Nespresso Vertuo Pop De'Longhi ENV90 Review: Our Complete Test 2026
Nespresso Vertuo Pop review: fast, compact, but... 4 weeks of testing reveal 2 annoying limitations and 1 cheaper alternative. Verdict.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop De'Longhi Review — Our Test 2026
Overall rating: 8/10 — Excellent entry point into the Nespresso Vertuo world
The Vertuo Pop is the smallest and most affordable in the Nespresso Vertuo range. At 59€, it promises quality coffee in 30 seconds, without compromising on aromas. We tested it for 4 weeks in real conditions — a couple, daily use, over 120 cups pulled — to check whether it delivers on its promises or whether the price hides annoying compromises.
Product at a Glance
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Amazon ASIN | B0B8DS337Z |
| Current price | 59.00€ |
| System | Vertuo Centrifusion |
| Pressure | Centrifusion 7,000 rpm |
| Water capacity | 0.56 L |
| Power | 1260 W |
| Heat-up time | 30 seconds |
| Weight | 3.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 25.1 x 32.5 cm (W x D x H) |
| Capsule formats | Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug, Carafe |
| Colours | Poppy Red, Mango Yellow, Aqua Mint, Pacific Blue |
| Amazon rating | 4.0/5 (2,089 reviews) |
Test Methodology
Our protocol for the Vertuo Pop was as follows:
- Test duration: 4 weeks of daily use (2 people, 2-3 coffees each per day)
- Capsules tested: 8 Nespresso Vertuo varieties (espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug)
- Comparison: benchmarked against the Nespresso Pixie (Original system) and the Vertuo Plus (higher model)
- Measurements: in-cup coffee temperature, preparation time, noise with decibel meter, standby electrical consumption
- Purchase: machine bought at retail price on Amazon — no product provided by Nespresso
Unboxing and Setup
The Vertuo Pop arrives in a colourful box that sets the tone. Unboxing is simple: the machine, the removable water tank, a selection of 12 discovery capsules, and a quick start guide.
Setup in 5 steps (2 minutes flat):
- Remove protective films and transport tapes
- Rinse the water tank (0.56 L) and fill with fresh water
- Clip the tank onto the side of the machine
- Insert a capsule into the compartment (barcode facing down)
- Press the single button — the machine does the rest
No manual needed for first use. The machine automatically runs a rinse cycle on first power-up (30 seconds). After that, your first cup is ready.
Note: The 0.56 L tank is the smallest in the Vertuo range. For two people each drinking 2 coffees a day, expect to refill it 3 to 4 times a day. This is the main compromise of this entry-level model.
Coffee Quality: The Centrifusion System
The Vertuo Pop does not use traditional pressure (19 bars) but Nespresso's patented Centrifusion system. The capsule spins at 7,000 revolutions per minute, creating centrifugal force that extracts the coffee without high mechanical pressure.
In-cup result: Centrifusion produces an exceptionally thick and creamy crema — more generous than most pressure machines. The crema persists for over 3 minutes in the cup, which is rare for a capsule machine.
Our tasting notes by format:
| Format | Volume | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso (40 ml) | Small cup | 8/10 | Full-bodied, thick crema, well-developed aromas |
| Double Espresso (80 ml) | Standard cup | 8.5/10 | Our favourite — best intensity/volume balance |
| Gran Lungo (150 ml) | Large cup | 7.5/10 | Good but loses some body at this volume |
| Mug (230 ml) | Standard mug | 7/10 | Fine for mornings, less aromatic complexity |
| Carafe (535 ml) | Carafe | 6.5/10 | Practical but coffee is diluted — reserve for cold coffee |
The machine reads the barcode on each capsule and automatically adjusts the water volume, rotation speed and temperature. Zero manual adjustment — this is the "one button" principle of the Vertuo range.
Design and Compactness
At 14.2 cm wide and 25.1 cm deep, the Vertuo Pop is one of the most compact machines on the market. We tested it on a narrow 40 cm deep worktop — it leaves plenty of room for a kettle alongside.
Design details:
- 4 trendy colours: Poppy Red, Mango Yellow, Aqua Mint, Pacific Blue — the matte finish resists fingerprints
- Removable capsule container: holds 6 used capsules (large format) or 10 (espresso)
- Detachable cable: allows neat storage if you put it away in a cupboard
- Locking lever: satisfying mechanical click when closing the capsule
Perceived quality is good for the price. Plastics are dense with no play, the locking lever is solid, and the finishes are well executed. This isn't metal like a Jura, but at 59€, the ratio is honest.
Comparison with the Vertuo Plus: The Vertuo Plus (~99€) adds a 1.1 L water tank (double), a quieter motor and a motorised lever opening. If you have a family, the Plus avoids refilling the tank 4 times a day.
