The Nespresso Vertuo is an espresso machine with a ‘one-of-kind experience’ so the axiom goes; that experience we can take as read is the brewing of a flavored capsule and automatic addition of (frothed milk) crema. Capsule reading technology changes temperature, pressure and brewing time to cleverly suit each different capsule.
The DeLonghi America Nespresso Vertuo review will examine the quality of hardware, ease of brewing, ease of cleaning and the good and bad nuances which percolated while assessing this America.
Before that we will look at the Nespresso capsule at the heart of the system and how much coffee a capsule produces.
Nespresso Capsules Choices
You’ll be pleased to read Nespresso VertuoLine capsules are made from high quality, 100% recyclable aluminum. A myriad of flavors range from classic coffee tastes to the more out of the ordinary like custard pie. Caffeine levels to strength can be chosen to keep you absorbed for hours in your shopping. Coffee aficionados may moot espresso machines where you have more control over grinding, pressure and flavor and the milk froth itself.
How much Coffee Does a Nespresso Capsule make?
Each capsule contains 5-7 g serving of ground coffee, in short making one shot of coffee. The capsule can produce a 40 ml Espresso shot, or 110 ml Lungo which is double the water.
DeLonghi America Nespresso Vertuo (With Built in Crema/Froth) Review
The first positive point to notice about the Nespresso America Vertuo is the large see-through water tank which easily clicks out with a gentle pull. Whereas many home espresso machines use 37oz tanks, the America Nespresso boasts a 54 ounce tank. The benefit of a see through tank means you simply know where you are when it comes to refills. And a lightweight plastic tank is more user friendly than a cumbersome steel tank.
Ferrari red good looks hark back to an Italian influenced yester year of brewing espressos – well cappuccino was invented in Italy after all. The Virtue Vertuo machine conveniently makes two coffee cup sizes: 1.35 Fl. Oz. espresso and 7.7 Fl. Oz coffee. A complimentary welcome box of assorted 12 VertuoLine capsules, sets you up nicely for an introduction to coffee making with the DeLonghi before you gape at the large selection of capsules available.
The fool proof and easy working of the Nespresso is a nuance which may suit a fast paced lifestyle
down to the ground. It couldn’t be easier. Insert your capsule of choice into the top well (leave the foil top of the capsule on) and close the lid of the contraption, twist the dial a turn and press the knob in the center of that dial. A quiet whirring and then a gentle grumble will indicate the coffee is brewing.
The whirring tones speed up as a trickle pours into your mug. The rising sounds and gurgles rival a typical microwave for noise so they won’t wake the family. Overall I timed a two minute turn over for the final drips of milk froth to top off the cappuccino.
Other Nuances I Liked
An adjustable drip tray can be raised and lowered which is suitable for the size of cup you’re using; you don’t want splashes from your espresso cup causing chaos. Like with all Nespresso machines after
the coffee is ready, twist back the dial, the lid pops up and the used capsule pops out and should
fall into an empty collection port at the back which doesn’t always happen.
Virtue uses an intelligent fool proof, extraction system that recognizes each grand cru blend by the bar code, where brewing time and temperature are adjusted by the machine automatically. A small downside to some maybe is if someone bought you original espresso pods they aren’t incompatible with this machine.
Cleaning
The adjustable drip tray is easily removable and hand cleaned. A good descaling would be a good idea once a month.
In Conclusion
The Nespresso America offers a great foolproof way of having bistro style coffees at home and the simple use means it suits a busy life style down to the ground. Try our own pumpkin latte recipe. For a modicum of more luxury I suggest using the machine with a stand alone milk frother to add denser quality to cappuccinos. There is a combo set available that comes with the DeLonghi America. It only takes about 45 seconds to brew
a coffee and frothier takes almost the same time to heat and froth milk.
The DeLonghi America Nespresso Vertu is a superb looking device that delivers one cup flavored espresso at a twist and a touch of a button. You could say it does for coffee what the can did for baked beans, namely allowing you drink bistro style coffee when you want it. Except I doubt your local bistro has custard pie flavored coffee.
I found a competitive price on Amazon for the America – check here (I may gain a small commission for purchases)
- You may like to read: 7 Tastiest Nespresso Coffee Capsules
- Read: Best Steel Milk Frother Pitchers
