Nespresso ENV135S Espresso coffee machine: Full Review

The Nespresso Vertuo ENV135S is an innovative espresso machine that uses centrifugal force and barcode reading technology to deliver café-quality coffee drinks with an easy one-touch operation. This versatile machine can brew 5 cup sizes ranging from 1.35 oz espresso to 14oz Alto, allowing you to enjoy everything from a shot of espresso to a travel mug of coffee.

The Vertuo line is Nespresso’s newest brewing system, designed for North American coffee drinkers who prefer larger cup sizes. It represents an evolution from Nespresso’s original espresso-focused machines. With the ENV135S, you can now make everything from espresso to regular coffee without compromising on taste.

At around $200, the Vertuo ENV135S sits in the premium single-serve coffee maker category. It offers the speed and convenience of capsules along with features like automatic ejection and a fast 25 second heat up time. With minimal parts to clean, the Vertuo aims to provide a fuss-free espresso and coffee experience for the home.

Design

The Vertuo Next espresso machine features an attractive and compact design that looks great on any kitchen counter. It has a modern aesthetic with a rounded shape and comes in three color options - black, white, and gray.

The machine is made of sturdy plastic with stainless steel accents. It measures 12.83 x 4.33 x 12.2 inches, so it doesn't take up too much space. The water tank is easily accessible and removable from the back.

The Vertuo Next has a simple LED display that shows you which coffee you selected and if the machine needs to be descaled. The single button on top opens and closes the brew head. Overall, the design is minimalist yet elegant.

Another great option is the De'Longhi Dedica EC680M, which offers a sleek and stylish design with a slim profile, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. Its professional-quality espresso is easily achievable with its adjustable frother and precise temperature control, delivering barista-like results from the comfort of home. This machine is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a hassle-free experience for espresso lovers.

Brewing Technology

The VertuoLine uses centrifugal force brewing technology to make both coffee and espresso. The machine reads a barcode on the capsule to adjust the brew parameters including water temperature, brew time, and water volume. This allows the VertuoLine to optimize the brew for each specific coffee blend and roast level in the capsule.

The centrifugal spinning process better extracts flavor from the coffee while the barcode reading allows customization you don't get from most single serve pod brewers. This results in a superior taste profile and crema compared to other pod coffee makers.

The VertuoLine can brew 5 different cup sizes ranging from 1.35oz espresso to 14oz coffee using the unique barcode reading system. This gives you a wide range of options from a single cup espresso to a large travel mug of coffee using the same machine.

Some users note the crema produced from the centrifusion process is not as thick and creamy as a traditional espresso machine. However, many reviewers say the VertuoLine still produces better crema than other pod coffee makers thanks to the spinning technology.

Overall, the brewing process of the VertuoLine machine is highly advanced compared to other single serve coffee makers. The ability to optimize the brew for each individual capsule results in a noticeably better tasting coffee or espresso.

Additionally, the Ihomekee CM6826T is another impressive option for coffee enthusiasts. This machine features a robust design and customizable settings that cater to various preferences. Equipped with a powerful heating system, the Ihomekee CM6826T ensures that each cup reaches the optimal temperature for maximum flavor extraction. Its sleek appearance combined with intuitive controls makes it a great fit for any kitchen. Plus, the compact size allows for easy storage, making it perfect for those with limited counter space.

Ease of Use

The Nespresso Vertuo machine is very easy and intuitive to use. It has one button on top to start and stop brewing. The brewing process starts when you close the lever, which inserts the capsule and pierces it. The machine reads the barcode on the capsule and sets the parameters accordingly.

The buttons have a nice tactile feedback and are effortless to press. There is no complex menu to navigate. The water tank is easy to fill and lock into place. Used capsules are ejected into a container that can hold 10-15 capsules before needing emptying. The container is accessed by a flap on the back of the machine.

Overall, the Vertuo requires minimal effort to operate on a daily basis. The capsules handle the brew programming automatically. Just load a pod, close the lever, press a button, and you'll have a fresh espresso or coffee in under a minute. The collection bin also makes disposing of spent capsules clean and convenient.

Beverage Quality

The Vertuo produces espresso and coffee with excellent quality. The espresso has a rich, thick crema on top which is a sign of proper extraction and freshness. The crema tends to be darker in color and persists longer than cheaper machines.

The espresso itself has a balanced flavor profile with slight acidity and a hint of bitterness. Notes of chocolate and caramel come through when using the included capsules. The body is silky with a thick, syrupy mouthfeel.

For regular coffee, the Vertuo delivers outstanding results. The coffee comes out smooth and flavorful with pleasant aromatics. The temperatures are ideal, not too hot yet still hot enough to fully bring out the flavors.

