Nespresso BNV420IBL1BUC1 Espresso coffee machine: Full Review

The Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville is a pod-based single serve coffee and espresso maker. It uses Nespresso's Centrifusion brewing technology to deliver "barista grade" coffee drinks with a rich crema layer.

The VertuoPlus is an innovative and versatile machine that can make 5 different cup sizes - from a 1.35oz espresso to a 14oz coffee mug. It is compatible with Nespresso's new VertuoLine pods which are specially designed for this brewing system. The pods are hermetically sealed and use barcode technology to communicate the optimal brewing parameters to the machine for each Grand Cru coffee blend.

This pod coffee maker aims to provide an easy to use all-in-one solution for brewing espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Coffee and Alto coffee at home. The VertuoPlus has a centrifusion extraction system, fast 25 second heat up time, 54 oz water tank capacity and automatic ejection of used capsules.

Design and Build Quality

The Nespresso VertuoPlus has an attractive design with a sleek metal and plastic construction. The coffee maker has a modern look that will complement most kitchen decors.

The VertuoPlus is made of durable materials and has a sturdy build quality. The water tank and capsule container are made of transparent BPA-free plastic. The outer housing is constructed of die-cast aluminum with plastic trim pieces. The materials feel premium and should hold up well over time.

Some reviewers have commented that the VertuoPlus feels solid and substantial in hand. The unit isn't overly large or heavy either, making it easy to move or store when not in use. At just 5.5 inches wide, the VertuoPlus doesn't take up much counter space.

The VertuoPlus comes in three colors: black, silver, and titan. All colors feature a two-tone finish with shiny chrome accents on the water tank and around the capsule slot. The different color options allow buyers to choose the look that best matches their kitchen design.

In terms of aesthetics, the VertuoPlus has a sleek, modern, yet approachable style. It lacks some of the ornate detailing found on higher-end espresso machines, but still looks elegant and refined. The minimalist design helps keep the focus on making great coffee.

Brewing Technology

The BNV420IBL1BUC1 uses an innovative centrifugation brewing system to make espresso and coffee drinks. Centrifugal force spins the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute, blending ground coffee with water and directing the brew to the cup. This extraction process unlocks the full aroma and flavor within a very short 15-30 second brew time.

The machine reads unique barcodes printed on each Nespresso capsule to automatically adjust the parameters for that specific coffee blend. This helps optimize the brewing process for the highest quality result in the cup.

You can brew 6 preset cup sizes - espresso (1.35oz), double espresso (2.7oz), gran lungo (5oz), coffee (7.7oz), and alto (14oz). The capacity ranges allow you to make anything from a single shot espresso to a large travel mug size. The brewing system delivers the correct amount of water at the ideal temperature and flow rate for each drink selection.

Overall, the centrifugation brewing and capsule technology produces exceptional coffee brewed just the way Nespresso intended each blend to taste. The simplicity and consistency helps make brewing espresso-based drinks easy for beginners and experts alike.

Ease of Use

The VertuoPlus has been designed for convenient everyday use. The controls are simple and intuitive, with just one button for espresso and one for coffee. The water tank is easily accessible from the front and has a generous 54oz capacity so you won't need to refill it too often.

Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward on this machine. The used capsules are automatically ejected into an internal container that needs emptying occasionally. Descaling is recommended every 3-4 months and the process is guided on the LCD display. There is also an alert system that reminds you when descaling is needed. Overall, the VertuoPlus requires minimal effort to keep clean and running smoothly.

The only potential downside is that some users report noisy operation, especially when the machine is heating up or spinning the capsules. However this isn't a dealbreaker for most owners.

Coffee Quality

The VertuoPlus delivers exceptional coffee quality for an automated single-serve espresso machine. The Vertuo capsules brew espresso and coffee with rich, bold flavor, pleasing aroma, and a beautiful crema layer on top.

The espresso shots have an amazingly well-balanced taste with notes of caramel and hazelnut. The crema produced is thick and persistent, indicating high-quality extraction. The coffee's aroma is intense, releasing the full bouquet of flavors.

The coffee brewed is also top-notch. Each cup has a bold, robust flavor that is never bitter or watered down. You can pick up tasting notes ranging from chocolate to fruity berries depending on the variety. The coffee smells fresh and enticing.

An excellent crema layer forms on the coffee drinks as well. The VertuoPlus excels at extracting the oils and solubles from the coffee to produce this signature feature prized by espresso aficionados.

The VertuoPlus delivers coffee and espresso at the ideal drinking temperature. The water reaches between 190-198°F during brewing, hot enough to extract properly without scalding the coffee. The crema insulates and preserves the heat.

