Beverages

Nespresso Vertuo Next Review — Is the New Barista-Inspired Capsule Machine a Success?

Does Nespresso’s new centrifusion capsule machine do the trick?

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2021

Jeremy Proome

Nespresso quite literally revolutionised the at-home coffee craze thanks to the introduction of the traditional pod and capsule machines sometime back now. However, things have changed. Materials have evolved, technology has improved, and environmentalism is at the forefront of every company’s mission. So, it was about time that Nespresso changed up the game with a new capsule machine system, and the brand has done so with the Vertuo Next; but is this new coffee-maker the reinvention of the caffeine-dripped wheel we’ve been hoping for?

What makes it so special?

While the Vertuo Next may initially appear quite similar to previous Nespresso machines, this new device uses completely new capsules, as well as utilises the brand’s centrifusion technology, rather than the normal bar pressure system found in other machines. This centrifusion process entails piercing the capsule, running hot water into it, and spinning it incredibly fast, allowing the water to brew with the coffee. The idea is that it creates a much more well-rounded brew and allows for much more complex and high-strength coffees to be introduced through the capsule delivery mechanism.

While the brewing process has got more elaborate, thankfully, the user experience is just as easy, if not easier. At the touch of a button, the intelligent system reads and recognises the unique barcode on each new, larger capsule, adjusting the flow and volume of water, temperature, infusion time and capsule rotation accordingly, and the machine does all the work. With some smaller, more intense espresso capsules, it won’t need to spin that much; with larger cup cappuccino options, it’ll need to do a little more work. However, each capsule type and process is as easy as one another. There are no adjustments or complex buttons on the Vertuo Next — quite literally just the ‘go’ button, which heats up the water (which it does extremely fast, we might add), and gets on with the job.

And thanks to these new, larger, and more complex capsules which essentially come with their own instruction manual for the machine built into their barcodes, you get a lot more options than any previous machine. The Vertuo offers over 30 unique coffee blends and single origins in a range of 5 cup sizes for coffee lovers to enjoy, whether it be an indulgent Cappuccino for a coffee break, a Gran Lungo after lunch or an Espresso in the afternoon. The 5 cup sizes include the Carafe Pour-Over Style (535ml), Signature Coffee Mug (230ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Double Espresso (80ml) and Espresso (40ml). There are a wealth of varietals and flavours, including the Hazelino Muffin, Intenso, Fortado, and Diavolitto, which all became some of our favourites.

In terms of maintenance and cleaning, the Vertuo Next is as simple as they come. It’s extremely straightforward when it comes to filling it with water and cleaning out the capsule bin, and putting the machine on a rinse cycle with three quick presses of the primary button to clean the spout is incredibly simple. Anyone who has owned a capsule machine in the past will be immediately familiar with the cleaning process.

Verdict

Nespresso hasn’t just updated the coffee capsule world with the Vertuo Next, but overhauled it significantly. It’s fair to say that the Vertuo Next isn’t going to replace or make other machines obsolete, but rather appeal to those who want a little more from their at-home coffee experience, bringing the barista-style brews, frothier options, and more elegant flavours into your daily coffee consumption routine. It’s a fantastic machine that gives the upmarket, home-based caffeinated kick we’ve been waiting for.

Nespresso South Africa currently has 3 models in the Vertuo Next range, with Nespresso Vertuo Next, Vertuo Next Premium and, Vertuo Next Deluxe in sleek and modern colours. All of the machines have the simple one-touch button mechanism and feature the centrifusion technology.

The Vertuo Next comes in three colours: Light Grey, Cherry Red and Matt Black. While Vertuo Next Premium is available in Classic Black and Vertuo Next Deluxe is available in Dark Chrome. The new Nespresso Vertuo system, coffees and accessories are now in Nespresso boutiques and online at via Nespresso’s website.