Nespresso machines create quite a stir wherever they go. People either love them or can’t stand them in a way that’s difficult to ignore. Nespresso Vertuo machines get criticized for their weird and complex brew methods that don’t quite fit into any standard coffee brewing category.
Whilst this is true, the coffee they brew is undeniably tasty, and the user experience is pretty darn good. If you’re a coffee lover but your brewing skills aren’t on the same level as a barista then a Nespresso machine may well be the best coffee maker for you.
To really gain an understanding of Nespresso machines here’s an in-depth look into the Nespresso Vertuo Next. This full review clearly explains how it works, what it can do, what you get, and how to use it. I’ve covered all the good points as well as the not-so-good stuff so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this machine is the best one for you.
Now let’s dive right in and look at all the essential information and specifications then after this, we can go deeper and really discuss how the machine works.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next Review
Brand: Nespresso
Size: 14.2 x 42.9 x 31.4 (cm)
Capsules: Vertuoline Capsules
Water Tank Capacity: 1 Litre
Cup Sizes: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo (5oz), Mug (8oz), Pour Over (14oz), Carafe (18oz)
Pros
- Fast 25s Heat Up
- Auto-Off after 9 Minutes
- Smartphone Connectivity
- Adjustable Drip Tray
- Automatic Capsule Ejection and Storage
Cons
- Bluetooth Only Works with Nexus and iPhone
- Capsules Generate Waste
The Vertuo Next Machine
Buyer Options
This Nespresso machine comes in a variety of options to suit whatever needs you may have. To start with it comes in a white or dark grey finish so you can choose the option that fits your home best. It has a matte finish so will blend in well on any countertop.
When you go to buy this machine you get the option of including a set of coffee pods to get you started. Nespresso has put together a variety pack so you can sample some of their coffee flavors and find out which one you enjoy most.
The next option is the inclusion of the Aeroccino milk frother also by Delonghi as this allows you to use your coffee maker just like an espresso machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. Finally, there’s the option to include both the Aeroccino and the Nespresso capsule set so you can get started brewing as soon as your coffee machine arrives.
Size
The benefit of the Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee maker is that it’s designed in a slim manner so it can fit easily into any coffee brewing station. At less than 15cm (5.5 inches) wide and 31.4cm (12.4 inches) tall it can fit under cabinets and into narrow gaps.
It‘s worth noting that you will need to leave some space above it in order to open the machine to insert a fresh coffee capsule and for filling the water tank.
Water Tank
The Vertuonext has the benefit of a very roomy water tank that can hold up to a liter of water. This means you can brew many cups of coffee before you have to worry about topping it up. This means it can brew around 15 double shots of espresso or two of the pour-over coffee drinks before it needs to be refilled.
The water reservoir has the added benefit of being removable as well so this makes it even easier to remove and clean.
Removable Drip Tray
The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning and when you go to reattach it you can set it to many different levels to accommodate a variety of cup sizes so you can brew coffee without it splashing everywhere.
How It Works
Setting It Up
When your new machine first arrives it doesn’t take much to start brewing coffee. All you need to do is plug in the power cord and fill the water tank to capacity. Next, set the machine to the locked position to allow it to quickly heat up. This should take around 25 seconds and the light will gently blink to indicate this stage. When the light stops blinking, the machine is ready to start brewing.
Keep the machine locked ready for the rinsing cycle. Place a container under the brew outlet and make sure this is at least one liter in size. Now press the brew button three times in under 2 seconds to start the rinsing cycle.
The rinse stage will last around 2 minutes before the water starts to appear in the container and the full cycle can take around 7 minutes. It will do this process automatically and the light will turn from flashing to a steady light when the cycle is complete.
Discard the old water and refill the tank, ideally with filtered water. Now you are ready to start brewing coffee.
Insert Your Capsule
The Nespresso Vertuoline machines differ from the original line ones in the way that it functions. The original line of Nespresso pods works using pressure to brew coffee so you need to manually select your drink size and other brew parameters.
The Vertuo capsules are domed in shape and they brew coffee using a technique called centrifusion. This is where the machine spins the capsule at the same time as injecting water so the brewed coffee ends up with a very thick crema on top. The Vertuo pods all have a unique barcode that tells the machine to adjust its brew parameters for each different coffee type.
This means all you need to do is open the top of the machine, place the capsule inside, close the lid, and press the brew button. It really is that simple to enjoy quality coffee at the touch of a button.
Cleaning and Descaling
The Vertuo next has special cleaning and descaling programs built-in which helps add to the ease of use. Start by removing the water tank and washing this by hand using a mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly so no suds remain. Fill with clean water and re-attach this to the machine.
