Is Nespresso better than Keurig? Here’s what sets these two brands apart so you can decide what’s the best single-serve coffee maker for you.
Are Nespresso and Keurig competing for prime real estate on your kitchen counter? For most of us, coffee is a requirement, not a luxury. And a single-serve coffee maker is a lifesaver for busy households with multiple coffee drinkers who get up at different times or have different tastes.
Keurig and Nespresso are the industry leaders when it comes to single-serving brewers. But they each offer an entirely different brewing experience. So, how do you choose the best single-serve coffee maker for your household?
When deciding between Keurig vs Nespresso, it helps to know the pros and cons of each. In the end, your decision will come down to your budget, lifestyle, and taste in coffee.
So, is Nespresso better than Keurig? Here’s an in-depth look at what sets these two brands apart. We’ve also included reviews of the 5 best single serve brewers available right now to help you decide where to invest your money- and your precious counter space.
Getting to Know Nespresso
Nespresso is somewhat new to the American marketplace, but it’s hugely popular in Europe. The company is based in Switzerland and is part of the Nestle group.
There are two lines of Nespresso machines: the Original Line and the Vertuo Line. The Vertuo Line is most popular in America because it offers larger servings and is more technologically advanced.
Vertuo machines brew espresso through a process called centrifusion, which means the pods are spun to ensure a thorough blend and infusion of coffee and water. Vertuo machines and their compatible pods incorporate barcode technology, so the machine knows exactly how long to brew each pod.
As you can imagine, this process results in a superior tasting cup of coffee. Let’s face it, there’s nothing like a properly brewed shot of espresso, but this machine comes surprisingly close.
Nespresso has also partnered with big names in the coffee industry to make their machines, including De’Longhi and Breville. This speaks volumes about the high quality of their machines.
That being said, no third-parties are offering Nespresso capsule equivalents, so there are a limited number of varieties available- often at a higher price point due to the lack of competition.
Getting to Know Keurig
Keurig is one of the largest beverage companies based in North America. In the beginning, their products were marketed primarily for office use, but they caught on quickly for home use due to their convenience.
Keurig partners with many different brands to produce k-cups, offering the consumer a huge range of flavors, varieties, and blends to suit any taste. You can even purchase a reusable filter basket for your Keurig, which allows you to use any freshly ground or pre-ground coffee you like.
K-cups also come in a wide range of tea and hot cocoa flavors, too. And, with more than 50 Keurig machine models to choose from, the versatility of Keurig is hard to beat.
Is Nespresso better than Keurig?
Here’s the short answer. It depends on what your priorities are. If you’re looking for variety, affordability, and automated brewing at the touch of a button, you want a Keurig. If you’re into full-bodied espresso flavor and you want a sophisticated, well-built, machine that will last for years, opt for a Nespresso.
Now, let’s take a look at what sets the two brands apart in more detail.
· Cost of the Machine
Keurig machines are more affordable and offer more features for less money. However, Nespresso machines are far superior in quality and design, which is why they come with a higher price tag. You may pay less upfront for Keurig, but Nespresso is a better investment for the long haul.
· Design and Ease of Use
Both brands offer sleek, stylish designs in a variety of colors. And, they both feature intuitive, user-friendly control panels and allow for easy brewing at the touch of a button. However, Keurig models will take up more space on your countertop due to their larger water reservoirs and their ability to brew larger cups of coffee.
· Cleaning and Maintenance
Both machines will last longer if you use filtered water to avoid mineral buildup. They also require routine cleaning and should be descaled every six months. Cleaning and maintenance are fairly easy with either brand.
· Cost per Cup of Coffee
Cost per cup is a huge deciding factor, especially since most of us drink multiple cups of coffee every day. The average price of a Nespresso capsule is around $1.00, while the average price of a K-cup is $0.50. Over the long run, paying twice as much for Nespresso capsules will really add up.
· Flavor Variety
Nespresso capsules come in a small variety of flavors and intensities, mostly produced by the brand itself. On the other hand, K-cups are available in hundreds of different flavors from many different brands. K-cups are also available in a variety of tea and hot cocoa flavors, too.
You can check out our favorite Keurig K-Cups right here!
· Caffeine Content
K-cups generally have between 100 and 140 milligrams of caffeine. Nespresso pods average 165 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Of course, different flavors and roasts will have different amounts of caffeine, and both brands offer decaf varieties.
· Brewing Technology and Taste
Keurig uses a simple, pressure brewing approach just like a traditional drip machine. Nespresso Vertuo has adopted centrifusion technology, which increases the length of time the hot water is in contact with the coffee grounds. Nespresso’s technology results in a full-bodied, flavorful brew with a luxurious, foamy crema, while Keurig coffee is just average.
· Environmental Impact
At the end of 2020, most k-cups are completely recyclable (check for the recycling symbol on the pod). Simply peel off the top, empty the grounds, rinse, and toss it in your recycle bin. Nespresso pods are made from aluminum and the company offers its own recycling program if they’re not recyclable in your area.
However, if you want to be as eco-friendly as possible, you can purchase a refillable filter for your Keurig and simply add your own coffee grounds. That way, there’s nothing to throw away or recycle.
Keurig vs Nespresso: What’s the Best Single Serve Coffee Maker for You?
If you’re still on the fence about which single-serve coffee maker is right for you, here are some things to think about.
