Vertuo Plus Coffee And Espresso Machine Bundle
If youre looking to treat the male nurse in your life this Christmas or graduation, or just want to show your appreciation for what he does, look no further than this smart coffee maker. The new and innovative design of the Nespresso VertuoPlus makes the perfect freshly brewed cup of coffee at the touch of one button.
Coming as a bundle, the machine is accompanied by an Aeroccino 3 milk frother to create that dreamy barista finish for each cappuccino or latte made. This makes a great gift for nursing students or even as great gifts for male nursing graduates!
What we like:
Related: 17 Nurse Gift Baskets to Show Your Appreciation!
Owning The Nespresso Vertuoplus Deluxe By Delonghi With Aeroccino Milk Frother
Tastefully redesigned with a number of insightful improvements, the VertuoPlus series from Nespresso offers the ability to prepare rich espresso or full bodied long coffee with the push of a button. Using Nespressos Centrifusion technology and a barcode reader, the machine will automatically recognize the type of capsule you want to brew, and adjust extraction for optimal flavor. Flexibility is the name of the game with the VertuoPlus, with adjustable cup support featuring 4 positions, and new multi-position water reservoir, that can be angled behind the machine based on the layout of your kitchen. The VertuoPlus Deluxe features additional silver accents and an expanded 60 oz water capacity. For delicious hot and cold milk specialities, the VertuoPlus has been bundled with the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother. This compact, standalone frother is perfect for rapid one-touch preparation of milk drinks and is packaged with multiple whisks for preparing various textures of foam.
Dimensions: 5.6 W x 12.8 H x 16.2 D
Weight: 9.72 lbs
Why Do You Need A Nespresso Machine For Your Latte
A Nespresso machine makes lattes much easier.
Espresso machines are complicated mechanisms that require meticulous measurement and brewing in order to get the specific tastes you want. You need to grind the beans just right, measure the perfect amount, tamp them with the right amount pressure, then run the correct volume of water through them at the correct temperature for the correct amount of time.
All of this while steaming your milk to get just the right consistency of foam on top of your drink.
Nespresso machines use pre-measured coffee in vacuum-sealed pods and they pull consistent espresso every time. The machine heats up the water to the perfect temperature, punctures holes in the pod and pushes water through it at high pressure to produce espresso in less than 30 seconds.
It does the same job as a regular espresso machine without the hassle of grinding, measuring and tamping.
The ease of Nespresso machine use allows practically anyone to brew quality espresso. Even as an inexperienced barista, you can make your favorite espresso drinks at home. The machine works with a simple press of the button, and eliminates any of the mistakes that are commonly made when using a traditional espresso machine.
One downside of Nespresso is that you cant customize the amount coffee and you have limited discretion over the water volume. Nespresso does offer pods of different sizes to give you some choice.
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Types Of Espresso Machines
Manual espresso machines
Manual espresso machines have no electrical or electronic components and actually rely on your physical strength and finesse to achieve the right pressure for pulling a shot of espresso. Nothing will do a better job of teaching you the art and science of espresso. Its easy to mess up, but when you nail it, the results can be sublime. They are for the patient purist.
Semi-automatic espresso machines
Semi-automatic espresso machines have electronic temperature controls and built-in pumps, so you can set the temperature just right and you dont have to push the water through yourself. But you do have to decide when to start and stop the flow of water. You can learn how different variables affect your shot by tinkering with the settings.
Fully automatic espresso machines
Fully automatic espresso machines give you minimal control over settings and they also control the water flow, based on your selection. You still grind the beans and load the grounds yourself.
Capsule espresso machines
Capsule espresso machines are simple, compact, hands-off machines. You fill the water reservoir, drop a capsule of pre-ground coffee into the machine, place your cup under the spout, push a button and walk away.
Nespresso Vertuoplus: The Verdict
The Nespresso VertuoPlus espresso and coffee maker packs a lot into a sleek design. Given the VertuoPlus high-end feel and range of convenient features, its surprisingly well-priced. We loved the adaptability of its footprint, and the coffee and espresso were undeniably tasty.
The downsides? If your space is very limited, this model may not be for you. It also doesnt offer any milk-steaming accessories, and its only compatible with Nespressos fairly pricey VertuoLine coffee capsules. Finally, its not quite as durable as you may prefer.
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Tips For Buying An Espresso Machine
As you set out to choose a machine, here are a few questions to ask yourself that will help narrow down your options.
How steep is the learning curve? Usually, theres a tradeoff between feature-richness and user-friendliness. The more a machine can do, the more time it takes to learn. Some people want a high degree of control and dont mind having to do a little homework to get it. Others just want simplicity.
Somewhere between those two extremes lies your sweet spot.
What style of coffee you want to make? Some machines do one style well, others are more versatile. Make sure youre looking at machines that can handle your type of drink.
How much coffee will you prepare at a time? The size of the water reservoir can vary. If you entertain a lot and dont want to constantly be refilling it, youll need a big one.
Some machines also require more downtime between drinks and cant make them in rapid succession.
