Nespresso is undoubtedly one of the most popular coffee maker manufacturers out there today. If you’re searching for a new Nespresso machine, this could leave you wondering if you should go with the Nespresso Vertuo Next or Nespresso Essenza Mini. To answer that question, we’ve created this Vertuo Next vs Essenza Mini comparison.
Espresso machines with a removable milk frother give a tasteful and aromatic cup of coffee. Although this kind of machine produces decent tasting coffees, it falls short in terms of milk froth quality. Moreover, such machines are bulkier and may not fit most kitchen countertop spaces. Also, the price of good and reliable espresso machines is quite high.
Luckily, there are slim, small, and a lot more affordable alternatives available in the market. Such alternatives come from Nespresso – the Vertuo Next and the Essenza Mini. The Vertuo Next has a slim body at only 5.5 inches, while the Essenza Mini has an overall smaller construction. Both pod espresso coffee machines include an Aerocinno 3 which will certainly give you a higher quality milk froth. Although these Nespresso machines are similar, there are some key differences you should know of. That is exactly why we are going to compare Vertuo Next vs Essenza Mini Nespresso machines and determine which of them is the one to buy. Let’s get started!
| Name | Nespresso Vertuo Next | Nespresso Essenza Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Machine Type | Single-serve Pod Espresso Machine with a Standalone Aerocinno | Single-serve Pod Espresso Machine with a Standalone Aerocinno |
| Aerocinno Included | Aerocinno 3 | Aerocinno 3 |
| Milk Frother Capacity | 8 oz | 8 oz |
| Build and Material | Plastic made from 54% recycled materials | Plastic |
| Available Color Variants | Red or White | White, Red, Lime Green |
| User Interface | One-Touch Brewing System with Automatic Pod Recognition | One-Touch Brewing System with Automatic Pod Recognition |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Pump Pressure | 19 Bars of Pump Pressure | 19 Bars of Pump Pressure |
| Brew Size | 6 Brew Sizes | 2 Brew Sizes |
| Heat-up Time | Under 30 seconds | Under 30 seconds |
| Water Tank Capacity | 37 oz | 20.3 oz |
| Water Tank Type | Rear-loading Tank | Rear-loading Tank |
| Automatic Power Off | Yes, after 2 minutes of inactivity | Yes, after 9 minutes of inactivity |
| Automatic Capsule Ejection | Yes | Yes |
| Container Capacity | 8 used pods | 5-6 used pods |
| Removable and Adjustable Drip Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (W X D X H) | 5.5 x 16.9 x 12.4 inches | 8.1 x 12.8 x 4.3 inches |
| Item Weight | 9 pounds | 5.1 pounds |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Nespresso Vertuo Next vs Nespresso Essenza Mini – Similarities
Single-Serve Pod Espresso Machine
Since both machines are single-serve espresso machines, the Nespresso Vertuo Next and Essenza Mini use a coffee pod technology to extract the aroma and taste of the ground coffee beans. Both have one-touch operation ensuring their ease of use. This is possible because all of the pods compatible with the machines have barcodes. These machines recognize what pod you inserted and will configure their settings (such as how much water is needed) accordingly.
19 Bars of Pump Pressure
All the espresso machines from Nespresso have 19 bars of pump pressure, including its tiny machines such as the Vertuo Next Essenza Mini. 19-bar pump pressure is higher than most espresso machines in the market. Even more expensive fully automatic espresso machines only come with 15 bars of pump pressure. The machines need a high pump pressure to puncture the pods and extract the ground coffee inside. Nespresso includes a complimentary gift that contains a set of 12 Nespresso coffee capsules. You can discover your favorite coffee with this pod kit.
Aerocinno 3 Milk Frother
To make a milk-based coffee, you need a milk frother to do so. Nespresso paired the Vertuo Next and Essenza Mini with the Aerocinno 3. The Aerocinno 3 is loved by everybody since it can create a high-quality milk froth. The Aerocinno 3 can hold around 8 ounces of milk and can make hot or cold froth.
