Is The Vertuoplus Better Than The Next?

If you’re trying to decide between the Vertuo Plus vs Vertuo Next, you’re not alone. This is probably the most common Nespresso Vertuo machine comparison people ask about, and on paper the machines look almost identical.

They both use Centrifusion technology, both read barcodes on the capsules, and both promise the same Vertuo coffee quality. Is The Vertuoplus Better Than The Next?

I’ve used both over time, and the differences show up in places you don’t notice in product descriptions  things like reliability, how the lid works, how loud the machine feels in the morning, and how often you end up troubleshooting it.

One of these machines feels like a solid, well-sorted appliance. The other sometimes feels like a tech experiment that didn’t fully mature.

That doesn’t mean the newer one is bad. But it does mean the choice isn’t as obvious as you might think. Let’s break down how they actually compare in everyday use.

Quick Comparison Table

On paper the Vertuo Next looks more advanced. In practice, many experienced users still prefer the VertuoPlus reliability and simplicity.

Overview of Each Machine

Both machines belong to the Vertuo line, which works very differently from traditional espresso machines.

Instead of forcing water through coffee with high pressure, Vertuo machines spin the capsule extremely fast up to 7,000 RPM. This spinning process is called Centrifusion technology.

The capsule’s barcode tells the machine exactly how to brew the drink:

• water volume

• rotation speed

• temperature

• brew time

So every capsule type gets its own optimized recipe.

This system makes Vertuo machines incredibly consistent. You don’t need to adjust grind size, tamp pressure, or shot timing like with a manual espresso machine.

But the machine design still matters a lot. The mechanics, lid system, internal plumbing, and sensors affect how reliable the machine is over time.

And that’s where the VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next difference becomes obvious.

One machine focuses on simplicity and durability.

The other adds features  but introduces more potential issues.

VertuoPlus Overview

The VertuoPlus is one of the most balanced Vertuo machines Nespresso ever made.

It’s simple, solid, and surprisingly refined for a capsule machine.

The most distinctive feature is the motorized lid. You press a lever and the machine opens automatically. Press again and it closes itself. It sounds like a small thing, but in daily use it feels smooth and satisfying.

The large 1.7-liter rotating water tank is another practical touch. You can position it on the left, right, or back, which helps if your counter space is awkward.

Brewing is quiet, consistent, and fast.

Most importantly, the VertuoPlus reliability has proven excellent over time. These machines tend to run for years with only occasional descaling.

In my experience, the VertuoPlus feels like a mature design  not flashy, but dependable.

Vertuo Next Overview

The Vertuo Next was introduced as the newer, more “advanced” Vertuo machine.

It added a few upgrades:

• support for Carafe pods

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

• slightly more compact design

• more recycled materials

The Carafe pods are meant for brewing a large pot of coffee (about 535 ml), which sounds great for households with multiple drinkers.

But the biggest difference in real life is the build.

The machine feels lighter, the lid is manual instead of motorized, and the internal components seem more sensitive.

This is also where many users report Vertuo Next problems, especially related to:

• blinking lights

• connectivity errors

• water leakage

• brewing failures

Some units work perfectly. Others need troubleshooting earlier than expected.

So while the Next looks modern, the user experience can be less consistent.

Design and Build Quality

• When you put the two machines side by side, the VertuoPlus simply feels more solid.
• The plastics are thicker, the hinge mechanism is stronger, and the motorized lid adds a premium touch.
• The VertuoPlus also has better counter presence. It’s slightly larger but looks more substantial.

Coffee Quality and Brewing Technology

• In terms of Vertuo coffee quality, both machines are basically identical.
• They use the same Centrifusion technology, read the same barcodes, and follow the same brewing profiles.
• So if you brew the same capsule in both machines the coffee should taste the same.

The Vertuo system produces a distinctive style of coffee:

• smooth body

• thick crema layer

• balanced flavor

It’s not traditional espresso crema  it’s more foam created by the spinning extraction  but it’s still enjoyable.

