Gear check

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Review — Breville

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Matte Black Gold

89.9 Dude Score

Intro

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe (manufactured by Nespresso-Breville) is a compact single-serve espresso machine built around the Vertuo capsule system. It promises five cup sizes—including single and double espressos and up to 12 oz coffees—one-touch brewing, automatic used-pod ejection, and a removable 37.2 fl oz side water tank. With a listed 1500 watts of power and 30-second heat-up time, the Pop+ Deluxe is aimed at cooks and apartment dwellers who want fast, consistent espresso-style drinks without a large machine or complicated workflow.

What it is / first look

On paper the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe is a fully automatic pod machine designed for convenience and countertop style. The listing specifies the housing material as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), notes a compact footprint (14" D x 8.6" W x 10.4" H), and lists removable features like the side water tank and an adjustable drip tray. Operation is button-based; the machine is described as a one-touch system with automatic used-pod ejection. The product is not listed as smart-home compatible (the spec shows "Not Smart Home Compatible") and the coffee input type is listed simply as "pods." The listing also calls out a 30-second heat-up time and a 37.2 fl oz water capacity.

Available colorways listed in the product facts are:

  • Matte Black Gold
  • Titan

Some owners refer to other finishes in discussion (anecdotally mentioning red variants), but the official listing identifies the two colors above—verify the current listing if color is a must-have.

In daily use

This section pulls from owner experience patterns and the listing's operating features to describe how the Pop+ Deluxe behaves in real kitchens.

What the machine does well

  • Strong espresso and crema: Multiple owners report the machine pulls espresso that tastes much closer to "actual espresso" than weaker pod brewers, often noting a rich flavor and crema. Owner commentary credits the Vertuo capsule extraction for a concentrated shot that many find satisfying for straight espressos, cortados, and espresso-forward drinks.
  • Five cup sizes, including iced and Alto-style pours: The listing and owner notes confirm five sizes are available—single and double espressos plus 5, 8, and 12 oz coffees—and owners use colder-size settings for iced beverages.
  • Speed and convenience: The machine lists a 30-second heat-up time and one-touch operation; owners frequently describe it as quick to warm and simple to use daily. Automatic used-capsule ejection and an adjustable drip tray are called out as convenience features in the listing and are repeated in user feedback as helpful for tidiness.
  • Compact footprint: Owners repeatedly praise the small size and fit on narrow counters, coffee carts, and small kitchen islands—matching the listing dimensions and the stated 37.2 fl oz removable side tank placement.

Where daily use gets finicky

  • Noise and vibration during brewing: A common owner theme: the unit can be noticeably loud and even rattle as it forces steam or spins capsules. Several owners describe it as louder than expected for a machine of this size.
  • Mug clearance vs. 12 oz pours: Owners note that the drip-tray and cup-stand configuration may not accommodate a large mug easily when using the 12 oz cup setting—particularly when you want room for crema plus frothed milk on top.
  • Cleaning access to the spinning head: A repeated maintenance complaint: coffee residue can build around the spinning head and prevent it from operating, sometimes causing a red error light. Owners report having to tilt or tip the machine to reach the head (the top locking/spinning part) to clean with a paper towel or cotton swab. That maneuver is described as awkward and inconvenient, especially if it happens first thing in the morning.
  • Capsule cost and compatibility: Owner feedback emphasizes that the machine requires Vertuo capsules exclusively and that these capsules are more expensive than standard pod alternatives. The listing also states capsules are exclusively compatible with Vertuo machines and that Nespresso offers over 40 permanent Vertuo blends plus limited editions.

Materials & build quality

The listing specifies the machine material as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS); weight is listed at 3.7 kg. Owners commonly praise the appearance, calling the Pop+ Deluxe stylish and "premium-looking"—many like the matte black with gold trim aesthetic. The removable side water tank and adjustable drip tray are practical touches the listing highlights and owners appreciate.

That said, owners report a mix of impressions on build details: some describe a high-quality fit-and-finish, while others call out rattling during brew cycles and some mechanical noise. Those sound and fit issues do not appear to be universal, but they are frequent enough in user feedback to note as part of the real-world build picture.

Two more product-fact points worth repeating:

  • The machine lists a reusable filter component among the included parts.
  • Included components in the listing are summarized simply as "Filter."

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: the listing provides a few hard facts that relate to safe operation—power source is AC adapter, wattage is listed at 1500 watts, and voltage at 120 V—so plug and circuit compatibility are typical for North American kitchens. The machine is fully automatic and button-operated, minimizing fiddly manual controls that can lead to spills from user error.

