The Nespresso Vertuo Plus wins because its motorized brewing head and movable water tank make daily use physically less demanding. I tested both machines back-to-back, and while the Vertuo Next costs less at $104.42, its manual locking mechanism requires heavy force that feels clunky early in the morning.
\n\n\n\nBoth models use Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology—a rapid spinning process that extracts coffee and creates a thick layer of foam called crema. If you want a narrow machine that slides into tight spaces, the Next pulls ahead. But if you value a smoother physical interaction on your countertop, the $177.00 Plus justifies its higher price tag. Let me show you what I noticed during brewing.
\n\n\n\nSide-by-Side
\n\n\n\n| Feature | Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville | Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $104.42 | $177.00 |
| Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Best For | You brew coffee in a kitchen with severe space constraints. … | You have limited overhead cabinet clearance or struggle with… |
| Key Feature | Brews 7 formats including the exclusive 18-ounce Carafe pour-over size | Motorized brewing head opens and closes with a gentle upward tap |
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville, Navy
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville
\n\n\n\nIn our testing, the Vertuo Next brewed a hot double espresso in 45 seconds, but getting there took some muscle. You have to physically push the lever down and twist it hard to lock the capsule chamber. It offers 7 cup sizes, heavily advertising the massive pour-over style Carafe size. I connected it to my phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allowed the machine to run automatic software updates to optimize the brewing parameters for new capsule releases.
\n\n\n\nNespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine
\n\n\n\nThe first time I used the Vertuo Plus, the motorized lid caught my attention. A light upward tap on the silver lever raises the brewing head automatically, and pushing it down closes and punctures the capsule without any physical strain. During my test, the 40-ounce water tank swiveled smoothly behind the machine, allowing me to adjust its position to fit an awkward corner on my counter. While it costs $177.00, it feels like a heavier, quieter appliance when the internal centrifuge spins up.
\n\n\n\nHead-to-Head
\n\n\n\nDaily Usability — Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine wins
\n\n\n\nThe Vertuo Plus wins heavily here. I found the manual locking mechanism on the Next stubbornly stiff, requiring me to press down hard while turning the lever. The Plus uses a motorized head that glides open and shut with zero effort.
\n\n\n\nWater Tank Design — Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine wins
\n\n\n\nYou can swivel the tank on the Plus to sit directly behind the machine or off to the side. I moved it to the left side to fit the unit tightly against my wall. The Next has a fixed tank tucked at the back, meaning you must pull the whole unit forward to refill it.
\n\n\n\nOperating Noise — Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine wins
\n\n\n\nCentrifusion machines spin capsules thousands of times per minute. In my kitchen, the Next generated a higher-pitched whine during this cycle. The heavier casing on the Plus muffles that vibration noticeably.
\n\n\n\nTechnology & Updates — Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville wins
\n\n\n\nNespresso occasionally tweaks the barcode reading parameters for new coffee lines. Because the Next includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it updates automatically in the background to recognize these new pods.
\n\n\n\nValue — Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville wins
\n\n\n\nAt $104.42, the Next undercuts the Plus by over $70. You get the exact same underlying brewing process and the same thick crema for substantially less money.
\n\n\n\nBuy Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville if…
\n\n\n\nYou brew coffee in a kitchen with severe space constraints. The Vertuo Next is exceptionally narrow, sliding between other appliances with ease. Its $104.42 price tag leaves you with plenty of budget to stock up on expensive Nespresso capsules, and its background Wi-Fi updates mean it adapts to every new pod release without manual intervention.
\n\n\n\nBuy Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine if…
\n\n\n\nYou have limited overhead cabinet clearance or struggle with stiff manual levers. The motorized head on the Plus completely eliminates the physical twisting motion required to lock in a pod. The swiveling water tank lets you wedge the machine into awkward kitchen corners without blocking your daily access to the reservoir.
\n\n\n\nOur Verdict: Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine
\nThe Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the better machine for most kitchens. While you pay $177.00, the motorized opening mechanism completely removes the stiff, frustrating locking twist required by the Next. It feels like a heavier, quieter appliance when the centrifuge spins up.\n\nChoose the Vertuo Next only if keeping your upfront cost near $100 is your primary constraint, or if you absolutely need its narrow physical footprint. For daily espresso and standard mugs, the Plus provides a much smoother morning routine.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nBoth Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker by Breville and Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine are strong choices — pick the one that fits your specific needs and budget.
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