The bean to cup brewing process evenly saturates the coffee grounds to extract a nuanced cup. There are no weak or watery areas like you might experience with drip machines. Just a perfectly balanced mug of coffee with robust flavor.

Overall, the quality and taste of espresso and coffee from the Vertuo line lives up to the reputation Nespresso has built. The technology consistently delivers cafe-quality beverages.

Milk Frothing

The ENV135S has a built-in automatic milk frother, allowing you to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes. The milk frothing system is fast and easy to use. Just pour milk into the included frothing pitcher, insert it into the frother, and press the button. The frother will heat and foam the milk while you brew your coffee.

The automatic frother can create two textures of milk foam - airy for cappuccinos or denser for lattes. You don't have to guess the right amount of frothing time, as the machine will stop automatically when the preset level is reached. The frother can accommodate around 8 ounces of milk at a time, which is enough to make 2-3 milk based drinks.

The frother is designed to be simple and hands-free. When frothing is complete, the machine ejects the pitcher with a satisfying click. The pitcher has a no-drip spout that makes it easy to pour foam without making a mess. Overall, the automated frothing system takes the guesswork out of making milk foam and delivers consistent results every time.

Programming and Customization

The VertuoLine allows you to customize your beverage to your liking. You can choose from 5 different cup sizes depending on if you want a short or long coffee or espresso. The available sizes are espresso (1.35oz), double espresso (2.7oz), gran lungo (5oz), coffee (7.7oz), and alto (14oz).

The VertuoLine uses Centrifusion technology that reads the barcode on the capsule to customize the brew for that particular coffee or espresso blend. This allows you to get the perfect crema and flavor extraction every time for whatever Nespresso capsule you choose. The Centrifusion technology adjusts the brewing parameters like water temperature, flow speed, and volume for each individual capsule barcode that is scanned.

You can program the brewing buttons on the VertuoLine to your liking. If you prefer a longer lungo, you can reprogram the lungo button to extract more water. Or if you want a stronger double espresso, you can add more grounds or program a longer extraction. This makes it easy to customize your coffee or espresso exactly to your taste. The programming is very intuitive and allows coffee enthusiasts a lot of flexibility.

Maintenance

The VertuoLine requires minimal maintenance to keep running smoothly. Here are a few key maintenance tasks:

Descale Regularly: Nespresso recommends descaling the brewer every 3-4 months to remove mineral buildup. The descaling process takes about 20 minutes. Nespresso sells descaling fluid, or you can use diluted vinegar. The VertuoLine will prompt you to descale when needed.

Clean Occasionally: Wipe down the exterior of the VertuoLine to keep it looking nice. The water tank and drip tray are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Rinse the capsule container as needed.

Empty Water Tank: The 54 oz water tank needs to be refilled frequently. The tank can be easily removed and filled at your sink. Make sure to empty it completely before a long period of non-use.

Accessories

The Nespresso Vertuo comes with a welcome set that includes a selection of Vertuo capsules to get you started. This is a nice bonus that allows you to sample some of the various coffee and espresso options available from Nespresso.

One of the most useful accessories included with the Vertuo is the Aeroccino milk frother. This compact frother can prepare both hot and cold milk foam for making lattes and cappuccinos. It's very fast and easy to use - you just fill it with milk, press a button, and it heats and froths the milk in less than 2 minutes. The froth is light, airy and has a smooth texture that complements the espresso beautifully. It's much quicker and easier than trying to manually froth milk with a steam wand, and lets you enjoy cafe-style drinks at home with minimal effort.

The Aeroccino is a great inclusion with the Vertuo machine and makes it simple to create a wide range of coffeehouse beverages beyond just regular espresso shots. It really expands what you can make with the machine and is a worthwhile accessory you'll get a lot of use from.

Pros and Cons

The Nespresso Vertuo ENV135S has several positives as well as some downsides to consider:

Pros

• Produces excellent espresso and coffee beverages with rich, bold flavor using Centrifusion technology
• Offers 5 pre-programmed cup sizes ranging from espresso to alto
• Fast heat up time of only 15-20 seconds
• Easy to use capsule-based system
• Automatically ejects used capsules for convenient cleanup
• Energy efficient with auto-off feature after 9 minutes
• Compact, sleek design with metal accents
• Quiet brewing process

Cons

• Uses proprietary VertuoLine capsules which can be more expensive than generic capsules
• Small 37 oz water tank capacity requires frequent refilling
• Only makes coffee drinks, no option for brewing hot tea
• Milk frother sold separately
• No bypass doser for using ground coffee
• Some reliability issues reported with leaks and malfunctions