The Breville Vertuo and Vertuo Next offer the same high-quality Nespresso coffee experience but differ significantly in design, technology, and materials. The original Vertuo is a larger, classic machine known for its robust build and simplicity, while the Vertuo Next is a slimmer, more modern successor made with recycled plastics and featuring Bluetooth connectivity for software updates.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Breville machine for your daily coffee routine.
Breville Vertuo
The original Vertuo by Breville is a trusted and straightforward coffee and espresso maker praised for its consistent performance and ease of use. It uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to brew perfectly extracted coffee with rich crema at the touch of a single button, making it a reliable workhorse for coffee lovers who value simplicity and quality.
- What it is: A single-serve coffee and espresso machine that uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules.
- Key features: One-touch brewing, Centrifusion technology for optimal extraction, 25-second heat-up time, automatic capsule ejection, and a removable 40 oz water tank.
- Price: Around $150 to $200.
- Style: Classic and minimalist with a rounded top and glossy or matte finishes. It has a larger and heavier presence on the countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable plastic body with solid construction and reliable internal components.
- Pros: Proven track record of reliability and durability. Simple, user-friendly operation with no complicated settings. Often available at a lower price point. Produces consistently great-tasting coffee.
- Cons: Larger footprint takes up more counter space. Lacks smart features like app connectivity. Design is slightly dated compared to the Next.
The Vertuo is an ideal choice for users seeking a dependable, no-fuss coffee machine that delivers excellent results without the need for smart technology.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bnv220.html
Breville Vertuo Next
The Breville Vertuo Next is the modern evolution of the Vertuo line, designed for today's kitchen with a focus on a smaller footprint, sustainability, and smart technology. It retains the same great brewing capabilities but packs them into a sleeker, eco-conscious package that connects to your smartphone for a seamless user experience.
- What it is: An upgraded, compact smart coffee and espresso maker designed for Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
- Key features: Slim 5.5-inch wide design, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for automatic software updates, made from 54% recycled plastics, accepts Vertuo capsule sizes up to the 18 oz. pour-over carafe.
- Price: Around $180 to $250.
- Style: Contemporary and streamlined with a thinner profile and matte finish options with subtle color accents.
- Materials/Construction: Body is constructed with recycled plastics, emphasizing an eco-friendly design while maintaining a sturdy feel.
- Pros: Very compact design is perfect for small kitchens. Smart connectivity ensures the machine is always updated with the latest software. Eco-conscious build appeals to sustainable-minded buyers. Accommodates a wider range of capsule sizes.
- Cons: Slightly higher price point. As a newer model, some users have reported more initial technical issues compared to the time-tested original. The lighter, recycled plastic can feel less substantial to some.
This machine is perfect for environmentally aware consumers with limited counter space who appreciate modern aesthetics and the convenience of smart technology.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/nespresso/bnv520.html
Breville Vertuo vs. Vertuo Next Comparison
Design & Footprint
The most immediate difference between the two machines is their size and shape. The original Vertuo is wider and bulkier, taking up a considerable spot on your counter. It has a classic, rounded aesthetic that fits well in a traditional kitchen.
The Vertuo Next is the clear winner for small spaces. At only 5.5 inches wide, it boasts a much slimmer and more streamlined profile. Its contemporary design and matte finishes give it a modern look that suits updated kitchen decor perfectly.
Brewing Technology & Capsule Compatibility
Both machines use Nespresso’s patented Centrifusion technology, which spins the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute to extract coffee and create a rich crema. Coffee quality is excellent and highly consistent on both models. Both read barcodes on the capsules to optimize brew settings like temperature and volume.
While both brew the standard set of capsule sizes (espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee), the Vertuo Next is designed to accommodate Nespresso’s largest 18 oz. Pour-Over Style Carafe pods, giving it slightly more versatility.
Materials & Sustainability
The original Vertuo is made from new, robust plastic and has a reputation for being a durable appliance that lasts for years. However, the Vertuo Next takes a more modern approach to manufacturing. It is constructed from 54% recycled plastics, reflecting a commitment to sustainability without sacrificing durability. This makes the Vertuo Next a better option for eco-conscious shoppers.
Connectivity & Smart Features
This is a key differentiator. The original Vertuo is a simple analog machine - you press the button, and it brews coffee. There are no online features or connectivity options.
The Vertuo Next, however, is a smart machine equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It connects to the Nespresso app on your smartphone to automatically download and install the latest software updates. This ensures the machine stays fine-tuned over time for optimal brewing performance and gives you access to troubleshooting and maintenance alerts directly on your phone.
Price & Value
The Breville Vertuo generally comes in at a lower price, making it a great entry-level option for anyone wanting Nespresso quality on a budget. Its long-term reliability provides excellent value for the money.
The Vertuo Next costs slightly more, but the price reflects its added features: a space-saving design, smart connectivity, and an eco-friendly build. If those features are important to you, the extra cost is justified, offering better long-term features and convenience.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines offer an excellent, convenient coffee experience, but they are built for different consumer priorities.
Choose the Breville Vertuo if:
- You prioritize a lower price point and proven, long-term reliability.
- You want a simple, straightforward machine with one-touch operation and no hassle.
- You have plenty of counter space and don't require an ultra-compact design.
- You are not concerned with smart features or app connectivity.
Choose the Breville Vertuo Next if:
- You have limited kitchen counter space and need a slim machine.
- You value sustainable products and want a machine made from recycled materials.
- You're a tech-savvy user who appreciates the convenience of automatic software updates and maintenance alerts.
- You want the most modern-looking appliance to match your kitchen's aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Vertuo and Vertuo Next?
The three main differences are size, construction, and technology. The Vertuo Next is significantly slimmer, is made from 54% recycled plastics, and features Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for updates, while the original Vertuo is larger, made from all-new materials, and has no smart features.
Is the Vertuo Next better than the original Vertuo?
It depends on your needs. The Vertuo Next is technologically more advanced and has a space-saving, eco-friendly design. However, the original Vertuo is a reliable, time-tested machine with a loyal following that may be more appealing if you just want a simple coffee maker.
Which machine is better for a small kitchen?
The Vertuo Next is definitively better for small kitchens. At only 5.5 inches wide, its slim profile saves a significant amount of counter space compared to the bulkier original Vertuo models.
Do both machines use the same coffee pods?
Yes, both models use the same Nespresso Vertuo capsules for espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and coffee sizes. However, only the Vertuo Next is designed to brew the largest 18 oz. pour-over style carafe pod.
Does the app connectivity on the Vertuo Next really matter?
Yes, it's a helpful feature for long-term ownership. The app automatically updates the machine's brewing parameters and operational software without you having to do anything. It also provides descaling alerts and can help with troubleshooting if an issue arises, keeping your machine running optimally.
Which one is more durable long-term?
The original Vertuo has a well-established reputation for being a durable workhorse that lasts many years. The Vertuo Next is also built to be sturdy, but its use of recycled plastics and its more recent release mean it doesn't have the same long-term track record just yet.
Is the coffee quality different between the Vertuo and Vertuo Next?
Coffee quality is very similar and excellent on both machines, as they both use Nespresso's Centrifusion brewing technology. The taste should be indistinguishable for most users.
Why is the Vertuo Next more expensive?
Its higher price accounts for the new technology (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), more complex and compact design, and the use of recycled materials in its manufacturing process. You are paying for a smarter, smaller, and more modern appliance.
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