The Pros and Cons between Nespresso and Keurig
First & foremost the two big players in the at home coffee space are Nespresso vs. Keurig. These two machines revolutionized how the average person enjoyed their morning, afternoon or even evening cup of coffee. Not only did it make gourmet coffee more accessible but it make your average cup of coffee much less expensive! These machines allowed the everyday person to brew, create and enjoy coffee at a whole new level in the comfort of their own home. The question remains... for someone who doesn't know the differences we'd love to break down each machine for you, talking about their positives and negatives and compare them!
Top level we have 2 at-home brewing systems but what makes them different and what makes them more competitive within the space.
PROS OF KEURIG
Let's start with the pros of a Keurig brewing machine. Of all the pros, if you are someone who is looking for a quick at home brewing system that makes a cup of coffee, this should be your go-to. For one to two hundred dollars you can buy yourself a machine that brews single servings of coffee. This was revolutionary when it first came out. For people living alone or just wanting a single cup of coffee, they no longer had to brew a whole pot of coffee each morning. Mind-blowing.
Pricing wise, the average machine ranges from one to two hundred dollars. In many cases, you can find a great deal during Black Friday sales. Once you have the machine, individual K-Cups will run about $0.50 to $1.00 for a quality cup of coffee. The average 12 oz. cup of coffee at Starbucks will run you $2.00 per day. So, you're saving over $1 every single day, which is a HUGE savings over the course of a year. Why not put that money towards a fun vacation or the hobby of your choice?
A major positive for us is saving time. This machine works quickly and gives you the feel of instant coffee but of course with way better flavor. If you're the type of person who cannot get your morning moving fast enough there is simply no time to make a drip coffee, use a fresh press or wait in line at your local coffee shop. During the middle of your rush out the door, you can drop a K-Cup into the machine & press go. Done. Coffee is made in a moments notice. And, cleanup is as easy as 1-2-3! You don't need to mess with dirty filters, messy coffee grounds or washing the machine every time you use it.
CONS OF KEURIG
One of the biggest concerns about Keurig machines is the environmental impacts of the K-Cups. But, we have good news! There are two ways to address this concern. After a K-Cup is brewed (and cooled off) it can be cleaned, separated and recycled. That being said, if that's not your jam, you can purchase a reusable K-Cup in most home specialty stores! Bed Bath & Beyond sells a stainless container that's fairly easy to use and a popular choice for Keurig lovers. This should relieve any environmental issues you may have. Another pro with reusable K-Cup pods is the ability to blend and brew your own flavors. You can totally customize your morning cup of joe to be anything you like. Cool, huh? We think so.
Another con, depending on the machine you purchase, is that the older models don't offer brew strength. Meaning there is no customization or ability to make cappuccinos, lattes or espresso based drinks. So, if you're looking for a strong, bold espresso based drink, a Keurig probably isn't the best option for you. Of course, you can still add milk to brewed coffee to make a misto. Many Keurig fans love their morning misto's and prefer a more mild flavor compared to that of an espresso shot.
Lastly, another common con is the upfront cost of a machine. Assuming that you can purchase a machine for around $100, it's still quite a bit more than the average drip machine which costs closer to $50. But, one thing to remember is the cost of filters that are required to use most drip machines. Not to mention the quality and consistent taste of a K-Cup pod rivals a lot of coffee shops. So, if you can make that same quality of coffee that you get at a cafe right in your own home, there's no need to go out as much anymore. According to a report on Fox News, the average American spends approximately $1,100 a year-- or $3 each day-- on coffee. So yeah, when you realize that number you may want to invest in a nice machine for you kitchen counter.
PROS OF NESPRESSO
The biggest and best pro of owning a Nespresso machine is a rich, bold tasting espresso shot every morning in the comfort of your own home. SIGN US UP! If you love a thick crema and silky smooth finish of an espresso shot, a nespresso machine is for you! And now, there are many Nespresso compatible options available to use, including HiLine Coffee pods. Imagine waking up each morning, smelling that savory aroma as you're brewing a sensational espresso shot in your own kitchen. You can make your very own lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and americanos for friends and family too.
Similar to the Keurig machine, a Nespresso machine also saves a lot of time. Being able to add a fresh espresso or coffee to your morning routine without getting out of your bathrobe is a major plus. No need to wait in line or be forced to carry on an awkward conversation with a hipster barista before you've had your daily dose of caffeine. Did we mention there's virtually zero cleanup? No coffee grounds, filters or water spillage!
Many models of Nespresso machines are compact, sleek and boast award-winning design. Compared to traditional drip coffee makers and Keurig machines, Nespresso machines compliment and elevate any kitchen. They come in a variety of colors, including, silver, black, red, and white. You can select the perfect one to match a modern, traditional or contemporary home. Impress your friends and family with a chic Nespresso machine at your next party!
CONS OF NESPRESSO
The question of money spent upfront is always one that pops up when you are talking about Nespresso vs. Keurig. With a Nespresso machine you still have the same or similar upfront cost as any other upfront machine. It almost makes your daily $3 espresso not look so bad all of the sudden. That being said you have to remember the long term investment. You are investing in the long term use of your homemade daily cup of coffee as well as an investment in time. Imagine working at home and needing to run out multiple times a day to grab a coffee. Now that is a waste of time!
Nespresso machines (generally) make only one type of coffee - espresso. There are no alternative options, which can be rather limiting if you're in the mood for regular brewed coffee. And, sometimes you just need one.big.cup.of.coffee. If money is no object, you can invest several thousand dollars into the purchase of a very high-end dual coffee maker (which makes both espresso and regular brewed coffee). But if one of your concerns is cost, this type of machine probably isn't for you.
Nespresso recently launched the Vertuoline to address the need for bigger cups of brewed coffee. These pods brew 1.35 ounces of espresso all the way up to 14 ounces, an ALTO XL cup. This seems like a dream come true for coffee and espresso lovers alike, but it's important to note that these pods are under patent until the year 2030. This restricts ALL other brands from being able to produce similar pods - so as a consumer you can only buy these pods from Nespresso at over $1.00 each.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are in the middle of making a decision between a Nespresso vs. Keurig we hope the above helps you find the right fit. Common concerns are about the "downpayment" (if you will) on the machine. We sorted through the common concerns and feel that beyond expense and freshness, the pros and cons are similar between the two machines. The differences between the machine come in when you are deciding what type of brew you like!
Now-a-days there are so many different machines with each brand. It's been said that there are over 50 different Keurig coffee maker machines/models. Crazy, right?! That being said, most machines are very similar but come with different bells and whistles. As for Nespresso, the number of models runs closer to 17 in total. As new models come out there are different perks to the new machines and so much crossover between brands. When these machines first hit the market they were so specific. Keurig brewed coffee from K-Cups and Nespresso brewed espresso from pods. Now each machine has so many functionalities. When you are making the decision to buy - do all the research you can to make the most informed decision between Nespresso vs. Keurig! You can get a machine that makes lattes, cappuccinos and even cold brew.
LASTLY - we would buy a Keurig AND a Nespresso! Each brand has so many pros and cons but at the end of the day the Keurig makes a hot cup of coffee quickly and a Nespresso makes the perfect espresso shot in under 30 seconds - and we love BOTH.
We hope you make the most informed decision possible. If anyone understands how important the decision of your daily dose of caffeine as it's us. Feel free to email us anytime if you'd like us to personally recommend a machine for you.