink several cups each day, it is worth doing the math to be sure the per-cup price fits your budget.

Nespresso runs a recycling program for its aluminum capsules, and using it meaningfully reduces waste compared with throwing pods in the trash. You can collect used capsules in the built-in bin, then transfer them to a recycling bag for drop-off or mail-back depending on your region. It still takes more effort than composting traditional grounds, so sustainability-focused buyers should weigh this carefully.

How to use for best results

Start with good water and setup

Water quality has a big impact on Vertuo flavor. If your tap water is very hard or has a strong taste, using filtered or bottled water will give cleaner, more consistent coffee and slow scale buildup inside the machine. Place the Pop+ where you can easily reach the water tank, capsule bin, and power outlet so using it does not become a chore.

When you first set it up, run a couple of water-only cycles without a capsule to flush the internal lines. This removes any manufacturing residue and also preheats the system. Doing a short rinse cycle at the start of each day helps warm the brewing chamber and your cup.

Choose the right capsule and cup

Because the Pop+ reads capsule barcodes and adjusts automatically, your main choice is pod type and cup size. Keep a few favorite styles on hand: espresso pods for short, strong shots, double espresso or gran lungo for small milk drinks, and standard coffee pods for mugs. If you prefer a bolder taste, choose darker roast capsules or smaller sizes with less dilution.

Match your cup to the capsule. Use small, thick-walled demitasse cups for espresso so it stays hot and concentrated. For mug-size coffees, pick a cup that fits under the spout without pressing against the head. Avoid very tall travel tumblers that force you to remove the drip tray, since that can increase splashing.

Dial in strength and temperature

The Vertuo Pop+ does not offer full manual programming, but you can still fine-tune strength. For a more intense coffee, you can stop the brew early by pressing the button to cut the volume slightly. For a milder cup, press the button again to resume and add more water after the programmed amount finishes.

If you like your drink hotter, preheat your cup with hot water or a quick water-only cycle before brewing. You can also add very hot milk separately rather than pouring cold milk straight into the cup. These small steps make the final drink feel closer to a cafe-style temperature.

Add milk and extras smartly

The Pop+ does not include a built-in frother, so lattes and cappuccinos require a separate frothing device or simple heated milk. Many Pop+ bundles come with a standalone electric frother, or you can use a microwave and handheld frothing wand. Steaming or frothing milk separately lets you keep the brewing side of the machine simple and clean.

For flavored drinks, add syrups or sweeteners to the empty cup before brewing so they mix more evenly. Stir the finished drink to combine the crema and liquid coffee, which can taste slightly separated otherwise. These tiny tweaks require only a few extra seconds but noticeably improve texture and balance.

Keep a light but regular cleaning routine

To keep the Pop+ tasting good, adopt a quick cleaning rhythm. Empty the used capsule container before it overflows so pods do not jam. Give the drip tray and cup stand a rinse every few days, especially if you add sugar or syrups that can leave sticky residue.

Once a week, run a water-only cycle to flush the internal pathways and wipe around the capsule area to remove coffee splatter. When the machine signals that it is time to descale, do not put it off for months. Regular care keeps the flavor steady and helps the machine last longer, which is especially important if you rely on it every morning.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very compact footprint that fits easily in small kitchens and home offices
• Simple one-button operation with automatic capsule recognition and cup sizing
• Fast warm-up and brew time that suits rushed weekday mornings
• Consistent flavor and thick crema across a wide range of Vertuo pods
• Low daily maintenance with easy access to the water tank and used capsule bin

Cons

• Pods cost more per cup than many ground-coffee or reusable-pod options
• Limited control over brew temperature, volume, and strength compared with manual machines
• No built-in milk frother, so lattes and cappuccinos require extra equipment
• Spinning-brew design is louder during extraction than simple drip coffee makers
• Restricted to Vertuo-compatible capsules, which narrows third-party pod choices

Final verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is an easy machine to live with if your top priorities are speed, space savings, and reliable results. It is not meant to replace a high-end espresso setup or a large drip brewer for entertaining. Instead it excels as a personal, everyday coffee station that delivers a solid cup with almost no effort.

If you like the idea of one-touch coffee, enjoy the taste of Nespresso Vertuo pods, and have a tight morning schedule, the Pop+ is a strong fit. Its compact design and simple interface make it especially good for smaller households, home offices, and anyone who does not want to think about coffee settings before they are fully awake. Just be sure you are comfortable with the ongoing cost of capsules and the limitations of a pod-based system.

For buyers who want more control, a built-in frother, or access to very inexpensive beans, a different type of machine will be a better match. For everyone else, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ delivers on its promise: fast, tasty coffee in a compact package that feels tailor-made for busy mornings.

See also

To get the best flavor from Vertuo pods, it helps to start with clean water using one of the best kitchen water filters for coffee and to round out your morning routine with hot breakfasts from an air fryer built for quick cooking.

• Set the mood for your morning coffee with one of the best home audio systems for music and podcasts.
• Create a cozy coffee nook with picks from our guide to the best home candles for clean burn and cozy light.
• Explore long-term storage options with our reviews of the best home freeze dryers for coffee and bulk groceries.

FAQ

How noisy is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ during brewing?

The Vertuo Pop+ uses a spinning extraction system that produces a noticeable whirring sound while it brews. It is louder than a typical drip coffee maker but the noise only lasts for the brief brewing cycle. In most homes it will not be disruptive, though very light sleepers in rooms right next to the kitchen may hear it if you brew early in the morning.

What is the difference between the Nespresso Vertuo Pop and Vertuo Pop+?

The Vertuo Pop and Pop+ share a similar compact design and one-button operation, but the Pop+ is typically equipped with a larger water tank and slightly more refined finish details. The larger tank means fewer refills if you make several cups each day. Both machines use the same Vertuo capsules and brewing technology, so cup quality is essentially identical.

Can the Vertuo Pop+ make lattes and cappuccinos?

The Vertuo Pop+ does not have a built-in steam wand or milk frother, so it cannot steam milk on its own. However, it works well for lattes and cappuccinos when paired with a separate milk frother or electric frothing pitcher. Brew an espresso or double espresso pod, then add your frothed milk to create simple, consistent milk drinks at home.

Are there reusable or third-party pods for the Vertuo Pop+?

The Pop+ uses Nespresso’s Vertuo capsule system, which is more restricted than many traditional single-serve formats. Some third-party Vertuo-compatible capsules exist, but the selection is smaller and quality can vary. Reusable capsules for Vertuo are limited and may not always work reliably with Nespresso’s barcode-based extraction, so most owners stick to official or well-regarded compatible pods.

How often does the Vertuo Pop+ need descaling and other maintenance?

Descaling frequency depends on your water hardness and how often you brew. With moderately hard water and daily use, many households descale every few months or when the machine’s lights indicate it is time. Between descaling sessions, you only need to empty the used capsule container, refill the water tank, rinse the drip tray, and occasionally run a water-only cycle to keep the interior clean.

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