Place a one-liter container under the coffee outlet and then open the lid of the machine so that the used capsule is ejected. You can now remove the capsule container, empty this, and clean this and the drip tray in a similar manner to the water tank.
It’s important that no capsules remain in the machine when you start to clean it. Replace the capsule container and close the lid of the machine. Wait until it has heated up and then press the brew button three times in two seconds to start the cleaning cycle. Discard the water and your machine is ready to use again.
The descaling procedure can be quite a head-scratcher to do and should be carried out whenever the machine shows an orange light. Here are the steps are broken down so hopefully, they‘re easy to follow.
Again, make sure there are no capsules in the machine and place a one-liter container under the coffee outlet.
- Add one unit of Nespresso descaling solution to the water tank alongside 500ml of fresh water.
- Close the machine but leave it unlocked this time.
- Press the brew button for 7 seconds to start the descaling cycle.
- The light will flash orange fast so now lock the machine by turning the handle to the left and unlock it by turning it to the right.
- Hold the button again for 7 seconds until it flashes and lock the machine AGAIN before pressing the button one final time to start the descaling cycle.
Once all the water has run through the machine, rinse and refill the water tank and replace this. Start a rinsing cycle to flush out the machine.
When all this is complete, let your machine stand open for at least 10 minutes to dry thoroughly before you start brewing coffee with it again.
All these steps can be a bit tedious the first time you carry them out but it is easier than it sounds. It only takes 10 minutes to thoroughly clean your machine and 20 minutes to descale it and then you’re back to delicious coffee drinks.
Capsule Ejection and Storage
Whenever you open the lid of your coffee maker it automatically releases the old capsule and directs it into a storage container that’s built into the machine. This makes it really easy to switch between different coffee and espresso drinks without having to remove a used capsule each time.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Like all the best Nespresso machines, the Vertuo Next has smartphone connectivity that allows you to control the machine using the Nespresso app. Whilst this system works well for some, there are reports that it doesn‘t work on all kinds of smartphones and it can experience other technical issues. If you‘re looking to buy this machine based on this feature alone then I would advise against it!
Milk Frother Not Included
If you love making milk-based specialty coffee then be aware that the Nespresso Vertuo Next does not come with a milk frother included. There is the option to add the Aeroccino milk frother onto your order to make this machine the perfect solution for any milk coffee recipes.
What Should I do with the Used Capsules?
A really annoying thing about these kinds of coffee machines is the waste generated by all the used capsules. Ground coffee is compostable but not when it’s surrounded by aluminum. Nespresso does have a recycling program where you can deposit your used capsules at retail stores or send them off to be recycled. Unfortunately, this isn’t the simplest procedure to follow, and too many of these end up in the garbage.
Nespresso does use some recycled material in the manufacturing of their coffee makers but if you’re looking for a truly eco-friendly way to brew coffee then I would avoid pod coffee machines and opt for a French press, Moka pot, or Aeropress as the only waste from these is the used coffee grounds.
F.A.Q.s
What’s the difference between Nespresso VertuoPlus and Vertuo next?
The Vertuo Plus is a bigger machine than the Virtuo next and it has the benefit of a movable water tank so you can adapt it to fit into different spaces. It also has a motorized opening lid which is a nice feature and avoids damage that can come from manual operation.
What’s the difference between the Vertuo Next Deluxe and the Vertuo Next Premium?
The Vertuo Next premium has very similar features to the vertuo next but it is finished with chrome accents and a metal cup support. The Vertuo Deluxe has all the features of the Premium but it also has a metal pourer so is a bit more durable and has a quality feel to it.
Does Vertuo next make good espresso?
The Nespresso Vertuo next is specially designed to extract a good depth of flavor and aroma out of the coffee grounds but without over extracting it. It works best with darker roasts to give a bold and tasty espresso or single-serve cup of coffee. There’s always a thick crema on top which helps add texture. The Vertuo Next makes a good cup of coffee that’s similar to an espresso but without a high-pressure espresso maker it can’t be classified as ‘true espresso’.
Conclusion
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is really easy to use, makes tasty coffee, and doesn’t require much set-up or maintenance. There are plenty of capsule flavors to choose from and the slimline design means it takes up very little counter space.
The downsides are that the smartphone connectivity feature is very temperamental and glitchy. The capsules also generate an annoying amount of waste and aren’t the easiest to recycle.
In summary, this machine is a good option for its convenience and user-friendly design but isn’t the perfect choice for minimizing waste.
