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Pod coffees offer a convenience unlike any other — just pop a pod into your chosen coffee maker, press a button and you’ve got hot, delicious bean water in less than two minutes. But finding that perfect cup with a consistently rich, amazing flavor rivaling your nearest Starbucks or neighborhood chain is hard. That’s where Nespresso comes in.
According to several reviewers, Nespresso delivers an incredible cup that tastes “better than Starbucks.” If you’re looking to harness the power of your local coffee shop at home, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe is on sale right now for $105, 30% off its typical price at Amazon. That’s $44 off an easygoing, entry-level pod coffee machine that delivers what some say is the best pod coffee out.
One Amazon customer, No Name, notes that the brand’s Vetuo Pop+ Deluxe helps “make coffee shop quality coffee at home. […] After making my first cup of espresso by myself, making it easier than I thought, the taste was amazingly smooth and delicious.” Meanwhile, a reviewer named Amber Fuston says her machine saves her money by making barista-level drinks at home: “Regular coffee just isn’t the same after tasting this! I love that I can make my iced coffee at home now to save money!”
Much like a Keurig, the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe is a compact pod coffee maker that cleanly fits into counter spaces and kitchens. Unlike Keurig, however, the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe offers various coffee formats instead of a single-cup serving — it can make 5-, 8-, and 12-ounce coffees, as well as single- and double espresso shots. While the OG Vertuo Pop+ has a removable 25-ounce water tank, the Deluxe version has a larger 37-ounce tank, so you’ll fill it less frequently. The Deluxe model also has a chromed-out design for a more lux look, and now that it’s on sale, it’s actually even cheaper than the Vertuo Pop+’s typical retail of $129.95 (the one with fewer bells and whistles).
Nespresso has over 40 specialty pod coffees available, but you’ll get a small variety pack when you purchase this machine to see which flavors you enjoy best. The prices of its pods are fairly high, but some users have enjoyed buying Rosso Caffe pods, a cheaper alternative to Nespresso mainstays. And in case you need even more hyperbolic reviews, read what reviewer Paul M. had to say: “As far as making fancy coffee drinks like you get at Starbucks, this is hands down the best option because after adding your flavors and cream and or milk, ice etc… you can still taste the strong flavor of the espresso.”
Another notable difference between Keurig and Nespresso is the inclusion of a recycling program. While Keurig and other single-serve pod machines pile up plastic, Nespresso has a program that lets you mail in your used aluminum pods to recycle. You can find more info about these mailers here.
Grab this on-sale Nespresso machine while it’s hot, and read on for more promising reviews from happy, hyper coffee drinkers.
More promising reviews of the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe:
“This is the first Espresso machined I have owned and the day I received and used it was the day I realized how much I was missing, I always paid a lot of money for those espresso shots at the local coffee shops and I thought it will be a headache to bring such machine to my home since it looked complicated every time I saw one. That said, and now that I got my first machine I can definitely say how impressed I was after I made my first cup of espresso by myself, the process of making it was way easier than what I thought, the taste was amazingly smooth and delicious. The machine I ordered was the deluxe edition and to distinguish it from the regular model the deluxe has chrome finish on the top and a larger water tank. Inside the box there was a small but elegant samples box that had 12 coffee and espresso pods of different sizes and flavors in it and that was a nice touch and thoughtful to include as it did worked perfect for me as a first time user to get used to this machine and learn more about the different kind of coffee pods using the included samples. The machine is on the heavy side, it looks very well build, durable and sturdy, a bit loud when brewing but I’m okay with it. […]” — No Name (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
“My girlfriend and I love this. I switch back and forth every other day from Keurig coffee to the stronger brew that the Nespresso makes. She drinks this every day all day. As far as making fancy coffee drinks like you get at Starbucks, this is hands down the best option because after adding your flavors and cream and or milk, ice etc… you can still taste the strong flavor of the espresso. No complaints. It was a good purchase.” — Paul M.