Owner reports raise a handful of operational caution points:

  • Heat and steam contact: As an espresso machine, hot water and steam are part of normal operation. The listing does not detail safety certifications or protective thermal insulation; follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and keep hands clear of the brew head during extraction.
  • Noise and vibration: Repeated owner reports of rattling and high noise during the spin/brew cycle are not a direct safety hazard but are an operational annoyance and may indicate loosely fitted components on some units. If a unit vibrates excessively, owners should follow manufacturer troubleshooting and service options rather than forcing operation.
  • Cleaning access: Owners report needing to tip or tilt the machine to access and clean the spinning head when residue builds up. That procedure can be awkward—avoid sudden movements when the unit contains hot water, and unplug before tilting or inspecting internal parts.
  • Pod ejection and sharp edges: The listing states automatic used-pod ejection. There are no owner reports of sharp edges, but always empty the used-pod bin carefully and avoid reaching into mechanisms while the unit is plugged in.
  • Material claims: The housing is listed as ABS. The listing and owner notes do not provide detailed, independently verified information about food-contact materials for internal components; if material composition or certified food-contact claims matter to you, verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation.

Who this is for / who should skip

Match the machine to your kitchen and coffee habits rather than wishing it would be something else.

Good fit

  • Small kitchens, apartments, and offices where counter space is limited. The compact footprint and removable side tank match the listing's compact design claim and owner praise for fit in tight spaces.
  • Home cooks who want quick, consistent espresso-style shots with minimal technique. Owners repeatedly say the Pop+ Deluxe produces concentrated, crema-topped espresso-like shots that satisfy espresso lovers who don't want manual espresso equipment.
  • People who value ease-of-use and low-skill repeatability—one-touch brewing, 30-second heat-up, and automatic pod ejection make daily use simple.

Skip this if...

  • You need a machine that accepts multiple capsule ecosystems. The listing states capsules are exclusively compatible with Vertuo machines; owners emphasize that standard (original line) Nespresso pods are not compatible.
  • You routinely brew very large mugs with lots of milk. Owner feedback notes limited mug clearance for the 12 oz setting and difficulty fitting a tall latte cup plus milk foam; check how your mugs fit the adjustable drip tray before you commit.
  • You want a whisper-quiet machine. Noise and vibration during the spinning/brew cycle are frequently reported.
  • You don't want occasional hands-on cleaning of the brew head. Several owners report residue can build up around the spinning head and require manual cleaning that involves tilting/tipping the unit.

Verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe by Breville is a compact, fast, and easy-to-use entry into the Vertuo pod ecosystem. The listing-backed facts—five cup sizes, 30-second heat-up, automatic pod ejection, and a removable 37.2 fl oz side tank—match owner sentiment praising speed, strong flavor, and counter-friendly styling. Owners who care most about espresso-forward flavor and a small footprint will find a lot to like.

That said, prospective buyers should factor in recurring capsule costs, verify compatibility with the Vertuo capsule lineup, and accept that some routine maintenance (cleaning around the spinning head) can be awkward. Noise and vibration during brew cycles are commonly reported; they don't necessarily indicate a failed unit, but they are a recurring real-world annoyance. If those trade-offs are acceptable, the Pop+ Deluxe is a strong compact choice for home espresso-style drinks.

Check before you buy

  • Verify which colorways are currently available—listing shows Matte Black Gold and Titan.
  • Confirm whether you want the machine-only option or the Machine + Milk Frother bundle; the listing shows both purchase configurations.
  • Make sure you're comfortable with Vertuo-exclusive capsules and their ongoing cost; the listing emphasizes Nespresso's own capsule lineup and a complimentary tasting pack included in some packaging.
  • Consider where you'll place it and whether your favorite mug will fit the adjustable drip tray for 12 oz pours.
  • Plan to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and to check the brew head periodically; owners report residue can impede capsule spinning and trigger an error light if not cleaned.

Frequently asked questions

What cup sizes does the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe brew?

The listing and owner reports indicate five cup sizes: single and double espressos plus 5, 8, and 12 oz coffee servings. The machine also supports cold-brew-style iced servings via suitable capsule choices.

How large is the water tank and where is it located?

The product facts list a removable side water tank with a capacity of 37.2 fluid ounces.

Does it accept standard Nespresso (OriginalLine) pods or only Vertuo capsules?

The listing states capsules are exclusively compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines; owner feedback echoes that standard Nespresso pods are not compatible.

Is the machine noisy or prone to vibration?

Many owners report noticeable noise and occasional rattling during the spin/extraction cycle. This is a repeatedly mentioned operational characteristic in owner feedback.

Does the Pop+ Deluxe include a milk frother?

The listing shows purchase options for "Machine + Milk Frother" and "Machine Only," so a milk frother may be included depending on the configuration you buy.

How often does the machine need cleaning and are there tricky maintenance steps?

Owners report coffee residue can build up around the spinning head and may require manual cleaning. Several note that accessing the head can involve tilting or tipping the machine, which is awkward; follow manufacturer cleaning guidance and check the head periodically if you brew daily.

Does the machine support smart-home features or Bluetooth?

The product facts list the machine as "Not Smart Home Compatible." Some owner comments reference Bluetooth connectivity, but that conflicts with the listing—verify the current manufacturer documentation or listing for the latest connectivity features.

Think it’s right for your kitchen?

Double-check size, age, and species fit on the listing. The same affiliate link covers details and checkout — supports the site at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate disclosure: Links on this page may earn us a commission. You pay the same price; it helps fund more ridiculous field tests.