The Vertuo Next is a new machine from Nespresso which hit the market this summer. The stylish-looking unit has been designed by French kitchenware brand Magimix and as is the latest pod machine in Nespresso’s Vertuo range.
But is the Vertuo Next any good? What kind of coffee does it make? And is it worth splashing out on one?
This review will take a look at some of the key features of the machine and also explain the differences between the Vertuo Next and similar machines in the same product line.
The Vertuo system has been around since 2014 and the Vertuo Next by Magimix is (as of September 2020) one of the latest Vertuo machines to hit the market.
- What is the ‘Vertuo’ range and is it for me?
- How is the Vertuo Next different from other Vertuo machines?
- What else do I need to know about the Vertuo Next?
- What about the coffee?
- The Verdict
Nespresso Vertuo Next by Maximix
It is slightly more expensive than similar coffee machines and uses some expensive coffee pods, but the Vertuo Next by Magimix is a super looking machine which makes great coffee and is a complete aesthetic overhaul on the bulky Vertuo Plus.
There are no extras like pod storage trays, cup heaters or milk frothers, so those in the market for an all-singing, all dancing machine that can make a bubbly brew may want to look elsewhere. But that is not to take anything away from the machine itself.
The Vertuo Next by Magimix is great for anyone who enjoys longer coffees as they are the most likely to derive the most enjoyment from the Vertuo pod range, which offers great tasting premium coffees in sizes up to 400ml plus. The connectivity add-on is a nice to have but does not really offer much. In fact, a big part of the machine’s charm lies in simply how easy it is to use and clean.
What is the ‘Vertuo’ range and is it for me?
The market for coffee pod machines is a ridiculously crowded place and a truly global business.
Obviously, coffee comes in many different shapes and sizes and the idea behind Vertuo systems is that they will appeal to people who like larger servings of coffee than on offer with other pod systems. Italian espresso drinkers can probably get by without one – Americano fans on the other hand might get a lot of use out of it.
Typical pod machines are designed to make espresso or espresso lungo coffees and these can often taste a bit thin when watered down to fill an entire mug. Not so the Vertuo range. Vertuo pods are set up to make four different sizes of coffee: a 40ml Espresso, an 80ml double/lungo, a 150ml gran lungo, a 230ml mug and even an ‘alto’ which is a whopping 414ml of coffee. The pods come with a barcode which is read by the machine, which then automatically selects the length of your drink based on your pod choice. You can top up drinks or manually adjust the length if you like, but Vertuo machines are basically a very ‘hands-off’ way of making coffee.
The product line also uses Nespresso’s patented “centrifusion” method of brewing, where they blast water through spinning pods to extract coffee. The company’s marketing team says this system is optimal for brewing – cynics say the system is designed to try and prevent punters from using non-Nespresso brand capsules in their machines. We will steer clear of that debate and just say the quality of the coffee is among the best available from pod systems. It is deep, strong and smooth even when long coffees are made and it always delivers a nice thick crema.
How is the Vertuo Next different from other Vertuo machines?
The key difference is that the Vertuo Next is smaller and more compact than other units such as its predecessor the Vertuo Plus. The Vertuo Plus has a 1.7-litre water tank and measured 32x14x48cm the Vertuo Next comes with a 1.1-litre water tank and measures 32x14x34cm.
It also has some Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. This allows you to do things like checking your water level via an app, but the machine is not remotely controlled. The main upshot of the added connectivity is that it allows the machine to run automatic software updates that will keep it running according to the latest commands.
What else do I need to know about the Vertuo Next?
The unit looks great and features a sturdy build quality. Capsules are loaded into the top manually, although it can be a little fiddly to get them into position and lock them into place. The machine is operated via a single touch button on top. As the machine reads the barcode on the capsule as mentioned, it is generally a one-touch operation – although you can press again to manually take control of the pour. It takes about 30 seconds for the machine to heat up and get ready to brew. It’s not as loud as some pod machines although the centrifusion method does give it a distinct whirr.
As part of the space-saving design, its 1.1-litre water tank – enough to make four mugs of coffee – is located on the back of the machine and the empty pods dispense into a detachable side panel which holds 10 capsules. The Vertuo Next also features a detachable drip tray which can be set to multiple heights so you can put everything under there from a tiny espresso cup to a 16.5cm tall glass.
All the parts detach easily for cleaning. There is a ten-minute cleaning programme that can be run to flush out the machine. The top light flashes orange and white when it is time to run a descaling programme which takes around 20 mins and will require you to have some descaling solution handy.
What about the coffee?
As previously mentioned, the Vertuo tabs are a premium pod. There are plenty of different options covering different lengths, strengths, blends and even flavoured coffees. The range and diversity are fun, and the quality is excellent – above and beyond common or garden pod varieties. It does come at a price though, with pods selling for 40-60 pence each. The pods can be bought in units of 10, so deep pockets are needed if you have a heavy java habit. The pods are costly but they do not contain plastic and are made of recyclable aluminium. The machine is also made from recycled plastic and the original box is also polystyrene and plastic-free. So some nice green credentials there.
The coffee comes out nice and hot and generally tastes delicious. The machine does not come with any milk frothing capacity – although you can purchase a frother separately. There is even an Aeroccino to match your machine, but that does not come cheap, so if you are all about frothy coffee this is probably not the machine for you.
The Verdict
It is slightly more expensive than similar coffee machines and uses some expensive coffee pods but the Vertuo Next by Magimix is a super looking machine which makes great coffee and is a complete aesthetic overhaul on the bulky Vertuo Plus.
There are no extras like pod storage trays, cup heaters or milk frothers, so those in the market for an all-singing, all-dancing machine that can make a bubbly brew may want to look elsewhere. But that is not to take anything away from the machine itself.
The Vertuo Next by Magimix is great for anyone who enjoys longer coffees as they are the most likely to derive the most enjoyment from the Vertuo pod range, which offers great tasting premium coffees in sizes up to 400ml plus. The connectivity add-on is a nice to have but does not really offer much. In fact, a big part of the machine’s charm lies in simply how easy it is to use and clean.
The recyclability of the pods is also a plus point for the environmentally conscious and the build quality bodes well for years of loyal service.
4 Stars out of 5