“Hubby and his family are coffee snobs. I bought this because I am caffeine sensitive and I like the Nespresso half caff pods I tried at a friend’s house. This gets used more than our trusty Breville Barista now. I purchased one in store and returned because it came with the pump airlocked and I couldn’t get it to clear. This one came and worked right out of the box. The frother never worked and customer service was no help. The coffee machine works great and puts out a perfect, delightfully foamy-topped coffee. It’s easy to clean and fill, and looks great. The pods are expensive, but the flavor compensates. Overall a great buy.” — Jstack
“Love, love my Nespresso machine so far! I’ve had it for over a month and look forward to my silky indulgence in the morning. Cut down on my Starbucks runs!! My husband is hooked too now! It makes one of the best espresso or coffee we’ve had! The pods aren’t cheap but if you are looking to cut back on that Starbucks or other coffee place, then these are more affordable than your coffee run and you don’t have to leave the house!” — Coril7
“Bought this machine on sale with a 30 pack of Carmel, vanilla, and Hazelnut pods for a little less than the price of the the machine alone. The machine makes excellent coffee compared to a K-cup machine. The difference in flavor and quality would be like comparing VHS to DVD, or more like comparing VHS to Bluray if you are old enough to get the reference. I bought a cheep $36 electric milk frother to go with it and I am ecstatic with the results. I love the crema that this machine produces. […]”— Charles Carter (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
Already have your preferred coffee maker and just need some accessories? Check out these affordable finds below — including some recommendations from coffee experts.
Reusable K-cups for cutting down on single-use plastics
The biggest issue with Keurig machines is the waste that they create with single-use plastics. Curb the need to toss your coffee pods into a landfill and buy this reusable K-cup pack instead. The other great thing about these is that you can use your preferred coffee instead of sticking to flavors available in the eK-cup packs. This three-pack is a universal pod that works with the K-Duo, K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Select and K-Cafe coffee brewers. Plus, it comes with a nifty scoop so you know exactly how much ground coffee to load into each cup. These cups are dishwasher-safe, too!
Third Wave Water
Twelve mineral packets for ideal brewing water
Drew Frohn, a wholesale manager and coffee educator for Coava Coffee Roasters, told HuffPost that a good cup of coffee starts with the quality of water you use. After all, a cup of coffee is 98% water, and if it doesn’t taste right, your brew won’t either.
“Factors such as hardness level (ideally not too soft or hard) and levels of solubles (such as minerals like calcium and magnesium) also affect the way your coffee extracts and ultimately tastes,” Frohn said.
If you don’t have access to a water filtering system, he suggests these pre-dosed packets of minerals by Third Wave Water that can be dissolved into distilled water to create the ideal brewing water. Available in three different roast profiles as well as an option just for espresso, these pre-brewing water-additives can help you achieve a consistent and optimum flavor extraction from your beans and also protect your coffee maker from limescale buildup.
Amazon
An entry-level grinder recommended by every single one of our experts
Frohn, along with Jordan G.L. Hardin, director of food and beverage at Alfred Coffee, and Sumi Ali, co-founder of Yes Plz Coffee, all agree that when it comes to coffee grinders, the Baratza Encore burr-style coffee grinder is simply the best.
According to Frohn, who has used his own Baratza Encore for over eight years, it has remained a popular entry-level grinder for years due to its simplicity, durability and quality all in one relatively affordable package.
“They are built well and do a great job at creating even-sized grounds,” Ali said, while Hardin added that burr grinders like the Baratza are the best time-tested choice, especially if you want the ease of an electronic grinder. This commercial grade grinder allows you to create grounds that fit an extensive range of brewing options, whether you’re making coffee with a French press, an espresso machine or a classic pour-over.
Amazon
A digital coffee scale
If you ask Frohn, tablespoons and scoops don’t cut it anymore. To achieve a better, more consistent brew, measuring your coffee dose and brewing water is key.
“While any accurate digital kitchen scale that measures in grams will do the job, higher-end models like the Timemore coffee scale and Acaia Pearl are specifically engineered for coffee brewing and include built-in timers and other useful functions,” he said.
Constructed from a durable acrylic material and outfitted with high-precision sensors that accurately measure both liquids and solids, this ultra compact kitchen scale is suitable for all of your coffee-measuring (and food-making) needs.
