The Difference Between Nespresso And Keurig Machines

Nespresso and Keurig machines occupy a similar space for the sleep-deprived. You stumble out of bed, insert a pod, and press a button; the results of this simple process allow you to actually wake up. Both companies offer multiple roasts and flavors to brew. Neither of them makes what would normally be considered espresso. So, what makes these two brands different? 

The most important difference is the coffee that pours into your mug. If you don't like the taste of what comes out of the machine, it doesn't matter what's brewing it inside. In my experience and in the experiences of many other coffee obsessives, Nespresso machines produce more intense, richer cups; Keurigs brew weaker, bitter, less flavorful coffees. Neither of them makes fully nuanced brews that extract the array of flavors inherent in the beans, but when comparing one-cup machines, the Nespresso comes closer. Keurig has more options for pods, whereas Nespresso is more selective about who it allows a license for.

However, price is a factor. In general, Keurig has both a cheaper machine and cheaper pods. If you prefer lighter coffee or adding sugar and milk, it doesn't make sense to splurge on a Nespresso. Below, we explore what else sets these coffee makers apart.

Nespresso has two main systems of coffee makers: Original and Vertuo. Dig into each line, and you'll find different machines with a variety of sizes, add-ons, colors, settings, and more. The Original line relies on pressure to extract coffee, while the Vertuo has a centrifugal device to spin the hot water through the grounds. The capsules made for the two lines are not interchangeable — an Original capsule will not fit a Vertuo machine and vice versa. The average lifespan of a Nespresso machine is around 10 years.

The Original line has a 19-bar pump to shoot water into the grounds. The results tend to be small, concentrated cups of intense coffee, ranging in size from ristretto to lungo. The patent on the pods specific to the Original has expired, so you can find pods made by third parties at your local grocery store. These machines range in price from around $220 to $1,500.

Vertuo machines use a newer pod with a barcode that your machine scans to receive instructions on how to brew that specific bean. The pods are dome-shaped and are injected with water before being spun to extract the coffee. These machines can produce bigger cups of coffee as well as cold brew-style coffee. The price of a Vertuo can range from $240 to $1,100, with many in the $300 ballpark.

Keurig offers over 400 K-cup types to choose from, many from big brands like Dunkin', Starbucks, Cinnabon, Cafe Bustelo, and McDonald's. All K-cup pods work on all Keurig coffee maker models. The cheapest machine, the K-Mini Mate, is typically around $90. Consumer Reports calls this the best Keurig coffee maker for under $100. Most Keurig machines run in the $100 to $300 range, with the most expensive being the Business Coffee Maker for around $1,800. Though generally cheaper than Nespresso, keep in mind that Keurigs are among the most returned items at Costco due to their unreliability.

Pressure is the tool used to brew the coffee here (the company doesn't specify how much). A needle — or multiple, depending on the model — punctures the top of the pod and fills it with hot water. A needle at the bottom pierces a hole for the drink to come out of. The machines typically make 6 to 12 ounces of coffee from a single pod. This can result in a weaker cup, especially at the larger sizes, since many pods contain 8 to 12 grams of grounds. A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee will require around 15 grams of grounds. To compensate for fewer grounds, the bean is often ground finely to make it stronger, but this can also overextract the drink and make it more bitter.

In the end, if price is your biggest concern and you are okay with a weaker cup, Keurig may be your best bet. If not, and you don't want to deal with the process of making a cup by hand, then Nespresso may be what you're looking for.