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Quick answer: The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best entry-level Vertuo machine and a genuine recommendation for anyone who prioritises convenience and consistent results over espresso craft. At around £99, it’s one of the most capable capsule machines available for the money. This full review covers everything UK buyers need to know before purchasing.
🔗 Considering other Nespresso models? See our full guide comparing every current Nespresso machine, or our Original vs Vertuo comparison if you’re not sure which system to choose.
Our Rating
Key Specifications
| Machine Type | Capsule — Vertuo Line |
| Price (UK) | ~£99 (Amazon / John Lewis) |
| Extraction Method | Centrifusion (up to 7,000rpm) |
| Drink Sizes | 5 — Espresso 40ml to Alto 535ml |
| Water Tank | 1.1 litres |
| Heat-Up Time | ~30 seconds |
| Capsule System | Vertuo only — no third-party |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 161 × 330 × 430mm |
| Weight | 3.8kg |
| Warranty | 2 years (UK) |
Coffee Quality
The Vertuo Next produces consistently good coffee — not exceptional, but reliably pleasant. The centrifusion extraction creates a distinctive thick crema layer that’s visually impressive and contributes a velvety texture to every cup. For espresso-sized drinks (40ml), the result is concentrated and flavourful if not as complex as pressure-extracted espresso. For larger formats — Gran Lungo, Mug, Alto — the quality is genuinely good, particularly with Nespresso’s better capsule ranges like Il Caffè and Master Origin.
The machine reads a barcode on each capsule and adjusts its extraction parameters automatically. This means every capsule is optimised for its specific blend — you can’t produce a bad cup through incorrect settings because there are no settings to adjust. Consistency is the Vertuo Next’s strongest quality attribute.
The limitation is that centrifusion is not traditional espresso extraction. Espresso purists will notice the difference — the flavour profile is softer, less intense, and lacks the sharp acidity of a well-pulled pressure shot. For the target audience this is a feature rather than a bug.
Ease of Use
Operating the Vertuo Next is genuinely effortless. Insert a capsule, the lid closes automatically, press the single button, and coffee appears in approximately 30 seconds from cold. There is nothing to learn, nothing to adjust, and nothing to get wrong. The motorised capsule ejection system drops used pods into a container automatically.
The Bluetooth connectivity allows connection to the Nespresso app for firmware updates and limited customisation — but the reality is that most users will simply use the button on the machine and never open the app. It’s a feature that sounds impressive and adds minimal practical value.
The 1.1L water tank is the main practical limitation — for households making multiple coffees, it needs refilling frequently. The Vertuo Plus (£149) has a larger tank if this bothers you.
Design and Build
The Vertuo Next is compact and reasonably well designed. The glossy plastic finish attracts fingerprints and looks cheaper than the matt finishes on Nespresso’s premium range, but at £99 this is expected. Build quality is adequate — it feels like what it is: an entry-level appliance built to a price point.
Available in black, white, and a range of colours, it’s flexible enough to suit most kitchen aesthetics. The footprint is modest and it stores easily when not in use.
Running Costs
This is the Vertuo Next’s most significant weakness in the long run. Official Nespresso Vertuo capsules cost 35-70p each, and no third-party alternatives exist — the barcode system prevents it. For a household drinking two coffees per day, annual capsule costs run to £250-£500 depending on which range you buy.
By comparison, Original Line machines accept third-party capsules from 20p — and semi-automatic machines using fresh beans cost significantly less per cup once the equipment is paid for. The Vertuo Next’s low upfront cost is partially offset by higher ongoing running costs.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Effortless operation — nothing to learn
- Five drink sizes including large mug
- Consistent results every time
- Compact and lightweight
- Good value at £99
- Impressive crema layer
Cons
- Only official Vertuo capsules — no alternatives
- Higher ongoing running costs
- Small 1.1L water tank
- Not traditional espresso extraction
- Glossy plastic — attracts fingerprints
Who Should Buy the Vertuo Next?
- Perfect for: Anyone who wants consistently good coffee with zero effort. Office use. Guest rooms. People who find traditional espresso too intense. Households with varied drink size preferences.
- Not ideal for: Espresso purists. Budget-conscious buyers worried about capsule costs. Anyone wanting third-party capsule variety. People ready to invest in learning home espresso craft.
Our Verdict — Is the Nespresso Vertuo Next Worth £99?
Yes — for the right buyer, clearly. The Vertuo Next is the best entry point to the Vertuo system and delivers on its core promise: consistently good coffee with no skill required at a reasonable upfront price.
The caveats are real — ongoing capsule costs add up, and the Vertuo system locks you into Nespresso’s own range. But as a pure convenience product for someone who simply wants good coffee in the morning without any faff, it’s excellent value.
Our score: 8.6/10. Recommended for convenience-focused buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop?
The Vertuo Pop (£79) is smaller and cheaper but lacks the Alto (535ml) drink size and has a smaller 560ml water tank. The Next is the better overall machine for most buyers — the extra £20 buys meaningful practical advantages. See our full Nespresso guide for a complete comparison of every model.
Can I use any pods in the Nespresso Vertuo Next?
No — the Vertuo Next only accepts official Nespresso Vertuo capsules. The barcode system on each capsule programmes the machine’s extraction, making third-party alternatives technically impossible. If capsule variety matters to you, consider an Original Line machine instead — see our Original vs Vertuo guide for the full explanation.
Does the Vertuo Next make proper espresso?
Not in the traditional sense — traditional espresso uses 9 bars of pressure for extraction. The Vertuo Next uses centrifusion (spinning) rather than pressure. The result is a different style of concentrated coffee with a larger crema layer. It’s pleasant and consistent but not the same as pressure-extracted espresso from a semi-automatic machine.
What milk frother works best with the Vertuo Next?
The Nespresso Aeroccino 4 (£69) is the natural companion — Nespresso designed it to pair with their machines and it’s frequently available bundled with the Vertuo Next at a discounted combined price. See our full milk frother guide for all options.