Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuo Next: Which Is Better? [2024]

In 2014, Nespresso released a new range of coffee machines called the Vertuoline. Unlike the earlier series (now called the Original line), the Vertuoline machines could make both espresso as well as a regular 8 oz American cup of coffee. The first model was simply called the Vertuo. Three other models have launched since then. The latest model in most countries is called the Vertuo Next (updated release in 2020). If you are deciding between the Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuo Next, we have have all of the info you need to be make the best decision.

Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuo Next Review Summary

Many people assume that the Next must be the best Vertuoline coffee maker since it is the newest model. They would be very wrong. While the Vertuo Next has some clear differentiators such as the ability to make 18 oz pour over coffee and bluetooth functionality, there are serious flaws with this model. As a result, owners have more issues with the Next than any other Nespresso. These issues include coffee or water leaks, coffee that tastes like plastic, or a range of orange blinking light problems that Customer Support can’t even help users fix. There’s even a mysterious purple light that isn’t mentioned in the user manual but usually appears a couple days before the machine dies.

For those who are lucky enough to have issues while their Next is still under its one year warranty, Nespresso has been replacing them. Usually they send another Next, but many people report having been successful in begging Customer Support to send them a Vertuo, Vertuo Plus or Evoluo instead. There are rumors that Nespresso may have discontinued the Next model as of March 2022 given all of these troubles.

If you buy a Next, be sure to register it ASAP so that any issues will be covered under your one year warranty. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble by just buying a Vertuo, Evoluo or Vertuo Plus instead.

Coffee And Espresso Selection And Sizes

Both the Vertuo and Vertuo Next coffee makers brew a variety of pod sizes using centrifusion technology. However, in addition to this list, there are 2 pod sizes that only work with the Vertuo Next or new Vertuo Creatista. Those are the 18 oz pour over carafe pods and the new 12 oz Alto extra large coffee pods that were released in March 2023.

• 1.35 oz espresso
• 2.7 oz double espresso
• 5 oz Gran Lungo
• 8 oz coffee

Unlike the Original line, there are barcodes on the vertuoline capsule to customize the brewing pressure, temperature and duration. That means you’ll get the perfect coffee drink every time. The downside is that because Nespresso controls the barcodes, there are fewer non-Nespresso branded coffee capsules on the market. See my review of the most popular Vertuo pods.

Note that neither the Vertuo nor Vertuo Next models have milk frothing built-in. If you want to make a latte or cappuccino, you can buy an Aeroccino milk frother separately or in a bundle with your machine.

Power

You might get a hotter cup of coffee from the Next since it has a higher power rating than the Vertuo. However, this heat could also be related to some of the trouble that users have with the coffee machine. Some users suspect that melting internal pieces cause Next defects.

Machine Size

If kitchen counter space is a factor for you, one model may fit more easily in your space than the other. The Vertuo Next is the smallest of all the Vertuoline coffee makers. The Vertuo is almost three inches wider than the Next. However, the Vertuo is less deep than the Next because the water tank is on the side of the Vertuo instead of on the back. Neither machine has a water tank with an adjustable position. Only the Vertuo Plus has that feature, so consider that model if the flexibility matters to you.

Lid Functionality

The lid on both the Vertuo and Vertuo Next have to be opened and closed manually. This requires a lit bit of effort and hand strain because you need to turn a lever to lock and unlock the lid. If this is a concern for you, consider the Vertuo Plus. It has a motorized lid that will open and close by itself with the gentle push on the lever.

Speed

If you often find yourself in a rush in the morning, every second counts! The Vertuo Next is the slower machine. It heats up in 25 seconds. The Vertuo is significantly faster. It heats up in just 15 seconds.

Care And Maintenance

The most frequent caring for my Nespresso machine that I do a few times a week involves cleaning and refilling the water tank and emptying the used capsule container. There is not much of a difference here between the models. The Vertuo water reservoir is just slightly larger than the Next. Both will auto eject used capsules into the storage container. The used Nespresso capsule container on the Vertuo is about 33% larger vs the container on the Vertuo Next.

Both models will require more time intensive cleaning (called descaling) every 3 months or so. This will remove mineral buildup from water that can impact performance. These models come with an alert light so you’ll know when it is time to descale. The Vertuo Next has bluetooth that allows you to connect the machine to the Nespresso app. When the connection works, it can help you learn what the problem is with your machine and what steps you need to take. The Vertuo does not have Bluetooth.

Nespresso Vertuo Breville or DeLonghi

Nespresso designs all of its machines, but it does not manufacture them. It outsources that to its world-wide partners Breville and De’Longhi. Both are leaders in making high-quality kitchen appliances. The differences between Breville and De’Longhi Vertuo machines are mostly slight variations in design (both shape and color). Unless you have a really strong preference, I recommend buying whichever brand is offering the lowest price on the model you want.

Other Vertuo Models

As you are doing your research on the Nespresso Vertuo vs Vertuo Next, you will probably come across two other models. The Evoluo was the second model released in this line. It came out in 2015. The Vertuo Plus was released after that. Both models are reliable (especially compared to the Next!).

Vertuo Plus

The Vertuo Plus features a water tank with adjustable placement so you can optimize your kitchen counter space. It has a motorized lid with a lever which makes it effortless to open and close. Opening will also auto eject the used pod into the capsule drawer.

Evoluo

The Evoluo has the largest water tank and used capsule container of any Vertuo line. That makes it a great choice for people who want to spend less time cleaning. If you want to learn more, see my post on how the Evoluo compares to other Vertuoline models.

If you are still on the fence about buying a Nespresso, you can read more about why I think a Nespresso is worth it or learn more about the other Nespresso models out there.