Nespresso Evoluo Review (2023) - Is This Quick Machine Worth It?
Summary
The Bottom Line
The Nespresso Evoluo comes with a large water reservoir at 54 ounces and a larger capacity for used capsules - up to 17 large pods. Plus, it's the quickest VertuoLine machine. However, the quicker brew results in a slightly cooler coffee. Like all VertuoLine machines, you're stuck using expensive Nespresso VertuoLine capsules. In addition, the Evoluo has been discontinued, but you can still find it in some stores, such as Amazon.
The Nespresso Evoluo coffee maker is a simple machine with few features, that is designed to quickly and easily brew a cup of coffee with minimal effort on your part.
Some of its highlights are its very large 54 oz water tank, and the largest spent capsule container of any Nespresso machine. However, these large capacities result in the Evoluo being the widest Nespresso VertuoLine machine.
This machine also offers good value for coffee lovers who purchase coffee shop coffee every day.
Note that the Nespresso Evoluo is a discontinued model, but it's still widely available. This could be advantageous since you may be able to find heavily discounted prices. However, this could pose some issues if your machine breaks a few years from now and no parts are available.
So how does the Evoluo stack up?
Read this Nespresso Evoluo review to find out!
Specifications
- Line: VertuoLine
- Display: None
- Materials: Plastic
- Colors: Graphite Metal, Silver, Titan, Shiny Red and Piano Black
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 7.9 x 12.3 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Water Tank: 54 oz removable
- Spent Capsule Capacity: 17 large capsules
- Power Rating: 1350 Watts
Key Features
- Brew Pressure: N/A - Centrifusion Technology
- Heat-up time: About 15 seconds
- Brewing Sizes: Depending on capsule size: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5.07 oz), Mug (7.8 oz), Alto (14 oz)
- Customizable Brew Sizes? Yes
- Pre-programmed drinks: None
- Milk System: None
- Milk Settings: N/A
- Milk Jug: None
- Hot Water Dispenser? No
- Auto-off: 9 minutes
- Cleaning: Water tank level and descaling alerts. Has cleaning, descaling, and water removal programs.
- Suitable for Latte Art? No
- Warranty: 1 year
Nespresso Evoluo Review
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso Evoluo is a fairly compact coffee maker measuring 7.9 x 12.3 x 12.2 inches (W x D x H). However, it's about 2 inches wider than the Nespresso Vertuo Next and VertuoPlus Nespresso machines.
The reason for the extra width is the large water tank and spent capsule container protruding to the left and right sides of the machine.
The clear plastic water tank and spent capsule container, although symmetric, are not attractive and take away from the sleek modern design of this Nespresso machine. However, we are aware that this is highly subjective so you may like this design.
In addition, within the VertuoLine coffee machines, the Evoluo offers the second-largest water tank at 54 ounces (behind the VertuoPlus Deluxe) and the largest spent pod container.
A prominent feature of this Nespresso VertuoLine coffee maker is its single button which sits on top of the machine's capsule locking & unlocking lever, which is made of plastic with chrome finishes.
This button illuminates and blinks in various patterns to indicate to the user any issues with the machine or to indicate the status of the machine.
The Nespresso Evoluo comes in various colors. These are Graphite Metal, Silver, Titan, Shiny Red, and Piano Black.
Similar to other Nespresso VertuoLine machines, the Evoluo comes with an adjustable cup support. It can be adjusted to 4 positions or temporarily removed, to allow for proper clearance between the coffee dispenser and various cup sizes.
In short, the Nespresso Evoluo is a machine mostly made of plastic (ok for this price point) and features a compact, modern and intuitive design that should fit in most kitchens.
Features and Ease of Use
The Nespresso Evoluo is a no-fuss machine that comes with few features. However, this pod espresso machine is extremely easy to use.
We don't penalize this Nespresso machine for its lack of features given its price. In addition, the features it does have support its ease of use and allow you to make coffee as quickly and easily as possible.
As we've mentioned, the Nespresso Evoluo is operated by a single button. This button is used to power the machine and brew coffee, as well as to adjust the brew size or start the cleaning and descaling cycles.