Bonus: It’s 5% off right now by clipping the on-page coupon. Savings show up at checkout!
Amazon
A classic pour-over brewer
Hardin said that pour-over coffee making was his go-to coffee preparation for years — a method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds using simply designed manual brewers such as the Chemex pour-over coffee maker.
A “perennial” choice of both Hardin and Ali, the Chemex is made from a non-porous borosilicate glass that won’t absorb odors or residues, is dishwasher-safe and can be refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor.
Hardin reminded us that there is some technique involved when it comes to pour-over coffee making, particularly how long you “bloom” the coffee (release the gases), what pouring pattern you’re using, how quickly you pour and how much water you use. “You can find hundreds of videos to help with this,” he said.
Amazon
A universally-adored pour-over kit
Another option for pour-over coffee is the Kalita Wave brewing system, which was suggested by both Hardin and Frohn.
“The Kalita Wave 185 brewer is a classic, flat-bottomed brewer that is forgiving and beginner-friendly and favored by top-level cafes worldwide,” Frohn said, adding that the brand offers handy brew kits like these to make starting off your at-home java journey a little more convenient.
Using a patented wave filter and a glass dripper featuring three small extraction holes, the Kalita Wave pulls rich, evenly extracted coffee, two to four cups at a time. The kit also comes with a coffee journal so you can log the ratios and measurements that make your favorite brew.
Amazon
An electric gooseneck kettle
As mentioned earlier, pour-over coffee making requires hot water, and both Hardin and Frohn suggested this electric gooseneck kettle by Fellow for achieving the perfect temperature and pour technique.
“The ever-popular Fellow Stagg EKG offers excellent temperature control, amongst other features, and looks great on your counter to boot,” Frohn said of this sleek kettle that’s made with a quick-heating element and comes in seven colors and hardware finishes.
The LCD screen allows you to easily set your desired water temperature to the exact degree, and it has a built-in brew stopwatch to time your extraction while your coffee is brewing.
Amazon
A precision thermal brewer
When it comes to the automatic thermal coffee making that you’re probably most familiar with, the Precision Brewer from Breville, a trusted brand favored by all of the coffee experts we spoke to, was recommended by both Ali and Hardin.
“[It] does a great job of brewing at hot enough temperatures to make a balanced cup while not brewing too fast or too slow — a flaw I find in most other automatic machines, which can lead to inconsistent results,” Ali said.
According to Hardin, this “bells-and-whistles” machine provides him with all sorts of options for dialing in his brew, from different strength settings to cone or basket filter brewing options, over-ice and even slow drip settings, an auto-start feature and even the ability to calibrate his own cup with bloom time, drip timing and more.
Amazon
A trusted Breville espresso machine
“I would warn anyone in the market for a home espresso maker to be cautious and to understand that it will take some patience and dedication (and a pretty penny) to really get great espresso and espresso-drinks out of a home system. But for my money, the Breville series of home espresso machines are really the most bang for your buck,” Hardin said.
One of the models he suggested is the Breville Barista Pro, one of the more affordable full-service options on his list that possesses valuable integrated elements such as a grinder, tamper, boiler and temperature control, and a steam wand for creating frothy milks. This brushed stainless steel machine promises a barista-level performance and perfectly extracted flavor in each brew.
Amazon
A timeless thermal brewer
Another thermal drip brewer suggested by both Hardin and Frohn is the Technivorm Moccamaster, a timeless and incredibly good-looking machine that Hardin referred to as “a showstopper.”
“This Dutch classic, pioneered in the ’60s, comes in a range of colors, carafes, and sizes,” Hardin said of the Moccamaster, which features a manual-adjust brew basket that allows you to customize your coffee along with a system that’s been engineered to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your grounds.
Amazon
A reliable French press
Ali considers the Bodum Chambord coffee maker to be a reliable French press, a coffee brewing device with origins dating back to 1852 that uses pressure to capture concentrated coffee flavors.
Available in four sizes and three finishes, this Danish-crafted press features stainless steel pieces and a borosilicate glass beaker that can withstand high temperatures.