Nespresso Vertuo Pop Review
A research-based Nespresso Vertuo Pop review of the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe: specs from Breville, owner feedback, how it differs from the original Vertuo Pop.
The Vertuo Pop is the smallest machine in Nespresso’s Vertuo line, built by Breville for the US market. The original Vertuo Pop (BNV120) has been joined by the Vertuo Pop+, and the Amazon listing we cover here is the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe (model BNV125), the version with a metallic finish and the largest water tank in the Pop range. This review focuses on that machine and explains how it differs from the first Vertuo Pop.
It suits someone who wants espresso-style shots and full mugs of coffee from capsules, with one button and almost no cleanup, in a narrow space. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants to use their own beans, adjust a shot, or make milk drinks without buying a separate frother.
This review draws on Breville’s published specifications for the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe and the original Vertuo Pop, the Amazon product listing, and Amazon owner reviews. Where the Amazon listing and Breville’s page disagree, we follow the manufacturer.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee & Espresso Maker
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Key Specs
| Spec | Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe (BNV125) |
|---|---|
| Brewing system | Centrifusion, capsule spins up to 4,000 rotations per minute |
| Cup sizes | 5: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5.07 oz), Mug (7.77 oz), Alto (14 oz) |
| Capsules | Vertuo capsules only, read by capsule recognition |
| Water tank | 37.2 oz, side mounted |
| Used capsule container | 8 espresso or 5 mug capsules |
| Heat-up time | 30 seconds (Amazon listing) |
| Power | 1500 watts, 120 volts |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 8.6 x 14 x 10.4 in |
| Weight | 8.15 lb |
| Milk frother | None included |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
The Amazon listing describes 6 cup sizes, including 5, 8, 12, and 18 oz coffees. Those are the sizes of other Vertuo machines such as the Vertuo Next. Breville lists 5 cup sizes for the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe, topping out at the 14 oz Alto, with no carafe size.
What We Like
- One button, no dialing in. Each Vertuo capsule carries a code the machine reads, so it sets the brew for that capsule on its own. Owners describe it as easy to use from the first cup.
- Espresso and a full mug from one machine. The 5 cup sizes run from a single espresso to the 14 oz Alto, which covers both small shots and a travel-mug style coffee.
- Bigger tank than the other Pop models. The 37.2 oz tank holds more water than the 25.4 oz tank on the standard Vertuo Pop+ and the 18.9 oz tank on the original Vertuo Pop, so you refill less often.
- Small, narrow footprint. Several owners chose it for small kitchens, offices, and second homes, and the side-mounted tank keeps the machine shallow enough for tight counters.
- Crema-topped coffee. Owners who moved from pod brewers often mention the layer of foam on top of the cup and the aroma of the coffee.
- Very little cleanup. Used capsules eject automatically into a container, and there is no grinder, portafilter, or steam wand to clean.
What Could Be Better
- Capsules only, and they are not cheap. The machine brews Vertuo capsules only, so you cannot use your own beans or Original line capsules. Capsule cost comes up repeatedly in owner reviews.
- Noise. Spinning the capsule is louder than a drip brew. Owners describe a rattle while it brews, and one compares it as louder than their other machines.
- Limited cup clearance. One owner notes that the cup support does not leave room for a mug large enough to hold the bigger coffee sizes plus added milk.
- No milk frother in the box. Lattes and cappuccinos need a separate frother. See our best milk frothers.
- Some reliability complaints. Most owner reviews are positive, but a share of ratings are one star, and one owner of a refurbished unit reports a flashing red light and leaking. The warranty is 1 year.
- Listing details do not match Breville. The Amazon cup size list differs from Breville’s page, so check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy.
Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe vs the Original Vertuo Pop
Both machines use Centrifusion brewing at up to 4,000 rotations per minute and read each capsule automatically. The differences come down to cup sizes and water capacity.
| Spec | Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe (BNV125) | Vertuo Pop (BNV120) |
|---|---|---|
| Cup sizes | 5, up to Alto (14 oz) | 4, up to Mug (7.77 oz) |
| Water tank | 37.2 oz | 18.9 oz |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 8.6 x 14 x 10.4 in | 5.3 x 16.7 x 9.8 in |
| Weight | 8.15 lb | 8.01 lb |
| Finish | Textured plastic with metallic finish | Textured plastic |
If you drink large coffees, the Alto size and the bigger tank make the Pop+ Deluxe the more practical choice. If you only drink espresso and mug-size coffees, the original Vertuo Pop is narrower, and the standard Vertuo Pop+ sits between the two with the same 5 cup sizes and a 25.4 oz tank.
How It Compares
Nespresso Vertuo Next. Another Vertuo machine with a similar 37 oz tank that adds an 18 oz carafe size and coffee sizes of 5, 8, and 12 oz. Choose it if you brew for more than one person at a time. We compare the Vertuo and Original systems in our Nespresso Vertuo vs Original guide.
Nespresso Original line machines. Original machines such as the Essenza Mini focus on espresso-size drinks and use a different capsule. They suit straight espresso and milk drink fans rather than people who want a full mug. See how both lines rank in our best capsule espresso machines.
K-Cup brewers. Pod brewers that use K-Cups offer a wider choice of brands and flavored coffees and brew larger cups, but they do not make espresso-style shots. Our best single serve coffee makers covers both types.
Who Should Skip the Nespresso Vertuo Pop
- Anyone who wants to use their own beans or ground coffee. A machine with a grinder, such as those in our best espresso machines with grinder, gives you that control.
- Milk drink fans who want everything in one machine. A machine with a built-in frother or steam wand, such as those in our best latte machines, is a simpler setup.
- People who drink several large coffees a day and want the lowest cost per cup.
- Households that need a carafe size for more than one person.
Why You Should Trust Us
We do not conduct our own product trials. Our picks draw on published specifications, independent reviews, and Amazon owner ratings.
The CML Score is calculated with the published method on our How We Review page.
Affiliate commissions do not affect our rankings or scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Vertuo Pop and the Vertuo Pop+?
Breville lists 4 cup sizes and an 18.9 oz tank for the original Vertuo Pop. The Vertuo Pop+ adds the 14 oz Alto size, for 5 cup sizes, and a 25.4 oz tank. The Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe keeps the 5 cup sizes and raises the tank to 37.2 oz, with a metallic finish.
Can the Vertuo Pop use Original Nespresso capsules?
No. It brews Vertuo capsules only. The listing also notes compatibility with Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
Does the Vertuo Pop make lattes?
It brews the espresso, but it has no milk frother. You need a separate frother to make lattes and cappuccinos.
How fast does it heat up?
The Amazon listing gives a 30 second heat-up time, the same figure Breville lists for the original Vertuo Pop.
Is the Vertuo Pop loud?
Owners describe it as louder than a drip brewer while it spins the capsule. The noise lasts only while the cup brews.
Final Thoughts
The Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe is a simple way to get espresso-style shots and full mugs from capsules in a small footprint, with a larger tank than the other Pop models. The trade-offs are capsule-only brewing, ongoing capsule costs, some noise, and no milk frother. Buyers who want control over their coffee, or one machine for milk drinks, should look elsewhere.
For more options, browse our espresso machines coverage or compare pod systems in our best capsule espresso machines.