The Evoluo does not come with any programmed coffee recipes. Instead, the capsule size defines the type of coffee you will get. You can get espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), gran lungo (5.07 oz), mug (7.8 oz), and alto (14 oz).
Note that the "Coffee Carafe" capsule is only compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo Next.
To adjust your brew size, simply press and hold the button until the desired volume of coffee has been dispensed. The new water volume is then automatically stored for future uses.
To start the cleaning cycle, press the button 3 times within 2 seconds. To start the descaling mode, simply press and hold the button for 7 seconds.
As can be seen, operating this machine is very easy despite its lack of a screen.
Instead, the power button will blink in different patterns to tell you about the status or any issues with your machine. The Nespresso Evoluo manual thankfully comes with a handy table summarizing all the Nespresso blinking light patterns and what they each mean.
As we've noted, the few features this machine does have are supportive of the quick and easy preparation of coffee. For example, the heat-up time of this machine is just 15 seconds. This machine is also speedy when it comes to brewing coffee.
This is the quickest Nespresso VertuoLine machine from the time you power it to the time the coffee has been dispensed.
The Vertuo Evoluo will also automatically turn off after 9 minutes of inactivity to help you save electricity.
In conclusion, the Nespresso Evoluo is a simple and minimalistic machine with just the right features to allow for a quick and convenient cup of coffee and espresso.
Coffee Drink Quality
The Nespresso Evoluo, is a Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines. This means it uses the Centrifusion brewing system.
This brewing process basically consists of the machine rapidly rotating the capsules while injecting hot water into the capsule. This rotation mixes the coffee grounds and water, and then expels the coffee brew via small orifices on the sides of the capsule.
Traditional espresso machines use pressure to brew espresso, so you won't be getting authentic espresso from any VertuoLine machine including the Evoluo.
So, if you're more of a purist who likes to drink espresso, but still want the convenience of pod coffee makers, we recommend that you take a look at some of the OriginalLine Nespresso machines. These use 19-bar pressure for coffee extraction. For example, the Nespresso Pixie or the Nespresso Essenza Mini are good choices at similar price points as the Evoluo, and brew something closer to what a traditional espresso maker would brew.
The advantage of the Evoluo (or any VertuoLine coffee machine) is its flexibility in terms of brew size. Depending on which Nespresso capsule you use, the new size can be adjusted from 0.3 to 17 oz!
The Nespresso Evoluo exclusively uses VertuoLine Nespresso capsules (that is, Nespresso brand). This is because these capsules contain a barcode that the machine scans and adjusts its brew settings to match the type of capsule.
This technology is helpful in optimizing the coffee flavors for different coffee pods. However, the downside is that you're stuck using expensive Nespresso pods.
You won't be able to use third-party capsules (to widen your coffee choices) or use re-usable Nespresso pods that allow you to use even fresher coffee while saving money (you could grind your beans and fill the capsules) or decrease the environmental impact of coffee pods.
Compared to other VertuoLine coffee machines, the Evoluo dispenses coffee quicker albeit slightly cooler. So if you like your coffee piping hot, consider the Vertuo Next or the VertuoPlus.
Finally, the Evoluo does not froth milk. To do so, you will need a separate milk forther, or buy the bundle with the Aeroccino milk frother.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The Nespresso Evoluo excels in this category as it's a Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machine.
All VertuoLine machines are very easy to clean and maintain, but the Evoluo is even easier thanks to its large water tank and spent capsule container. This means you won't have to empty them as often as other machines.
Typical cleaning tasks include cleaning/rinsing the water reservoir, the drip tray, and the used capsule container.
There shouldn't be any messes to clean on your counter space or on the machine because this is a pod machine.
The power button LED lights will tell you when your machine needs some care. These include alerts for a low water level, whether a capsule needs to be ejected, or whether your machine needs descaling (or worse, when you need to call customer service but hopefully that does not happen to you).
All in all, the Nespresso Evoluo excels at keeping itself clean and in top shape while minimizing any time and effort on your part.
