Nespresso VertuoLine: Review and giveaway

Nespresso VertuoLine machine on eatlivetravelwrite.com

If you’re a coffee fan like me, you might have heard of a new single-serve coffee maker, released earlier this year – the Nespresso VertuoLine.  I’ve tried a couple of other single-serve machines over the past few years -both at home and in various hotels and haven’t found one I really was keen on – mostly the coffee was average, nothing that special.  Since we already have an espresso maker I really like at home (that I can whip up our morning coffees with pretty quickly, and froth milk too), a new machine would have to be something really special to make me replace our trusty Cuisinart.

I’ve been testing the VertuoLine machine for a couple of months now and here’s what I think.

Nespresso VertuoLine – the pros:

1. The coffee is excellent. Hands down the best single-serve coffee I have tasted. Café quality.

2. It looks sleek and stylish.

3. It doesn’t take up much room on the countertop (for someone with hardly any counter space, this is important!).

4. It’s easy to operate. One touch to make a coffee – the capsules have bar codes which the machine reads so it knows whether to deliver a long shot or an espresso.

5. It’s fast. It doesn’t take long to heat up so you don’t have to wait long for a coffee (this said, this is also one of the cons – see below)

6. The price of the coffee is really reasonable.  A coffee works out to 95c for the 8oz (mug) size or 75c for the espresso size. No question it’s cheaper to drink coffee this way than to buy it at a coffee shop. For an office this wold be a great machine.

Nespresso VertuoLine – the cons:

1. The coffee doesn’t seem *quite* hot enough for some people who have tried this at our house (it’s ok for me). We’ve been zapping mugs and cups in the microwave to get them a little hotter.  Not ideal. Although reading around online, it seems there might be some inconsistencies between machines (i.e. some brew hotter than others).

2. To make a latte or cappuccino, you have to buy a separate Aeroccino milk frother ($99) which apparently must be washed after each use. It’s also something *else* to keep on the countertop. (this being said, I’ve been drinking the coffee with just a splash of milk or cream and because the coffee is so good on its own, I’ve been enjoying it this way. I do like my morning latte though.)

3. The capsules… surely that can’t be good for the environment?

What do I do with the VertuoLine capsules when they are used?

Actually – Nespresso capsules are recyclable  (the metal capsules are melted down and turned into new aluminum products and residual coffee is separated and sent to an industrial composting facility) and can be dropped off at any Nespresso Boutique.

That’s great but since there are not a lot of the stores in Toronto and I don’t drive, carting around used coffee capsules on public transport isn’t exactly ideal.  But since the capsules are recycled through third party TerraCycle, they can also be shipped to TerraCycle (free shipping). Participation in the Nespresso Capsule Brigade is completely free, there are no fees and all shipping is covered by the program. Once you have joined the Nespresso Capsule Brigade simply:

  1. Collect enough Nespresso capsules to fill up a box or bag.
  2. Download a pre-paid shipping label from terracycle.ca.
  3. Ship the box to TerraCycle by affixing the pre-paid postage label and dropping it off at a UPS location

I’ve yet to try this (again, there are no UPS locations near where I live in walking distance but there is one close to work – so I’d still have to cart the capsules on the subway) but it’s definitely made as easy as possible for people who want to recycle. I hope people will go to the extra effort and not just throw the capsules in the garbage.

Overall, I’m impressed with the coffee from this machine – it might just join me at work 😉

Here’s Neil’s impressions: “I was pleasantly surprised by the coffee – the few I’ve had, have been flavourful – if lukewarm.  I’d heard many negative things about Nespresso coffee taste prior to this.  As for the pods…well, I just cannot get used to the idea of all the various machines with the metal and plastic pods.  Sure, it’s convenient beyond belief.  But despite the recyclable claim, the fact is I would bet most are not in fact recycled.  So I think one big trade-off of all these wonderful single-serve coffee machines is you have to accept that you are drinking some of the most environmentally-unfriendly morning javas out there.”

A (Canadian) Nespresso VertuoLine Giveaway!

Thanks to the kind people at Nespresso I have ONE Nespresso VertuoLine machine to give away to one lucky Canadian resident!

How to enter:

There are 3 ways to enter (maximum of three entries per person for the duration of the contest).

1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to win a VertuoLine machine.
2. Visit the Nespresso website and check out the range of coffee available for the VertuoLine machine then come back to leave me a second comment telling me what coffee you’d like to try and why.
3. Tweet the following messageWin a @Nespresso #VertuoLine from @eatlivtravwrite (Canada only). Details: http://bit.ly/1kL1TL1

then come back to leave a third comment letting me know you did.

Eligibility and contest rules:

– Open to Canadian residents
– No purchase of any product necessary for entry.
– Winner will be chosen randomly (using www.random.org) from all qualified entries on May 10th 2014 after 6pm EST.
– Winner will be notified via email Sunday May 11th 2014.
– The prize consists of of one Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machine.

_________

Disclosure: I received a Nespresso VertuoLine machine for review purposes. I was not required, nor was I further compensated for doing so.

