Nespresso Vertuo Next Review

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the latest model in Nespresso’s VertuoLine collection. If you’re thinking of purchasing this model to satisfy your coffee cravings, and you want to make sure you’re making a good choice, then you’re in the right place. We reviewed the Vertuo Next and made the ultimate guide to help you understand its key features, how it compares to other models, and our verdict on if it really is worth buying.

Nespresso Vertuo Next – At a glance

The Vertuo Next is the slimmest model in Nespresso’s VertuoLine collection and comes with a large variety of cup sizes. Similar to other VertuoLine models, the Vertuo Next brews both coffee and espresso. It’s also sold with some extra accessories such as the Aeroccino milk frother if you want to be able to brew milk drinks as well.

Key Features

These are key features you need to look for before buying Nespresso Vertuo Next.

Product Line

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is part of Nespresso’s much-celebrated VertuoLine collection, meaning it too can brew both coffee and espresso. VertuoLine machines are widely popular for utilising the latest technology like centrifusion and barcode scanning to help produce the perfect, custom cup of coffee. The Vertuo Next is the latest innovation in this line and has all these features plus some additional ones that we’ll explore below.

Brew Sizes:

The Vertuo Next can brew both espresso and coffee for up to five cup sizes which are already pre-set by the machine. These cups range from 1.35 oz to 14 oz but there is some room to make custom cups up to 18 oz. 

US/CA Partners:

The Vertuo Next is manufactured by DeLonghi and Breville in the US and Canada.

UK Partners:

The Vertuo Next is manufactured by Magimix in the UK.

Water Reservoir:

The Nespresso Vertuo has a water tank capacity of 37 oz, which is a bit lower than that of other VertuoLine machines. While this lower capacity is probably due to the Vertuo’s smaller size, it is still enough that you could make around four large cups of coffee before having to refill the reservoir.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

The Vertuo Next is the first Nespresso machine to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If you have the Nespresso app, then Bluetooth is a really helpful feature as it’ll improve your efficiency greatly. The app lets you know when the level of your water tank is low, when you should descale the machine, and can even help you reset the machine to its factory settings if need be.

The Wi-Fi feature is more for the maintenance of the machine as the Vertuo Next can use it to update its firmware to make sure it’s in prime condition to properly scan the barcodes on your capsules.

Nespresso’s centrifusion technology

One of the most famous features of Nespresso’s VertuoLine is its patented centrifusion technology. Replacing the traditional pressure pump system, centrifusion is supposed to help you make the most out of each capsule. Through this technology, the machine pricks minuscule holes in the capsule at 7000 rpm while rapidly spinning it around to try and ensure that the water is properly infused with the coffee.

After all the coffee is extracted from the capsule, the machine spins it around a few more times to properly clean the capsule. These cleaned capsules can then be mailed to Nespresso as a part of their recycling program.

Milk Frother:

If you’re a latte drinker or want to experiment with other milky drinks, the Vertuo Next can also be fitted with a milk frother which is sold separately. If bought with the machine, the Aeroccino milk frother is sold at half price and is a great add-on if you want to add some variety to the style of drink your machine can make.

Spent Capsules:

10

External Material:

 The Vertuo Next comes with a testing box of 10 Nespresso capsules.

Dimensions (width x depth x height):

The Vertuo Next has dimensions of 5.5″ x 16.8″ x 12.4″. The small dimensions of the Vertuo Next are considered to be one of its key features as it is the smallest out of Nespresso’s VertuoLine collection. So if counter space is an issue for you, the Vertuo Next is a good option as it is a very compact, slim machine.

Weight:

The Vertuo Next weighs in at around 8.8 lb which isn’t the lightest out of all the Nespresso machines, but it’s still relatively on the lower end of the weight spectrum.

Watts:

The Vertuo Next operates at 1350 Watts, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space on your power bill.

Pros:

Environmentally friendly:

The Vertuo Next is made from 54% recycled plastics and is the most environmentally friendly of all of Nespresso’s machines. The Vertuo Next also enables access to Nespresso’s pod recycling programme as well. So, if you’re an environmentally conscious customer, the Vertuo Next is probably one of the most sustainable machines on the market.

