We were pleased to find that there wasn’t any splashing when the machine was working, and it reached 68 decibels on our meter -around the equivalent of ambient office noise. The coffee that the machine produced again had a good crema, and as with the espresso test, the crema on this larger coffee reformed even after we stirred in sugar and added a splash of milk. The Vertuo Next is a smaller, leaner coffee machine that fits into a smaller space (320 x 140 x 380mm). Part of the space-saving is down to the smaller 1.1-litre water tank at the rear. Even so, with the majority of Nespresso Vertuo pods delivering 230ml of drink, you can get four mugs out of this machine before having to refill it. Key to the success of the Nespresso Vertuo Next machine is its centrifugal brewing system, which spins the coffee pod at high speed to extract the coffee. Each pod has a barcode on it that tells the Vertuo Next how much coffee to dispense, and how it should be extracted. You’ll need to clean the drip tray from time to time, although the centrifugal system means that you don’t get many drips once you’ve removed your mug of coffee. Multiple filter baskets: if you're after an espresso machine that can make double shots as well as single, choose a machine that offers two or more filter baskets for loading into the portafilter.

Depending on your budget and desired amount of control over the coffee-making process, look out for these features.

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This Nespresso machine can make five different drink sizes, so we wanted to test each of them for accuracy and taste. We next used a Melozio coffee pod, which is medium-strength and makes 7.75 fl oz / 320ml of coffee. The brewing process took 100 seconds from when we pressed to button to when the coffee was ready to drink, and the quantity produced was exactly as the pod promised. Coffee grind adjustability: different coffees are best with different grind levels. For example, espresso needs finely ground coffee, whereas filter coffee works well with a coarser grind. So if your machine is grinding the beans prior to brewing them, adjustability means better brews. The main difference between this machine and the original Nespresso system is that the Vertuo pods are designed to deliver larger, mug-fulls of coffee, rather than just espresso or lungo shots. This means that Vertuo machines need larger water tanks, so you don’t have to constantly refill them, which in turn means that they tend to be bigger coffee machines than those that use original pods.

If you don’t like the defaults, there are options: you can manually stop the flow of coffee when you’re done, or you can top up with extra water; and, you can press and hold the button down until you have the right amount of coffee to set a new delivery amount. Defaults are stored per coffee type, so you need to remember to press-and-hold the button for each coffee type. It’s an impressive system, with plenty of coffee choices, including espresso, double espresso, grand lungo, mug and alto (large mug) options. Nespresso launched with an impressive array of coffee types, including flavoured ones, and the range has extended: see my best Nespresso Vertuo pod round-up for more details. This coffee maker reads the barcode on each coffee pod you place inside so that it can brew the coffee correctly. This also means that you have to use patented Nespresso capsules in the Vertuo Next – the machine isn’t compatible with generic pods. After you’ve placed a capsule inside the Vertuo Next, the machine uses what Nespresso calls ‘centrifusion force’ to spin it at high speeds so that the coffee it produces is smooth and has a good crema on top. Double cup functionality: some machines will comfortably make two cups of coffee at a time, which is a convenient function if you like drinking your cups with company. Coffee pod machines do not do this.Finally, when the machine blinks orange, it’s time to descale. You’ll need to grab the manual to follow the exact instructions, but it’s a straightforward process. Should you buy the Nespresso Vertuo Next? Roast level: The length of time the coffee beans have been roasted for can also affect the flavour. Lighter roasts usually have more acidity and fruity notes, while darker roasts tend to be bolder with caramel or chocolate undertones. Have a go at experimenting with different roast levels to find your preferred taste. Adjustable drip tray or espresso outlet: a silky layer of hazelnut foam called crema is one characteristic that defines espresso, so you don't want the coffee to splash out! These will also mean the machine can accommodate your favourite mug, whatever the size. When it comes to taste, we think coffee can be a little like perfume - what’s great for one person might be awful for another. However, we tested the Nespresso Vertuo Next for how smooth the coffee tasted, and whether it tasted burnt at all. Every coffee we made was consistently smooth, and while we did find some of the capsules tasted quite bitter, that will likely come down to personal preference.

You’ll have to empty the drip tray and occasionally descale the machine, but these are simple processes

Nespresso’s Vertuo machines, including the Vertuo Next and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, give you more choice in terms of cup sizes than the brand’s Original line, and you’re able to choose from five different cup sizes, ranging from an espresso up to a 41ml drink. The cup stand on this machine is adjustable so that you can use cups and mugs of different heights. The first question you have to ask yourself is, is the Vertuo system for you? If you like longer drinks of coffee, then this absolutely is the right type for you; if you prefer espresso, a traditional machine or Nespresso pod machine are the best options.