 

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Let’s ALL get kids excited about food on May 16th 2014 – Food Revolution Day! Check out all the details on how you can participate here.

 

 

 

157 thoughts on “Nespresso VertuoLine: Review and giveaway”

  1. I’d like to win a VertuoLine machine because it seems so quick and easy, and we’re always on the go, so I think it would make a great addition to our kitchen.

    Reply
  2. I’d like to try the Vanizio coffee. I love vanilla anything, so I think this coffee would be delicious!

    Reply
  3. My coffee machine is on its last legs and I would be happy to say goodbye to it as it takes up so much room

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  4. Would love to win a new Nespresso machine as I had to leave mine behind when I moved from Europe to Canada!

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  5. I would like to win because I keep considering getting a single serve coffee machine but can’t figure out which one I want.This one sounds ideal!

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  6. Id love to win because I have a keurig but im told it is nothing compared to these and Id like to see for myself.

    Reply
  7. I’d like to win the VertuoLine machine because I’ve become a coffee conniseur (I can’t spell it but I am one!*l*) and I’m always on the search for the perfect cup. I think that the VertuoLine machine will give that to me!

    Reply
  8. For my morning latte I would chose the Voltesso Espresso to give me a tasty start of the day!

    Reply
  9. I’d like to try the Vanizio because I adore vanilla flavoured coffee and I think this would be the ultimate version!

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  10. This machine would looks super sexy in our “vintage” kitchen. We fell in love with nespresso 2 years ago while traveling through Europe

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  11. I’d LOVE to win a VertuoLine machine because I am coffee obsessed and would love to try out this very fancy looking machine!

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  12. I’d like to win a VertuoLine machine because it heats up very quickly and it seems so easy to use! .

    Reply
  13. It just happens to be mu husband’s birthday today and he has always wanted one of these machines! Plus with three children under five, I can never have enough coffee. 🙂

    Reply
  14. As a coffee/tea aficionado….I registered for the frother & machine…but only received the frother. What to do when the Italian future family comes over and all want espresso after dinner?

    Reply
  15. I’d love anything that would make my waking up process earlier, and this looks like it would make my first coffee an easy, happier process 🙂

    Reply
  16. I would love to win this because I love to start my day with a good cup of espresso without the hassle and expense of a coffee shop. Thank you for the generous giveaway!

    Reply
  17. I would like to win because I love espresso!! How convenient to make it at home. Truthfully, I think this would be a wicked present for my daddy!

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  18. This dad needs a new espresso/coffee machine and the Nespresso VertuoLine is the machine for me!

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  19. The hazelino capsule sounds like it would taste amazing! There are so many flavours to choose from but I would want to try that one first because I love hazelnuts!

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  20. I would love to try Nespressos new VertuoLine because I keep seeing the commercials on TV and reading reviews about how great the coffee is! Especially with that crema!

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  21. I have been looking at all the different types of coffee and espresso capsules and I cannot CHOOSE! I want to try them all!

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  22. Hi! I’d love to win a Nespresso Vertuoline machine because I am almost done breastfeeding, and am looking forward to drinking caffeinated beverages again! I hear the coffee is amazing and it is timed well with mother’s day, it would be an awesome gift! Let my first caffeinated beverage (in a year and a half) be the best ever!

    Thanks!

    Reply
  23. I would like to try the “Melozio”, I’ve always been a medium bodied girl 🙂 (but really, they all sound great!)

    Reply
  24. My husband and I work from home. Some days, when we hit a groove with work, we find ourselves locked in the “editing cave” and desperately in need of good coffee. Having a Nespresso machine would help us so we won’t have to interrupt our work.

    Reply
  25. I would love to try the Nespresso because Penelope Cruz makes it sound wonderful in the ads and I would love to give it a try.

    Reply
  26. I would love to try the Nespresso because I keep seeing the commercials on TV and it looks SO GOOD!! Also my cousin has one and I’ve been dying to stop by her house to try it!

    Reply
  27. I don’t own a coffee machine so the VertuoLine would be a welcome addition to my kitchen gadgets.

    Reply
  28. I would like to try the Half Caffeinato because I am intrigued by the mix of caffeinated and decaffeinated Arabicas.

    Reply
  29. I would love to win because I think the Nespresso Vertuoline looks great Love the design, easy of use, and the coffee in the commercials looks delish. I am a big coffee fan, and this would be a fantastic Mother’s Day treat!

    Reply
  30. I would like to try Melozio It is smooth and balance. I need balance in my life and smooth means to me no bumps along the way. Starting my day with a smooth and balanced coffee will hopefully extend into my day.

    Reply
  31. I’d love to win a Nespresso Vertuoline machine because ive never owned a capsule coffee machine before! Ive always seen other brands but Nespresso looks like the best!

    Reply
  32. My friend had one at her cabin and made a latte for me. It’s been since I was in Paris that I had such a good cup of coffee. It was amazing. I’ve been wanting to buy a Nespresso ever since, but they are never on sale!!

