Writing a review of a coffee machine on a travel blog might seem out of place, but if you’ve followed This Life in Trips, you know that my love for travel is only matched by my love for a great cup of coffee. From exploring Portland’s third wave coffee scene to sipping brews on a coffee farm in Colombia or trying the controversial kopi luwak in Indonesia, coffee has been a core part of my travel experiences.
That love for quality coffee follows me home, which is why I’ve always had a Nespresso machine on my counter. Recently, my previous machine caught on fire (yes, really). Thankfully, no one was hurt, and Nespresso handled it quickly by offering a replacement. Just as luck would have it, the brand-new Nespresso Vertuo Up had launched the day before. I requested that as a replacement, and to my surprise, they agreed.
At the time, there were zero real-world reviews online — just a few short promo videos. So I wanted to write this Nespresso Vertuo Up review for those of you wondering if it’s worth buying. Even though I got mine for free, I might have chosen differently. Here’s why.
What is the Nespresso Vertuo Up?
Let’s start with what makes the Nespresso Vertuo Up unique. This is a Wi-Fi-enabled machine with a sleek, modern design and a few new features aimed at customization. It falls into the best Nespresso Vertuo machine category if you’re looking at innovation and compact size.
According to Nespresso, the Vertuo Up offers:
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connectivity
- Customizable coffee creation settings via the app
- Fast heat-up time
- Sleek design available in multiple colors
It sounds impressive on paper — especially for tech nerds and coffee lovers like me. But is it really the best Nespresso machine yet?
What I Liked About the Nespresso Vertuo Up
Before I dive into the disappointments, I’ll start with what the Vertuo Up gets right:
1. Stylish & Minimalist Design
The machine looks great on my counter. At launch, it came in two colors — black and white — and I chose black (same as my old machine). Looking back, white would have blended better with my kitchen setup. Still, the modern, compact design is a win.
2. Hotter Coffee
My first cup from the Vertuo Up was noticeably hotter than my previous machine. That may be thanks to it being brand new, but Nespresso does let you set a hotter brew temperature per capsule type — a thoughtful improvement. No more preheating mugs like I used to with my older model.
3. Still Quick & Easy
Despite its flaws (more on those soon), the Vertuo Up delivers what Nespresso does best — a quick, convenient cup of coffee in under a minute.
The Downsides of the Nespresso Vertuo Up
Here’s where things start to fall apart. For a brand-new machine with premium positioning, I expected more.
1. Build Quality is Lacking
The machine feels… flimsy. The capsule tray and water reservoir are made of thin plastic and don’t seem like they’d survive a drop or rough handling. For a machine priced near the top of the Vertuo range, the quality doesn’t match the cost.
2. It’s Louder Than Older Models
Surprisingly, the Vertuo Up is noticeably louder than my previous Nespresso machine — and that one was several years old. I expected quieter brewing, not louder.
3. It’s Messy
Excess water collects in the reservoir tray more frequently than my old machine. After a single cup and a cleaning cycle, I noticed a lot of leftover water. This means more cleaning, more often.
4. The “Smart” Features Aren’t Very Smart
This was the biggest letdown. The machine connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but you can’t do much with it. I had dreams of integrating it with my Google Home or scheduling a brew from bed. In reality, the app only allows you to:
- Set cup size preferences (more or less water)
- Adjust temperature
- Check for maintenance alerts
That’s it. No automation. No scheduling. No voice assistant integration. If you’re a tech nerd like me, this feels like a major missed opportunity.
5. Confusing Coffee Creation Button
The new “coffee creation” feature sounds fancy, but all it really does is adjust the water level to make your cup stronger or weaker. You can also make drinks hotter or cooler — ideal for iced coffee lovers — but there’s no way to set those preferences per capsule. So if you want your iced coffee pod colder, you need to open the app every time to change it.
It’s clunky and feels half-baked.
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Up the Best Nespresso Machine?
Honestly? Not yet.
While it might earn that title with some much-needed software updates, the current feature set is underwhelming. If you’re looking for the best Nespresso Vertuo machine, I’d recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe instead. It offers better build quality and a more proven design — plus, it’s often on sale.
If you already have a Vertuo machine that works fine, I wouldn’t rush to upgrade to the Vertuo Up unless you’re desperate for a slightly hotter brew.
My Favorite Nespresso Vertuo Pods
If you’re just getting started with Nespresso, I recommend checking out my favorite Nespresso Vertuo capsules. From bold espresso to smooth flavored blends, they’ve got a little something for everyone.
Want to cut down on waste? I’ve also been testing reusable Nespresso pods. They take a bit more effort, but they’re eco-friendly and give you more control over your brew.
Final Thoughts on This Nespresso Vertuo Up Review
So, should you buy the Nespresso Vertuo Up?
If you want a stylish machine with a hotter brew and don’t mind the lack of real smart features, then maybe. But if you’re after a smart coffee machine that actually lives up to its promise — or one with better durability and user experience — I’d suggest skipping this model for now.
It feels like a soft launch with unfinished features. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to find independent reviews. Maybe they held back influencer marketing because they knew it wasn’t ready.
Hopefully this review helps fill that gap and gives you a clearer idea of what to expect.
If you found this Nespresso Vertuo Up review helpful, please consider using my referral link or the affiliate links in this post. It helps keep this site running (and keeps me caffeinated!). 🙏
Coffee Adventures Beyond the Counter
Even though I’m not thrilled with the Vertuo Up, I still love discovering new ways to enjoy coffee — both at home and abroad.
Some of my favorite coffee experiences from the road:
- Visiting the very first Tim Hortons in Canada
- Exploring Vienna’s iconic coffee houses
- Singapore’s unique kopi culture
- A DIY Vietnamese coffee recipe
- My cafe-hopping guide to Baku
- Surprisingly great Tim Hortons in Oman
Nespresso Vertuo Up FAQ:
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Up worth it?
Only if you want a hotter brew and sleek design. Otherwise, consider other Vertuo models with better value.
Can I control the Nespresso Vertuo Up with my phone or voice assistant?
Not really. It connects via Wi-Fi, but smart features are minimal. No Google Home or Alexa integration.
What makes the Vertuo Up different from other Vertuo machines?
It adds Wi-Fi connectivity and a “coffee creation” button — but neither offer game-changing functionality.
Is it compatible with all Vertuo capsules?
Yes. You can use all standard Vertuo pods, including ones for iced coffee and espresso.
How do you clean the Nespresso Vertuo Up?
The machine has a rinse cycle and maintenance alerts via the app, but the tray collects excess water more frequently than older models.
What are your
thoughts on this Nespresso Vertuo Up Review?
Let’s hear it!
Looking for more Worldly Eats reviews?
