Nespresso Vertuo Next Vs. Vertuo Plus: My Journey To The Perfect Brew

I’m a coffee enthusiast who’s spent countless mornings tinkering with espresso machines, chasing that café-quality cup at home. When I decided to upgrade my setup, I narrowed it down to two Nespresso heavyweights: the Vertuo Next and the Vertuo Plus.

This article is my firsthand exploration of these machines, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter. From design to brew quality, I’ve tested both to guide you toward your ideal coffee companion.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Coffee Journey: Why Nespresso?

I’ve always loved the ritual of brewing coffee, but my busy mornings demand convenience without sacrificing flavor. Nespresso’s Vertuo line caught my attention because it promises both espresso and larger coffee sizes, all with a single pod system.

The Vertuo Next and Vertuo Plus stand out as two of the most popular models, each with unique features. I bought both to test them side by side, brewing everything from espressos to carafes, to see which one truly elevates my daily coffee experience.

Let’s break down what makes these machines tick.

First Impressions of Nespresso Vertuo Next And Vertuo Plus

When I unboxed the Vertuo Next, its sleek, compact design immediately stood out.

At just 5.5 inches wide, it’s a space-saver, perfect for my cozy kitchen counter.

The machine feels modern, with a matte black finish and optional chrome or rose gold accents in the Premium and Deluxe versions.

It’s made from 54% recycled plastic, which gives it a slight edge in sustainability.

However, the plastic construction feels a bit lightweight, almost flimsy, compared to what I expected from Nespresso’s premium branding.

The Vertuo Plus, on the other hand, has a more substantial presence.

It’s wider at 8.7 inches and slightly taller, but its adjustable water tank is a game-changer. I could swivel the tank to the side or back, making it easier to fit into tight spaces.

The motorized lid adds a touch of luxury—press a button, and it opens smoothly, ready for a pod. The Plus uses 40% recycled plastic, which is decent but lags behind the Next’s eco-credentials. Both machines look stylish, but the Plus feels sturdier, while the Next prioritizes a smaller footprint.

Ease of Use: Brewing Without The Fuss

I’m all about simplicity in the morning, so I was eager to see how these machines performed. The Vertuo Plus won me over with its motorized lid.

I just pop in a pod, press a button, and the machine does the rest—opening, brewing, and ejecting the pod into a container that holds up to 10 capsules. The adjustable water tank made refilling a breeze, especially since I could position it to suit my counter layout.

The Vertuo Next, however, requires more manual effort. Its spring-loaded lid demands that I slide a clip to unlock it, insert the pod, and push it down firmly to lock it again. It’s not complicated, but it feels clunkier than the Plus’s one-touch system. The Next’s capsule container holds only 8 pods, so I found myself emptying it more often.

On the plus side, the Next’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity let me pair it with the Nespresso app, which I used to monitor maintenance and order pods. The Plus lacks this feature, which feels like a missed opportunity in today’s smart kitchen era.

Brew Sizes and Versatility: Catering to Your Coffee Mood

One of the reasons I chose Nespresso’s Vertuo line is its ability to brew both espresso and larger coffee sizes.

The Vertuo Plus offers five brew sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Mug (7.8 oz), and Alto (14 oz).

I loved the variety, especially the Gran Lungo for a midday pick-me-up and the Mug for a lazy weekend morning.

The Vertuo Next takes it a step further with a sixth option: an 18 oz carafe.

This was a game-changer when I had friends over, as I could brew a larger batch to share.

However, I noticed the carafe coffee tasted slightly diluted compared to smaller sizes, likely because it uses the same pods but stretches the water volume.

Both machines use Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology, spinning the pod at 7,000 RPM to blend coffee and water, producing a thick, foamy crema. The barcode on each pod ensures the machine adjusts water volume and temperature perfectly, so I didn’t have to fiddle with settings.

Coffee Quality: The Taste Test

Here’s where things got interesting. I brewed identical pods—Volluto for espresso and Stormio for coffee—in both machines to compare taste. The Vertuo Plus consistently delivered richer, sweeter coffee with a smoother finish.

I noticed the espresso had a velvety texture and a robust crema that held up well. Some users complain the Plus’s coffee isn’t hot enough, but I found it perfectly drinkable at around 67°C.

The Vertuo Next, with its higher power rating, brewed slightly hotter coffee, which some might prefer. However, I occasionally detected a faint plastic taste, especially in the first few weeks of use. This could be due to the machine’s newer components or higher brewing temperature.

Over time, the taste improved, but it was a noticeable drawback initially. Both machines produce excellent crema, but the Plus’s coffee felt more balanced overall.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Machine In Top Shape

I’m not a fan of high-maintenance appliances, so I was pleased that both machines are relatively easy to care for.

