Delicious coffee for less

I’m a bit of a coffeeaholic, that being said, working 12+ hour days on this fashion blog, sometimes I just need a little pick-me-up. When I was working outside of the home, I used to rely on Tim Hortons or Starbucks to get me through the day, but ever since I started to run this fashion blog full-time, I work mainly out of my at-home office. I’ve been using a Keurig machine for years, but I’m not going to lie, I’ve had to replace it more time than I replace my cheap clothes, which is not only annoying, but expensive. Maybe it’s overworked or overused, maybe it’s just made poorly, but either way, it was time to invest in a more reliable, high quality machine. I’ve also just really missed my fancy lattes and espresso that my Keurig machine isn’t equipped to handle.

The Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo delivers breakthrough coffee technology that will leave any coffee connoisseur thinking “is this really brewed from a single serve coffee machine”? Not only does this machine make the perfect espresso at the push of a button, it also has the capacity to create 8oz espresso-based coffees as well. Also, because its espresso based, it has a lovely crema, that’s naturally formed during the brewing process to enhance your tasting pleasure and experience. It uses intelligent extraction technology that recognizes each capsule you place in the machine, thanks to its barcode top and adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure the best cup of joe, ever.

The Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo couldn’t be easier to use, simply fill up the removable water reservoir that’s located on the side of the machine (it holds up to 1.2 litres of water) and turn on the machine by pushing the coffee cup icon located on the top of the machine. Drop in your coffee or espresso capsule of choice, close lid and move the lever to the left into the lock position. There’s an adjustable base that can be lifted up and down to allow the height to be heightened, depending on the size cup you’re using. The machine will begin to preheat, about 10 seconds, and once the coffee icon button is fully illuminated, the machine is ready to go. Simply press the coffee icon button and it will immediately start to brew. Like I said, all the capsules are barcoded so the machine knows exactly whether to make a full cup of coffee or a small espresso. The entire brew cycle lasts less than 20 seconds. If you require a little more water, once the cycle has stopped, you can simply press the button once to begin adding more water, and hit it again to stop it once it hits your desired level. Once it’s finished making that perfect cup, simply move the lever to the right to unlock the lid and as you lift up the lid. The capsules automatically slide to the back of the machine and get dumped into the disposal bin found on the right side of the machine. This allows for super easy cleanup.

One of my favourite drinks from Starbucks is the Americano, which is basically just an espresso over hot water, but let me tell you, this Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo beats any Starbucks drink I’ve had in the past. The coffee was smooth, with absolutely no bitterness and the layer of crema that rests on top of the coffee brings it to an entirely different level, without the need of milk or cream. There’s a total of 12 coffee capsule costing $1.10 each, 5 of them range from mild intensity to bold, 3 of them are flavoured, vanilla, caramel and hazelnut, a decaffeinated and half-caffeinated, along with 2 new breakfast blends. There’s also a total of 4 espresso capsules costing $0.85 each that range in intensity levels, along with a decaffeinated option.

I do see a few small “problems” with this machine, none of which bother me, just worth mentioning. The capsules are non-recyclable, however Nespresso will accept used capsules at any of their boutique bars. If you don’t have one in the area, like myself, it will end up in the trash. That being said, if you’re someone like me, who used to make an entire pot of coffee and only end up having a single cup, this too is wasteful. To go hand in hand with the capsules, they are not available in mass retailor stores…. yet… so again, if you don’t’ have a Nespresso boutique bar near you, you’ll be forced to place your orders online. The price of the capsules are slightly higher than those used by other single serve machines and will probably cost you a little more than making a traditional pot of coffee. To be honest, it’s worth every penny. It’s convenient, the quality is higher and the flavours are more complex and tastier. If you think about it, it’s still cheaper than ordering from Tim Hortons or Starbucks.

The temperature on the Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo also can’t be adjusted and I do find it significantly cooler than my Keurig machine, that’s probably because of the crema? Again, with that being said, your coffee or espresso is guaranteed to be brewed at the correct temperature and there’s no chance of burning your lip, tongue or mouth. Finally, its slightly louder than other single sever brewers because of the unique spinning technology of the capsules, but since it only lasts 15 seconds or so, I’m  not bothered by it.

I’m not really an espresso drinker, I prefer to start my day with a dark roast coffee in a slightly larger cup with cream and sugar. That being said, on days when I need a pick-me-up it’s nice to have the option of an espresso and I have to say, the taste of all 4 Nespresso espressos are incredible.

Nespresso Vanizio is totally my fave though, I mean what’s not to love, and it’s made with vanilla. It’s smooth, creamy and with a mild hint of vanilla. You also get hit with a mild smoky Arabica note in the background paired with a slight bourbon and chocolate note. It produces a thick foamy crema latte on top that reminds me of a high-end latte. If you’re looking for an Americano style coffee with hints of natural vanilla, that doesn’t taste chemical or fake, you’ll love this one.

The new Nespresso Giornio is another favourite, a toasted cereal tones, followed by subtle white floral notes characteristic of Ethiopian Arabica. This medium morning blend is a real breakfast treat with just a hint of florally notes. No one scent dominates or overpowers the other, it really is the perfect blend.

On days when I am looking for something a little fancier, I’ve been using the Aeroccino. It’s designed to quickly heat up and froth milk at the touch of a button. It instantly makes both hot and cold frothed milk that can be poured over your coffee, no more adding cold milk to your hot coffee. Simply pour in some cold, fresh milk and press the button. It’s incredibly compact, quiet and quick. It immediately produces an exceptional quality milk froth, which you can enjoy in many different coffee recipes.