Nespresso Vertuo Next Review

About the Nespresso Vertuo Next

This machine promises a wide range of possibilities—with a small footprint.

With a width of only 5.5 inches, it’s easy to find space for the Vertuo Next on any countertop. And since it comes in a range of modern color options, there's something for every palette.

The removable water tank can house 37 ounces of water, and the built-in used capsule container can hold up to 10 pods at once before it needs to be emptied.

Since this coffee maker is part of Nespresso's Vertuo line, it only accepts Vertuo pods (not Nespresso's original capsules).

But that doesn't mean its brewing options are limited. It can brew espresso shots, full coffee cups, and even 18-ounce carafes. And there's no learning curve required; the machine automatically adjusts pressure, temperature, and brewing time according to the capsule inserted.

The machine is also compatible with the Nespresso app, which will send you notifications when it's time to empty the capsule container, descale the machine, and refill the water container.

What we like

It's sleek

This machine's small footprint makes it an especially attractive appliance for busy countertops. It has a slim design and comes in a dozen different color combinations—from classic white to cherry red to black rose gold.

Regardless of your kitchen (or office) aesthetics, you can find a Vertuo NextPlus machine to complement the design.

Plus, this machine is made from 40% recycled plastic, so you can feel even better about bringing it into your home. (Find more on recycling Nespresso pods here.)

It brews quickly

One of the first things we noticed about this machine—in comparison to some other models—is how quickly it can produce a cup of coffee.

After turning it on, the Vertuo Next only takes 25 seconds to heat up. From there, it can brew an eight-ounce cup of coffee in just 90 seconds.

We also noticed that the coffee emerges from the machine at the perfect temperature. Not too hot and not tepid, it's ready to be sipped right away.

Upkeep is a breeze

Much like other Nespresso machines that prioritize convenience, the Vertuo Next requires practically no elbow grease to keep it up and running.

Regular maintenance includes refilling the 37-ounce water tank as needed, emptying the capsule containers every 10 drinks, and descaling the machine once every couple of weeks (or as needed).

Luckily, once you pair the machine with the Nespresso app, you won't have to remember all of those tasks yourself. The app will notify you when it's time to refill the water tank, empty the used capsules, or run the descaling function.

Coffee is crema-topped and full-bodied

Perhaps most importantly, this machine delivers that distinctly rich and foamy Nespresso coffee that the brand is known for. Every pod we brewed during testing—from small shots to large cups of coffee—came out consistently flavorful and full-bodied.

Although, we should mention that the coffee that comes out of this machine is foamier than what we get from the Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus machine, which comes out much less airy with a pleasant silkiness. It all depends on your personal preference!

What we don't like

Water reservoir is small

If you're using this machine to brew full cups of coffee more often than espresso shots, you'll likely be refilling the water container pretty often.

During testing, we used the machine to brew full-sized cups daily, which meant we had to refill the 37-ounce water tank with almost every other use. Compared to other Nespresso Vertuo machines we've tested—whose water tanks range from 40 to 54 ounces—this one is fairly small and requires frequent refills.

Accompanying app can't control the machine

Although this machine is compatible with the Nespresso app, don't expect to be able to automatically brew a cup of coffee from the next room.

The app has very limited functionality. It will only inform you when it's time for regular maintenance on the machine, like descaling and capsule container emptying. Beyond that, there are options to purchase Nespresso pods, set up alerts and subscriptions for refills, and access tools like store locators and pod recycling.

Consumers have reported longevity issues

Although we only tested this machine for about a month, reviewers who have owned the Vertuo Next for several months or years have reported common issues that show up over time.

Hundreds of consumers have reported that the machine stopped working after several months, often leaking and requiring extremely frequent descaling. Or, in some cases, the machine shuts down altogether and can no longer be used.

There is a year-long warranty on the product, but if issues show up after the one-year mark, a new machine replacement won't be available.

Should you buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

Yes, if you're short on counter space and value the convenience of Nespresso coffee

There are a few things we really love about the Vertuo Next. First, its sleek and slim design that can be conveniently nestled onto countertops and in cabinets—without monopolizing space—is certainly attractive. And it performs very well at producing a wide range of delicious and convenient coffee drinks, with very little effort or upkeep.

But if you're concerned about longevity—or hate the idea of refilling the water tank so often—we recommend opting for our winning Nespresso machine, the VertuoPlus. Although this machine has a less modern look and takes up more counter space, we've been using it at the Reviewed offices for several years—and we can personally attest to its reliable longevity.