It’s an exciting day when you first get your brand-new Vertuo Pop machine.
The nifty colors, sleek design, and smorgasbord of different coffee flavors to try.
But like most things, without proper maintenance (and a little TLC), you may run into problems.
We’ve found the most common reason why your Vertuo Pop machine has stopped working properly is either because it needs descaling, or because it needs to be reset back to its factory settings. Other issues include your machine won’t turn on, won’t brew coffee, won’t recognize the capsules, or simply that your machine is leaking.
In this article, we’ll explore these common issues with the Vertuo Pop, share tips for troubleshooting and maintaining your machine, and answer frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Nespresso Vertuo Pop Machine
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a coffee maker in their ‘VertuoLine’ range that uses Nespresso’s patented Centrifusion technology to brew coffee. This technology uses centrifugal force to extract the coffee, resulting in a rich, creamy, and smooth coffee. The machine is designed to work with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are available in a variety of flavors and strengths.
– How it Works
The Vertuo uses a unique barcode system to recognize each coffee capsule and adjust the brewing parameters accordingly. This means that if the barcode is damaged or unreadable, the machine may not be able to recognize the capsule and will not brew coffee. Additionally, the machine may not turn on if there is an issue with the power source or if the water tank is empty or not properly inserted.
– Features
The Nespresso Vertuo machine has several features that make it stand out from other coffee makers. Some of these features include:
- Automatic capsule recognition and brewing parameter adjustment
- One-touch brewing
- Adjustable cup size
- Large water tank
- Energy-saving mode
– Maintenance
To keep your Nespresso Vertuo machine in good working order, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance.
This includes descaling the machine every three months and cleaning the capsule holder and drip tray regularly. You’ll also want to clean the barcode reader, and the injection nozzle and gunk build up here can stop the machine from working entirely.
8 Reasons Why Your Vertuo Pop Isn’t Working (And How To Fix Them)
As an owner of the Vertuo Pop, I have encountered a few common issues that can cause it to stop working. As an owner of The Green Pods we get plenty of messages from you for help with your nespresso problems.
In this section, I will discuss some of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Vertuo Pop Needs Descaling
Nespresso suggests that you descale your machine every 3 months or 300 brews – whichever comes first. This process removed mineral particles from your tap water that build up inside the machine’s pipework.
This is often overlooked but is essential to keep your machine alive, especially in cities with hard tap water.
Warning Light:
The Vertuo Pop has a warning light that will come on orange when it’s time to descale your machine.
If this happend you MUST descale your machine before you can brew more coffee (this protects the machine from breaking)
How To Descale The Vertuo Pop
Read More: We’ve written a complete guide to descale your pop here, with a downloadable cheatsheet for Green Pods members
2. Machine Not Turning On
If your Nespresso Vertuo machine is not turning on, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue. First, make sure the machine is properly plugged into a functioning outlet. If it is, check the water tank to ensure it is properly filled. Also, check the energy-saving mode to ensure it is not accidentally activated.
Power Source Issues
If your Nespresso Vertuo Pop is not turning on, check the power source. Ensure that the machine is properly plugged into a working electrical outlet. If the machine is plugged in and still not turning on, unplug it and plug it back in to reset the electrical connection.
Try A Factory Reset:
3. Capsule Recognition System Problems
If your Nespresso Vertuo Pop is not recognizing the capsule, try cleaning the barcode reader. The barcode reader is located on the inside of the machine, where the capsule is inserted. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the barcode reader.
Barcode Reader Malfunctions
If your Nespresso Vertuo Pop is blinking orange, the barcode reader may be malfunctioning. Try cleaning the barcode reader as described above. If the problem persists, contact Nespresso customer service for assistance.
If the problem persists, try using a different brand of coffee capsule. Some capsules may not be compatible with the machine.
Also if you’re using capsules from a 3rd party manufacturer or reusable vertuo pods, try switching back to genuine Nespresso pods to see if that is the problem.
4. Machine Not Brewing Coffee
If your Nespresso Vertuo machine is not brewing coffee, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue. First, make sure the machine is properly plugged into a functioning outlet. Next, check the water tank to ensure it is properly filled. Also, check the capsule to ensure it is properly inserted and not damaged.
5. Blinking Orange Light
If you see a blinking orange light on your Nespresso Vertuo machine, it may indicate that the machine needs to be reset. To reset the machine, eject the capsule if there is one inside and follow the steps provided by the manufacturer.
5. Clogged Needles
If your Nespresso Vertuo machine is not working, it is most likely that the needles are clogged. This can happen if coffee grounds get stuck in the needles.
How To Clean The Injector Nozzle
To fix the problem, remove the top cover of the machine and use a brush to clean the inside of the needles. I find a paper clip opened up works well to get all the way in there.
If you have a spray bottle of cleaning product try and get some of that up there, just to dislodge any of the coffee oils that may have built up.
Finally, it’s a good idea to run a descaling cycle to fully rinse out the nozzle with descaler too.
6. Water Tank Leaks
If your Nespresso Vertuo Pop is leaking water from the water tank, check the tank for cracks or damage. If the tank is damaged, replace it. If the tank is not damaged, ensure that it is properly inserted into the machine. If the problem persists, contact Nespresso customer service for assistance.
