Nespresso Vertuo Next Review | The comparison

Nespresso Vertuo Next Review | The comparison

One minute review

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is a sleek machine that creates smooth coffee with brilliant crema every time.. Worthy of a place among the best coffee makers, the Vertuo Next is the easiest-to-use coffee machine we've tested; all you really have to do is place a capsule inside and press a button. You can choose from five different cup sizes and cleanup takes seconds as this machine is virtually mess-free. On its own, though, we found the Vertuo Next a bit of a limitation, since you can only make espressos or Americanos; If you want to make lattes or cappuccinos, you will need to pour them into a separate milk frother. However, the Vertuo Next heats up quickly and consistently delivers barista-style coffee, but you have to buy official Vertuo pods and recycling the pods is not as easy as just putting them in your home by recycling. For the ultimate in brewing convenience, though, it'll be hard to beat the Vertuo Next.

Nespresso Vertuo Next price and availability

Nespresso Vertuo Next (Image credit: Avenir) The Nespresso Vertuo Next is widely available and is part of Nespresso's Vertuo range, which uses different capsules from its Original range. It's not the most expensive coffee machine on the market, but it's not capable of frothing milk, so you'll have to factor in the cost of a separate milk frother, if that's important to you.

Integrated

The Nespresso Vertuo Next looks expensive with its sleek and slim design, raised logo on the front of the machine, and curved lines. While it doesn't take up the least possible space, due to the position of the water tank at the back, it makes a stylish addition to your countertop and is available in a range of colors to match your décor. When our review machine arrived, it was packaged in 100% recyclable packaging, a refreshing change from the mass of foam and plastic bags that many other devices are packed in. The green theme doesn't end there either, as this Nespresso machine is made from 54% recycled plastic, and the brand claims that all of its capsules can now be recycled as well. The Vertuo Next measures 14,2 x 42,9 x 31,4 cm / 5,6 x 16,9 x 12,4 inches, making it nice and slim (although, as mentioned, it's a bit long in terms of size). deep) and easy to store on kitchen counters, even if you're short on space. As long as you have a power outlet, you can keep the Nespresso Vertuo Next almost anywhere, as it makes virtually no mess when in use and the water tank is removable, so you don't have to. the sink. This coffee maker reads the barcode on each coffee capsule you put inside so it can brew the coffee correctly. It also means you have to use proprietary Nespresso capsules in Vertuo Next; the machine is not compatible with generic capsules. Once you've placed a capsule inside the Vertuo Next, the machine uses what Nespresso calls "centrifugal force" to spin it at high speed so that the coffee it produces is smooth and tasty. Nespresso's Vertuo machines, including the Vertuo Next and Nespresso Vertuo Plus, give you more choice in terms of cup sizes than the brand's Original range, and you can choose from five different cup sizes, ranging from espresso to beverage. of 41 ml. The cup holder on this machine is adjustable so you can use cups and bowls of different heights. Nespresso Vertuo Next (Image credit: Avenir) To prepare a coffee, nothing could be simpler: all you have to do is choose a capsule, place it inside the machine and press the button on top of the machine. The Nespresso machine then reads the capsule and brews your coffee.

Performance

Unpacking and setting up the Nespresso Vertuo Next only takes a few minutes and is very easy. We tested this machine for a few weeks using a variety of pods to get a good idea of ​​how this model works and how many different drinks you can make with it. First of all, if you are fairly new to Nespresso, be aware that Vertuo Nespresso machines do not froth milk, so if you want to enjoy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, you will need to purchase a separate milk frother - Nespresso will will sell one. for €98 / €50 / €99AU, but cheaper models are available. For our first test of the Vertuo Next, we made an espresso, using a specially designed espresso capsule. It was easy to lift the lid of the machine and put a capsule inside, and once we closed the machine by putting the lid back on and clicking it, the Nespresso was ready to go. There's only one button on Vertuo Next, so starting the brewing process couldn't be easier. The espresso produced by the machine had a thick golden cream on top. We added sugar to the espresso and stirred the drink to see how the crema held up and found it reformed almost instantly. This Nespresso machine can make five different drink sizes, so we wanted to test each one for accuracy and flavor. We then use a Melozio coffee pod, which is medium strength and produces 7.75 fl oz / 320 ml of coffee. The brewing process took 100 seconds from pressing the button to when the coffee was ready to drink, and the amount produced was exactly what the capsule promised. We were delighted to find that there was no splash when the machine was running and it reached 68 decibels on our meter, which is the equivalent of ambient noise on a desk. The coffee the machine again produced had a good crema and, like the espresso test, the crema in this larger coffee reformed even after we added sugar and added a bit of milk. When it comes to taste, we think coffee can be a lot like aroma: what's good for one person might be awful for another. However, we tested the Nespresso Vertuo Next to determine how sweet the coffee was and whether it tasted burnt. Every coffee we made was always smooth, and while we found some of the pods to taste quite bitter, it will probably depend on your personal preference. The Vertuo Next has a removable drip tray that's easy to clean, and used pods collect in the pod holder, which slides out of the machine easily. We have found that pouring used capsules into the recycling bag can be a bit tricky at times, as the capsules tend to contain coffee grounds. It's no secret that coffee pods aren't the greenest product on the market, but Nespresso sticks to its aluminum pod design because it says it's the best for keeping coffee fresh. When you buy a Nespresso machine, a recycling bag is included, and once it's full, you can take your used capsules to your nearest Nespresso store, take them to a collection point, or ask the delivery driver to collect your bag during your next installment.

Should I buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

Buy it if...

You want infallible coffee

The Vertuo Next performed consistently well in all of our tests, producing smooth coffee with heavy cream every time, and all at the touch of a button.

You want a variety of cup sizes

There are five different cup sizes to choose from and the cup holder adjusts so you can fit the appropriate cup under the spout.

You need something without clutter

Because Vertuo Next uses capsules, it is easy and neat to use - there will be no coffee grounds or spills on your counters, and cleaning only takes seconds.

Don't buy it if...

You like to make lattes

The Vertuo Next is designed for espresso and American making, so if you are a heavy latte drinker, you will need to factor in the cost of purchasing an additional milk frother.

You don't want to buy capsules

This machine cannot be used with ground coffee, and you will also need to purchase official Nespresso capsules, which cannot be recycled in your home recycling.

You want a cheap capsule machine

Nespresso machines aren't cheap, and with the added expense of buying capsules, Vertuo Next may not be for everyone.