
Coffee is an important part of many people’s mornings. It’s a ritual that can’t be missed. But in today’s fast-paced world, sometimes we don’t have time to make a proper cup of coffee.
That’s where Nespresso Vertuo Plus and Next come in. Nespresso machines are known for their quality and convenience. They are easy to use and make a great cup of coffee.
But which one is the best?
In this article, we will compare the Nespresso Vertuo Plus and Next to see which one is the best coffee machine.
What is Nespresso Vertuo Plus?
Vertuo Plus was the first model that was originally introduced in 2017. This design had a cylinder shape with a rounded dome on top. The top would automatically pop up using a release button under the lid rim and had a large drip tray that was adjustable by sitting on outer pegs. This model is larger than the Vertuo Next and has a sleeker overall look. It takes regular
The Pros and Cons of Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The biggest plus to the Vertuo Plus is that you can get a cup of coffee brewed in under 25 seconds. It’s easy to open and close automatically and has a big water reservoir. It also holds more empty pods that fall into the collection bin. The water reservoir does swivel so you can put it under cabinets and counters that are shallow. The downside is that the Plus model tends to make slightly bitter coffee with very little crema.
- Coffee sizes: 5oz, 8oz, 14oz
- Espresso type: Single and double
- Water tank capacity: Standard 40oz, Deluxe 60oz
- Capsule container capacity: 10
- Weight: 10lbs
- Automatic capsule ejection and storage: Available
- Adjustable water tank placement: Yes
What is Nespresso Vertuo Next?
Vertuo Next is the newest coffee maker that is smaller and slightly more compact than the Vertuo Plus. It makes coffee using special pods that are placed manually into the machine and creates a fine and creamy coffee with a rich and thick crema. It comes with a removable water reservoir and has a nifty app that connects via Bluetooth. You can brew coffee in less than 25 seconds once the machine warms up in just as much time.
The Pros and Cons of Nespresso Vertuo Next
This model is great if you like a modern design and is easy to move around on your counter. The manual locking lid to open the top does take some time to learn and you need to use two hands to lock it properly. Some models have been known to leak for various reasons. One of the bonuses is that it takes longer to brew your coffee which is sweeter than the Vertuo Plus.
- Coffee sizes: 5oz, 8oz, 14oz
- Pour over: 18oz
- Water tank capacity: 37oz
- Capsule container capacity: 8
- Weight: 9lbs
- Features: Made of partially recycled materials, Bluetooth connectivity
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Vs Next: Features Breakdown
Design and Build
The original Plus model had an appealing appearance that looked futuristic yet simple. It seems that the Next model seems to have an updated look that does have a modernized version for the instant capsule coffee maker. About the biggest difference in the design is that the Plus model had a water tank that could be adjusted to fit under certain countertops. The Next model cannot be adjusted so you need a deeper countertop.
And though the Next model is smaller, it doesn’t give you as much capsule space and water capacity. The advantage of having WiFi capability on the Next model is appealing to those who like to be connected to a smartphone device to operate it.
Size, Weight, and Durability
The Plus model was heavier at 9.7 pounds while the Next model is only 8.8 pounds. This makes the Plus model bigger just from storage space. Both are made from a nice solid build yet the Plus model simply appears to be more solid from the simple cylinder shape. For those who want to be eco-friendly, the Next model is made from 54% recycled plastic, while the original was made from factory plastics that weren’t recycled at all.
Lid Functionality
The original Plus model has a special lid that was automatic and could pop up using a lift bar release. To close it, all you needed to do is press back down on the bar which closes the lid automatically. The Next model requires a manual opening latch to open the lid. It seems that the Next model is trivial and will release the top lid faster than the Plus model. This might be more effort since you need two hands to hold the lid down and secure the latch.
Water Reservoir and Capsule Containers
Virtuo Plus offered more water space with 40 ounces of water in the reservoir. This tank was adjustable and could swing off to each side so it can fit into tighter spaces. The Next model only offers 37 ounces of water and will need refilling more often. It can also be removed from the machine to it makes filling easier. Both machines have the same capsule ejection system so a used capsule slides down two wire rails into the empty storage bin.
The Plus model could hold 10 capsules inside the used pod storage while the newer Next model can only hold 8 spent pods.
