Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De Longhi

Last updated: October 2, 2026

What the Vertuo Next Is (and Isn’t)

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi is Nespresso’s compact, capsule-based machine for people who want both coffee and espresso from one button without grinding, tamping, or learning milk steaming. It reads a barcode on the rim of each capsule and adjusts brewing parameters automatically. That’s the whole pitch: convenience and consistency, not barista control.

It’s important to understand where Vertuo sits in the Nespresso lineup. Vertuo machines use large, domed capsules and a centrifusion system (spinning the capsule at up to 7,000 RPM) to brew everything from a 1.35 oz espresso to a 14 oz Alto coffee. OriginalLine machines use smaller capsules, high-pressure extraction, and only brew espresso-sized drinks (0.85 to 5 oz). The two systems are not cross-compatible. If you buy a Vertuo Next, you are locked into Nespresso Vertuo capsules.

De’Longhi and Breville both make Vertuo Next hardware. The internal brewing unit is identical – the difference is cosmetic trim and who handles warranty support in your region. For most US buyers, the De’Longhi version is more widely stocked.

How It Brews and What You Get in the Box

See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine

Operation is simple: fill the 37 oz water tank, pop in a capsule, lock the lever, press the button. The machine reads the barcode and delivers the intended volume. You can reprogram volumes if you prefer a shorter or longer pour, but you can’t control temperature, pressure, or pre-infusion.

In the box you typically get the machine, a small capsule sampling pack (8-12 capsules, varies by retailer), and a manual. There is no built-in milk frother on the base Next model – the Next + Aeroccino bundles add the separate Aeroccino 3 or 4 frother. If you drink lattes or cappuccinos regularly, you will want a bundle or a standalone milk frother – heating and frothing milk on the stove defeats the speed advantage.

Brew sizes supported: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Mug/Coffee (7.7 oz) and Alto (14 oz). Not all capsules come in all sizes; the capsule dictates the size. Crema is thick and foamy, a product of centrifusion and air entrainment. It looks impressive and feels soft, but it is not the same as espresso crema from a 9-bar pump machine. Vertuo espresso tends to taste smoother and less intense than OriginalLine or a semi-automatic machine.

Daily Use: Speed, Noise, and Footprint

From cold start, the Vertuo Next heats in about 25-30 seconds. A full brew finishes in under a minute for espresso and about 90 seconds for a mug. Used capsule ejection is automatic – you open the lever and the capsule drops into a 10-capsule container inside.

The footprint is genuinely small at 5.5 inches wide, which is why this machine sells so well in apartments. Height is the constraint: at 12.3 inches tall with the lever closed, you need clearance to open it fully.

Trade-offs show up quickly. The centrifusion spin is loud, noticeably louder than an OriginalLine pump or a drip machine. The water tank is on the small side for a household that drinks 3-4 mugs a day – you’ll refill it daily. And the machine is light (8.8 lbs), so it can shift when you lock the lever one-handed unless you hold the base.

Taste and the Capsule Reality

For black coffee drinkers who like medium roasts and convenience, Vertuo delivers a consistent, hot, aromatic cup with zero technique. For espresso purists, it will taste thin and aerated, especially as a straight shot. It works better as an Americano base or with milk.

Capsule cost and availability are the real decision factors. Official Nespresso Vertuo capsules run $0.85 to $1.35 each depending on size and blend, with Alto and craft blends at the top. Third-party compatible capsules exist but are fewer and less reliable than OriginalLine compatibles because of the barcode system – many need a barcode sticker to trick the machine, and Nespresso can and does change barcode tolerances.

You buy capsules from Nespresso directly (online, boutiques, or app), from Amazon, or in some grocery stores. Grocery selection is limited to a handful of blends. If you live far from a boutique and don’t want to order online, factor that in. Aluminum capsules are recyclable, but only through Nespresso’s free recycling bags/program, not curbside in most US municipalities. If you won’t actually mail them back, the environmental story is weak.

Vertuo Next vs. Other Nespresso Options

If you are set on Nespresso, the choice is usually between Vertuo models. This is where a direct comparison helps.

For most people who want one machine to do both coffee and espresso with no extra gear, the Next or VertuoPlus makes sense. If you already own a good drip machine or pour-over setup and only want espresso and lattes, an OriginalLine machine like the Essenza Mini will give you better-tasting shots and lower per-capsule cost.

