Hi everyone!
I’m on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift and I think Nespresso might be the answer — but I’m new to this world and would love your help!
A little background: I only drink instant Nescafe Gold decaf (please don’t judge lol). I’m strictly a latte person, always with almond or oat milk. I honestly just like the taste of that specific coffee in my lattes.
Now my mom? Total opposite. She’s a real coffee lover — grinds her beans fresh, uses filters and fancy little mesh things, and drinks only pure, strong coffee in tiny cups that smell like rocket fuel to me (in a good way, I think? lol). Sometimes she adds a spoon of heavy cream, but that’s it.
The issue is, lately she’s been way too busy in the mornings and doesn’t have time for her usual brewing ritual. I’ve noticed she’s been just pouring hot water over ground coffee in a cup, and let’s just say… cleaning out dried coffee sludge from those mugs every day is not my favorite thing.
So! I’m hoping to find a Nespresso machine that:
• Is super convenient and quick in the mornings.
• Has pods similar to Nescafe Gold decaf for me (ideally decaf options that work well with milk).
• Has blonde/light roast-style pods that taste good black for my mom — she actually liked my Nescafe Gold once, so maybe there’s hope!
Also, I tried browsing the Nespresso website but it keeps glitching (maybe because of the 30% off sale?), so I checked Walmart instead and these are the models they currently have available. Can any of these work for both our needs?
Available models:
• Nespresso New Vertuo Next 19-Bar, 1-Cup Black Espresso Machine
• Nespresso Vertuo Pop by De’Longhi Coffee and Espresso Maker with Coffee Tasting Set, Black
• Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, Black
• Nespresso By De’Longhi New Vertuo Next Premium Coffee and Espresso Maker in Chrome + Aeroccino3 Milk Frother (I don't need frother tbh 😅)
• Breville New Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe in Piano Black
• VertuoPlus New Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi, Limited Edition, Black Matte
• Nespresso Bundle: Vertuo Line POP Machine + Starbucks Sunsera Coffee Capsules
Would any of these be a good fit for a latte-lover (me) and a black coffee purist (my mom)? Should I be looking at Original line instead of Vertuo?
Thanks so much in advance — I’d love any tips on machines, pods, or even what NOT to buy!
P.s. I have my own nano foamer I'm pretty happy with, so I believe I don't need any kind of latte/frother attachment, just a machine and that is all 😅
by LadyGoblinQueen
4 Comments
Any of the plus models for you mom (the plus is known to be more durable than any other Vertuo model), she should get a sampler pack and she can find out what type of pods she likes.
I’ve gotten used to the espresso from the Vertuo machine but in the beginning I preferred the espresso from the original line machine in my latte, so maybe see if you can try lattes made with espresso from each machine. If you do a single shot for your latte, the original line will be more cost effective over time. The Vertuo machine has double espresso pods so if you use two shots in your latte, the Vertuo machine will be more cost effective than using two pods in an original line machine. If you think the original line works better for you, Costco has them for for $190 with a $40 coupon to use on Nespresso.com
Do not buy the Next. There is a lawsuit over the issues that model has and a whole FAQ page on the website related to it.
That being said, there are pros and cons to each machine.
The Vertuo Line machines do not make a true espresso. The way the coffee is extracted from the pods is the water is poured into the pod via a hole in the center of the foil and the pod is spun fast, so the water is spun out of It. Whereas the Original Line machines use pressure to extract, which makes it a truer espresso. If that matters at all to you I do not know, but I figured I would include it.
Another big difference in the VL versus OL machines is that the patent for the VL machines has not expired and will not expire until 2030. This means that you will only be able to buy the Nespresso and Starbucks pods for this kind of machine. There are no 3rd party options like the OL machine.
The Pop+ is short so unless you put it on top of something (I have a Nintendo Switch box mine sits on) taller glasses will not fit under it.
The Pop+ also has something called expert mode which basically makes your pod a more concentrated version. The coffee pods (7.7oz) becomes a double espresso size (2 oz), double espresso becomes a single espresso, etc. The Plus does not have this ability.
The Plus also doesn’t have the ability to use the larger pods (Cold brew, Alto, Pour Over).
My recommendation if you’re not picky is the Plus. You’ll get a sampler kit in your box and a coupon. Register your machine online and try the pods with your mom to see what you both like.
Btw very nice of you to give the gift of Nespresso to your mom. Ask this sub for any questions you or she has.
After some research, I decided to purchase a Vertuo Next as my fourth machine. I only did this because of the Mother’s Day 50% off promo here in Canada. I was told by many people who work at the various boutiques I go to that the issues the Next had in the past has been addressed. When the people who deal with the machines tell you that little to no returns or issues have been reported since the release of the newer Next, I tend to believe them. The new model of the Next, in Canada at least, are the ones produced in Mexico. The older ones are Made in Hungary. I don’t think it has anything to do with build quality, but rather upgraded parts (my guess). I’ve had the machine for close to two weeks. First thing I noticed right away was the connection, not that it matters a whole lot, was simple and very quick. I could never connect or stay connected with my Pop+. Everything works as it should. I make a lot of coffee. Way more than the average person, so my two weeks is like a month or so of normal use. I even bought a carafe and a sleeve of whatever it’s called. I love the fact I can put larger mugs under it. It is noisy, but no more than the Pop+. My Evoluo. If that had expert mode, I’d be happier than a pig in…………. So quiet and one hand operation. Bigger bins as well. Anyway, I’m totally happy with my newest purchase. Unfortunately, the Next has received so much negative feedback/reputation in the past that it may never recover. I’m hoping to be part of a change of sorts. Taking a big chance. Crossing fingers.