Related: Differences between Nespresso VertuoPlus and VertuoPlus Deluxe
Differences between Nespresso Vertuo Next and Essenza Mini
Build and Design
Build and design is the first thing you will instantly notice in both espresso machines. Let’s see where they differ.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
As mentioned in the introduction, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is popular due to its slim design. However, in terms of overall size, it is still larger than the Essenza Mini. Its larger frame also gives the Vertuo Next a heavier body at around 9 pounds. Moreover, Vertuo Plus is made mostly of recycled plastic. Roughly 54% of all its plastic construction is made out of recycled materials. It is plus knowing the products you buy helps reduce unnecessary plastic waste in the world. Lastly, it is only available in two colors: red or white.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Nespresso Essenza Mini has the word ‘mini’ in its name; thus, it has a ‘mini’ construction. Only standing at around 8.1 x 12.8 x 4.3 inches and weighing only around 5.1 pounds, it is not only tiny but also lightweight. Although its frame is also made mostly of plastic, there is no mention of whether it is made out of recycled plastic or not. The Nespresso Essenza Mini comes in more colors: white, red, lime green. I would give this category to Vertuo Next since it is made from recycled plastic.
The Winner Is- Nespresso Essenza Mini
Wireless Connectivity
Why should an espresso machine have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity? Read more to see why.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The Nespresso Vertuo Next has built-in Bluetooth. You can pair the machine with your smartphone via its Bluetooth feature. You can update its software remotely using the Nespresso app which also gives you an alert when there is an issue with the machine. You will be notified also when the water tank needs refilling or when it is time to descale the machine. Lastly, you can factory reset the machine using the Nespresso App.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
On the other hand, the Essenza Mini does not have any wireless connectivity features. Therefore, if you stumbled upon an issue, you have to fix it yourself or call Nespresso directly. You have to manually check if the water tank needs refilling or requires descaling. This is not a major problem for most people. However, the added convenience the Vertuo Next offers is undeniable.
The Winner Is- Nespresso Vertuo Next
Brew Sizes
Nespresso machines can brew from a small amount of coffee such as a shot of espresso to large ones such as a cup of lungo.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the only Vertuo machine that can brew 6 sizes. Its six brew sizes include single, and a double shot of espresso, 5 oz., 8 oz., 14 oz., and 18 oz. pour-over style carafe coffee.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
In contrast, the Essenza Mini only has 2 cup sizes available: espresso and a lungo. Although, both cup sizes are programmable to your liking to create a perfect cup every time you use the Essenza Mini.
The Winner Is- Nespresso Vertuo Next
Water Tank Capacity
All espresso machines draw water from its tank. However, most espresso machines differ in how much they can hold.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The water tank of the Nespresso Vertuo Next can hold more water at around 37 ounces. With this amount of water, you can create around 4-5 cups of coffee in a single fill. Both water tanks are rear-loading tanks.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
On the other hand, the Essenza Mini has a smaller water tank capacity of a little over 20 ounces. This water tank capacity can yield around 2-3 cups of coffee before needing to refill. The Vertuo Next certainly has an advantage over the Essenza Mini.
The Winner Is- Nespresso Vertuo Next
Used Pods Container Capacity
Since both espresso machines have automatic pod ejection, used pods need to go somewhere. Used pods are placed inside the machines in the meantime until it becomes full.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The Nespresso Vertuo Next can hold 8 used pods before needing to throw its content into the bin.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini, on the other hand, can only accommodate 5-6 used pods before needing to empty.
The Winner Is- Nespresso Vertuo Next
Pros and Cons
Nespresso Vertuo Next
Pros:
- The Nespresso Vertuo Next helps the environment by using 54% recycled materials.
- It can fit most kitchen countertop due to its 5.5-inches slimness.
- It has built-in Bluetooth that alerts you for new software updates, low water tank capacity, and descaling.
- You can brew 6 different sizes of coffee.
- You can make more cups of coffee with its larger water tank.
- It has a larger used pod container, so you don’t have to always empty it.
- Creating a milk-based coffee is a breeze using the included Aerocinno 3.
Cons:
- Although it is advertised as a slim espresso machine, the Essenza Mini is still smaller.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Pros:
- Brewing espresso or lungo is straightforward using the one-touch operation of the Essenza Mini.
- The Aerocinno 3 is superior to other milk frothers the come with other espresso machines.
- Its 19 bars of pump pressure are higher than most espresso machines in the market.
- The Essenza Mini is smaller overall compared with the Vertuo Next.
Cons:
- You can only brew two sizes of coffees: espresso or lungo.
- It has a smaller water tank and used pods capacities.
Final Verdict: Nespresso Vertuo Next vs Essenza Mini
The milk frother that comes bundled with most espresso machines produces (while decent) inferior milk froth. The Nespresso machines we compared in this article come with the Aerocinno 3 which is beloved by all of its users. Based on our comparison, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is undoubtedly the more superior espresso machine. It has Bluetooth, a larger water tank and used pod capacity, and has more brew sizes. Moreover, you will not pay significantly more money with all of its advantages. To sum it all up, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is the better espresso machine.
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