Overall, the VertuoPlus makes cafe-quality coffee shop beverages right at home. The bold flavor, pleasant aroma, thick crema, and optimal temperature yield an immensely satisfying cup.

Milk Frothing

The VertuoPlus comes with a motorized milk frother that allows you to easily froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The milk frother has a dial with settings for hot froth, cold froth and hot milk. Just fill the frother jug with milk, attach it to the coffee maker and turn the dial to the desired setting.

The steam wand provides hot steam that smoothly froths milk to create creamy, microfoam topping for espresso-based drinks. In testing, the frother was able to create thick, rich froth with a creamy consistency in under 60 seconds. The automatic shut-off prevents overheating the milk.

Overall, the milk frothing performance of the VertuoPlus is excellent. It's simple to operate and consistently delivers silky, well-incorporated foam. The motorized wand is much faster and easier to use than manual frothing with a steam wand. This makes the VertuoPlus a great choice if you regularly make milk-based coffee drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.

Capsule System

The VertuoPlus uses Nespresso's proprietary centrifusion technology and only works with Nespresso's Vertuo capsules. This can be a pro or a con depending on your perspective.

On the plus side, the barcode reading technology on the capsules allows the brewing parameters to be adjusted by the machine based on the specific coffee blend, ensuring optimal extraction. The aluminum capsules are hermetically sealed for freshness and available in a wide range of single origin, blended, and flavored coffees.

However, the proprietary capsules mean you are locked into the Nespresso ecosystem and cannot use capsules from other brands. This can limit options and increase cost per cup compared to open systems.

The aluminum capsules are recyclable through Nespresso's recycling program. The company provides prepaid shipping bags and recycling bins to return used capsules for free. While not as eco-friendly as plastic free or compostable pods, Nespresso touts a recycling rate of over 90%.

So in summary, the proprietary capsules provide convenience and quality assurance but less choice and potentially higher cost. The recycling program helps alleviate some of the environmental impact concerns.

Programming and Settings

The VertuoPlus has a good range of programmable settings that allow you to customize your coffee experience. You can adjust the default coffee size and temperature settings to your preferences. The VertuoPlus allows you to program up to 5 different cup sizes ranging from 1.35oz espresso to 14oz mug.

The brewer has an auto-off function that can be set from a minimum of 9 minutes up to a maximum of 2 hours. This allows you to keep the machine turned on and ready when needed, without wasting energy.

One handy feature is the ability to schedule the machine in advance. You can program it the night before to start heating up and be ready for brewing at a set time in the morning. This allows you to wake up to a hot and ready coffee machine.

The VertuoPlus has Bluetooth connectivity that works with the Nespresso app. This allows you to receive notifications, check capsule stock levels, order more capsules, check your brewing statistics, and more. However, Bluetooth connectivity is not required for basic use and programming of the machine.

Overall, the VertuoPlus offers ample programming options to tweak brewing to your preferences. The ability to adjust cup sizes and schedule auto-brewing makes it convenient for different use cases.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brews authentic espresso with a rich, bold crema using Nespresso VertuoLine capsules
• Centrifusion extraction system delivers the optimal brewing parameters for each Grand Cru coffee or espresso
• Fast heat-up time of only 15-20 seconds
• Large 54 oz water tank capacity
• Used capsule container holds 17 capsules before needing emptied
• Adjustable cup support with 5 positions
• Energy saving mode automatically turns off heating elements after 9 minutes

Cons

• Only compatible with Nespresso VertuoLine capsules, not original Nespresso capsules
• High upfront investment compared to basic pod coffee makers
• Cost of Nespresso coffee capsules can add up over time
• No milk steaming wand like on traditional espresso machines
• No way to adjust strength or volume - each capsule is pre-programmed

Conclusion

The Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville is an excellent option for someone looking for a convenient and consistent at-home espresso experience. With its smart barcode brewing technology, the VertuoPlus expertly delivers coffee shop quality espresso, single serve coffee, double espresso, and gran lungo drinks.

The machine offers a sleek and modern design that looks great on any kitchen counter. It's very easy to use - just insert a capsule and press one button, and the machine handles the optimal brewing including water temperature, pressure, and volume. The capsule system provides fresh and tasty coffee drinks without any hassle of measuring grounds or cleaning up loose grinds.

While the VertuoPlus can't steam milk for cappuccinos and lattes, it does include an electric whisk if you want to froth milk manually. The drawback is having to rely on Nespresso's capsule system rather than using your own coffee grounds, which can get expensive. But for convenience and consistency, the VertuoPlus is hard to beat.

Overall, the Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville is an excellent single serve espresso and coffee machine that consistently delivers café quality drinks with no fuss. For coffee lovers who want great tasting espresso and coffee drinks at home with total simplicity, the VertuoPlus is a top recommendation.