Starbucks Verismo V Review

Update: Starbucks has discontinued all Verismo models. Verismo pods are still available for purchase at select retailers and Amazon. If you have a question about the Verismo system or you need help, Starbucks Customer Service is available at 1-800-334-5553.

Looking for a new coffee maker? Start here with a few of my favorites.

DESIGN
Like previous Verismo brewers 583 and 600 (discontinued) the Verismo V offers the option of brewing an espresso or brewed coffee at the touch of a button.

The V keeps many of the same features that we saw with old models: a 19 bar pump pressure, auto off, removable and adjustable drip tray and a place to store used pods. However, the removable water tank is now more than twice the size – 77.7 ounces (compared to 33.8 ounces on previous models) which is fantastic.

Buttons are placed on top for easy coffee controls and they do offer some extra options including hot water on demand and programmable cup volumes.

The 11” tall and 7.6” wide is beautifully designed and it will definitely look good sitting on a kitchen counter.

Verismo V brewer is available in black and retails for $149.00. The machine includes a limited one-year warranty for normal home use, a free box of Verismo pods and free shipping. 

EASE OF USE
Brewing your morning cup with V is simple. The machine uses standard Verismo coffee pods and works just like your old brewer.

To brew an espresso, lift the handle, insert one Verismo espresso pod of your choice, close and press espresso pod button. When done, simply lift the handle to send an empty pod into the bin and that’s it. The machine automatically sends the used pod to the bin so you don’t have to do any cleaning. To brew coffee, take one brewed coffee pod and peel off pressure tab at the bottom of the pod. Insert the pod in the machine, close the handle and choose brewed pod button (large cup). The machine will brew a 10 ounce cup. The auto off will activate after 5 minutes to help save energy.

This model allows you to set a desired cup volume. The default espresso size is 1 ounce, but you can set it up to 1.5 ounces. The default brew size for coffee is now 10 ounces (on older models that was 7 ounces) and you can change it within 7 – 10 oz range. You can also set volume for milk pods and hot water.

For detailed instructions on how to use or setup your brewer, please check your manual or download a copy of Verismo V manual online.

The rinse cycle: When you turn on your machine, the machine will remind you to run a rinse cycle. Rinse cycle is necessary to make sure that machine is properly heated, but it also helps keep your machine clean. To rinse, place a cup under the drip nozzle and press a rinse button. After rinsing, your Verismo will be ready to make drinks. You will need to rinse the machine every time it is turned on.

VERISMO V COMPATIBLE PODS
As I mentioned, the V machine uses standard Verismo coffee pods. There are over 15 different Verismo pod options, including espresso, brewed coffee, tea and milk pods.

For recipe ideas & inspiration, check out this post.

Unfortunately, they still don’t have reusable Verismo pods. There are however, foil seals for Verismo pod type available to purchase online. A 100ct foil pack retails for $15.99. They do require more work but it a good option if you want to use your own coffee in Verismo machine.

Can you use other pods in Verismo V machine? Can you use k-cups in Verismo V? Can you use Nespresso pods in Verismo machine? The CBTL capsules and Verismo system?
Keurig k-cups and Nespresso pods are not compatible with any of the Verismo machines. That includes k-cups, k-mugs, k-carafes, classic Nespresso pods and VertuoLine Nespresso pods. You can’t use any of these in the Verismo machine. However, the CBTL pods will probably work just fine like with previous models. Price: $7.00 for 10ct and $11.00 for 16ct box. That’s $0.68-$0.70 per capsule. But don’t forget, manufacturers recommend using only original pods. Using different pods can sometimes cause a damage to the machine. This rarely happens, but let’s say that original pods/capsules are always the best option. Use other pod options at your own risk.

Milk pods: You might consider buying a milk frother and use fresh milk instead. After some time, your Verismo machine can develop sour smell because of the milk pods. With espresso machines, it’s really important to clean all the parts that come in contact with milk, after each use. The problem with Verismo is that milk goes through an entire unit and you simply can’t clean it properly. That’s why I suggest to avoid using milk pods in your machine from the beginning, if possible. It’s important to mention that Verismo milk pods have not been discontinued and you can still purchase them at Starbucks retail locations in case you prefer that option.

Where to buy Verismo pods? Starbucks has decided to close their online store. The best place to buy Verismo pods at this time is Amazon and Bed, Bath and Beyond. The pods are also available for purchase at Starbucks retail locations.

VERISMO vs OTHER COFFEE MAKERS
Verismo vs Keurig: Keurig offers a huge choice of k-cups – at a better price. You can get k-cups for less than 50¢ per cup. They have a huge variety of flavors, brands, roasts, decaf options plus, a reusable k-cup, so you can use your own coffee. The 2.0 system can also do a carafe. While Keurig makes only regular coffee, Verismo makes both: brewed coffee and espresso.

Verismo vs Nespresso VertuoLine: Both machines can do coffee and espresso, they have automatic pod disposal and bin storage, and have programmable volume option. Nespresso offers a slightly better machine quality and makes better crema. It also allows you to program the desired water volume for from 0.3 oz to 17 oz – with Verismo that’s 1 oz to 7 oz range. The pod price is pretty much the same but since you sometimes need two Verismo pods to brew a decent cup size, Nespresso pods will cost less total. Verismo V retails for $149.00 ($179.00 for machine and frother bundle), but you can get Vertuoline at similar price when on sale. Here you can read a full Nespresso VertuoLine to get more information.

Difference between Verismo 580, 583, 600 and V: Verismo V is definitely the best Verismo model so far. The water tank is more than doubled, buttons are place on top, it has programmable cup sizes and hot water on demand. Few small improvements but, they offer much better user experience.

MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
All Starbucks Verismo machines include a limited one-year warranty for normal home use. Customer service help is available Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. , at 1-800-334-5553 and 1-877-421-9062. To keep your Verismo in good shape, clean the external parts of the brewer with wet cloth regularly and descale it every three months. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean your Verismo machine properly.

The Verismo V brewer is available for purchase at Starbucks stores and Amazon.