While most people don’t recommend ‘pod brewing’ if you need guidance for the best brand of coffee, oftentimes convenience needs to be given precedence over taste.
If this is the case, we can think of only two brands that are close competitors for the vacant spot on top of your kitchen counter.
Since you’ve figured out both of these coffee powerhouses on your own, we can help you make your final decision by making them go head-to-head in this post, while going over all the key factors of comparison
Whoever comes out as the victor for you at the end of this Nespresso vs Keurig match-up is naturally going to be your new ‘pod-ner in crime’.
What Is Pod Brewing?
You may refer to it as single-serve coffee, because this is exactly what pod brewing is used for – convenience. Single-serve coffee machines have become increasingly popular over the years and this has a lot to do with their user-friendliness and efficiency.
Single-serve coffee makers rely on coffee grounds inside capsules or ‘pods’, which are also usually sold by the manufacturer of the machine. They brew your choice of hot beverage by piercing one end of the pod, before heating up water and then running this water through the hole
Voila! Steaming coffee is then poured into your cup, ready for you to sip on and, perhaps, melt into a sofa while reading a book.
Nespresso vs Keurig: Overview
Nespresso
Nespresso is the Switzerland base of operation for Nestle, and this is probably why they haven’t gained so much traction in the US market. However, if you’ve spent some time in Europe, you’ll know how wildly popular they are.
If we focus on Nespresso coffee machines alone, you’ll have to choose one from two categories – OriginalLine or their VertuoLine. With that said, here are some of the main differences between the two:
- The VertuoLine has no 3rd party competitors that also have their own capsule equivalents.
- The VertuoLine was originally produced from North American and Canadian markets, since these markets ideally prefer larger servings.
- VertuoLine machines make use of a process similar to ‘centrifusion’, where the pod gets spun thoroughly, in order to infuse/blend the water and coffee.
- VertuoLine pods make use of barcodes to let the machine know exactly how each type of pod needs to be brewed.
- OriginalLine does not have the last 2 features.
Keurig
Most people can easily recall Keurig because they are one of the star products of a company with the 3rd largest market share in North America: Keurig Dr. Pepper. Formerly known as the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, this conglomerate had originally started manufacturing products for offices but later also moved into the domestic environment.
Since this post is dedicated to compare Nespresso vs Keurig coffee makers, we should start by saying that the difference between the two is that Keurig doesn’t partner with others to manufacture machines. Instead, Keurig has partnered with dozens of brands to manufacture pods, which has now resulted in over 60+ different k-cups.
Needless to say, both Keurig and Nespresso have provided users with a large variety of brewing options, setting aside their individual preferences. Still, Keurig has over 50 different machines, meaning they’ll probably have something that sparks your interest.
Nespresso vs Keurig: Showdown
1. Pods – Nespresso Capsule vs Keurig K-Cup
Nespresso
Nespresso pods or ‘capsules’ as they call them, are sold in 4 categories, however, they are all produced by their own team of experts. While all of these pods are known to create an incredibly high quality brew, their lack of variety may limit loyal customers.
Additionally, Nespresso capsules come packed in an aluminum body, which may be recyclable, but if not disposed properly, may produce toxic aluminum waste.
Keurig
In comparison, Keurig has, quite literally, hundreds of options to choose from, and all of their pods have been made in collaboration with a plethora of well-known brands. What’s even better is that Keurig can also help you expand out of coffee and into whatever hot beverages you may have developed a liking for.
Finally, Keurig pods come packed inside this tiny plastic body, which has a paper filter and aluminum top. Keurig has recently developed a recyclable pod, but it is not available everywhere yet.
2. Price – Machine vs Coffee Pod/K-Cup
Nespresso
We believe that Nespresso’s partnership with other reputable brands like Breville or De’Longhi, makes them spend more money on high quality design and materials. To put it simply, you’re in for a more reliable machine with the Nespresso, but you will get more than you paid for with the Keurig.
As far as the cost of a capsule, in general, they are more expensive than K-Cups. Sometimes they are as much as double. But the quality of the brew is consistent.
Keurig
Keurig is easily the budget-friendly choice out of the two because you’re in for a fantastic experience, with all the bells and whistles, and that too, for a lesser price.
However, would you prefer to sacrifice some of your final brew quality for a well-rounded brand and an affordable price?
Of course, what seems like a tough decision for us may be an easier one for you.
3. Brew – Espresso vs Specialty Coffee
Nespresso vs Keurig
Now you’re in for, arguably, the most significant defining factor in this Nespresso vs Keurig match-up. Nespresso machines have the ability to brew an espresso alongside a fantastic cup of regular coffee. First things first: Keurig won’t brew an espresso in the traditional sense of the word, whereas Nespresso machines have the ability to brew an espresso alongside a fantastic cup of regular coffee.
On the other hand, even though most Nespresso models come with the ability to brew brilliant cups of Joe, you can settle for a cheaper alternative within their umbrella of products and still be able to brew an Americano – which is quite similar to coffee.
But if you don’t consider espresso or Americano, then Keurig still has an advantage because of its wide range of flavor options, even an espresso style K-Cup.
4. Environmental Impact – Recyclable Pods
Nespresso
Nespresso is involved in both recycling and the AAA Sustainable Quality Program. Both of these programs are meant to help in the betterment of global sustainability and the negative environmental impact of the coffee industry – or more specifically, those aluminum pods.
Even though their recycling program wasn’t very successful during the initial stages, it has grown ever since and is now being governed by a ‘Positive Cup Program’.
Keurig
Initially, Keurig’s coffee pods were made with a combination of materials that are quite impossible to reuse or recycle. However, Keurig is in the process of transitioning to recyclable K-Cups. This process was completed in Canada in 2018 and should be completed in the US by the end of 2020.
Keurig is involved in several initiatives and are committed to the environment as well as the health and wellbeing of communities.
Final Verdict – Nespresso vs Keurig – The Winner Is?
Straight up: If you’re looking for the most reliable machine, one that should last at least a couple of years, and if you have espresso drinkers in the family, then you have no choice but to choose Nespresso.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on going easy on your wallet and still require flexibility and more programmability, while also not caring much for an option for espresso, then you can do no better than a Keurig coffee maker.
Personally, I love the flavors offered by Keurig. Since I drink my coffee black, I enjoy richness of the coffee itself. Some flavors are better than others, but I make the choice.
If you love the boldness of espresso, then Nespresso is for you.
If you are reading this article, then cost is probably not an issue compared to the price of a Starbucks!
We hope this Nespresso vs Keurig review answers all your questions, and happy caffeinating!