    Reply
  33. I have been wanting one of these machines!!! I really enjoy the flavor of coffees they make & presently am drinking instant coffee! This would be a dream to win!
    Mary.e.gaudet@gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  34. Vanizio would be the coffee I’d like to try; it’s blend sounds delicious! Thanks 🙂
    Mary.e.gaudet@gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  35. I’d not only like but I would love to win a VertuoLine machine because there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t have a cup of joe. But unfortunately, I make the worst cup of coffee yet lol. It would be nice to have a machine that could easily make a nice cup of coffee.

    Reply
  36. I tweeted:) and entered all three ways. Thank you so much for this chance, from a true coffee fan:).

    @sparklingroses1

    Reply
  37. Would love to try the Half Caffeinato. It’s description “smooth texture and medium intensity, with delicate hints of biscuit,” sounds way too good not to try.

    Reply
  38. Cant do without my daily cup of coffee and to be able to have it with crema would make my day, everyday. Would be as luxurious as having someone to polish my shoes each day.

    Reply
  39. Well Mardi,

    As a teacher, I’m in love with a good cup of coffee. I’ve been a french press guy for years, and have been wary of other “pod” coffees before. But literally every single person I know who has tried a Nespresso machine has assured me that it’s a whole other level and I would love to make it a part of my teaching day and potentially even donate it to our staff room here at the school as we all fear the dreaded cafeteria coffee!

    Reply
  40. As for the coffees, I think I would first try the Odacio as I’ve long been a fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. Although, with the Diavolittlo espresso scoring full “intesity” scores, I’d just have to give that a try too!

    Reply
  41. I would love to win because I am a big coffee addict. I’ve been drinking coffee for decades now and I actually worked in a coffee company before because of my passion. This machine is one of the best inventions this decade and it would be great to have one!

    Reply
  42. I’d love to win this, not for myself, but for my girlfriend who would be the happiest woman on Earth if did!

    Reply
  43. Pick me – with kids, two jobs and three pets – I need at least 4 cups of drip coffee everyday, but with this machine that makes premium coffee, I’ll prob be more awake and only drink a cup or two a day!

    Reply
  44. My mom just moved places and this would be great as a housewarming gift since she loves coffee. I want to spoil her if I can – I wish I could do it more often 🙂

    Reply
  45. I have always wanted a Nespresso especially the vertuoline – it’ll be a great stylish piece of art in my kitchen that is actually functional

    Reply
  46. I would like to win a nespresso vertuloine. I have read so many reviews and researched so much and know nespresso machines are the top of the line. I am a full time student, work full time, and this would help me have a high quality pick me up even when I’m at home.

    Reply
  47. The Vertuoline is one of the best coffee machines out there. Everyone at my home love coffee and sometimes we want to drink a cup in the middle of the night and we have to resort to instant (YUCK!). Winning this will make everyone who works two jobs, who has a full course load, who has a baby to raise in my family a good pick me up.

    Reply
  48. Would love to win this! I do own a Keurig but it doesn’t make ESPRESSO very well. It would also be very nice to have a cup a Joe on Saturday & Sunday mornings at the trailer. :)

    Reply
  49. I want to win because the pods are recyclable! Plus, I discovered both real chocolate and Nespresso during a school year in France 10 years ago (and have been wanting a Nespresso ever since!).

    Reply
  50. I saw firsthand at demo event how Nespresso VertuoLine machine operates. Simple to use and I’m dying for one. I can’t imagine all the wonderful and different flavoured coffee I could make for myself with this machine.

    Reply
  51. I want to win a vertuoline because i love coffee, and my current coffee maker is very basic. This would be a major step up.

    Reply
  52. I would most like to try the Vanizio flavour because I’m a sucker for coffees with a sweet flavour hint.

    Reply
  53. I would love to win one of these machines. I have heard the coffee is quite good but it just isn’t in the budget right now for me to buy one.

    Reply
  54. I would really like to try the Stormio and the Melozio. I would also buy the decaf since that is what my mom drinks and we never have it at our house.

    Reply
  55. I’m a coffee lover and cannot get by a day without coffee. The VertuoLine machine will make life easier if I can start making better tasting coffee in the house.

    Reply
  56. I haven’t tried a single serve coffee machine yet but I’ve been wanting to — the convenience and the fact that there is often only one person drinking coffee at a time at my house has interested me but I worry about the environmental impact. The fact that the capsules can be recycled is great! I’m looking forward to trying out one of these machines.

    Reply
  57. I would love to win a Vertuoline coffee machine because I need a single-serve coffee maker that doesn’t take up too much counter space!

    Reply
  58. I can’t enter, being down under. But, a comment: the temperature of coffees is a constant issue for me. Even at good coffee shops, I’m obliged to ask for it ‘extra hot’ because, almost certainly otherwise, it arrives tepid. I’m not sure if zapping in the microwave does anything to it, but I find it the only answer (if I’m lucky enough to be near one).
    there is probably some ideal temperature at which coffee should be served but that, presumably, would be for a short black. Once you add milk (heated or otherwise) the temperature goal is probably meant to be different. All questions, I know… but I do like a hot(ish) coffee.

    Reply
  59. This machine looks so beautiful I’d like to see it sitting on my countertop rather than my current ugly plastic machine

    Reply

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