Going to review something a bit different – a coffee machine! I’ve been wanting a Nespresso machine years ago when I tried at my friend’s house. (Not going to lie, a new home appliance gets me more excited than a lipstick launch now!) When I moved out, I was living on the “I can get what I want without my parents’ opinion” euphoria and got a Nespresso machine.
There is a Nespresso boutique at Metrotown so I’ve tried a few complimentary coffees and love the experience (and noted which coffees I’d drink over and over again.) Luckily, not too long after, a sale caught my eye and I got the VertuoPlus D Matte Black with 50 capsules for $199 CAD+ tax. Additionally, another sample box of 12 capsules is located with the box that came with the machine. There was another set that include the Aeroccino 3 for $49 extra but it was sold out. So far, I don’t feel the NEED to have a milk frother but the option is definitely nice and I may get one in the future.
There are two lines of machines- Vertuo and Original. The Original machines takes the smaller Nespresso pods and makes smaller cups of espressos. The Vertuo line uses the bigger, dome shaped pods – so you have the option of three different cup sizes of drinks: double espresso (40mL), alto (414mL), and coffee (235mL). (Personally, I would’ve preferred a smaller, more compact machine but I like the option of having more coffee in the morning.
First off, when I received the Nespresso machine (as it was purchased online) by mail I was a bit disappointed. It was left on the front lawn and the courier disregarded my instructions about bringing to the back to the basement suite (this is prior to moving in my current home!) The box didn’t look like it was in good condition and if anyone felt like they wanted to steal some packages, this one would’ve been an easy swipe. When I emailed Nespresso regarding this matter, they just said that the courier will leave it by the front door instead if they deem it was safe. However, how would they know if it was safe as the package was in plain sight to people walking by. And, I don’t even live at where the box was left!! Then Nespresso was like there is a Canada Post option for the future as the courier who delivered was from UPS. There was no Canada Post option when I checked out online, soooo………….*sigh*.
Back to my review.
My VertuoPlus D Matt Black is (x by x by x) which does take a bit of footprint on your kitchen counter. Though it is nice that the water tank is adjustable to what position you want. To make a cup of coffee, I fill the tank with water and load a Nespresso pod. Based on the barcode of the pod, the VertuoPlus will make the correct sized drink with the optimized temperature. When I lift the lid a bit, it will continue to raise by itself to let me load the pod. Then I gently push down and the lid will close. Then, I click on the middle button until it blinks green and I will have a cup of coffee in minutes.
When the lid is lifted again, the empty pod will automatically slide out to back; where this is a section to store used pods. After ten pods or so, I can empty it out and put it in the Nespresso black recycling bag and bring it in store to be composted. (Apparently in Vancouver/Richmond you can recycle them in the bins but you have to bring the empty pods in store for Burnaby.)
One design flaw (or it’s flawed to me) is that the edge of the machine doesn’t flush with the cup. The cup will be against a convex edge and I wish it was flat or curved in so the cup will be flushed against the machine. I haven’t encountered a problem about the coffee not coming out properly into the cup so can’t complain really.
Regarding taste, I’ve enjoyed the coffees used for the machine! I received the 50 capsules in 5 flavours with 10 pods per box. I got the Odacio ($1.10 per pod,) Melozio ($1.10 per pod,) Fortado ($0.95 per pod,) Scuro ($0.95 per pod ) and Altisso ($0.85 per pod.) The Fortado was a bit bitter; Odacio and the Melozio have been my ‘go-to’ as I like strong, big cups of coffee. Altisso is a 40mL espresso and the Scuro is a double espresso, so I’ve been making some decent Americanos out of them too.
From the sample box, I really enjoyed drinking Stormio and Vanizio and will probably buy a box of them down the road. Other Nespresso flavours on my shopping list is the Voltesso, Intenso, and Alto Intenso!
The one thing I wish that could be changed is to have all the coffee coming out piping hot since after adding cream, the temperature is just warm for me. But that’s because I like drinking everything at lava temperature.
Overall – love, LOVE my Nespresso machine. It was the first purchase I made for my new place because I have no priorities in getting stuff I need. Between making my own coffee at work and making coffee (or coffees!) at home on weekends, I have been saving a lot more. I can’t wait to try more flavours and see what seasonal ones will be coming out in store! My only struggle for this is – to buy the Aeroccino 4 or another brand’s milk frother?!
PS – adding condensed milk and then doing the Nespresso thing makes an insane tasting coffee.
If someone else has a Nespresso; please let me know if I got a good deal or not! If you have one, tell me your favourite flavours!
