Nespresso Vertuo Up Coffee and Espresso Maker with Aeroccino, by Breville, Ink Black - Single-Serve, Centrifusion, 5 Cup Sizes, Barcode Reading

Product Overview

The Vertuo Up is a pod-based coffee and espresso maker that reads barcodes on Vertuo capsules to adjust brewing parameters automatically. It supports six cup sizes: 5 oz single espresso, 8 oz double espresso, 12 oz gran lungo, and 18 oz coffee, plus two additional sizes for iced coffee. A dedicated Coffee Creations Button produces a more concentrated brew for bold iced drinks. The machine measures 15.4 inches deep, 4.7 inches wide, and 10.1 inches high, making it narrower than many drip machines. Its body is plastic, but the build feels sturdy with a simple lever-lock mechanism that replaces the motorized locking found on earlier models. The water tank holds 47 ounces and can be positioned on the left or right to fit your kitchen layout. The included Aeroccino frother whips hot or cold milk in about a minute. Cleaning is straightforward: the used-pod bin collects both capsules and excess water, and a dedicated button runs a quick rinsing cycle. The machine comes with a starter variety pack of capsules and a $20 voucher for your first Nespresso order. It operates at 940 watts and 120 volts, compatible only with Nespresso Vertuo capsules (not Original line or third-party pods). The 4.06 kg (8.9 lb) weight is easy to move if needed.

Build & Materials

The Vertuo Up uses a molded plastic body that is compact and lightweight. The lever-actuated locking mechanism replaces the motorized lid of earlier Vertuo models, reducing potential failure points. Reviewers note that this simpler design feels more robust and less prone to jams. The water tank is clear plastic with volume markings and can be repositioned without tools. The drip tray holds a removable grid and a small reservoir that collects condensation and spillage. The used-pod bin sits under the brewing unit and holds up to ten spent capsules; it also catches residual water, requiring periodic emptying to avoid overflow. The Aeroccino frother has a sleek, smooth exterior and a non-stick interior. The machine’s footprint is narrow enough to fit under most cabinets—reviewers say it leaves room to open the top hatch even with overhead cabinets.

Maintenance is straightforward. The drip tray and pod bin are dishwasher safe. The Aeroccino’s whisk and lid are removable for rinsing. Nespresso recommends descaling every three months or when the machine signals, using their descaling solution. The app provides guided cleaning instructions. Overall, the build prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over premium materials like stainless steel.

Shot Quality

The Vertuo Up produces coffee and espresso with a thick, persistent crema that many reviewers describe as café-quality. The Centrifusion brewing spins the capsule at high speed, extracting flavor efficiently and creating a smooth mouthfeel. Multiple reviewers report that the coffee is noticeably hotter than previous Nespresso models they have owned, with one saying they finally got the temperature right. The machine operates at about 60 dB during brewing, which is quieter than many pod systems—only the lever locking makes a distinct sound. Iced coffee brewed with the Coffee Creations button is more concentrated and less diluted by ice than a standard brew. The app allows adjusting the pour volume and temperature to fine-tune results, though some reviewers did not use the app and still found default settings satisfactory.

The milk frother performs well for both hot and cold foam. Hot foam is dense and creamy, while cold foam is airy and smooth—ideal for iced lattes. The frother heats milk to about 160°F, which is warm enough for cappuccinos but may not be as hot as steam wands. Some users who prefer very hot drinks might need to microwave the milk afterward. In terms of reliability, a few early units had defects, but customer support quickly replaced them—reviewers praise the service. The pod catcher does collect a small amount of water from the brewing process, so emptying it every 5–6 pods prevents spillage, a minor trade-off for the convenience.