I have used Nespresso machines from time to time during my travels to Europe and the UK. I always thought it was a good mainstream home espresso pod brewer. When I had the opportunity to select the newer Vertuo Next system through the Best Buy TIN program, I quickly decided to try it. The Vertuo system expands the Nespresso from espresso only to espresso and coffee in sizes ranging from 1.35 oz to 14 oz servings. The size is determined by the size and the volume of content in the capsule. The bar code on the underside of the rim of the capsule allows the brewer to identify the beverage and adjust the brew cycle parameters to match and optimize the beverage. You can read all about the systems on the Nespresso web site. My first impression was with the packaging. I was very pleased to see there is no foam packing material and there is even a paper handle rather than the usual plastic handle on the retail box. It was very easy to get the brewer and frother out of the box and I can recycle the whole thing. While setting up the brewer, I discovered one small crack at the top of my water reservoir. Fortunately it is in a spot that doesn’t matter for the machine function and is out of sight. So I haven’t needed or tried to seek a replacement yet. The instructions call for setting up the WiFi connection first which is unfortunate since it isn’t used for much and seems to be temperamental at best. I was able to get it connected, but the next day it complained about being disconnected and I couldn’t get it connected with normal actions. I didn’t try to rerun the setup. To be clear, I have just replaced my networks at my homes with more sophisticated components. I have full coverage, over 70 devices on my network and I’m a retired IT professional. So, skill was not the issue. But you don’t need the WiFI connection in any way to use the brewer. It is currently a distraction and unfortunate detractor from Nespresso’s image for this brewer. Next is an easy cleaning cycle that requires a larger vessel to catch the water. I used a large measuring cup. The cleaning cycle goes through several cycles... pumping up pressure and dispensing out the spout. While it was cleaning, I studied the sample coffees that came with the brewer. The sample pack looks like pool balls or Christmas tree ornaments. They appear to use a different color for every beverage. I guess once you know the color of your favorite, that works ok. It seems overwhelming at first. But any system that offers a good selection variety will seem overwhelming at the beginning. Brewing espresso or coffee is very easy. Open the top of the capsule compartment, drop in your capsule, close the top and move the handle to the lock position. Then press the button. The Keurig is a bit easier because the lock motion is an extension of the downward force needed to close (or open) the capsule compartment. This lock is easier with two hands (one to push down and one to slide the lever to the left), but feels very secure. I assume (but do not know) this brewing system uses higher pressure than a Keurig system. I’ve read that the Vertuo does not use the same 19 bar pressure as the original Nespresso brewer. Some aficionados appear to complain about that. I don’t know the strict definition of espresso, so I can’t say for sure if the Vertuo produces true espresso or an espresso like drink. The brew cycle involves quick a few sounds. I gather that one sound is the capsule spinning around at various points in the brew cycle. Another sound is the pressure pump. Then, of course, the sound of the coffee itself being dispensed. Some people have complained about the noise. I did a side by side comparison with this Breville and a Keurig 2.0 brewer. I used the NIOSH sound level meter iOS app to measure the dB of sound. The two brewers are just about equal, so I’d say it isn’t horrible, but both are not exactly stealth brewing methods. When you open the brewer, two spring loaded rails lift the capsule out and deliver it to a bin in the rear of the brewer. The bin can be removed on the left side for emptying. The coffee is a little “dirtier” than a filtered coffee, but some people absolutely prefer that taste profile, so it is personal preference. I like them equally well. The coffee is also nice and hot. The frother that comes in this model kit, works very well in my brief experience. The “instructions” are horrible...and mostly safety warnings. There are cryptic illustrations that I had to stare at for a few minutes to figure out. If you have to dedicate 90% of a booklet to multiple languages, you may as well tell everyone in those languages how to use and care for the device instead of keeping everyone scratching their heads trying to figure out what the heck that illustration is trying to convey. The point is to inform people who don’t already know how it works...do some usability testing, please. However, the frother itself seems really nice! Pour in