Reliability and Common Failure Modes

This section matters because the Vertuo Next had a rocky launch. Early production runs (2020-2021) had a higher-than-normal defect rate, with three recurring complaints:

1. Leaking from the head or tank seal. Usually shows up in the first weeks if present. Check the drip tray and under the machine after your first few brews. Nespresso’s warranty typically covers it, but it requires a replacement unit.

2. Barcode read errors / blinking orange light. The machine spins but won’t brew, or flashes orange/red. Often caused by a dirty barcode reader lens or a dented capsule rim. Wiping the small window inside the head with a damp cloth fixes many cases. Persistent errors after cleaning usually mean a sensor fault.

3. Bricking during descaling or firmware update. Vertuo Next is the only Nespresso with Bluetooth/WiFi for firmware updates. Updates can stall and leave the machine unresponsive. If you don’t need connected features, don’t pair it. Descale only with the official procedure and a proper descaling kit when the half-orange light prompts you – forcing a descale too often causes more problems than it prevents.

Later builds (late 2022 onward) are more reliable, but the Next is still more plastic and less tank-like than a VertuoPlus. The two-year Nespresso warranty is solid, and their support will usually cross-ship a replacement if troubleshooting fails. Keep your proof of purchase. If you buy refurbished, confirm the warranty is included.

Cost to Own: When the Cheaper Option Is Fine

The machine itself is often discounted to $149-$179, and bundles with an Aeroccino add $50-$80. That’s cheap compared to any decent semi-automatic espresso machine. The trap is capsule spend. A household of two people drinking two mugs a day will go through ~120 capsules a month. At $1.00 average, that’s $120/month. Over a year, capsules dwarf the machine cost.

If you drink one espresso a day and otherwise use a $30 drip brewer or French press for coffee, you’ll spend less overall than running Vertuo for everything. Be honest about your volume. Vertuo is economical for low-volume, convenience-first use; it gets expensive as a full replacement for a drip coffee pot.

Descaling solution, recycling bags, and an Aeroccino replacement whisk are minor but recurring costs. Water hardness matters – if you have hard water, use filtered water to stretch time between descales and protect the thermoblock.

Who Should Buy It – and Who Shouldn’t

Buy the Vertuo Next if: you want one small machine that makes decent coffee and milky espresso drinks fast, you value capsules over grinding, and you are okay ordering capsules online and mailing recycling bags back. It’s a good fit for apartments, offices, and second homes where simplicity beats tinkering.

Skip it if: you want to dial in shots, use fresh specialty beans, control extraction, or keep per-cup cost under $0.30. For that, a small semi-automatic or even an OriginalLine machine + separate brewer will serve you better. Also skip it if you drink 4+ large mugs daily – the small tank and capsule cost will annoy you quickly, and a 60 oz VertuoPlus or a standard drip machine is more practical.

If you do buy, get the Next from a retailer with easy returns for the first 30 days, run 10-15 capsules through it immediately to test for leaks and read errors, and don’t register the Bluetooth app unless you actually want it.

FAQ

Can I use third-party or reusable capsules in the Vertuo Next?

Most reusable and refillable capsules do not work reliably because the machine requires a barcode to set volume and flow. Some third-party brands include a printed barcode ring, but compatibility is inconsistent and can break after a firmware update. If low capsule cost is a priority, OriginalLine is the safer choice.

Is Vertuo espresso real espresso?

It is espresso-like, but not traditional espresso. Vertuo uses centrifugal force rather than 9 bars of pressure. The result is a larger, foamier crema and a milder, less concentrated shot. In milk drinks the difference matters less; as a straight shot, most people notice it.

How often do I need to descale, and can I use vinegar?

Descale when the machine shows a half-orange light, typically every 300 capsules or 3-6 months depending on water hardness. Use Nespresso descaling solution, not vinegar – vinegar is too weak to clear scale and can damage internal sensors. The process takes about 20 minutes and uses about a liter of water.

De’Longhi vs. Breville Vertuo Next – is there a difference?

No functional difference. Both are built to Nespresso’s spec with the same brewing unit and capsule system. Choose whichever is cheaper or has better warranty support in your country. Build quality, noise, and coffee output are identical.

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