The Nespresso Vertuo Next offers a sleek, compact design with full versatility in brewing six different cup sizes from espresso to carafe. Reviewers praised its ease of use and convenience, calling it ideal for busy mornings. However, it lacks milk-based drink capabilities and requires ongoing pod purchases. Olivia Wolfe of Livingetc noted it's a great appliance for those seeking quality coffee without the barista experience, while Carly from Lipgloss and Crayons found it delivers superior taste compared to previous machines like Keurig. It's best suited for users wanting convenience and consistent quality over professional-grade features.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso Vertuo Next delivers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that fits well in modern kitchens. According to Livingetc's Olivia Wolfe, the matte black finish looks 'incredibly stylish' on countertops, though she notes it's a 'meets expectations' first impression rather than a surprise. The machine measures just 5.5 inches wide, making it compact enough for smaller spaces, though it's still bulkier than the Vertuo Pop model. TechGadgetsCanada reviewer Erin Lawrence describes it as a 'slim machine taking up a relatively small footprint.' The build quality appears solid, with a removable water tank located at the back of the unit and a capsule disposal bin on the left side. However, The Spruce Eats' Cheyenne Elwell found the capsule door difficult to close properly, requiring multiple attempts to lock in place. The machine's design incorporates 54 percent recycled materials, according to manufacturer claims, though this doesn't appear to affect the overall feel or performance.
Ease of Use and Operation
Nespresso Vertuo Next excels in simplicity and user-friendliness, which is one of its strongest selling points. Both Livingetc and The Spruce Eats reviewers found the machine extremely easy to operate, requiring only basic steps: plug in, fill water tank, insert capsule, press start. The single-button operation and straightforward process make it ideal for busy mornings, as noted by Livingetc's Wolfe. The machine features an adjustable drip tray that accommodates different cup sizes, including 7-inch travel mugs. TechGadgetsCanada's Erin Lawrence described the operation as 'really easy to operate since it really just has one button.' The process takes between 1 to 2 minutes depending on the drink size, with the machine automatically ejecting the used capsule after brewing. However, The Spruce Eats reviewer noted that the machine requires normal priming, which took about 10 minutes initially. Despite this, the overall learning curve is minimal, making it accessible to users with no prior espresso experience.
Coffee Performance and Taste
The Vertuo Next delivers consistent, quality espresso-based drinks, with reviewers noting robust flavor profiles and excellent crema formation. Taste of Home's Madi Koetting praised it as producing 'coffee shop-level espresso and coffee every single time,' while The Spruce Eats' Cheyenne Elwell found the milk froth 'silky smooth and just the right texture for cappuccinos.' The machine uses centrifugal force extraction, spinning capsules at about 7,000 RPMs to saturate grounds faster, resulting in more fully brewed coffee in less time. This process, according to TechGadgetsCanada, helps avoid over-extraction that leads to bitterness. However, some reviewers noted that the coffee temperature is slightly lower than traditional espresso machines, which may affect taste for those preferring hotter brews. Lipgloss and Crayons' Carly found the drinks 'DELISH' and noted that the pods produce quality results, though she experienced issues with hot water heating after a few months of use, requiring a factory reset. The machine's barcode system ensures consistent brewing according to pod specifications, though this also means customization options are limited.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Vertuo Next for its convenience, speed, and consistent performance. Livingetc's Olivia Wolfe highlighted the 'convenience' and 'quality coffee' as major strengths, calling it ideal for busy mornings. Taste of Home's Madi Koetting described it as 'the best coffee pod machine money can buy,' noting its ability to produce 'coffee shop-level espresso and coffee every single time.' The Spruce Eats reviewer appreciated the machine's 'elegant matte finish' and its 'minimalist design' that fits well with modern interiors. TechGadgetsCanada's Erin Lawrence emphasized the machine's 'slim footprint' and 'easy operation,' while also noting the 'centrifugal force extraction' as a unique feature. The ability to brew six different drink sizes—from single and double espressos to 18 oz carafes—was also a major plus for many reviewers. The inclusion of a removable water tank and capsule disposal bin were also appreciated for their practicality and ease of maintenance.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Vertuo Next has several notable drawbacks that reviewers identified. The most commonly cited issue was the difficulty closing the capsule door, as noted by The Spruce Eats' Cheyenne Elwell, who found it required multiple attempts to lock properly. The machine's reliance on proprietary pods was another major complaint, with Taste of Home's Madi Koetting and Lipgloss and Crayons' Carly both noting that Nespresso pods are more expensive than alternatives. The Spruce Eats reviewer also criticized the machine's 'bulky' design when paired with the milk frother, which requires additional counter space. Additionally, the machine's inability to make milk-based drinks without the separate Aeroccino frother was seen as a limitation. TechGadgetsCanada's Erin Lawrence pointed out that the machine's 'Bluetooth connectivity' and app features are underutilized, offering little practical benefit beyond low-water alerts. The water tank capacity of 37 ounces was also seen as insufficient by some users, with Lipgloss and Crayons' Carly wishing for a larger reservoir. Finally, the machine's performance with certain coffee roasts was noted to occasionally produce bitter results, though this was not universal.
