BY: VANESSA ROBERTS
If there’s one part of my day I will not compromise on, it’s my morning coffee. That flavoursome dose of caffeinated goodness – it’s not a want, it’s a need. And as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one thing better than starting the day on the right foot with a great coffee, and that’s not having to leave the house for it!
As a long-standing devotee of at-home coffee making, I’ve tried all the machines and gadgets you can think of. I’m always on the hunt for a cafe-quality coffee experience – just minus the cafe part.
Call me lazy, call me economical – the truth is, once you have discovered you can enjoy excellent coffee in your pyjamas before you’re ready to face the world, there is no turning back.
So as you would guess, I was thrilled when Nespresso asked me to be one of the first to trial the entirely new Vertuo coffee machine and system!
Developed in conjunction with Nespresso’s completely brand new style of coffee – The Reverso™, this launch is slated as a “reinvention of the coffee-making process”.
How does Nespresso reinvent coffee you ask?
The short answer: via Centrifusion™. Unlike traditional coffee-brewing methods, the Nespresso Vertuo system rotates the capsule up to 7000 RPM to enable you to make a perfect coffee of any size, from an espresso to a mug.
And according to research conducted by Nespresso, a mug is exactly how 47% of Australians prefer to drink their coffee (a long black with a dash of milk, thank you very much.)
Unlike earlier Nespresso systems, the Vertuo makes it even easier for us to enjoy a LARGE cup of coffee, (with an excellent flavour and an amazingly thick and rich crema) at the touch of a button.
And The Reverso™ style?
As the name implies, the Reverso flips what we know about coffee-making on its head. This style of coffee is created by adding a dash of milk to the mug before extracting the coffee over the top (genius!), delivering a smooth, rich and creamy texture without the need for an additional milk frothing machine. Which of course has the added benefits of less mess and less fuss.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes 20 new coffees, and its own range of accessories. The coffee options include four sizes, from a 40 ml espresso, 150ml gran lungo, 230ml mug and a 414 ml Alto.
Sound good? Keep reading for my personal review of the Nespresso Vertuo!
#1 – Aesthetics
Sleek, minimally-styled, and neutral coloured, the Vertuo would look at home in any contemporary kitchen. I’m loving how the neutral metallic finish compliments everything in my space, including the marble benchtops and other appliances. It is lightweight yet sturdy, and the machine takes up very little bench space making it perfect for small kitchens.
#2 – Set Up & Operation
The installation and first use of the Vertuo really couldn’t be any easier. It is instantly obvious that Nespresso have perfected the system – right down to the packaging.
With nothing you need to “put together” other than the water tank and drip tray, the Vertuo is plug-and-play (yay!) My only speed bump was trying to figure out how to open the lid to insert the coffee capsules (I soon discovered the lever was electronic, and after that I was good to go #blondemoment. )
#3 – Use
Using the Vertuo feels very modern. From switch to sip, it is a seamless and very easy experience. Simply press the button, insert the capsule, lower the lid and let the machine work its magic. Approximately 40 seconds later – voila, extraction. And a very, very impressive extraction it is too.
If you’re a coffee nerd, use a heat-resistant clear glass to see the amazing pour from just one capsule – incredible! A very thick, golden, indulgent crema – it is truly exceptional.
And as far as the all-important flavour is concerned, it is great. A well-balanced blend, that is neither too bitter nor too strong, but certainly a cafe-equivalent.
Having ruled out trying to find a decent decaf coffee a long time ago – the Vertuo decaffeinated capsules surprised me on the upside as well!
#4 – Sustainability and recycling
Nespresso is committed to ensuring sustainability, and I was really pleased to learn of their comprehensive recycling program. With nearly 20,000 collection points in Australia (including Nespresso Boutiques and over 300 florists), customers can ensure that their used Nespresso capsules are recycled.
The company has also partnered with Australia Post to provide customers with co-branded satchels to ensure even the most remote customers can recycle their capsules.
# 5 – Overall Impressions
Overall, I am extremely impressed with the Nespresso Vertuo machine and system. I think the larger capability of the Vertuo system is a fantastic development in the Nespresso offering (no need to use 2 capsules per coffee any more!), and the quality of the end product is very competitive. At only $299 for the machine, this represents great value and would make a worthy investment for any household.
For more information and to purchase the Nespresso Vertuo click here.
This story is a collaboration with Nespresso, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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