Nespresso vs. Keurig: Which Single-Serve Coffee Maker Is Right for You?
Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
If you're torn between Nespresso vs. Keurig, this guide will help you brew your perfect cup.
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Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a coffee drinker, you’re likely familiar with Nespresso and Keurig machines. These one-touch wonders brew hot, fresh beverages at the press of a button without the need for measuring or complicated cleanup. And because they’re single-serve coffee makers, you never have to worry about a cold, stale second cup, or emptying an entire unused pot down the drain.
These machines can save money, too, by letting you be your own barista from the comfort of home. You can also set them up in an office with a variety of single-use pods, coffee syrups and creamers to make a custom coffee bar everyone can enjoy. But how do you choose in the Nespresso vs. Keurig matchup? Here’s how to decide which brand is best for you.
What’s the difference between Nespresso and Keurig?
Nespresso and Keurig machines are the ultimate convenience in coffee brewing, and as such, they share a lot of design qualities. Both use pre-packaged pods and brew beverages at the touch of a button, but there are some differences that make each brand unique.
Nespresso machines, on the other hand, use small, proprietary aluminum capsules filled with finely ground coffee beans. Once their heavy-duty foil-wrapped lids are pierced by the machine, hot water is forced through the at high pressure—just like in an espresso machine. This pressurized process results in stronger, richer coffee with intense aroma and discernible flavor notes. Nespresso machines also offer a wide range of coffee blends and flavors.
Keurig’s K-Cups offer ground coffee, tea and other hot beverages. Coffee brewed in a Keurig is usually milder and less intense than coffee brewed by traditional methods, like drip coffee makers and French presses. The pods contain a slightly smaller amount of coffee grounds than most people normally use. This might be upsetting to coffee connoisseurs, but if you’re someone who simply wants a hot cup of joe in the morning, a Keurig gets the job done.
Though Keurig manufactures and sells its own K-Cups, many well-known coffee brands make pods specifically for Keurig machines, as well, like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Tim Hortons. You can also find Keurig pods for flavored coffees, as well as specialty beverages, like lattes, mochas and iced drinks. There are also plenty of non-coffee options available in K-Cups, like black and herbal teas, hot cocoa and apple cider.
Nespresso machines, for the most part, offer sophistication and elegance to provide a high-end coffee experience at home. Keurig machines keep convenience in mind, complete with simple controls that are easy enough for anyone to use without instructions.
All About Nespresso
Introduced by Nestle in 1986, Nespresso machines use a unique extraction system that brews coffee with perfect balance of flavor and aroma at the touch of a button. Nespresso capsules come in a wide range of flavors and intensities, and can make standard cups of coffee, espresso shots and specialty drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos. Designed with style in mind, Nespresso offers sleek and modern designs that bring a touch of European elegance to a kitchen. Advanced features, including programmable cup sizes and automatic shut-off, make the machine easy to use and maintain. Nespresso also offers accessories and add-ons, such as frothers, that turn your home coffee machine into a full-on espresso bar.
You can purchase Nespresso machines directly from the company website, as well as from major retailers, including Amazon, Williams Sonoma and Saks Fifth Avenue. While Nespresso capsules may be more expensive than both K-Cups and traditional ground coffee, they have some serious benefits. For one, the quality and convenience they offer could have you making more coffee at home instead of heading out for pricey café drinks. Coffee from a Nespresso machine is routinely spectacular, as it’s brewed to perfection from superlative beans that are expertly roasted.
Additionally, in contrast to plastic K-Cups, aluminum Nespresso pods are recyclable. In fact, Nespresso is publicly committed to sustainability. The brand offers programs ensuring its capsules are recycled and its coffee is sustainably sourced. If you prefer to reuse rather than recycle, you can buy refillable coffee pods that are compatible with Nespresso machines.
Pros
- Outstanding coffee
- Brews specialty drinks
- Pods are recyclable
- Machines designed with style
Cons
- Pricier than Keurig
- Doesn’t brew drip coffee (though you can easily make Americanos)
Our Favorite Nespresso Products
All About Keurig
Keurig was founded in 1990 by John Sylvan and Peter Dragone, who wanted a better alternative to office coffee pots that spent hours sitting on a burner with their coffee growing stale. The first Keurig machine made it to market in 1998, and was initially promoted to office buildings and other commercial settings. In 2004, the brand released its first home brewing system, which was an instant hit. Since then, the company has released dozens of new and improved models with features like removable water tanks, customizable settings and brewing timers.
You can purchase Keurig machines from many major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and straight from the Keurig website. K-Cups are available online and in nearly every supermarket’s coffee aisle. Though not officially licensed by Keurig, there are reusable K-Cups available on the market that allow you to use your favorite brand of coffee while lessening your environmental impact.
Psst! Keurig owners, you’ll want to invest in accessories, like a coffee pod holder, as well as Keurig cleaning pods.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Machines available in a wide range of prices
- Hundreds of beverage pod options
- K-Cups are readily available in stores
Cons
- Brews weaker coffee than many other methods
- Disposable plastic K-Cups are bad for the environment
Our Favorite Keurig Products
The Bottom Line
Though Nespresso vs. Keurig machines both make brewing coffee easy, neither one is better than the other. Select a machine based on your personal tastes and daily routine. For stronger coffee with the option to brew espresso-based coffee house drinks, Nespresso machines are the way to go. If you’re not overly picky about the quality of coffee and care more about price and convenience, then a Keurig is best.
Originally Published: April 21, 2023
