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The Nespresso Vertuo Next (XN910B40) is the entry-level machine in Nespresso’s Vertuo platform: a pod coffee maker that brews five cup sizes — from 40ml espresso to 545ml carafe — using Centrifusion technology and capsule barcode recognition. At under £65 on sale, it carries Amazon’s Choice status and 400+ monthly purchases.
With 4.1 stars from 776 reviews, the Vertuo Next sits below the 4.3–4.5 average of the other machines reviewed in this category. Understanding why — and whether it matters for your specific use case — is the core question this review answers.
## What Is the Nespresso Vertuo Next?
The XN910B40 is a capsule coffee machine manufactured by Krups under the Nespresso (Nestlé) brand. It uses Vertuo capsules: barcoded, dome-shaped pods that the machine reads and spins at up to 7,000 RPM to extract coffee via centrifugal pressure. This is different from standard pod machines (including the Tassimo Suny and Original-line Nespresso machines), which use static pressure to push water through the pod.
The Vertuo Next is the most affordable machine in the Vertuo range, sitting below the Vertuo Pop, Vertuo Plus, and Vertuo Creatista. It adds WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity over the Pop — a meaningful feature difference for buyers who want smartphone integration.
## Centrifusion Technology: How It Works
Centrifusion is Nespresso’s proprietary extraction method for the Vertuo platform. Each Vertuo capsule has a barcode on its rim that the machine reads on insertion. The machine then spins the capsule at up to 7,000 RPM while injecting water, creating centrifugal pressure that forces water through the coffee grounds and out through the capsule foil.
The practical effect is a consistent, velvety crema on every cup size — from a 40ml espresso to a 545ml carafe. This is the Vertuo system’s most notable quality claim: crema at larger cup sizes, which traditional pump machines cannot produce (pump espresso crema requires small, concentrated extraction). Whether you value crema on a 230ml mug coffee is a personal preference, but the consistency across sizes is objectively demonstrable.
The barcode system also means there is no user configuration required. Insert a capsule, close the lever, press the button. The machine reads the barcode and sets the correct water volume, temperature, and spin speed automatically. No strength dial, no volume setting, no manual input.
## Five Cup Sizes: From Espresso to Carafe
The Vertuo Next brews five sizes:
– **Espresso**: 40ml
– **Double Espresso**: 80ml
– **Gran Lungo**: 150ml
– **Large Mug** (Americano/Long): 230ml
– **Carafe**: 545ml
No other machine in this category review offers a 545ml carafe option. For households that want both espresso and filter-style coffee from one machine — without switching systems — the Vertuo’s range is a genuine practical advantage over Tassimo (which has no carafe), Original Nespresso (no large cup sizes), or any of the pump espresso machines reviewed here.
## WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Vertuo Next connects to the Nespresso app via WiFi and Bluetooth. The primary use cases are: firmware updates (delivered automatically via the app), personalisation of cup size settings, and descaling alerts. The machine also connects to Nespresso’s cloud for barcode database updates when new capsule varieties are released.
In practice, most users set up the connection once and ignore it thereafter — the descaling alert is the feature that surfaces most regularly. Setting up the WiFi connection during initial setup is strongly recommended before first use; some 1-star reviews trace their frustrations to connectivity issues encountered when attempting to configure WiFi after already using the machine without it.
## Sustainability Credentials
The Vertuo Next is made from 54% recycled plastic — one of the higher recycled-content figures in this category. Nespresso Vertuo pods are made with 80% recycled aluminium and are fully recyclable through Nespresso’s dedicated pod recycling programme (collection bags available by post or in-store at Nespresso boutiques and John Lewis). The machine carries an A+ energy rating and auto-switches off after 2 minutes of inactivity.
For buyers for whom sustainability is a purchasing criterion, the Vertuo Next’s credentials are genuine and among the strongest in this category.
## A Note on the 4.1-Star Rating
The Vertuo Next’s 4.1 stars from 776 reviews is the lowest rating of any machine in this category and warrants honest discussion. The most frequently cited negatives in 1 and 2-star reviews are: WiFi connectivity setup difficulties (resolved by configuring during initial setup as the manual instructs), a proportion of capsules not being recognised correctly (typically resolved by cleaning the barcode reader), and the machine stopping working after 12–18 months for some buyers.
