Whether you’re craving a rich espresso or a frothy morning coffee, the De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120 promises café-quality drinks right at home. But getting the best from your capsule machine isn’t always simple—especially if you’re new to single-serve coffee makers or wondering how to use and care for this specific model.

This article breaks down everything you need to know, from setup to everyday use, simple maintenance, and handy tips for smooth sipping every day.

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How the De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120 Coffee Capsule Machine Works

The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120 is designed for those who love café-quality coffee but want the convenience of a household coffee machine. It fuses intelligent technology with elegant design, creating an easy way for you to savor barista-style espresso or coffee at the touch of a button. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand exactly how this machine works, its features, benefits, and practical tips for getting the most from your brewing experience.

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What Is the Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120?

The Vertuo Next ENV 120 by De’Longhi is an automatic coffee and espresso machine that uses patented Nespresso capsules. It’s built to extract a variety of coffee sizes, from a single espresso shot to a larger mug, ensuring versatility in each cup you brew. With a slim profile, modern finishes, and eco-friendly credentials, it is ideal for both coffee aficionados and everyday drinkers.

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How Does the Nespresso Vertuo Next Work?

At its core, the Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120 uses a specialized centrifugal brewing process called “Centrifusion.” Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the brewing process:

1. Capsule Recognition
2. You insert a specially-designed Vertuo capsule.

3. The machine automatically reads a barcode printed on the rim of the capsule, which tells it the exact brewing parameters: water volume, temperature, rotation speed, and infusion time.

4. Centrifugal Extraction (Centrifusion)

5. Once you press the start button, the capsule spins up to 7,000 times per minute.

6. Centrifugal force blends water and coffee grounds, extracting rich flavors and creating a naturally thick crema (the frothy layer on top of your coffee).

7. Automatic Brewing

8. The machine automatically stops once the programmed amount of coffee is brewed based on the capsule type.

9. Ejecting the Capsule

10. After brewing, the used capsule is ejected cleanly into a dedicated container for easy disposal.

This process ensures each cup is consistently delicious, aromatic, and crema-rich without any guesswork.

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Key Features and Benefits

The Vertuo Next ENV 120 offers several practical features that make it stand out:

Multiple Coffee Sizes

• Espresso (40ml)
• Double Espresso (80ml)
• Gran Lungo (150ml)
• Mug/Coffee (230ml)
• Alto XL (up to 414ml, depending on capsule availability)

This range lets you choose from a quick shot to a larger, leisurely mug.

One-Touch Operation

• All brewing is managed with a single button.
• There’s no need to manually adjust settings; the machine does it all based on the capsule.

Compact and Eco-Friendly Design

• Slim, space-saving footprint fits on tight countertops.
• Made from approximately 54% recycled plastics.
• Automatic power-off function saves energy.

High-Quality Crema

• The Centrifusion process delivers an abundant, velvety crema on every brew.
• Even larger sizes keep the signature crema layer.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

• The machine can connect to your phone via the Nespresso app, which helps with software updates, maintenance notifications, and ordering new capsules.

Easy Maintenance

• Automatic cleaning cycles and descaling alerts.
• Removable water tank and used-capsule container make cleaning a breeze.

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Step-by-Step: Brewing Your Coffee

Here’s how you can make the perfect cup of coffee or espresso in a matter of minutes:

1. Fill the Water Tank
2. Detach and fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water.
3. Place a Nespresso Vertuo Capsule
4. Lift the machine’s head, insert a capsule with the barcode facing down, and close it.
5. Place Your Cup
6. Adjust the cup support/drip tray to fit your cup, whether it’s a small espresso or a tall mug.
7. Press the Brewing Button
8. One button gets things started. The machine will read the capsule barcode and process the coffee accordingly.
9. Collect Your Coffee and Dispose of Capsule
10. When brewing finishes, lift the lever to eject the used capsule into the internal container for disposal or recycling.

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What Makes Vertuo Next Different from Other Nespresso Machines?

The biggest change is its capsule recognition system:

• Traditional Nespresso machines use OriginalLine capsules; Vertuo Next only takes Vertuo capsules.
• The barcode system ensures every cup is brewed optimally—no manual adjustments or guesswork.
• Centrifusion, versus pump-based extraction in older models, results in a remarkably rich crema and enhances flavor for both espressos and regular coffees.

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Challenges and Practical Considerations

While the Vertuo Next ENV 120 is convenient and easy to use, here are some points to consider:

Capsule Availability

• Only Nespresso Vertuo capsules are compatible, so you’ll need to source these either online or from select retailers.
• Third-party or refillable capsules are less widely available for the Vertuo series compared to the OriginalLine.

No Milk Frother Included

• Some versions do not include a milk frother. If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, you might need to purchase a separate frother.

Maintenance

• Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months, depending on water hardness.
• The machine will prompt you when it’s time.
• Performing regular cleaning keeps your machine in top condition and maintains coffee quality.

Noise Level

• The high-speed spinning can be louder than older Nespresso models, but brewing is quick.

Price Point

• The up-front investment is higher than basic pod coffee makers, but the improved taste and flexibility often justify the price for coffee enthusiasts.

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Best Practices & Expert Tips

To get the most from your Vertuo Next experience:

• Use Fresh, Filtered Water: This enhances flavor and reduces scale buildup.
• Pre-Heat Your Cup: Run a brewing cycle without a capsule to preheat your mug—your coffee stays hotter.
• Recycle Capsules: Nespresso encourages recycling and offers return programs for used capsules.
• Store Capsules Properly: Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place to protect their aroma and taste.
• Explore the Variety: Try different capsule types—single-origin, flavored, or intense blends—to find your favorites.
• Update Your Machine Software: Connect via the Nespresso app to ensure your Vertuo Next has the latest updates for performance and maintenance.

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Who Is the De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next Best For?

• Individuals who enjoy a variety of coffee types and cup sizes.
• Those who want café-quality coffee at home without extensive setup or skills.
• People with limited counter space but high standards for coffee quality.
• Anyone seeking a stylish, eco-friendly appliance that’s simple to maintain.

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Summary

The De’Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Next ENV 120 combines smart technology, elegant design, and practical convenience. Using patented capsules and Centrifusion technology, it delivers espresso and coffee that rival your favorite café’s. While you need to use specific Nespresso Vertuo capsules and keep up with routine maintenance, the machine returns the favor in quality, consistency, and ease of use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of coffee can I make with the Vertuo Next ENV 120?
You can brew espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, regular coffee, and extra-large mugs, all at the touch of a button. The machine automatically detects capsule size and adjusts brewing accordingly.

Do I need to buy special capsules for this machine?
Yes, the Vertuo Next ENV 120 only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules. These capsules contain unique barcodes that the machine reads to set brewing parameters. Other pods, including OriginalLine and non-Nespresso capsules, are not compatible.

How do I clean and descale the Vertuo Next?
Cleaning is easy: frequently wash the water tank and drip tray, empty the used-capsule container, and run periodic clean cycles (including descaling) using Nespresso’s recommended descaling solution. The machine will alert you when descaling is needed.

Can I make milk-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos) with this machine?
The Vertuo Next does not have an integrated milk frother, but many package bundles include an Aeroccino frother. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate milk frother to make drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Is the machine environmentally friendly?
The Vertuo Next is made from over 50% recycled plastics and features automatic energy-saving modes. Nespresso also offers a recycling program for used capsules, making it a more sustainable choice for coffee lovers.

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With De’Longhi’s Vertuo Next ENV 120, you can embrace the art of coffee-making—simply and reliably, every single day.