Where the difference appears is consistency over time.

Because the VertuoPlus tends to be more mechanically stable, it often keeps brewing consistently longer without issues.

The Next can occasionally misread capsules or interrupt brewing if sensors get confused.

Not common  but it happens.

Cup Sizes and Capsule Compatibility

Most Vertuo capsules work in both machines.

These include:

• Espresso

• Double Espresso

• Gran Lungo

• Mug

• Alto

However, the Vertuo Next supports one extra format: Carafe pods.

These are designed for the Vertuo Carafe system, which brews about 18 oz (535 ml) of coffee into a special carafe.

• In theory, it’s great for families or guests.
• In reality, many people rarely use this feature.
• Carafe pods are more expensive, and the special carafe accessory is required.
• So while it’s a nice option, it’s not a deal-breaker for most buyers.

Ease of Use

Both machines are extremely simple to operate:

• Insert capsule.
• Press button.
• Coffee appears.

That’s the beauty of the Vertuo system.

However, the VertuoPlus feels easier in daily use because of the motorized lid.

You push the lever once and the machine opens itself. Used capsule drops into the container automatically.

With the Vertuo Next, everything is manual:

• twist to unlock

• lift lid

• close and lock again

Not difficult  just slightly less convenient.

Also, the Next occasionally requires app updates or troubleshooting due to connectivity features.

The Plus avoids that entirely.

Reliability and Durability

• This is the section where the VertuoPlus usually wins.
• Across user forums, repair technicians, and long-term owners, the VertuoPlus reliability.
• Most machines run smoothly for years with basic maintenance.

The Vertuo Next, unfortunately, has developed a reputation for Vertuo Next problems, including:

• flashing orange lights

• brewing failures

• water leaks

• sensor issues

Not every machine has these problems.

But enough people have experienced them that it’s worth considering.

If reliability matters most, the VertuoPlus is generally the safer choice.

Smart Features and Connectivity

This is the one area where the Vertuo Next is technically more advanced.

It includes:

• Bluetooth

• Wi-Fi connectivity

• firmware updates through the app

The idea is that the machine can update brewing profiles or send maintenance alerts.

In practice, many owners never use these features after the first setup.

And when connectivity glitches happen, it can actually complicate troubleshooting.

The VertuoPlus skips all of this  which honestly makes it simpler.

Sometimes fewer features means fewer problems.

Price Comparison

Prices fluctuate depending on sales, bundles, and retailers.

But generally:

• VertuoPlus: slightly more expensive

• Vertuo Next: slightly cheaper

The price difference is usually around $20–$50.

However, promotional bundles often include capsules or milk frothers, which can change the value significantly.

Personally, I’d still choose the VertuoPlus even if it costs a bit more  simply because of the reliability.

Who Should Buy VertuoPlus?

The VertuoPlus is ideal if you want a machine that just works every morning.

It’s best for people who value:

• reliability

• simplicity

• smooth daily operation

If you drink one or two cups per day and want a dependable Vertuo machine, this is usually the safest choice.

In my experience, it’s the Vertuo model people keep the longest.

Who Should Buy Vertuo Next?

The Vertuo Next makes sense for a smaller group of buyers.

It’s better suited for people who want:

• the newest design

• Carafe pods capability

• smart connectivity features

If you like the idea of app integration or brewing large carafe coffees, the Next offers something the Plus can’t.

Just be aware of the reported Vertuo Next problems before deciding.

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You Might Be Interested In

• Who Makes Solimo Coffee?
• Can You Use Other Capsules With Nespresso Essenza Mini?
• Does Vertuoplus Froth Milk?
• Does Nespresso Vertuo plus make cappuccino?
• What Is The Difference Between Vertuoplus and Vertuoplus Deluxe?

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Conclusion

If you’re deciding between VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next, the answer is surprisingly simple in real life: the VertuoPlus is usually the better machine.

It’s sturdier, smoother to use, and has a much stronger reputation for long-term reliability. The motorized lid, larger water tank, and simpler design make it feel like a polished appliance rather than an experimental one.