How quickly does the machine heat up? If espresso is part of your morning routine and your mornings are rushed, you probably dont want to wait 15 minutes for your machine to heat up. Most of the machines Ive chosen here heat up quite quickly.
Can it froth milk? Some machines are equipped with a steaming wand or an automatic milk frother. Others make only the coffee, in which case you would have to buy a milk frother separately to make cappuccinos and lattés.
What To Watch Out For
For those who are on a budget, it’s worth considering that while capsules are easy to use and convenient, they typically cost more per cup than coffee beans. Also, a single coffee machine brand will usually keep its family of capsules only compatible within its own brand’s line of coffee machines.
Before purchasing your chosen coffee machine, make sure to taste test a variety of brands.
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Is A Nespresso Machine Better Than A Keurig
Nespresso machines and capsules are both more expensive than Keurig machines and K-cups, and there arent as many options to choose from. However, Nespresso does produce espresso-style coffees , and its pods are more recyclable. In the end though, neither machine is capable of producing coffee as good as a high-end drip coffee maker or espresso machine.
Whiskey Stones Gift Set
Elegant and classy, this whiskey stones gift set allows that male nurse friend or family member to drink that well-earned beverage in style. Whether he has just graduated or needs some light relief from long stressful shifts, these stones ensure that a drink remains refreshingly cool without being diluted.
Nestled in a luxurious pine wooden case, these eight whiskey rocks come with a velvet storage pouch for the freezer and two whiskey glasses.
What we like:
- Keeps drinks chilled without watering it down
- Glasses are thick and high quality
What we dont like:
- Glasses are smaller than expected the same size as shot glasses
Best for: Anyone after ideas for gifts for a male nurses graduation, this could tick all the boxes. That special male nurse in your life will be pleased to celebrate all that hard work in style, and they may even offer up the second glass to you!
This whiskey stones gift set would also make a great retirement gifts for nurses who enjoy a neat drink at the end of the day.
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Nespressovertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee And Espresso Machine By Delonghi
- One convenient coffee maker for 4 cup sizes: freshly brewed long-cup coffee with naturally formed crema, traditional espresso, double espresso, and gran lungo
- 2 different capsule sizes: large capsule for double espresso and gran lungo, and a small one for espresso
- One convenient coffee maker for 4 cup sizes: freshly brewed long-cup coffee with naturally formed crema, traditional espresso, double espresso, and gran lungo
- 2 different capsule sizes: large capsule for double espresso and gran lungo, and a small one for espresso
- Simple 1-button operation with automatic capsule ejection and a fast heat-up time of under a minute
- Barcode reading technology for blend-specific brewing
- Deluxe version comes with chromed details, an extra-large water tank, and capsule container
- Approx. 12.875″ H x 5.625″ x 16.75″ W
Why Are Nespresso Pods So Bitter
Nespresso capsules are made with darkly roasted coffee, which verges on charred, making them taste bitter. Nespresso capsules also create bitter coffee because of the ratio of coffee to waterpre-portioned capsules are often brewed with too much water, which extracts more of the bitterness from the coffee.
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What Brand Is Better Keurig Or Nespresso
If youre looking for a dedicated espresso machine, most experts agree that Nespresso is a superior choice. While Keurig coffee makers can brew quality drip-style coffee and espresso blends, the machines do not contain enough power to make as high-quality espresso. Espresso is a type of coffee that uses highly pressurized water to make a concentrated shot, says Jarrett Sabatini, owner of Florida-based Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails. You need a good espresso machine to pressurize the water in order to make a proper espresso. Each Nespresso machine uses 19 bars of pressure extraction.
Do All Nespresso Machines Make The Same Quality Of Coffee
All Nespresso pods produce consistently high-quality results, but the exact taste will depend on the style you brew and the type of pod you select. Any espresso or black coffee will reflect the beans you choose and the recipe you use, says Phillips. It can be chocolatey or fruity, sweet or earthy, light or heavy. You want a good extraction that avoids bitter and sour flavors typically, allowing the sweet spot of the coffee to shine.
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Best Nespresso Pods For Latte
Experimenting with different pods is half the fun of Nespresso, but you need to start somewhere.
Consider two of the best Nespresso pods for lattes: the Bianco Leggero and the Diavolitto. The Bianco Leggero is roasted specifically for milk drinks and is intended to be sweet and smooth. Its great if your tastes run mild. At the other end of the spectrum, the Diavolitto is as intense as Nespresso gets, with a spicy aroma. It demands to be noticed, even with five ounces of milk on top.
Whats A Good Alternative
The Spinn Coffee Maker solves a lot of the issues both machines havebut its expensive. We really liked its built-in grinder, which gives users more freedom in the coffee they want to use, and doesnt rely on pricey capsules. It also offers a variety of coffee styles, including espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, making it a great swap for either capsule coffee maker. Overtime, the savings on coffee could potentially pay for the price difference between a Spinn and a Keurig or Nespresso machine, but it is a higher investment up front.
