In the world of coffee enthusiasts, the Nespresso brand has long been synonymous with convenience, quality, and style. The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the latest iteration in the Vertuo line, designed to cater to those who want the experience of café-quality coffee at home. But with so many options available on the market, is the Vertuo Next truly worth the investment? In this detailed review, we’ll explore every aspect of the machine, from its design and build quality to its performance, usability, and overall value.
- Versatile Brewing: Offers five cup sizes from espresso to a full carafe.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with 54% recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging.
- Easy to Use: Simple one-button operation with automatic capsule detection.
- Compact Design: Slim and stylish, fits well in small spaces.
- Auto Cleaning: Includes automatic cleaning and descaling functions.
- Expensive Capsules: Vertuo capsules are pricier than original Nespresso options.
- Plastic Build: Heavy use of plastic may feel less premium.
- Thin Crema: Produces a lighter, bubbly crema, not ideal for all.
- Temperature Issues: Some users report lukewarm coffee; may need resetting.
- Limited App Use: The app offers minimal functionality for daily use.
Design and Build Quality
The Nespresso Vertuo Next impresses right out of the box with its sleek, minimalist design. Available in a variety of colors, including chrome, rose gold, and matte black, it can seamlessly blend into any kitchen décor. The machine’s slim profile, measuring just 5.5 inches in width, allows it to fit comfortably on most countertops without taking up too much space. However, its stylish exterior does come with some trade-offs.
One of the machine’s most notable design features is its construction, which incorporates 54% recycled materials. This eco-friendly approach is complemented by packaging made entirely from recycled materials, making the Vertuo Next a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Despite the heavy use of plastic, the machine feels sturdy and well-built, though it lacks the premium feel of some higher-end models.
The Vertuo Next also boasts a single-button operation, making it incredibly user-friendly. Surrounding the button is a twisting capsule lock mechanism, which securely holds the coffee pod in place during brewing. This design is intuitive and easy to use, but some users have reported difficulty in closing the capsule door, which may require multiple attempts to secure properly.
Performance and Coffee Quality
When it comes to brewing coffee, the Nespresso Vertuo Next excels in delivering consistent, high-quality espresso and espresso-based drinks. The machine uses Nespresso’s proprietary Centrifusion technology, which spins the coffee pod at high speeds to blend water and coffee grounds, resulting in a rich, aromatic cup of coffee with a thick crema.
One of the standout features of the Vertuo Next is its ability to brew coffee in five different sizes, ranging from a single shot of espresso to a full 18-ounce carafe. This versatility is ideal for households with varying coffee preferences, allowing users to customize their brew to suit their needs. The machine automatically detects the size and type of coffee pod inserted and adjusts the brewing parameters accordingly, ensuring that each cup is brewed to perfection.
However, it’s worth noting that the espresso crema produced by the Vertuo Next is not as thick or velvety as that produced by more traditional espresso machines. While the coffee itself is robust and flavorful, those who are particular about their crema may find it lacking. Additionally, the machine’s brewing process is slightly slower than other Nespresso models, with a single espresso taking around 53 seconds to brew.
In terms of temperature, the Vertuo Next delivers coffee at an average of 147°F, which is within the optimal range for most coffee enthusiasts. However, some users have reported issues with the machine not heating the water properly, resulting in lukewarm drinks. This issue can typically be resolved with a quick factory reset, but it’s something to be aware of.
Usability and Convenience
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is designed with ease of use in mind. Its one-button operation and automatic capsule detection make it a breeze to brew coffee without any complicated settings or adjustments. The removable 37-ounce water tank is easy to fill and clean, though it lacks minimum and maximum fill lines, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward, with an automatic rinse and descaling function that can be activated with a few simple steps. The machine’s removable parts, including the water tank and capsule container, can be hand-washed with warm soapy water. However, the lack of a handle on the water tank and capsule container makes them a bit tricky to remove and reattach.
One of the more modern features of the Vertuo Next is its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the machine to update itself for optimal performance. The accompanying Nespresso app provides maintenance information and allows users to adjust settings like water hardness. However, the app’s functionality is limited, and many users may find it unnecessary.
Cost Considerations and Environmental Impact
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is priced competitively, starting at $146 for standard colors and going up to $209 for deluxe and limited-edition finishes. While this makes it one of the more affordable Vertuo models, it’s important to consider the ongoing cost of Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are pricier than the original Nespresso capsules.
The capsules start at around $0.98 each, which can add up quickly if you’re a frequent coffee drinker. However, the convenience and quality of the coffee may justify the higher cost for many users. Additionally, Nespresso’s recycling program allows customers to recycle used capsules by requesting a prepaid recycling bag with their order, making it easier to manage the environmental impact of single-use pods.
Final Verdict: Is the Nespresso Vertuo Next Worth the Investment?
After thoroughly evaluating the Nespresso Vertuo Next, it’s clear that this machine offers a compelling combination of convenience, quality, and sustainability. Its sleek design and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy café-quality coffee at home without the hassle of manual brewing. The machine’s ability to brew coffee in multiple sizes, from a single shot of espresso to a full carafe, adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of coffee preferences.
However, the Vertuo Next is not without its drawbacks. The machine’s reliance on plastic components, while eco-friendly, may not appeal to those who prefer more premium materials. Additionally, the higher cost of Vertuo capsules compared to the original Nespresso capsules is something to consider, especially for frequent coffee drinkers. The machine’s occasional issues with water temperature and the difficulty of closing the capsule door are also potential concerns.
Despite these drawbacks, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is a solid investment for those who value convenience and are willing to pay a bit more for high-quality coffee. Its sustainability features, including the use of recycled materials and the capsule recycling program, make it a greener choice for coffee lovers who want to minimize their environmental impact. If you’re looking for a coffee machine that offers a great balance of style, performance, and sustainability, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is definitely worth considering.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 16.9 x 12.4 inches
- Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
- Water Tank Capacity: 37 ounces (1.1 liters)
- Cup Sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Coffee (7.77 oz), Carafe (18 oz)
- Pod Type: Nespresso Vertuo Line capsules
- Brewing Technology: Centrifusion technology (spins up to 7,000 RPM)
- Power: 1260W
- Voltage: 120V
- Material: 54% recycled plastic (depending on the color)
- Colors Available: White, Gray, Red, Chrome, Rose Gold, Matte Black (color options may vary by region)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Milk Frother: Not included (compatible with Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother, sold separately)
- Automatic Capsule Detection: Yes (barcode technology)
- Energy Efficiency: Auto-off mode after 2 minutes of inactivity
- Noise Level: Up to 72 dB
- Removable Drip Tray: Adjustable for different cup sizes
- Used Capsule Container: Holds up to 10 used capsules
- Warranty: 1 year (manufacturer warranty may vary by region)
