I've had my Pop Plus for almost a year, and overall I really like it. Of course, it makes a great cup of coffee, and it makes it fast. Other than that, here are some pros and cons: Pros 1. It has a small footprint compared to other Vertuo models, and the unique shape allows it to fit comfortably into a corner, if needed. 2. It heats up faster than older Vertuo models 3. The water tank is easy to remove and clean 4. It's quieter than older Vertuo models (although still vibrates quite a lot) 5. The pod catch bin is easy to remove and clean
Cons 1. I got the gold and black color, and the gold finish is simply a cellophane film. How did I discover this? Well, I put the mug tray in some water one night to soak off dried coffee, and when I went to wash it the next morning, the gold colored film *sloughed off* leaving the steel beneath exposed. This feels really cheap and below the standard I expect for Nespresso machines. 2. Why, oh why, is the column below the spout CONVEX?? Who did this? It should be a concave curve to accommodate the shape of most mugs, or at the very least be flat. With the column rounding outward, it means you can't use mugs with any sort of inward curve at the mouth or you risk the stream of coffee not making it in, and pouring all over your countertop, instead. 3. This machine DOES accommodate XL capsules, but it has a tough time ejecting the pods when you open the chamber afterward. I've had almost every XL pod get stuck and need to be removed by hand vs sliding down into the catch bin.
This is my 3rd Nespresso machine. The first one was the Original which was given to me as a gift. It served me for a good 6 years or so. Then the 2nd one was the Next, which I loved and used for over 2 years. I left that machine at the rental property then purchased the Pod, because of the color options. I bought a yellow one and have been using it for about 2 years now. I love the compact size and it does the same thing as Next. I highly recommend any Nespresso machine but I’d also recommend to get the milk frother so you can enjoy the latte and cappuccino as well.
So I would recommend saving your money and buying the bigger machine. This one is poorly designed. Coffee catchers under the pod dispenser and spills everything I clean it. Finicky in general. I loved my bigger one though.