Some mornings I want to sip a robust shot of espresso. Other mornings I need two extra tall cups of Coffee to perk me up. There aren’t many coffee machines that can accommodate both.

The Nespresso Evoluo does.

In this complete review, I’ll do my best to curb my Nespresso fanboy-ism (just kidding…sort of) and give you an honest review of this standout model from the company’s VertuoLine series of machines.

This is The Coffee Maven’s Nespresso Evoluo review.

The Coffee Maven’s Ratings, Explained

Performance: 88 // One of the most versatile capsule-based coffee makers out there with the ability to brew 0.30 oz ristretto shots, 17 oz tall coffees, and everything in between. Heats up quickly and brews a beautiful coffee with a pronounced crema. Crema is a little thin and coffee isn’t quite as hot as OriginalLine machines.

Features & Design: 93 // Very well-designed for both aesthetics and ease of use. No internal pump for extraction, instead using Centrifusion (rapid pod spinning, keep reading below for more info). Large spent capsule container doesn’t need to be emptied often and 54 oz water reservoir is above average. VertuoLine pod-scanning system works with 5 different capsule types from espresso to XL coffee. Removable drip tray accommodates all kinds of mugs from 2″ to 7″.

Materials: 84 // No metallic components (except the spent capsule guard rails inside the top compartment) but made from durable plastics.

Durability: 93 // Great durability even though primarily made of plastic. Nespresso machines last longer than just about every other capsule- or pod-based coffee machine (such as Keurig or Tassimo). Shiny black plastic exterior does scuff with repeated use.

Value: 97 // Competitively priced for the variety of coffees it can brew. If paired with an Aeroccino frother (such as with the bundle) you can brew everything Starbucks does at a fraction of the cost. The machine should last for years as well.

Brand: 93 // Nespresso is a big name synonymous with quality; in fact, many high-end hotels and restaurants provide Nespresso machines for their clientele who know what great espresso is. The Nespresso Evoluo is manufactured by DeLonghi, who has been making kitchen appliances seemingly forever.

First, let’s look at the Nespresso Evoluo’s parts

There aren’t too many moving parts:

• 54 oz removable water tank on left (facing machine)
• Spent capsule container on right
• Respective lids
• Adjustable drip tray with 5 height settings
• On/off button on the top
• Locking/unlocking knob on the top

Oh, and the machine itself.

VertuoLine machines offer a TON of capsule options

Before we look at the Evoluo itself, let’s talk about VertuoLine machines in general.

Related: Nespresso VertuoLine vs Original: What’s the Difference?

By far the biggest pro of going with a VertuoLine machine is the wide array of different capsule sizes available.

Here they are ranked from largest to smallest:

• XL coffee (14 oz)
• Regular coffee (7.77 oz)
• Double lungo (5 oz)
• Double espresso (2.7 oz)
• Espresso (1.35 oz)

Like every Nespresso machine, you can customize the volume to brew more or less of each type.

For example, use the XL coffee capsule if you want to max out the machine at 17 oz. Just be ready for a slightly weaker coffee than that capsule’s recommended 14 oz. Or you could brew a 12 oz coffee with the XL coffee capsule and enjoy a stronger brew.

Adjusting default sizes is easy

After inserting a capsule, the Nespresso Evoluo scans the capsule’s barcode to see exactly what you’re brewing. Popped in a regular coffee capsule? The Evoluo knows to brew 7.77 oz and that’s it!

But what if you want more or less volume?

• For more volume, press the brew button one more time to start the flow of water and push a second time to stop.
• For less volume, press the brew button once to stop the flow of water.

When you’re done, press and hold the brew button for 3 seconds to turn the machine off.

Capsules are top-loaded and eject easily after each use

A dial on the top of the machine secures the capsules into place. Turn counter-clockwise to unlock the top and pop in a capsule. Turn clockwise to lock it in place for a speedy coffee.

Ready for your next brew? The Nespresso Evoluo will discard your spent capsule for you just by re-opening the lid.

Adjustable (and removable) drip tray accommodates mugs up to 7″ tall

Whether you’re using a 2″ demitasse cup or 7″ travel mug, the Nespresso Evoluo can accommodate you.

Why does this matter? Two reasons:

1. You’ll need more clearance for 14-17 oz coffees
2. You want to avoid splashing when you’re using shorter mugs

Speaking of splashing, let’s have a look at the coffee the Nespresso Evoluo brews.

Nespresso VertuoLine machines produce a very pronounced crema

That’s great! Right?

Sort of.

The good news is that the crema this machine produces looks awesome. The bad news is that it isn’t a true crema. It’s a little too foamy and thin whereas it should be much richer.

No Nespresso Evoluo review would be complete without mention of how the coffee is brewed, because it’s not your conventional espresso machine pump.

The Nespresso Evoluo extracts your shot from the grounds via Centrifusion.

What’s Centrifusion?

Centrifusion just means rapid pod spinning. Instead of mixing coffee grounds and hot water under pressure, the Nespresso Evoluo pushes water through the capsule while it’s spinning at over 7,000 RPM! The centrifugal force creates a pump-like effect that extracts your coffee and whips up a thick, but again too foamy, crema.

Nespresso Evoluo Review: Final Word

The Nespresso Evoluo is possibly the most versatile single-serve coffee maker available today. Equipped with Nespresso’s VertuoLine capsule-scanning system, the Evoluo is compatible with 5 sizes of capsules, allowing you to brew everything from 0.30 oz ristretto shots to 17 oz tall coffees.

I love this versatility, especially if you’re looking for a do-it-all coffee machine for you, your significant other, and the rest of the family.

The downside to this machine, which has to be mentioned in any Nespresso Evoluo review, is the quality of the resulting coffee. I’d give it a solid B+. It’s above average bordering on very good, but it isn’t quite as good as the coffee brewed by espresso-only OriginalLine machines, such as the Nespresso Pixie.

But for everything I’ve said about the quality of coffee this machine brews, it’s still better than Keurig.

Overall, I like the Nespresso Evoluo and recommend it to anyone who wants a versatile single-serve coffee machine.

Have you ever used this machine? Comment below with your own Nespresso Evoluo review and tell us what you think!

The post Nespresso Evoluo Review: The Do-It-All, Single-Serve Beast appeared first on The Coffee Maven.