{"id":1875217,"date":"2023-04-21T08:31:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T13:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1875217"},"modified":"2025-03-26T04:00:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T09:00:06","slug":"nespresso-vs-keurig","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/nespresso-vs-keurig\/","title":{"rendered":"Nespresso vs. Keurig: Which Single-Serve Coffee Maker Is Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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. With both Nespresso and Keurig being such well-loved companies, how do you choose in the Nespresso vs. Keurig debate? First, consider what you're looking for in a single-serve coffee machine<\/a>.<\/div>\r\nSingle-serve coffee makers eliminate the worry of a cold, stale second cup. There's also no need to empty an entire unused pot down the drain. These machines can also save money by letting you be your own barista<\/a> from the comfort of your home. You can also set them up in an office with a variety of single-use pods, coffee syrups<\/a>\u00a0and creamers<\/a> to make a custom coffee bar everyone can enjoy.\r\n\r\nAccording to former barista and member of the Product Testing Team Sydney Manning<\/a>, these machines make the morning a bit less chaotic. \"When looking for appliances, it's really nice for people to have the option to use a K-Cup since it helps people save time, and they can customize it to their taste,\" she says. Before making a choice in the Nespresso vs. Keurig debate, it's important to first understand a little about each brand and what they offer.\r\n

Nespresso and Keurig: At a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

What is Nespresso?<\/h3>\r\nDesigned 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.\r\n\r\nNestle founded Nespresso in 1986. It began by offering the C-100 (the world\u2019s first portioned coffee system) and four signature portioned coffee blends: Capriccio, Cosi, Bolero (now Volluto) and Decaffeinato.\u200b The original Nespresso machines resembled miniature espresso machines.\r\n\r\nWhile 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 caf\u00e9 drinks. Coffee from a Nespresso machine is routinely spectacular, as it's brewed to perfection from superlative beans that are expertly roasted.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"Nespresso Coffeemakers\" image=\"2111523\" pr_name=\"Nespresso\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nespresso.com%2Fus%2Fen\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Nespresso\" retailers_2_name=\"Walmart\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fbrowse%2F4044%3Ffacet%3Dbrand%3ANespresso\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_3_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/stores\/page\/FA17C4EF-2808-477F-98AC-98369E71A416?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_4_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fshop%2Felectrics%2Felectrics-nespresso%2F\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" \/]\r\n

What is Keurig?<\/h3>\r\nKeurig'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<\/a> and French presses<\/a>. The pods contain a slightly smaller amount of coffee grounds than most people normally use. This might upset coffee connoisseurs. But if you're someone who simply wants a hot cup of joe in the morning, Keurig gets the job done.\r\n\r\nJohn Sylvan and Peter Dragone founded Keurig in 1990, driven by a desire for a better alternative to stale office coffee pots. The first Keurig machine made it to market in 1998. Keurig machines initially appeared in office buildings and other commercial settings. In 2004, the brand release\r\n\r\nd 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.\r\n\r\nKeurig remains one of the most popular options for single-serve coffee machines. As of 2015, over 500 varieties of K-Cups from 75 brands are available. Keurig also offers dozens of accessories,<\/a> including coffee pod holders<\/a> and\u00a0Keurig cleaning pods<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"Keurig Coffeemakers\" image=\"2111522\" pr_name=\"Keurig\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&amp;amp;xs=1&amp;amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.keurig.com%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Keurig\" retailers_2_name=\"Walmart\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&amp;amp;xs=1&amp;amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fbrowse%2Fhome%2Fkeurig-coffee-makers%2F4044_90548_90546_1115306_3298657\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" retailers_3_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/stores\/Keurig\/page\/0B04B9D1-B1B3-445A-9B1D-E274FEEC9CD9?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_4_name=\"Target\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/goto.target.com\/9LMrP5\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Target\" \/]\r\n

Nespresso vs Keurig: What's similar?<\/h2>\r\nNespresso<\/a> and Keurig<\/a> machines are the ultimate convenience in coffee brewing. As such, they share many design qualities. Both use pre-packaged pods and brew beverages at the touch of a button.\r\n\r\nYou can purchase Nespresso machines directly from the company website<\/a> and\u00a0from major retailers, including Amazon,<\/a> Walmart<\/a> and Williams Sonoma.<\/a>\r\n\r\nYou can purchase Keurig machines from many major retailers as well, including Amazon<\/a>, Walmart<\/a>, Target<\/a> and straight from the Keurig website<\/a>.\r\n

Nespresso vs Keurig: What's different?<\/h2>\r\nMany well-known coffee brands make pods specifically for Keurig machines.<\/a> Starbucks<\/a>, Dunkin'<\/a>\u00a0and Tim Hortons<\/a> are just a few examples. You can also find Keurig pods for flavored coffees and specialty beverages like lattes, mochas and iced drinks. There are also plenty of non-coffee K-Cup options available, like black and herbal teas<\/a>, hot cocoa<\/a> and apple cider<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, Nespresso machines use small, proprietary aluminum capsules filled with finely ground coffee beans. Once the machine pierces the heavy-duty foil-wrapped lids, hot water is forced through them at high pressure\u2014just like in an espresso machine<\/a>. 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. Just ask our editor who is a big fan of her Nespresso Vertuo Plus<\/a>!\r\n\r\nNespresso machines use a unique extraction system that brews coffee with the perfect balance of flavor and aroma at the touch of a button. Nespresso capsules<\/a> 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.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, 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.\r\n\r\nK-Cups are available online and in nearly every supermarket's coffee aisle. Though not officially licensed by Keurig, there are reusable K-Cups<\/a> available on the market that allow you to use your favorite brand of coffee while lessening your environmental impact.\r\n\r\nNespresso machines, for the most part, offer sophistication and elegance to provide a high-end coffee experience at home. Keurig machines keep convenience and familiar flavors in mind, complete with simple controls that are easy enough for anyone to use without instructions.\r\n

