Choosing a single-serve coffee maker can be a hard decision, especially if you are choosing between two known brands. Both Keurig and Nespresso are the top brands since they offer convenience and quality.
But, is Nespresso the better machine? Or will you prefer a Keurig?
In this article, I will talk about some of the factors that can affect your decision when it comes to choosing between these two brands.
In this article:
- Coffee Pod Variety
- Brewing Method
- Cost
- Environmental Impact
- Ease of Use
Coffee Pod Variety
Nespresso machines, especially the Original Line, are known for brewing espresso-based drinks. It is not a true espresso machine but, it can give you that feeling of having an espresso shot with its coffee capsules.
The Nespresso OriginalLine models have three capsule sizes – ristretto (0.85 oz), espresso (1.35 oz), and lungo (3.7 oz). With 29 different coffee blends in the Original Line, you might find it enough if you drink very limited coffee flavors.
The Nespresso VertuoLine, the other line of Nespresso machines, has more capsule sizes with over 30 blends for you to choose from. If you are one to drink larger cups and like to explore more coffee blends, the VertuoLine is for you.
On the other hand, Keurig offers more flexibility when it comes to brewing variety. Keurig K-Cups are compatible with all Keurig models and Keurig also offers a reusable coffee filter if you want to use your own coffee grounds.
Keurig cup sizes vary depending on the model but the most common sizes are 8, 10, and 12 oz. Some Keurig models have 4 and 6 oz if you prefer to drink smaller cups throughout the day.
Keurig has also partnered up with brands such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, Caribou Coffee, and McCafé to give you a lot of variety, not just with coffee but with other beverages such as tea, hot chocolate, and even iced coffee.
If you are looking for more variety when it comes to coffee capsules, then the Keurig coffee maker is for you.
Brewing Method
Since Nespresso machines brew espresso-based coffee, you’ll find that the flavor profile of Nespresso coffee is stronger and leans more on the darkly roasted side compared to Keurig. If you are used to strong and bitter coffee, you might find Keurig coffee to be weak and mild.
Nespresso, with the VertuoLine, uses a Centrifusion technology that spins the coffee capsule at around 7,000 RPM (revolution per minute) and injects hot water into the pod. This creates strong and flavorful coffee with Nespresso VertuoLine machines.
Keurig, on the other hand, uses a water and air pump that pressurizes the coffee pods to brew the coffee. Some users just find that the brewing method of Nespresso makes for better coffee.
Cost
You may find that the price between Nespresso and Keurig machines can be comparable, but Nespresso machines have a higher price tag than Keurig.
Nespresso machines retail at $100 to $600 while Keurig has more affordable options. Keurig also tends to have sale prices with some models costing less than $100.
You’ll also have to factor in the cost of the coffee capsule. Like its machines, Nespresso’s coffee capsules are more expensive than Keurig’s.
This is because Nespresso offers espresso-based capsules and uses premium-grade Arabica and Robusta blends. Keurig also uses Arabica coffee but Nespresso has a more consistent aroma and flavor between the two.
Nespresso also offers different capsule sizes and the larger capsules of the VertuoLine can definitely be more expensive than Keurig’s K-Cup.
Environmental Impact
Single-serve coffee makers are convenient. Both Nespresso and Keurig coffee pods are recyclable and while coffee pods can have a negative impact on the environment, you can do your part by recycling your coffee pods.
Nespresso has a recycling program where Nespresso takes your used coffee capsules and recycles them for different uses. You can either drop off the used coffee capsules in a Nespresso boutique or have them pick it up right on your doorstep if you have a coffee subscription with them.
Like Nespresso, Keurig also has a recycling program where your used coffee pods are collected and recycled either into compost or recycled products. The downside of the Keurig recycling program is, that it is marketed for office use.
Keurig has small (175 used K-Cups per bin) and large bin (450 used K-Cups per bin) options. The service price for the small bin is $119.95 and $169.95 for the large bin.
It is expensive since the bins come in a 5-pack and a single pack is not available. If you plan on buying a Keurig and you live alone, it might just be easier to toss the K-Cups in the trash.
Ease of Use
Both Nespresso and Keurig machines are very convenient and easy to use. With these single-serve coffee machines, you don’t have to measure and grind your own coffee beans.
Nespresso and Keurig both have user-friendly designs and there is no huge learning curve in using these machines. You just need to pop the coffee capsule in the machine, press a couple of buttons, and wait for a few minutes for your coffee to brew.
However, some Keurig models have other settings like temperature control, a strong brew option, and even a brew over-ice option. But, these settings can be done with a simple push of a button.
You don’t have to worry about fumbling around the control panel as the buttons are very straightforward and will tell you exactly what they are used for.
When it comes to convenience and ease of use, Keurig and Nespresso are great options.
Final Thoughts
If you like espresso-based drinks, then a Nespresso machine will definitely be better than a Keurig. Nespresso coffee capsules have a stronger aroma and flavor compared to some Keurig K-Cups.
If you are not one for a variety of coffee blends, you probably won’t mind the lack of options for Nespresso capsules.
But, if you like more variety, Keurig is definitely better. Keurig has more options when it comes to coffee blends and it can make decent coffee even if others may disagree.
So, are Nespresso machines better than Keurig? The answer to that will definitely be based on your preference.