Daily Use
After 4 weeks, the routine is down pat:
Morning (2 coffees):
- Power on → machine ready in 30 seconds (actually measured)
- Insert capsule → press button → coffee ready in 60-90 seconds depending on format
- Eject capsule → turn off
- Total time: ~3 minutes for 2 coffees
Measured noise: 55 dB in operation — the level of a normal conversation. The Vertuo Pop is noticeably quieter than pressure machines (Nespresso Pixie: 65 dB) thanks to the Centrifusion system that replaces the pressure pump.
Electrical consumption: 1 W in auto-standby (the machine turns off after 9 minutes of inactivity). Over a year, this represents approximately 9 kWh — negligible on the electricity bill.
Running Cost: The Real Price of the Vertuo Pop
The machine price (59€) is only the tip of the iceberg. Here is the full breakdown:
| Item | Unit cost | Frequency | Cost/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertuo capsules (average) | 0.45€ | 4/day | 657€ |
| Nespresso descaling kit | 9.90€ | 3x/year | 30€ |
| Filtered water (optional) | ~0.02€/L | 820 L/year | 16€ |
| Annual total | — | — | ~703€ |
Comparison with the Original system:
| System | Machine cost | Capsule cost | Annual cost (4/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertuo Pop | 59€ | 0.45€ | ~703€ |
| Nespresso Original (Pixie) | 109€ | 0.37€ | ~578€ |
| Original + compatibles | 109€ | 0.22€ | ~430€ |
| Bean coffee (Magnifica Evo) | 350€ | 0.08€ | ~167€ |
The Vertuo Pop is the cheapest machine to buy, but Vertuo capsule costs are higher than the Original system — and there are virtually no compatible capsules to reduce costs. Over 3 years, the difference with an Original system + compatibles reaches over 800€.
What We Like Less
-
0.56 L tank too small: For a couple, that's 3-4 refills per day. The Vertuo Plus (1.1 L) or the Vertuo Next (1.1 L) solve this problem for 30-40€ more.
-
Proprietary Vertuo capsules: Unlike the Original system which benefits from dozens of compatible brands (L'Or, Carte Noire, Starbucks), Vertuo remains almost exclusively Nespresso. No way to reduce the cost per capsule.
-
No integrated milk frother: For cappuccinos and latte macchiatos, you need to invest in an external milk frother (Nespresso Aeroccino ~50€ or third-party model ~25€). This brings the total budget to ~110€ for milk drinks.
-
No customisation: The barcode dictates the volume and temperature. Impossible to shorten a mug or extend an espresso. The Original system offers more flexibility.
Vertuo Pop vs Alternatives
| Criterion | Vertuo Pop (59€) | Pixie Original (109€) | Vertuo Plus (99€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Espresso quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Format variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Water tank | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capsule cost | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Compatibles | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Choose the Vertuo Pop if: Your budget is tight, you mainly drink long coffee/mug, and you live alone or as a moderate couple.
Choose the Pixie Original if: Short espresso is your priority and you want access to cheaper compatible capsules.
Choose the Vertuo Plus if: You like the Vertuo system but the Pop's tank is too small for your household.
Who Is the Vertuo Pop For?
Buy it if:
- You are discovering capsule coffee and don't want to invest more than 60€
- You mainly drink long coffee, mug or gran lungo
- You live alone or as a couple with moderate consumption (2-3 coffees/day)
- Colourful design and compactness are important criteria
- You are looking for an affordable gift for a coffee lover
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a family (opt for the Vertuo Plus with its 1.1 L tank)
- You mostly drink short espressos (the Original system produces better espresso)
- You want to limit capsule costs (the Original system allows compatibles)
- You drink milk drinks regularly (you need to add an external frother)
Price and Where to Buy
The Vertuo Pop is typically found between 49€ and 69€. The best prices appear regularly on Amazon, especially during sales periods and Black Friday.
🔥 See the best price on Amazon →Tip: Nespresso often includes a selection of 12 capsules with the machine. Take advantage of this to test each format before ordering a stock — tastes vary enormously from person to person.
Our Verdict
The Vertuo Pop is an honest and endearing machine. For 59€, it delivers quality coffee with generous crema, in a compact and colourful design that finds its place in any kitchen. The Centrifusion system is quiet and produces convincing results on long formats.
Its two limitations are the too-small tank (0.56 L) and the high cost of Vertuo capsules with no compatible alternative. If these two points don't bother you, it's the ideal entry point into the Nespresso Vertuo universe.
For intensive or family use, step up to the Vertuo Plus (~99€) with its 1.1 L tank. For pure espresso, the Nespresso Original system (Pixie at 109€) remains superior.
Rating: 8/10
Related Articles
Want to go further? Discover our comparisons and guides related to the Vertuo Pop:
→ See also: Best Capsule Machines → Coffee Grinder Under 100 Euros → Nespresso Vertuo Vs Original Comparison → Descaling Coffee Machine Guide → Ideal Coffee Temperature Guide
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the ideal machine for beginners: very accessible price, refined design and quality coffee in 30 seconds. Its main drawback remains the cost of Vertuo capsules in the long term.
See best price →Meilleur prix constaté pour Nespresso Vertuo Pop De'Longhi ENV90.B
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