Value for Money
At the time of writing, the Nespresso Evoluo costs roughly $210. However, this price will likely change since the Evoluo is a discontinued model.
The Nespresso Evoluo exclusively uses VertuoLine coffee pods, which can cost as much as $1.20 per capsule! Assuming you have a coffee once per day, Year 1 costs of this machine should be around $650.
If you regularly buy coffee at a coffee shop, you will definitely be saving money. Coffee costs these days at least $3, translating to about $1,100 per year in coffee alone.
So this machine offers good value.
However, we should note that there are espresso machines that cost less than $1000 that do not use capsules. So in the long run, despite the higher initial cost, a more expensive super automatic espresso machine could save you more money.
If money is an issue, yet you like the convenience of pod based coffee makers, we invite you to take a look at our Nespresso Machine picks within the OriginalLine. OriginalLine Nespresso machines are compatible with third-party and re-usable pods.
Our Verdict
Nespresso Evoluo
- Design & Build Quality - 83
- Features & Ease of Use - 81
- Coffee Drink Quality - 73
- Cleaning & Maintenance - 97
- Value for Money - 85
Overall
Bottom Line
The Nespresso Evoluo comes with a large water reservoir at 54 ounces and a larger capacity for used capsules - up to 17 large pods. Plus, it's the quickest VertuoLine machine. However, the quicker brew results in a slightly cooler coffee. Like all VertuoLine machines, you're stuck using expensive Nespresso VertuoLine capsules. In addition, the Evoluo has been discontinued, but you can still find it in some stores, such as Amazon.
Pros
- Very large water tank
- High capacity for used capsules
- Extremely quick machine
- Scans and recognizes capsules to adapt brewing settings specific for each capsule
- Can prepare espresso and coffee (dictated by capsule size)
Cons
- Centrifusion technology results in a weaker espresso compared to OriginalLine machines
- Cannot use 3rd party capsules - requires the more expensive VertuoLine capsules
- Slightly cooler coffee
- Milk frother sold separately
- Cannot use coffee carafe capsules
- Discontinued Model
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Nespresso VertuoLine vs Evoluo?
The key differences between the Nespresso Evoluo and the Nespresso VertuoLine coffee makers are:
- The Nespresso Evoluo has the largest water tank capacity (54 oz). The only exception is the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe which has a water tank capacity of 57.5 oz.
- The Nespresso Evoluo has the largest spent capsule container, being able to fit 17 large capsules. The Nespresso Vertuo line machines have a spent capsule container capacity of 6 to 10 capsules.
- The Nespresso Evoluo is about 2 inches wider than the Vertuo line machines due to its water tank and capsule container protruding on its sides.
- The Nespresso Evoluo has a quicker heat-up time at around 15 seconds. Nespresso Vertuo machines have a heat-up time between 15 to 20 seconds (or more).
- The Nespresso Evoluo is discontinued whereas Nespresso Vertuo machines are not.
What pods does the Nespresso Evoluo use?
The Nespresso Evoluo exclusively uses Nespresso VertuoLine pods. Third-party or re-usable capsules are not compatible. The "coffee carafe" Nespresso VertuoLine pod is not compatible - it's only compatible with the Vertuo Next.
How do I descale my Nespresso Evoluo?
To descale your Nespresso Evoluo follow these steps. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
- Eject any capsules, empty the cup support and capsule containers.
- Fill the water reservoir with 1 unit of Nespresso descaling liquid with 17 oz (0.5 l) of water.
- Place a large mug under the dispenser (at least 20 oz or 0.6 l).
- Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds. You will have 45 seconds to confirm.
- Lock the machine by turning the lever left, and then unlock it by turning the lever right. Hold the button again the button for 7 seconds in the unlocked position.
- Lock the machine again and press the button. The descaling cycle should start and stop automatically.
- Empty and rinse the water tank and cup support thoroughly.
- Press the button to rinse the machine.
- Once done, press and hold the button for 7 seconds to exit the descaling mode.
- Allow the machine to dry for 10 minutes before using.