The Vertuo Next isn’t terrible, but it tries to do too much. Smart features, Carafe pods, and a lighter design introduce complexity that many users never needed in the first place. Unless you specifically want those extras, the VertuoPlus is the machine most people end up happier with.

FAQs about Is The Vertuoplus Better Than The Next?

Is VertuoPlus better than Vertuo Next?

For most users, the answer is yes. In the VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next comparison, the VertuoPlus tends to come out ahead because it focuses on simplicity and solid everyday performance. The machine feels sturdier, the motorized lid makes inserting and ejecting capsules effortless, and the larger water tank means you refill it less often. These small details might seem minor at first, but after using the machine every morning for months, they make a noticeable difference in how smooth the experience feels.

Another factor is reliability. The VertuoPlus has been around longer and has built a strong reputation for consistent performance. Many long-term owners report using it for years with minimal issues beyond routine descaling. The Vertuo Next adds newer features like connectivity and support for larger capsules, but those upgrades don’t always improve the daily coffee routine. If your goal is dependable coffee with fewer potential problems, the VertuoPlus is usually the safer choice.

Do both machines make the same coffee?

In terms of brewing technology, both machines work the same way and should produce very similar results. They both use Centrifusion technology, where the capsule spins rapidly while water flows through it. Each capsule has a barcode that tells the machine how to brew it, controlling factors like water volume, spin speed, and extraction time. Because the system is identical, the Vertuo coffee quality is generally the same when using the same capsule in both machines.

In real-world use, most people wouldn’t be able to taste a difference between coffee brewed on a VertuoPlus and coffee brewed on a Vertuo Next. The flavor profile, body, and signature crema layer should look and taste the same. The only time differences appear is if a machine is experiencing technical issues or hasn’t been maintained properly. When both machines are working as intended, they deliver the same style of smooth, capsule-based coffee that the Vertuo system is known for.

What problems does the Vertuo Next have?

One topic that frequently comes up in discussions about the Vertuo Next problems is reliability. Some users report issues such as flashing lights, incomplete brewing cycles, or the machine stopping before the cup is finished. Others have experienced water leaking internally or the machine refusing to brew until it’s reset. These problems don’t happen to every unit, but they appear often enough in reviews and user forums that they’ve become part of the machine’s reputation.

A likely reason is that the Vertuo Next includes more electronics and sensors than earlier models. It also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which adds another layer of software to the system. When everything works correctly the machine performs well, but extra complexity means there are more things that can potentially go wrong. That’s why many experienced Nespresso users still prefer simpler models like the VertuoPlus for long-term reliability.

Can VertuoPlus use Carafe pods?

No, the VertuoPlus does not support Carafe pods. Those capsules were introduced with newer Vertuo machines and are designed to brew a much larger amount of coffee  around 18 ounces  into a dedicated carafe accessory. This feature is mainly intended for households where multiple people want coffee at the same time or when you want to brew a larger batch instead of individual cups.

However, many Vertuo users don’t actually need this feature. The Vertuo system is primarily built around single-serve brewing, and most people use mug-size or double-espresso capsules for their daily coffee. The VertuoPlus handles all the standard Vertuo capsule sizes perfectly, so the lack of Carafe pod compatibility isn’t a major limitation for most users who simply want a reliable machine for everyday coffee.

Which Vertuo machine lasts longer?

Based on long-term user feedback, the VertuoPlus reliability record is generally stronger. The machine has been on the market longer and has proven to be a durable option when maintained properly. Many owners report using it for several years with only routine maintenance like descaling and occasional cleaning of the capsule chamber. Its simpler design and solid internal components tend to hold up well over time.

The Vertuo Next can also last for years, but its reliability record is more mixed. Because it’s a newer design with additional electronic features and a lighter build, some users encounter issues earlier in the machine’s life. This doesn’t mean every Vertuo Next will fail quickly, but the overall track record suggests the VertuoPlus has the edge when it comes to long-term durability and consistent performance.