Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups – Multi-Size Capsule Coffee Machine

Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups – Multi-Size Capsule Coffee Machine

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups is designed for people who want the convenience of capsule coffee but prefer a wider choice of drink sizes than a traditional Espresso-and-Lungo pod machine provides.

It uses the Nespresso Vertuo capsule system, automatically reads information from each capsule and adjusts the brewing process accordingly. Depending on the capsule selected, the machine can prepare anything from a small concentrated coffee to a large mug or carafe-style serving.

That versatility is the main reason to consider the Vertuo Next over an Original-system machine such as the Nespresso Essenza Mini.

Why Consider the Nespresso Vertuo Next?

The Vertuo Next makes most sense if you want different sizes and styles of black coffee without manually changing brewing settings.

Instead of asking you to select temperature, water volume or extraction settings, the machine reads the barcode around the edge of a compatible Vertuo capsule and uses the brewing parameters associated with that capsule.

Operation is therefore deliberately simple: choose the capsule for the drink you want, insert it and press the button.

The trade-off is equally important. You're buying into the Nespresso Vertuo capsule system rather than gaining the control available from a machine using fresh coffee beans and a portafilter.

Key Features

• Nespresso Vertuo capsule system – Designed specifically for Vertuo capsules.
• Multiple drink sizes – Supports drinks ranging from concentrated coffee through to large mug and carafe formats, depending on the capsule used.
• Automatic capsule recognition – Reads the barcode on each Vertuo capsule and adjusts brewing parameters automatically.
• One-button operation – Brewing doesn't require manual temperature or extraction adjustments.
• Approximately 30-second heat-up – Designed for relatively quick preparation from startup.
• 1.1-litre water tank – Larger than the 0.6-litre tank found on the compact Essenza Mini.
• Automatic capsule ejection – Used capsules are transferred to the internal container after brewing.
• Automatic power-off – The machine powers down after a period of inactivity.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity – Allows compatible machine software to receive updates.

How the Vertuo Brewing System Works

The Vertuo system approaches capsule coffee differently from Nespresso Original machines.

Each Vertuo capsule carries a barcode around its edge. The machine reads that information and uses it to determine the brewing parameters for that particular capsule.

Nespresso calls its extraction system Centrifusion. During brewing, the capsule rotates while water passes through the coffee.

The important buying point isn't the rotational speed itself. It's that the capsule and machine operate together as a system, with very little intervention required from you.

You don't need to dial in a grinder, weigh a dose, tamp coffee or programme the machine every time you change drink style.

Drink Sizes

One of the Vertuo Next's biggest advantages over Nespresso Original machines is its range of serving sizes.

The current Vertuo system supports several formats, with availability depending on the particular capsules being sold. These include:

• Ristretto – 25ml
• Espresso – 40ml
• Double Espresso – 80ml
• Gran Lungo – 150ml
• Mug – 230ml
• Alto – 355ml
• Carafe – 535ml

The capsule determines the intended drink format, so this isn't simply a case of running progressively more water through the same capsule.

This broader range is particularly relevant if you regularly prefer a full mug of coffee rather than predominantly Espresso or Lungo.

Vertuo Capsules Only

This is one of the most important things to understand before buying the machine:

Nespresso Original capsules are not compatible with the Vertuo Next.

The two systems use different capsule formats and different brewing methods.

If you already own an Original machine and have a supply of Original-compatible capsules, they cannot be transferred across to the Vertuo Next.

Likewise, Vertuo capsules won't work in an Essenza Mini, CitiZ or other Original-system machine.

Choosing the Vertuo Next therefore also means choosing the Vertuo capsule ecosystem.

1.1-Litre Water Tank

The Vertuo Next has a 1.1-litre removable water tank.

That's useful because the machine is capable of preparing substantially larger drinks than compact Original machines.

How often it needs refilling depends heavily on the capsules you use. A household predominantly making 230ml Mug drinks will naturally use considerably more water than someone mainly preparing Espresso or Double Espresso.

For that reason, we'd avoid translating the tank capacity into a fixed number of drinks.

Approximately 30-Second Heat-Up

The Vertuo Next takes approximately 30 seconds to heat from a cold start.

Combined with automatic capsule recognition and one-button brewing, there's very little setup involved in making an everyday coffee.

That convenience is one of the machine's main strengths compared with a manual espresso setup.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

The Vertuo Next includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

This isn't intended to turn the machine into a remotely controlled coffee maker.

The connectivity is primarily there to allow the machine to communicate with Nespresso's system and receive compatible software updates.

It's therefore better viewed as part of the Vertuo platform than as a reason on its own to choose the machine.

Vertuo Next vs Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Vertuo Next and Essenza Mini represent two quite different versions of Nespresso ownership.