Although Nespresso pods don’t come in the huge variety of flavors that Keurig K-cups do, the Nespresso machine provides a richer, better-tasting cup of coffee. That’s because their brewing technology is far superior. Nespresso machines can produce that delicious, luxurious crema we espresso lovers expect in a good cup of coffee.
However, there’s no question that Keurig is much more budget-friendly and offers more features for less money. It’s a great choice for the office or for larger households with a variety of tastes under one roof. Keurig coffee makers have the clear advantage when it comes to versatility and convenience.
Reviewing The 5 Best Single Serve Coffee Makers Available Right Now
Here’s a quick look at the top five single-serve coffee makers from Nespresso and Keurig, in no particular order.
1. Nespresso EN80B Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
It features a flow stop so you can stop brewing at your desired level, and it even remembers your setting for next time. The machine also turns itself off after nine minutes to save on your electric bill.
We love the compact, lightweight design of this machine that will suit any decor. That said, the water tank is small, so if you have a lot of coffee drinkers under the same roof, you’ll have to refill often.
–>Click here to purchase your own Nespresso EN80B Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi!<–
2. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
The Vertuo features centrifusion technology, which spins the capsule at an astounding 7,000 rotations per minute. This allows it to produce the perfect crema every time. It also utilizes an intelligent, barcode extraction system that recognizes the correct brew time for each capsule blend.
3. Keurig K575 Coffee Maker with Iced Coffee Capability
The Keurig K575 offers a ton of cool features at an extremely reasonable price point. It allows you to brew five different cup sizes and even offers a strong brew button for those who enjoy bold flavor.
It also has an iced setting for delicious iced coffee or tea in minutes. There’s even a hot water on demand button for easy oatmeal or instant soup. And, we love the large 75-ounce water reservoir that allows you to brew 8 cups before you have to refill.
And, the Keurig K575 is fully programmable, too!
–>Click here to purchase your own Keurig K575 Coffee Maker with Iced Coffee Capability!<–
4. Keurig K-Café Coffee Maker with Built-In Milk Frother
If you’re big on lattes, frappuccinos, mochas, or cappuccinos, you’re going to love the Keurig K-Café. This model features coffee shot capability for fancy coffee drinks, four cups sizes, a strong brew button, and it has a built-in, dishwasher safe milk frother for hot or cold foamed milk.
You really can’t ask for more in a single-serve coffee maker, but we also appreciate the auto-shutoff feature and the larger water reservoir that allows you to brew up to six cups before refilling.
Oh, and the Keurig K-Cafe accommodates travel mugs up to 7.2” tall, too!
–>Click here to purchase your own Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker with Built- In Milk Frother!<–
5. Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for the most compact Keurig brewer that won’t take up much real estate on your counter, you’ll love the K-Slim Coffee Maker. It’s less than 5-inches wide but still offers a generous 46-ounce water reservoir.
This no-frills machine is budget-friendly, energy-efficient, brews in three cup sizes and it is travel mug friendly. It also has an auto-off feature to save energy. And, it’s compatible with the K-Cup Universal reusable coffee filters so you can use your own ground coffee, instead of a pre-filled K-cup, if you prefer.
–>Click here to purchase your own Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker!<–
Keurig vs Nespresso- What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between Keurig and Nespresso? Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Do Nespresso pods work in Keurig?
No. Nespresso pods do not work in Keurig machines. Nespresso pods are a different size and use an entirely different brewing process.
Do Keurig k-cups work in Nespresso machines?
No, Keurig k-cups will not work in your Nespresso machine. K-cups are a different size and use a different brewing processes.
What’s the difference between Keurig and Nespresso?
Keurig and Nespresso are basically the same in that they both brew a single cup of coffee using a pod or capsule. However, Nespresso uses advanced technology to provide an outcome that’s as close to espresso as you can get without a real espresso machine. Keurig machines produce a standard cup of drip coffee. Additional similarities and differences are outlined above.
How do single-serve, k-cup coffee, pod, and capsule brewers work?
Single-serve brewers hold pre-ground coffee inside the capsule, pod, or k-cup. They work by piercing the pod, heating the water, and brewing your coffee directly into your cup. Their main focus is the convenience of brewing one cup at a time.
Keurig vs Nespresso milk frother: Which one is better?
You can’t make a cappuccino or a latte without frothed milk. Thankfully, the Keurig K-Café and the Nespresso Vertuo both have milk frothers available. However, Keurig’s milk frother is built right into the machine, while Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother is an entirely separate piece of equipment.
What coffee maker is better than Keurig?
In general, Nespresso machines are higher quality and produce a better tasting cup of coffee than Keurig, but they don’t accommodate k-cups. If you really want a k-cup brewer that’s better than a Keurig, we highly recommend the Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center. It’s a fully programmable, well made machine that brews single-serve k-cups or up to a full 12-cup pot, making it incredibly versatile. Our experience with this machine has been excellent and it earned a top spot in our best drip coffee maker of 2020 runoff.
Keurig vs Nespresso: Here’s the Bottom Line
The bottom line is, comparing Keurig to Nespresso is like comparing apples to oranges. Each brand offers an entirely unique brewing experience. Maybe they both deserve a place on your kitchen counter?
When you want to make a double shot or your favorite espresso drink, you’ll need the Nespresso. But, when there’s no time to stop at Starbucks on Monday morning, a Keurig can whip up a flavored coffee and get you out the door in seconds.
If you want the taste of espresso, but need the convenience of a capsule brewer, get a Nespresso. If a quick cup of coffee is all you need, get a Keurig. Can’t decide? Get both.
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