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Quick answer: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the best entry point to the Vertuo system — five drink sizes from espresso to large coffee, centrifusion extraction, and a genuinely compact footprint at ~£79. It’s £20 cheaper than the Vertuo Next with nearly identical capability. If you want the Vertuo system, this is where to start.
🔗 Not sure whether to choose Original or Vertuo? Read our complete comparison guide before deciding. The systems are fundamentally different and the choice matters more than which specific machine you buy.
Our Rating
Key Specifications
| Machine Type | Capsule — Nespresso Vertuo Line |
| Price (UK) | ~£79 (Amazon / Nespresso Direct) |
| Extraction | Centrifusion — barcode-read capsules |
| Water Tank | 560ml (removable) |
| Capsule Container | 5 used capsules |
| Heat Up Time | 30 seconds |
| Drink Sizes | 5 — espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, alto |
| Width | 130mm |
| Weight | 2.2kg |
| Milk System | None — compatible with Aeroccino |
| Warranty | 2 years (UK) |
Coffee Quality — The Honest Assessment
The Vertuo Pop produces a smooth, consistent cup with a distinctive thick crema created by centrifusion technology — the capsule spins at up to 7,000 RPM, blending air with coffee to create a frothy layer on top. This crema is visually impressive but different in character from traditional espresso crema — lighter and less intense.
The coffee itself is smooth, balanced and approachable — less acidic and bitter than traditional espresso, which many drinkers prefer. The barcode-read system means every capsule is optimised for its specific blend, removing variables and producing consistent results. The flip side is that you can’t adjust anything — what the capsule dictates, the machine delivers.
Compared to Original Line espresso, Vertuo is noticeably different — fuller body, thicker crema, less intensity. Neither is objectively better; they’re different products for different preferences. If you specifically want traditional espresso, the Essenza Mini on the Original Line is the better choice.
Drink Variety — The Vertuo Advantage
Five drink sizes is the Vertuo Pop’s clearest advantage over Original Line machines. From a single-shot espresso (40ml) through double espresso, gran lungo (150ml), mug (230ml) and alto (414ml), the system covers every occasion from a quick morning shot to a large filter-style coffee. For households with mixed coffee preferences this versatility is genuinely valuable.
Vertuo Pop vs Vertuo Next — Is There a Difference?
Minimal. The Vertuo Next costs ~£99 — £20 more — and adds Wi-Fi connectivity for firmware updates (a minor practical difference) and a slightly larger 1.1 litre water tank vs the Pop’s 560ml. If you make lots of coffees throughout the day and want fewer refills, the Next’s larger tank is worth the premium. Otherwise the Pop delivers essentially the same experience for less.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Five drink sizes — widest variety at this price
- Smooth, consistent results every time
- £79 — excellent value for Vertuo entry point
- Compact at 130mm wide
- 30-second heat up
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Vertuo capsules cost more than Original Line
- No customisation — capsule dictates everything
- Small 560ml water tank
- Coffee style differs from traditional espresso
- Capsule selection smaller than Original Line
Our Verdict — Is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop Worth £79?
Yes — it’s excellent value for the Vertuo system and the most compelling entry point if you’ve decided Vertuo is the right choice for you. Five drink sizes at £79 is a strong proposition, and the coffee quality is genuinely good if you enjoy the smoother Vertuo style.
The key decision is Original vs Vertuo, not Pop vs Next. Read our system comparison guide first — if you want traditional espresso intensity, the Original Line is the better system regardless of which machine you choose.
Our score: 8.4/10. Recommended as the best Vertuo entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vertuo Pop better than the Vertuo Next?
For most buyers, the Pop is the better value — same coffee quality, same five drink sizes, £20 cheaper. The Next adds a larger water tank (1.1L vs 560ml) and Wi-Fi connectivity. If you make 8+ coffees per day and hate refilling the tank, the Next’s larger capacity is worth the premium. Otherwise the Pop is the smarter choice. See our Vertuo Next review for the full comparison.
Does the Nespresso Vertuo Pop make real espresso?
It makes a Vertuo-style espresso — smooth, thick-crema, less intense than traditional pressure-extracted espresso. Centrifusion technology creates a different cup profile from 9-bar pump extraction. Whether you prefer it is a matter of taste. For traditional espresso, the Original Line Essenza Mini is the better choice.
Can I use the Vertuo Pop for lattes?
Yes, with a separate milk frother. The Vertuo Pop has no built-in milk capability but pairs well with the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 (~£69). The gran lungo size (150ml) works particularly well as a latte base. See our milk frother guide for the best options.