We Tried The Nespresso Vertuo Up—Here’s Whether It’s Worth Buying

New Nespresso Vertuo Up review

I’ve got a confession to make: I’m addicted to my Nespresso machine. I’ve had my trusty Essenza Mini for three years now, and it’s made my chaotic mornings so much better. But ever since moving into my new home, I’ve been eyeing an upgrade, something to reward myself for showing up to the daily grind. So when the chance came to test drive the new Nespresso Vertuo Up ($399) in the office, I jumped on it immediately. 

First impressions

I’m one of those people who cares as much about how much an appliance looks as how it performs. The Vertuo Up’s slim, space-saving design caught my eye—the Eatbook office isn’t exactly blessed with endless countertop space, so bulky machines are a no-go. This one fit neatly into the corner without taking over our kitchen.

It also helps that the machine comes in two sleek colourways: Ocean Blue and Pearl White.

Beyond its looks, the Vertuo Up feels like a more versatile upgrade from the Essenza Mini. While the latter is limited to espresso-based drinks, the Vertuo Up can brew everything from espresso shots to larger mugs, with barcode technology that automatically recognises each capsule and adjusts the brewing settings accordingly. Its proprietary Centrifusion technology also creates a generous layer of crema, making each cup feel closer to a cafe-style brew.

The capsule lever is another small but noticeable upgrade. Compared to the smaller handle on my Essenza Mini, the Vertuo Up is smoother and easier to open and close, making the overall experience feel a little more premium. 

Does the fast heat-up really only take 3 seconds?

On most mornings, every second counts. So when I found out the machine goes from completely switched off to ready-to-brew in just three seconds, it felt like a game-changer for those back-to-back AM meetings. There’s no need to wait around for it to heat up—I can simply switch it on and brew my morning coffee almost instantly. And yes, I timed it myself: it really does take three seconds.

What smart features are there?

Another key highlight of the Nespresso Vertuo Up is that it connects to the Nespresso Smart App, which lets you customise settings, including your preferred cup size and temperature.

The app also sends alerts and simplifies machine maintenance, letting you run functions such as descaling and rinsing directly through it. As a new homeowner, having one less thing to remember—like when to descale my coffee machine—is a small but very welcome win.

Recreating cafe drinks at home

We have plenty of cafe gurlies in the office, so naturally, we had to put the machine to the test with one of a cafe staple: an iced latte. Simple and refreshing, this easy crowd-pleaser hits the mark each time.

For this recipe, I used the Signature Gran Lungo cup as it was the perfect height for layering the drink. I chilled the cup beforehand, then poured in the milk.

Next, I used the Blue Bottle NOLA Style Blend pod to brew a thick shot of espresso using the Coffee Creations button. I poured it directly into the milk, keeping the cup as close to the dispenser as possible to create the “stained” effect.

The verdict? Delicious iced latte, made in the office in less than a minute, at the fraction of the price I’d pay at a cafe. 10/10, would make it again.

Another drink that’s been making its rounds on social media is the iced coconut cloud. As someone who loves anything coconut, I’ve been slightly obsessed with this one, so naturally, it had to get the Vertuo Up treatment too.

For this recipe, I used the Sweet Vanilla capsule, as its creamy flavour pairs beautifully with coconut water. I also used the Coffee Creations button to brew a concentrated double espresso shot for the coffee-infused foam, giving the drink a bold roasted profile that holds its own against the sweeter coconut and vanilla notes.

The drink starts with a coconut water base, topped with a silky-smooth espresso foam made with the NanoFoamer, taking this from a simple iced coffee at home to something that felt closer to what we’d get at a cafe. 

Our verdict of the Nespresso Vertuo Up

Yes, the $399 price tag might be a little steep for some, but we think the Nespresso Vertuo delivers, especially if you’re looking to elevate your coffee routine at home. Beyond its sleek design and fast heat-up time, it’s versatile enough to make everything from your everyday black coffee to cafe-style creations, with over 40 blends to choose from. The best part? Your morning brew starts from just under $1 a cup.

It’s quickly become a staple in our office— and honestly, it’s given me good reason to consider getting one for my own home.

Here’s our only suggestion: If the app could let us start brewing remotely without having to press the button on the machine, that would be the ultimate upgrade.

Pro tip: The Nespresso Vertuo is currently going for just $339 from now till 27 October, making this a good chance to snag one at a lower price.

Find out more about the Nespresso Vertuo Up here!

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Photos taken by Rishav Chakraverty.
This post was brought to you by Nespresso.