Machine Size:

The Vertuo Next is Nespresso’s slimmest model and is advertised for its small counter footprint and compact build. If counter space is an issue for you, you should definitely consider purchasing the Vertuo Next as it won’t take up a lot of room in your kitchen.

Cup Sizes Choice:

The Nespresso Vertuo Next makes coffee and espresso drinks for a variety of cup sizes. The preset cup sizes are: Espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), lungo (3.7 oz), coffee (7.8 oz), and alto (14 oz) but can be programmed up to 18 oz. If you’re someone who regularly drinks full-size coffees, this increase in cup size is definitely up your alley.

Cons:

Cost:

The Nespresso Vertuo Next costs around $210, which is a significant jump from the $190 OriginalLine machine. Along with the higher machine price, VertuoLine pods are also around 30% more expensive than OriginalLine pods. The high pod price can’t even be avoided because other than Nespresso’s own pods and its collaboration with Starbucks; no third-party pods exist for the VertuoLine.

Additionally, if you want to buy the accompanying accessories like the Aeroccino milk frother, you’ll have to pay extra. The extra cost, along with the smaller brewing capacity, needs to be considered so you make sure you’re getting something worth your money.

Longer Warm-up Time:

The Vertuo Next has a warm-up time of around 25 seconds which is the longest out of all the VertuoLine machines. Most other VertuoLine machines take around 15 to 20 seconds so the Vertuo Next isn’t exactly the most efficient.

Less Rich Espresso in Comparison to the OriginalLine

In comparison to the pump method used by Nespresso’s original machines, the Vertuo Next’s centrifusion technology can sometimes produce a less rich espresso. Especially as you switch to a larger cup, the finish of the drink can get less creamy and more diluted almost. The Vertuo Next’s coffee is also not as hot as the OriginalLine’s coffee so if you like a scalding, steaming mug, this one might not be for you.

Should you buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

In comparison to the OriginalLine machines, the Vertuo Next is more expensive and arguably doesn’t make as strong of a brew. Despite the centrifusion technology in the Vertuo Next, the espresso it makes doesn’t taste as concentrated or rich as that made by an OriginalLine machine. Instead, the Vertuo Next’s espresso can taste a bit weak and under-brewed.

Overall, the Vertuo Next is a great buy if you’re someone who wants to save counter space and values cup size. However, if you’re an espresso lover who wants a great cup at a lesser price, maybe one of Nespresso’s OriginalLine machines is for you.

Alternatives

Keurig K Café

If you’re intrigued by Vertuo Next’s ability to make a greater variety of drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, maybe Keurig’s K Café is the right fit for you. Costing around $180, the K Café is a cheaper alternative to the Vertuo Next. The Keurig can make drinks from 6 oz to 12 oz and produces a really strong espresso.

Nespresso by Krups Essenza Mini

Part of the OriginalLine, the Essenza Mini is Nespresso’s smallest single-serve espresso machine. With a price of $169, the Essenza Mini is a really reasonable espresso-only option. You can also use third-party capsules, so you’ll have a lot of variety. If you’re someone who worries about counter space, the Essenza Mini has a really small countertop footprint and also uses Nespresso’s traditional pump technology to make really rich, flavourful espresso. Even if you want specialty beverages like cappuccinos, you can purchase an Aeroccino milk frother separately.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker (40715)

Costing around $110, the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker is an espresso machine that can also make lots of specialty drinks like mochas and lattes. With a water tank capacity of 40 oz and the ability to serve two cups at once, this machine is a super-efficient alternative to the Vertuo Next.

Our Verdict

The Vertuo Next isn’t without its setbacks. The comparatively high cost, almost weak espresso, and long waiting time are serious limitations. If you’re someone who values a strong cup of espresso and aren’t really a fan of the novelty drinks, maybe some of the alternatives we listed might be more your style. However, if you’re searching for a machine that can make speciality drinks and aren’t opposed to the high price tag, the Vertuo Next might just be for you. It has a slim build and it won’t be an interference in your kitchen. Plus, the wireless features of the Vertuo Next are really great additions because the machine lets you know when to refill the water tank or when it’s time for an update. This way, you can do things in advance and won’t be caught by surprise by your machine’s needs. The sustainable construction of the Vertuo Next, along with its different cup sizes make it a really good option for conscious customers who love a full drink of coffee.