The 4.1 average also reflects the Vertuo Next being the entry-level Vertuo machine — buyers who expected more premium build quality at this price point. The majority of reviewers are satisfied; the minority cluster of connectivity and reliability concerns is real and proportionally larger than in machines rated 4.4+.
The clear advice: follow the setup instructions carefully, register the machine for the 2-year Nespresso warranty, and keep the barcode reader clean with the included tool.
## A Note on Milk Frothing
The Vertuo Next does **not** include a milk frother. To make lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, you need either the Nespresso Aeroccino (sold separately, typically £39–£49) or a separate milk frother. The listing references the Aeroccino in the bullets, but it is not included.
If milk-based drinks are your primary requirement, factor in the additional cost of an Aeroccino — bringing the total to approximately £100–110 at typical prices. At that combined price, it remains competitive with the Tassimo Suny (which includes compatible milk pod drinks built into the T DISC system without a separate frother) and the Philips L’OR Barista Sublime (which has a built-in milk frother at a higher machine price).
## Nespresso Vertuo Next vs. Tassimo Suny TAS3102GB
The most direct pod machine comparison in this category. Both are one-touch pod machines; both use barcode reading; both are under £70 on sale. Key differences: the Vertuo Next uses Centrifusion for espresso-quality crema across 5 cup sizes; the Tassimo Suny uses static pressure across 50+ drink types including tea and hot chocolate. Vertuo capsules cost £0.45–£0.75 each; T DISCs cost £0.25–£0.55 each. The Vertuo Next makes better espresso; the Tassimo makes broader drink variety. Neither includes a milk frother in the box. For espresso quality and cup size flexibility: Vertuo Next. For drink variety including tea and hot chocolate: Tassimo Suny.
## Nespresso Vertuo Next vs. Philips L’OR Barista Sublime
The L’OR Barista Sublime accepts both Nespresso Original and L’OR capsules, produces double-shot espresso at 19 bar, and includes a dual-spout for two simultaneous cups. It costs around £149. The Vertuo Next costs £62 on sale. The L’OR Barista produces stronger espresso; the Vertuo Next covers a wider cup size range including carafe. For espresso quality and pod flexibility: L’OR Barista. For all-size cup coverage and budget: Vertuo Next.
## Running Costs: Vertuo Pod Pricing
Vertuo capsules typically cost £0.45–£0.75 per pod, depending on the blend and retailer. At £0.50 per pod, a daily espresso costs £182.50 annually — more than ground coffee but competitive with out-of-home coffee prices. Vertuo capsules are available direct from Nespresso, on Amazon Subscribe & Save (typically 5–10% discount), and in John Lewis and some Waitrose stores. The range includes 30+ blends including iced varieties and decaf.
Vertuo capsules are not compatible with Original Nespresso machines (and vice versa). If you already own an Original-line Nespresso machine, your existing capsule stock will not work in the Vertuo Next.
## Who Should Buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next?
This machine suits: buyers who want Nespresso quality across five cup sizes from espresso to carafe; households with mixed coffee-drinkers who want both espresso and long coffee from one machine; buyers who value connectivity and sustainability credentials; and anyone upgrading from an Original-line Nespresso who wants larger cup size options.
It’s less suited to: buyers who need a milk frother in the box (budget separately for an Aeroccino); buyers who want to use Original Nespresso capsules (not compatible); or anyone prioritising build quality and long-term reliability over price (the Vertuo Plus or Vertuo Creatista have stronger reputations).
## Our Verdict
The Nespresso Vertuo Next delivers its core promises: Centrifusion crema across five cup sizes, barcode-automated simplicity, WiFi connectivity, and strong sustainability credentials at under £65 on sale. The 4.1-star average is below category average and reflects real connectivity and reliability concerns in a proportion of buyers. Set up the WiFi during initial installation, register for the 2-year warranty, and factor in the Aeroccino if milk drinks are a daily requirement — addressed correctly, this is a capable and versatile pod machine at a competitive price.
**Rating: 4.1/5** — Centrifusion, five cup sizes and WiFi connectivity at under £65. Set up correctly, a strong entry-level Vertuo. Budget separately for the Aeroccino if milk drinks matter.