How We Tested Nespresso<\/h2>\r\n\"Nespresso\r\n\r\nOur Product Testing Team tested Nespresso during our search for the best single-serve coffee makers. Here's how they tested each machine and what they learned.\r\n

Setup<\/h3>\r\nTesters consider the packaging, box contents, machine weight and dimensions. We then look at the accuracy of each stat, noting any discrepancies. Our Nespresso Vertuo<\/a> machine arrived in excellent shape. The box contains a robust instruction manual, a variety pack of coffee pods, a drip tray, the machine, a tips card and a bonus $10 off coupon. The coupon is especially nice since Nespresso pods are on the pricier side.\r\n

Specs and Features<\/h3>\r\nNespresso machines are available in a variety of classy shades, including black, red, graphite metal, titan and silver. Overall, we find the machines rather handsome with a well-made, heavy-duty feel. Additional classy features like the ridged, frosted plastic compartments on the sides of the Vertuo look high-end.\r\n\r\nFor the most part, Nespresso machines don't have myriad confusing buttons, settings or toggles. Instead, they rely on their automatic pod detection to accurately determine the brew size, strength and temperature. The Vertuo, for instance, only offers two buttons on the machine: a lock toggle and a brew button.\r\n\r\nWith a 29-inch cord that reaches rather far, plop these puppies down wherever there's room on the counter. Thanks to four height settings for the cup compartment, it's easy to fit most mugs and travel containers that are smaller than six inches tall with minimal splatter. The water tank varies in removability depending on the machine. While the Vertuo Plus offers a removable 40-ounce water tank, the original Vertuo's generous 56-ounce tank comes fixed to the machine.\r\n

Drink Options<\/h3>\r\n\"Nespresso\r\n\r\nAll Nespresso machines make specialty drinks like lattes and espressos. The drink depends on the pods you choose\u2014and there are a\u00a0lot\u00a0<\/em>of options. The only downside is that, unlike K-Cups, Nespresso pods are proprietary. While a few unbranded\u00a0pod kits<\/a> allow you to fill your pods, these are rather labor-intensive and not recycled like regular Nespresso pods, so they're not as planet-friendly.\r\n

Coffee Quality and Operation<\/h3>\r\nNespresso's user manuals are thorough, though brewing up any pod only requires a single button. They also brew much faster when compared to other single-serve machines. As a bonus, our Testing Team also found Nespresso machines much quieter than other options. That said, they do make a bit of mechanical noise while brewing.\r\n\r\nWe found that the espresso pods brew approximately 40 milliliter cups. The dark results are fairly bitter and leave a strong after-taste, with a nice crema on top. Similarly, the double espressos\u2014which brew around 80 milliliters\u2014offer a good crema, strong flavors and just a touch of bitterness.\r\n\r\nCoffee pods produce around 230 milliliters in a strong and consistent stream. This is one area we believe the Nespresso is superior\u2014even regular ole' coffee includes a lot of crema on top. The results are strong and creamy rather than watery, likening them to a cafe-style drink.\r\n

Cleaning<\/h3>\r\nThe initial cleaning process takes time, though routine maintenance is much simpler. Once engaged, the cleaning procedure runs automatically for 5 minutes and consists of three cycles. None of the components are dishwasher compatible, so they all require hand washing.\r\n

Value<\/h3>\r\nAt around $200 per machine, Nespresso brewers (and their compatible pods) are a bit pricier than other single-serve options. However, at only around $2 a pop, the pods are actually a bit of a steal when compared to cafe coffee. Instead of snagging a $7 cup at a local coffeehouse, folks can enjoy a barista-style drink in seconds. That makes the value well worth the upfront cost, in our opinion\u2014especially for those who won't settle for regular drip coffee.\r\n

Long Term Testing<\/h3>\r\nFormer shopping editor Madi Koetting<\/a> has used her Nespresso<\/span> Vertuo Plus machine almost<\/em> every day since June 2023. She notes that it still holds up.\r\n\r\n\"While I\u2019m still a sucker for drip coffee, I leap for my Nespresso<\/span> every other day when I need an extra jolt of caffeine or mornings when I simply can\u2019t be bothered grinding beans,\" she says. \"Though I love making my own at-home lattes, the Nespresso<\/span> coffee and espresso is lusciously smooth and full-bodied on its own. The thick layer of crema on top is comparable to ordering espresso at the local coffee shop.\"\r\n

As for cleaning, Nespresso<\/span> recommends descaling the Vertuo Plus every three months or 300 pods. That said, Madi hasn't noticed much of a need to do so. \"I\u2019ll be honest, I haven\u2019t felt the need to clean my machine because it has proven to brew a delectable cup of coffee without issue since day one. I\u2019m also not positive I\u2019ve brewed 300 pods. Take it from me\u2014you don\u2019t need to clean the Nespresso<\/span> Vertuo Plus like you would a Keurig. As long as I brew with clean, filtered water and clean the water reservoir every week, that\u2019s the only maintenance my machine has required (so far).\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Pros<\/h3>\r\n