The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is one of the newest and most compact members of the VertuoLine family. Designed for modern coffee lovers who want color, connectivity, and convenience in one package, it sits at the sweet spot between entry-level affordability and premium features. But how does it actually perform compared to the Vertuo Next, VertuoPlus, and other Nespresso favorites?
In this review, we’ll break down every angle of the Vertuo Pop—from design and brewing performance to sustainability, pod options, cost-per-cup, and whether it’s worth your money in 2025.
Design and Build Quality
Compact Size for Small Spaces
The Vertuo Pop is the smallest Vertuo machine Nespresso offers. Standing under 11 inches tall, it’s perfect for tight kitchens, office corners, or dorm rooms. If you’ve ever felt that the VertuoPlus or Next were too bulky, this is a breath of fresh air.
Bold Colors for Personality
Unlike the more muted palettes of older machines, the Vertuo Pop comes in a vibrant color lineup—think Mango Yellow, Pacific Blue, Aqua Mint, Spicy Red, and classic Black or White.
Nespresso is clearly targeting younger, design-conscious buyers who want their coffee maker to double as a décor piece.
Build Materials
While its small footprint is appealing, the Vertuo Pop is mostly constructed of plastic. It feels sturdy enough, but if you’re expecting the heft of a Creatista or even the VertuoPlus, this one is lighter and slightly less premium to the touch.
Brewing Technology
Centrifusion Extraction System
Like all Vertuo machines, the Pop uses Centrifusion technology—spinning capsules at high speed while combining water and coffee grounds for consistent extraction. The barcode recognition system ensures that each pod brews at the right temperature, speed, and volume.
Cup Sizes and Versatility
The Vertuo Pop supports all standard Vertuo pod sizes, meaning you can brew:
• Espresso (40 ml / 1.35 oz)
• Double Espresso (80 ml / 2.7 oz)
• Gran Lungo (150 ml / 5 oz)
• Mug/Coffee (230 ml / 7.7 oz)
• XL Alto (355 ml / 12 oz)
It does not support the Carafe (18 oz) capsules, which remain exclusive to the Vertuo Next.
Heat-Up and Brewing Speed
With a 30-second heat-up time, the Vertuo Pop matches the Vertuo Next in responsiveness. Brewing itself is quick, with most cups finished in under 2 minutes.
Connectivity and App Features
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Enabled
The Vertuo Pop integrates with the Nespresso App via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. From the app, you can:
• Update machine firmware (yes, your coffee maker now gets updates).
• Track capsule stock and reorder directly.
• Adjust certain settings and troubleshoot.
Is Connectivity Useful or Gimmicky?
For many, app integration will feel like a nice-to-have rather than a must. Unlike smart appliances that offer full remote control, you still need to insert the capsule and place your cup manually. But it’s handy for updates and maintenance reminders.
Taste and Performance
Consistency in Every Cup
Thanks to barcode brewing, the Pop delivers very consistent flavor—whether espresso or coffee. The crema is rich and foamy, very much in line with other Vertuo machines.
Strength and Flavor Notes
Some users find Vertuo coffee a little lighter in body compared to OriginalLine espresso (which uses pump pressure instead of centrifusion). If you prefer café-style, concentrated espresso shots, this may feel a touch weaker. But for balanced coffee across multiple cup sizes, the Pop excels.
Sustainability and Maintenance
Made with Recycled Plastic
Nespresso has positioned the Vertuo Pop as its most eco-conscious model yet—with 35% of its plastic parts coming from recycled materials.
Capsule Recycling Program
As always, Vertuo pods are aluminum and recyclable via Nespresso’s recycling bags. The Pop’s small size doesn’t change this process, but remember: only Nespresso-branded pods (or licensed third-party pods where available) are compatible.
Cleaning and Descaling
The water tank is smaller (600 ml / 20 oz), so you’ll refill more often, but cleaning is straightforward. The app will notify you when descaling is due, which is a nice touch for maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
• Ultra-compact size, fits anywhere
• Colorful, modern design
• Supports all standard Vertuo pod sizes (except carafe)
• Smart app connectivity with updates
• Quick heat-up time (30 seconds)
• More eco-friendly build
Cons
• No carafe option
• Mostly plastic construction, less premium feel
• Smaller water tank (600 ml)
• Pod system still limits third-party compatibility
• Coffee body slightly lighter vs OriginalLine machines
Who Is the Vertuo Pop For?
Ideal Buyers
• Apartment dwellers or students with limited counter space
• Design-conscious users who want fun colors
• Casual coffee drinkers who like a variety of cup sizes but don’t need full carafe brewing
• Tech-savvy users who enjoy app integration
Who Should Skip It
• Heavy coffee drinkers who want larger tanks and carafe options (→ consider Vertuo Next).
• Espresso purists who want pump-driven intensity (→ consider OriginalLine machines like CitiZ or Creatista).
• Users who dislike app-based products or don’t want limited pod compatibility.
Final Verdict
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a stylish, space-saving machine that delivers solid performance with added flair. It’s not the most premium Vertuo machine, nor the most versatile, but it’s perfect for modern, urban lifestyles where space, design, and quick coffee matter most.
If you want café-style espresso, you’ll lean toward OriginalLine. If you want full carafe brewing, the Vertuo Next is your match. But if you want affordable, compact, and colorful, the Vertuo Pop is the most fun and functional choice in 2025.
Bottom line: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop brings personality, eco-consciousness, and smart features into the compact Vertuo segment—making it one of the best small coffee machines for everyday use.