People who want to invest more time and education into their coffee can find a number of manual single-serve coffee brewers as well. The Aeropress, especially when paired with a Prismo attachment can make great coffee for those who dont mind a little tinkering. And the Kalita Wave 155 is a great pourover option designed for smaller brews.
There are also single-cup options that arent reliant on machines. Steeped Coffee offers pre-packed steepable filter bags that brew just like a teabag would. And then there is high-end instant coffee, like from Swift Coffee. Both companies have their own branded options and produce packets for other specialty coffee roastersif you have a favorite local roaster already, theres a chance they might have one of their single-serve options available. These tend to be more expensive than Nespresso capsules and K-cups, though, so they might not be best for everyday usethough they are great for camping.
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Other Things To Consider
The size of your Nespresso machine may depend on your space. Some are slim and compact, so they take up less room. However, compact machines come with a smaller water tank reservoir and used capsule container, so theyll require you to empty and fill the machine on a more regular basis.
As mentioned, each Nespresso machine has its own compatible pods, and Nespresso even makes cold drink capsules that are designed to be served over ice. But if youre open to different brands, some espresso machines can brew Keurig and Nespresso pods of varying drink sizes, so if you like more capsule variety, that is an option. Nespresso machines and other brands can also include extras like capsule storage or complimentary espresso cups to complete your coffee set-up.
Whether youre looking for something with no frills or more features, these are the best Nespresso machines for iced coffee.
Which One Brews Better
Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez
While Keurig machines tend to brew a weak, bitter version of drip coffee, most of the Nespresso capsules were strong and bitter, and tasted very darkly roasted. Neither machine can brew a great tasting coffee when compared to drip coffee makers, pourover, or espresso machines.
There are a wider variety of K-cup options available, which means that people can find a roast style that appeals more to their flavor preferences. This is not so for Nespresso, which features limited options. One saving grace for the Nespresso is that its dark, bitter tasting espresso stands out well in milk, making a fair approximation of a latte, similar to what you might find at a chain like Starbucks that uses dark-roasted coffee and superautomatic espresso machines.
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What To Look For When Buying A Nespresso Machine
For dedicated espresso drinkers, having a high pressure machinelike a Nespressois essential. The pressure is what allows you to achieve this high strength, says Michael Phillips, Global Director of Education and Engagement at Blue Bottle Coffee. When shopping for the right Nespresso for you, here are the factors to keep in mind.
The 2 Types Of Nespresso Machines
There are two types of Nespresso Machines: OriginalLine and VertuoLine.
- OriginalLine machines are the originals and, in our opinion, are still the best.
- VertuoLine machines debuted in October 2015 with a capsule-scanning system that lets you brew 5 different types of capsules for everything from 0.30 oz ristretto shots to full 17 oz long coffees.
Here are the main differences between each type of Nespresso machine in an easy-to-read table:
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Nespresso Vertuoplus Coffee And Espresso Machine By Delonghi
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This product is not eligible for coupons. However, you are able to earn and redeem Kohls Cash® and Kohl’s Rewards® on this product.
Introducing the Nespresso VertuoPlus by DeLonghi, with a sleek, new design for the ultimate brewing experience. Offering freshly-brewed coffee with crema as well as delicious, authentic espresso, the VertuoPlus machine conveniently makes two cup sizes at the touch of a button: 8-oz. coffee and 1.35-oz. espresso.
PRODUCT FEATURES
- Freshly brewed long-cup coffee with naturally formed crema, traditional Espresso and now with a large Alto size, Double Espresso and Gran Lungo
- 23 different capsule sizes: large capsule for Alto and Coffee, medium capsule for Double Espresso and Gran Lungo and a small one for Espresso
- Simple 1-button operation with automatic capsule ejection and a fast heat- up time of under a minute
- Barcode reading technology for blend-specific brewing
- Each machine includes a complimentary welcome set with a range of Nespresso Vertuo capsules with unique aromatic profiles
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Straight To The Point
You can read our full review of Keurig and Nespresso machines here and here.
Both Nespresso and Keurig machines are more popular than ever. These single-cup brewers have a devoted following, whether its for the speedy drip coffee from a Keurig or the no-fuss espresso from a Nespresso. And, while we dont recommend either if you value brew quality , there are some key differences between the two that are worth highlighting, if youre considering buying one.
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Nespresso Vertuoplus Review: How It Works
The VertuoPlus uses centrifugal force to process great coffees with excellent crema
Unlike the majority of espresso capsule machines that use water pressure during the extraction process, this one uses both pressure and centrifugal forces that spin the capsule at up to 7,000 revs per minute. The result is a smooth albeit slightly foamy crema thats almost as deep as the coffee. Indeed, if you add a splash of warm milk and stir, its like drinking a smooth cappuccino.
Rather cleverly, each recyclable foil-covered pod is equipped with a barcode that tailors the size of extraction. Hence, if you put in a small single espresso capsule, itll dispense just the right amount of black gold to fill a standard espresso cup. Conversely, if you slap in a larger Alto pod, itll extract a full mugs worth. This make the system perfect for families with different coffee requirements.