Who It's Best For
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is best suited for individuals seeking a convenient, high-quality coffee solution without the complexity of traditional espresso machines. It's ideal for busy professionals or families who want consistent, café-quality drinks in under two minutes. Livingetc's Olivia Wolfe recommended it for those with 'a busier morning who still want a fabulous brew,' while Taste of Home's Madi Koetting noted its suitability for those who want 'coffee shop-level espresso and coffee every single time.' The machine is also appropriate for users who value simplicity and don't mind the higher cost of proprietary pods. However, it's not ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want full control over brewing variables or those who frequently make milk-based drinks without a separate frother. The machine's design and size make it perfect for small kitchens or countertops, but the need for additional accessories like the Aeroccino frother may not appeal to all users. It's also not recommended for those who prefer to use their own coffee beans or want to experiment with different brewing methods.
Value at This Price
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is priced at around $107.99 for the white model, according to Nespresso.com pricing, though retailers like Amazon and Breville offer it at slightly different rates. The Spruce Eats reviewer noted it's 'leaving on the expensive side' compared to other machines, though its convenience and quality justify the cost for many users. Lipgloss and Crayons' Carly found the pods to be 'at the higher end of pricing' but ultimately worth it for the quality. The machine's ability to brew six different drink sizes and its consistent performance make it a strong value proposition for those prioritizing convenience over cost. However, the ongoing expense of Nespresso pods, which are significantly more expensive than regular coffee, is a recurring concern among reviewers. The machine's energy efficiency and recyclable materials also add to its value proposition, though these features are more environmental than financial. The inclusion of a milk frother option, though sold separately, provides added versatility for users who want to make lattes or cappuccinos at home.
Long-Term Durability
While reviewers generally praised the machine's performance and build quality, long-term durability remains a mixed bag. The Spruce Eats' Cheyenne Elwell noted that the capsule door was difficult to close, which could indicate potential mechanical issues over time. Lipgloss and Crayons' Carly experienced problems with hot water heating after several months of use, requiring a factory reset, though this was resolved with online troubleshooting. The machine's centrifugal extraction system, while innovative, may also be subject to wear over time, though no specific longevity issues were reported by reviewers. The plastic construction, while lightweight and recyclable, may not withstand decades of daily use like traditional espresso machines. However, the machine's overall reliability and consistent performance during testing periods suggest it should serve most users well for several years. Nespresso's warranty coverage of one year, as noted on their website, provides some protection against manufacturing defects, though extended use beyond this period remains uncertain.
Strengths
- +Sleek design and full versatility with 6 different cup sizes
- +Easy to use with simple one-touch brewing process
- +Compact footprint suitable for smaller kitchens
- +Offers a variety of coffee formats from espresso to carafe sizes
Watch-outs
- −Doesn't make milk-based drinks
- −Requires ongoing purchase of proprietary pods
- −Limited to Nespresso capsule ecosystem
How it compares
The Nespresso Vertuo Next excels in simplicity and compact design compared to the Ninja DualBrew Pro and Breville Creatista Plus, which offer more complex features. However, it lacks milk-based drink capabilities that the Breville Creatista Plus provides, and its proprietary pod system limits versatility compared to the Keurig K-Elite's flexibility with different pod types.
Who this is for
At a glance: busy users wanting convenience and consistent quality.
Why you’d buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Sleek design and full versatility with 6 different cup sizes.
- Easy to use with simple one-touch brewing process.
- Compact footprint suitable for smaller kitchens.
Why you’d skip it
- Doesn't make milk-based drinks.
- Requires ongoing purchase of proprietary pods.
- Limited to Nespresso capsule ecosystem.
Rating sources
“Sleek design and full versatility. The old price was: $179.99 $107.99”
“I have to say..yall were RIGHT. This coffee pod machine is worth every single penny.”
“The Nespresso Vertuo Next requires a normal priming of the machine. This process took about 10 minutes in total. After this, you can use the machine as normal.”
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