The Essenza Mini uses Nespresso Original capsules and concentrates on Espresso and Lungo. It's exceptionally narrow, straightforward and has access to a broad market of Original-compatible capsules.

The Vertuo Next uses Vertuo capsules and provides a much wider range of drink sizes, including large mug and carafe formats.

If you mainly want short coffees and value the wider Original-compatible capsule ecosystem, the Essenza Mini has a strong case.

If you regularly want larger coffees as well as Espresso-style drinks, the Vertuo Next provides substantially more flexibility in serving size.

Vertuo Next vs Nespresso CitiZ with Aeroccino

The CitiZ is another Original-system machine, but the Aeroccino bundle adds automatic milk frothing.

That makes the CitiZ bundle particularly relevant if your routine revolves around Espresso, Lungo, cappuccino and latte-style drinks.

The Vertuo Next doesn't include an integrated milk frother in the standard machine package shown here. Its main advantage is instead the wider range of black-coffee serving sizes.

If milk drinks are important, factor the cost of a separate frother into your comparison.

Vertuo Next vs a Traditional Espresso Machine

A machine such as the Sage Bambino Plus or Gaggia Classic E24 gives you considerably more involvement in preparing espresso.

You can choose the coffee, control grind size, adjust the dose and beverage yield, change your puck preparation and diagnose the resulting extraction.

The Vertuo Next deliberately removes almost all of those variables.

That makes it much easier to use, but it also limits how much control you have over the brewing process.

Neither approach is automatically better. They serve different priorities.

What About Milk Drinks?

The Vertuo Next itself doesn't texture milk.

You can combine suitable Vertuo coffees with separately frothed milk, but you'll need a standalone milk frother if you want that functionality.

Nespresso also sells machine-and-frother bundles, so check exactly what is included with the particular listing you're considering rather than assuming an Aeroccino is supplied.

Running Costs

The purchase price of a capsule machine is only one part of its long-term cost.

Every coffee requires a compatible Vertuo capsule, and your ongoing cost will depend on the capsules you choose and how many drinks you make.

We don't hard-code current capsule prices because they change, but it's worth comparing the cost per drink with both Nespresso Original capsules and whole-bean coffee before choosing a system.

This becomes increasingly important if several people in the household use the machine every day.

Capsules and Recycling

Nespresso provides recycling options for used aluminium capsules in the UK.

Current collection and recycling arrangements can change, so check the options available in your area if this forms part of your buying decision.

The existence of a recycling scheme doesn't make capsule brewing automatically environmentally preferable to other brewing methods. The most useful approach is to consider the complete system, including packaging, consumption and whether your used capsules will actually enter the recycling scheme.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The automated brewing system reduces everyday coffee preparation, but the machine still needs routine care.

Keep the water tank clean, empty the used-capsule container regularly and clean the cup support and accessible brewing areas according to Nespresso's instructions.

The machine also has cleaning and descaling procedures that should be followed when required.

Water hardness and frequency of use will influence how often descaling becomes necessary.

Who Is the Vertuo Next Best For?

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is particularly worth considering if you:

• want capsule convenience with minimal preparation;
• regularly drink larger mugs of coffee;
• want several serving sizes from one machine;
• don't want to grind, dose or tamp coffee;
• value automatic capsule recognition;
• want repeatable one-button operation;
• are happy to commit to the Vertuo capsule system; or
• want both short and long coffee formats without manually changing brewing settings.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

If you already use Nespresso Original capsules, remember that they won't work in the Vertuo Next.

If access to a broad selection of third-party compatible capsules is a major priority, compare the Vertuo ecosystem carefully with Nespresso Original before committing.

If you want to grind fresh beans and learn to control espresso extraction yourself, a portafilter espresso machine will give you considerably more involvement.

If you mainly drink small Espresso or Lungo servings and want the smallest possible machine, the Essenza Mini may be the simpler option.

And if milk drinks dominate your routine, factor a separate milk frother into the overall setup.

Our Take

The strongest reason to choose the Nespresso Vertuo Next isn't pressure figures, rotational speed or promises of “barista-quality” coffee.

It's the combination of capsule convenience and a genuinely broad range of drink sizes.

The automatic barcode system makes moving between different Vertuo coffee formats straightforward, while the 1.1-litre tank is better suited to larger drinks than Nespresso's smallest Original machines.

The compromise is commitment to the Vertuo ecosystem. You can't use Original capsules, and the machine offers very little of the experimentation available from freshly ground coffee and a traditional espresso machine.

If those limitations don't matter and you want one-button coffee ranging from small concentrated servings through to a full mug, the Vertuo Next fills a useful position in the Nespresso range.

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