Coffee Brewing and Taste
The design for the Nespresso Vertuo pods is meant to make the most of coffee flavor using Centrifusion technology. The coffee spins inside the capsule no less than 7000 times per minute to mix the coffee and water before it gets poured into your coffee cup. The brewing time is less than 25 seconds give or take for both machines. Vertuo Next seems to take an additional 10 seconds to brew the coffee.
As far as taste, Vertuo Next makes a sweeter and creamier crema that results while the Plus model makes less crema and tends to make a stronger and slightly bitter version.
Ease of Use and Programming
Both machines are very simple to use and have a single-button operation to get the coffee brewing immediately. As long as you have a fresh pod inside the machine it will only take 30 seconds for the machine to get ready for brewing. This gives you plenty of time to adjust your coffee cup and drip tray to the correct height. The programming is completely automatic since the machine reads a bar code on the coffee pod that determines water flow and brewing time.
This ensures the immersion time, water temperature, and amount of water that prepares the correct amount of coffee based on the type of pod you’re using.
Care and Maintenance
Just like any other coffee machine or espresso machine, you need to descale to prevent the build-up of minerals inside the machine. This is very simple to do by adding a cup of lemon juice or vinegar into a near-full water reservoir. Run the machine on the cleaning cycle to get the water to run through the lines. This will help the machine remove any mineral deposits and keeps your coffee tasting delicious.
The water reservoir should be cleaned with a soft sponge on the inside to get off any build-up and then rinsed so there is no soap residue anymore.
Recommendation and Who Is Each For
If you enjoy automatic function, then the original Plus model is a simple single-button set-up that’s a no-brainer. If you don’t mind the manual release loading for putting a pod inside the Next model, this function can be good for you. The app that is used for the Next model only gives you notifications if your machine is malfunctioning, so there is no automatic brewing button.
You can also track how many pods you’ve used so you can order more when you are getting low. Otherwise, the app is not very interactive to make coffee in any way.
Alternative: Comparing Nespresso Vertuo and Evoluo
The differences between Vertuo and Evoluo are hard to spot since they look nearly identical to each other. The real difference is from the function and cost difference between these two. The Evoluo is heavier by 2.2 pounds, so if weight bothers you, the Vertuo is the better choice. They are both Nespresso products, so where you happen to buy either of these will impact the total cost you spend.
FAQ
Is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus worth it?
If you like coffee that is brewed quickly and has plenty of bites, then- it’s worth getting. The larger capacity for holding more water is a plus and can hold more empty pods in the trash bin. It might be a bit clunkier than the newer Next model, and it’s nice that it’s fully automatic for opening and closing the loading lid.
Does Vertuo Next have a leak issue?
There is no proof that Vertuo Next has a leak issue but there are plenty of used next models that are listed over the number of Vertuo Plus models that are being resold. Because of the newer design, and use of recycled plastics, this can cause leaking if the recycled plastic warps under excess heat. It may also come from improper descaling and a faulty pump. Valve connections between the water reservoir and the machine can also be loose.
Can the Nespresso Vertuo Next use the original capsules?
There is no way to use the original Nespresso pods for the Vertuo line because they are designed differently. Plus, the original Nespresso pods don’t have a bar code on the top to let the machine know how to brew the pod even if you could get them to fit in the machine. This is part of the marketing campaign so you buy only the products that Vertuo recommends.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Vs Plus: What’s the best machine for you?
Honestly, the Vertuo Plus is a great machine if you like fast results that are easy to achieve. When you want to have a sweeter and creamier coffee, the Next model will deliver better results. Depending on your taste in design, just the appearance alone will decide which model is best for you.
Conclusion
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus and the Nespresso Next are both great coffee machines. They both have their pros and cons, and in the end, it comes down to personal preference when you have to choose one or the other.
I hope this article helped you to understand more about their differences so to make a better choice. If you’re interested in learning more about coffee machines, here are some other articles that could help you.
- The 8 Best Coffee Makers Under $200 – Top Picks
- The 7 Best Coffee Makers with Grinder
- The 8 Best Plastic-Free Coffee Makers: Which One to Choose and Why

Giacomo is an Italian living in Shanghai since 2016. After working as a barista in Italy, he started to be more interested in the different types of coffee, beans, and the ways to prepare this ancient beverage. He founded Authority Coffee and he is currently on a mission to find the best coffee in China.