7. Issues With The Bluetooth and Wifi Connectivity:
One of the perks of the Vertuo Pop is it’s bluetooth and wifi conectivity – but honestly i’ve found this to be less of a blessing and more of a curse!
The bluetooth doesnt work unless my phone is literraly on top of the nespresso machine. And there’s so many issues with the wifi dropping out you’d be better saying it drops-in for the few times it actually works.
Read More: If you think the issue is with the setup instuctions; checkout my guide here on how to set up wifi and bluetooth on your vertuo machine here
Troubleshooting The Wi-Fi Connection:
- Try resetting your Wi-Fi router and then reconnecting your machine to the network.
- If this doesn’t work, check if there are any firmware updates available for your machine. You can do this by checking the Nespresso app or website.
Troubleshooting the Bluetooth Connections
- Hold your phone as close to the machine as possible (even sit it on top of the machine)
- Try turning the Bluetooth on your phone off and on again.
- Then try turning the Vertuo Pop off and on to force it to reconnect.
How To Maintain Your Vertuo Pop (To Stop It Breaking In The Future)
As said at the start, it’s important to keep it well-maintained to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to maintain your Nespresso Vertuo machine.
1. Cleaning the Machine
Regular cleaning of your Nespresso Vertuo is essential to ensure the quality of your coffee. To clean your machine, use a microfibre cloth to wipe the exterior of the machine. For the interior, remove any used capsules and rinse the capsule container and drip tray with water. It’s important to note that the drip tray is not dishwasher safe.
For the brewing unit, use a soft brush to remove any coffee grinds or debris. If there are any stubborn stains or grime, use a damp cloth to wipe the brewing unit. Make sure to dry the brewing unit thoroughly before reinserting it into the machine.
2. Descale Every 3 Months
Descaling your Nespresso Vertuo is essential to remove any limescale buildup that can affect the quality of your coffee. The frequency of descaling depends on the water hardness in your area, but it’s recommended to descale your machine every three months.
To descale your machine, fill the water tank with Nespresso’s descaling solution and water. Place a container that can hold at least 1 liter of water under the coffee outlet. Press and hold both buttons on the machine for three seconds to start the descaling process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the descaling process.
After the descaling process is complete, rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it with fresh water. Run water through the machine by pressing the button without any capsule. Repeat this process until the water tank is empty to ensure that all the descaling solution is removed.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Nespresso Vertuo machine is well-maintained and provides you with a quality coffee experience every time.
How To Getting Further Assistance
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your Nespresso Vertuo Pop is still not working, it’s time to seek further assistance. Here are some options to consider:
1. Contact Customer Service
If your machine is still under warranty, reach out to Nespresso’s customer service team. They can help you troubleshoot the issue, and if necessary, arrange for a repair or replacement. You can reach them via phone, email, or live chat on their website. Before you contact them, make sure you have your machine’s serial number and purchase date handy.
2. Consider Repair or Replacement
If your machine is out of warranty, and you have exhausted all the troubleshooting options, it may be time to consider repair or replacement. You can either take your machine to a Nespresso boutique or authorized repair center or purchase a new machine. Before you make any decision, weigh the cost of repair or replacement against the cost of a new machine.
We’ve found that Amazon usually has the lowest price if you’re looking for a new machine. (some retails may be cheaper when running a big sale, but Amazon is easy).
Recommendations:
They sell two variations, The Pop Deluxe with the Aerocinno milk frother and the Pop Solo – without. If you don’t a milk frother one already, I’d highly recommend getting this version as you pay about $50 extra to get the frother which normally retails around the $90 mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to commons questions we get about technical issues with the Vertuo Pop machine;
How do I troubleshoot my Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine?
If you are experiencing issues with your Nespresso Vertuo Pop Deluxe machine, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure the machine is properly plugged in and turned on. Check the water tank to ensure it is filled to the appropriate level and the lid is securely closed.
The most common reason people can’t get their Vertuo Pop to work is because the descaling light has come on and the machine needs to be descaled. If that is the case, follow this guide here
Why are my Nespresso Vertuo Pop capsules not being dispensed?
If your Nespresso Vertuo Pop capsules are not being dispensed, check to ensure the capsule is properly inserted into the machine. Make sure the machine is properly plugged in and turned on.
Check the machine has fully heated up and is showing the ‘ready’ state where the white light is solidly illuminated.
(if the light is flashing or a different color you’ll want to check what that error code means)
How do I properly descale my Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine?
To properly descale your Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine fill the water tank with a descaling solution and running the machine through a descaling cycle, folowed by a rinse cycle.
You can find our full instructions here as well as a helpful downloadable cheat sheet 🙂
What are some common issues with the Nespresso Vertuo Pop?
Common issues with the Nespresso Vertuo Pop include leaking water, capsules not being dispensed, and the machine not turning on. If you experience any of these issues, consult the user manual or contact Nespresso customer support for further assistance.
Why is the red light blinking on my Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine?
The red light on your Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine may blink if the water tank is empty or if the machine needs to be descaled. Check the water tank to ensure it is filled to the appropriate level and the lid is securely closed. If the issue persists, it may be time to descale the machine.
Read More: Our guide to what the lights on the Vertuo pop machine mean might help