The Vertuo Plus’s larger drip tray and 40 oz water tank (57 oz in the Deluxe model) meant fewer refills and less mess.

Cleaning involves rinsing the removable drip tray and water tank, plus descaling every three months to remove mineral buildup.

The machine alerts me when it’s time to descale, which is handy.

The Vertuo Next’s smaller 37 oz tank required more frequent refilling, especially when brewing carafes.

Its drip tray is smaller, so I had to be careful with larger mugs to avoid spills.

The app’s maintenance alerts were useful, but the manual lid mechanism made cleaning feel slightly more involved. Both machines auto-eject used pods, which is a lifesaver for quick cleanups.

Pros And Cons of Nespresso Vertuo Next And Vertuo Plus

Vertuo Next Pros

• Compact Design: At 5.5 inches wide, it’s ideal for small kitchens.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow app control and software updates.
• Carafe Option: The 18 oz brew size is unique, great for sharing.
• Eco-Friendly: Made with 54% recycled plastic.
• Variety of Finishes: Standard, Premium, and Deluxe options with chrome or rose gold accents.

Vertuo Next Cons

• Manual Lid: The spring-loaded mechanism feels clunky and requires effort.
• Smaller Tank: 37 oz means more frequent refills.
• Reliability Issues: Reports of leaks and technical problems, like orange or purple blinking lights, are common.
• Plastic Taste: Some users, including me, noticed a slight plastic flavor initially.
• Smaller Capsule Container: Holds only 8 pods, so it fills up quickly.

Vertuo Plus Pros

• Motorized Lid: Automatic opening and closing make it effortless to use.
• Adjustable Tank: Swivels to fit your counter, with a 40 oz or 57 oz capacity.
• Reliable Performance: Fewer reported technical issues compared to the Next.
• Larger Capsule Container: Holds 10 pods, reducing emptying frequency.
• Richer Coffee: Consistently brews smoother, sweeter coffee.

Vertuo Plus Cons

• Larger Footprint: Takes up more counter space at 8.7 inches wide.
• No Connectivity: Lacks Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, missing out on app features.
• No Carafe: Limited to five brew sizes, missing the 18 oz option.
• Slightly Slower Adoption: Older model, so no future-proofing for new pod sizes.
• Price Variability: Deluxe models can be pricier, up to $189 / £199 / AU$329.

Price And Value: Is It Worth the Splurge?

The Vertuo Next typically retails for around $169 / £149 / AU$269, while the Vertuo Plus starts at $159 / £179 / AU$299, with Deluxe models reaching $189 / £199 / AU$329. I found the Plus’s price justified by its ease of use and reliability, especially for daily brewing.

The Next’s lower price and carafe option are appealing, but the potential for leaks and a less user-friendly lid made me question its long-term value. Both machines require ongoing pod purchases, which can add up, but Nespresso’s quality justifies the cost for me.

My Experience With Nespresso Vertuo Next And Vertuo Plus

Over a month, I brewed at least three drinks daily on each machine, testing everything from espresso to carafe sizes.

The Vertuo Plus became my go-to for its seamless operation.

One morning, I was rushing to a meeting and appreciated how quickly I could pop in a pod and brew without fumbling.

The coffee was consistently delicious, and the larger water tank meant I didn’t have to refill mid-week.

The Vertuo Next shone when I hosted a brunch. The carafe option was a hit, letting me pour coffee for everyone without brewing multiple cups.

But the manual lid annoyed me—it’s not a dealbreaker, but it felt like an unnecessary step.

I also encountered a blinking orange light once, which required a reset via the app. Thankfully, it didn’t persist, but it echoed the reliability concerns I’d read about.

• Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re like me and value simplicity and reliability, the Vertuo Plus is the better pick. Its motorized lid, adjustable tank, and consistent coffee quality make it a joy to use daily. It’s ideal for small households or anyone who wants a no-fuss coffee experience.

However, if you have a tiny kitchen, love the idea of app control, or want to brew carafes for guests, the Vertuo Next is worth considering—provided you’re okay with potential maintenance hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Perfect Coffee Companion

After weeks of brewing, tasting, and tinkering, I’ve laid out everything you need to decide between the Nespresso Vertuo Next and Vertuo Plus. The Plus won my heart with its effortless operation and consistent coffee, but the Next’s compact size and carafe option are hard to ignore.

You can’t go wrong with either, but think about what matters most—space, ease, or versatility. Whichever you choose, you’re one step closer to café-quality coffee at home. Let me know your pick, and happy brewing!