Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi Review

The Verdict

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker Review

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi promises café-quality coffee and espresso at the touch of a button. With over 2,800 reviews on Amazon and a 4.1-star average, it’s one of the most popular pod machines on the market.

We examined user experiences to determine whether it delivers on that promise — and whether the reliability concerns are dealbreakers.

Design and Features

The Vertuo Next has a sleek, modern silhouette that takes up minimal counter space. The white finish is clean and contemporary, though it shows fingerprints more readily than darker models.

Key specs:

• Brew sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Mug (7.7 oz), Carafe (12 oz)
• Water tank: 37 oz
• Heat-up time: 30–40 seconds
• Used pod capacity: Up to 10 before needing to empty
• Weight: 8.8 lbs

The barcode-reading technology is the Vertuo’s signature feature. Each pod has a barcode on the rim that tells the machine the exact brew parameters — temperature, water volume, rotation speed — for that specific coffee blend.

Coffee Quality

When it works, the Vertuo Next produces excellent coffee. The centrifugal brewing spins the pod at up to 7,000 RPM, creating a thick, velvety crema that instant coffee and standard drip machines simply cannot match.

Reviewers consistently praise:

• Crema quality: Thick, persistent, café-level crema on every brew
• Brew temperature: Coffee comes out hot — a common complaint with other pod machines
• Flavor consistency: Each cup tastes the same as the last
• Speed: From button press to finished cup in under a minute

“This coffee maker has actually been a game changer! Our coffees are just as good at home.” — Verified 5-star review

Aeroccino Milk Frother

The included Aeroccino frother is a genuine differentiator. It heats and froths milk in about 60 seconds, producing dense microfoam that rivals what you’d get from a café steam wand.

Frother highlights:

• Hot froth for cappuccinos and lattes
• Cold froth for iced beverages
• Easy-pour spout design
• Removable whisk for cleaning

Reliability Concerns

This is the Vertuo Next’s Achilles’ heel. While many users report years of flawless operation, the negative reviews tell a consistent story:

Common reported issues:

• Machine stops recognizing pods or reading barcodes
• Water flow becomes inconsistent after several months
• Descaling alerts persist even after cleaning
• Complete failure within the first year

The 3 out of 10 negative review rate on quality issues is higher than we’d like to see. If you buy the Vertuo Next, registering the warranty and using filtered water are smart precautions.

Value Analysis

At $160.30, the Vertuo Next is competitively priced for a machine that brews both coffee and espresso with a milk frother included.

Cost per cup: Vertuo pods range from $0.80–$1.50 each, significantly less than a $5–$7 café drink. A daily latte habit pays for the machine in about a month.

Ongoing costs: This is the main consideration. Proprietary Vertuo pods mean you’re locked into Nespresso’s ecosystem. There are no third-party Vertuo-compatible pods — unlike the original Nespresso line, which has many compatible options.

Verdict

The Nespresso Vertuo Next by De’Longhi delivers excellent coffee with minimal effort. The Aeroccino frother is a genuine bonus, and the brew quality justifies the pod costs for most users.

However, the reliability concerns are real. We recommend buying from a retailer with a good return policy and registering the warranty immediately.

Who should buy: Convenience-first coffee drinkers who want espresso and coffee from one machine, and don’t mind the ongoing pod cost.

Who should skip: Anyone on a tight budget, or those who want maximum reliability and third-party pod options.

FAQ

Can the Nespresso Vertuo Next make regular coffee or only espresso?

It makes both — from a 1.35 oz espresso shot to a full 12 oz mug of coffee. The barcode-reading technology adjusts brewing parameters based on the pod type.

How often do you need to descale the Vertuo Next?

Nespresso recommends descaling every 300 cups or 3 months, whichever comes first. The machine will alert you when descaling is needed.

Is the Aeroccino dishwasher safe?

The Aeroccino jug and whisk are hand-wash recommended. The non-stick coating can deteriorate in the dishwasher over time.

Does the Vertuo Next use Keurig K-Cups?

No. The Vertuo Next only works with Nespresso Vertuo pods. It does not accept original Nespresso capsules or K-Cups.