Nespresso vs. Keurig: Which Is Best

Nespresso and Keurig are the two biggest competitors for single-serve coffee. So we’ll pit Nespresso vs. Keurig against each other to determine the best.

Nespresso vs. Keurig
Nespresso vs. Keurig

Single-serve coffee machines became popular due to their convenience. These coffee makers work by making a hole at either end of the coffee pod, heating the water, then running the hot water through the coffee pod.

The coffee goes directly into your cup – ready to drink. 

If you’re having difficulty choosing between Nespresso and Keurig, this article will help you make the right decision.

What Are Nespresso And Keurig? 

Nespresso uses specially-perforated foil and plastic capsules for its machine. It only brews coffee, espresso, and cappuccino, even if off-brand blends for tea and hot chocolate exist. 

Nespresso is divided into two “lines” of options: the Original line and the Vertuo line. Both machines have a one-touch operation, capsule containers, and metered water tanks. 

The OriginalLine is much more open. There are lots of third-party compatible capsules available and reusable and refillable coffee pods, but there are no third-party competitors with capsule equivalents for the VertuoLine. 

The Nespresso Original line coffee machines make stronger coffees that taste more like the traditional espresso, but the Nespresso Vertuo line coffee machines are weaker with thicker crema.

Keurig coffee maker uses coffee pods called K-Cups to brew its coffee and has ties to well-known beverage brands, including Folgers, Celestial Seasonings, and Starbucks.

Keurig machines released over 80 different models. One of Keurig machines’ models – the Keurig K-Cafe – is its attempt at the single-serve espresso maker.

Keurig focused on single-serve coffee makers and even made K-Duo, which has 60 oz. single water reservoir.

What do Nespresso And Keurig Have In Common?

They both brew quick and convenient coffee shop standard cups of coffee from coffee pods. They both have some variety in the beverages you can choose.

If you love Nespresso, you might be interested in our Nespresso Pods Vs. Capsules guide.

Nespresso Vs. Keurig: The Differences 

NespressoKeurig
A Nespresso pod is an aluminum capsule with holes pierced by the coffee maker’s brewing system. The pattern made by these holes allows different pressure and flow gradients.K-Cups has coffee (sometimes with a creamer) and brews partially depending on user input.
Compatible brands include Brazilian Dulsao, Colombian Rosabaya, Ethiopian Bukeela, Hawaiian Kona, Indian Indriya, and Maragogype Special Reserves.Compatible brands include Caribou, Celestial Seasonings, Donut Shop, Green Mountain, Starbucks, and Tully’s Twinings.
Can only brew a few dozen kinds of drinks, including coffee, espresso.Brews more than 200 drinks, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

What’s Better About Nespresso?

Nespresso coffee makers are sturdier than Keurig. It has two types of coffee machines – the OriginalLine and VertuoLine.

The Nespresso Original coffee machine works the same way as your ordinary espresso machine. Water is forced through the capsule at 19 bars of pressure to brew a delightful shot of espresso. 

Brewing coffee using Nespresso coffee maker
Nespresso coffee makers are sturdy

The Nespresso Vertuo can brew large cups of coffee. So instead of one hole at the bottom, multiple holes are pierced into the side of the coffee pod and spun at very high speeds to extract coffee flavor.

You might find our guide on the best Nespresso machines helpful. 

What’s Better About Keurig?

Regarding the variety of beverages and models, the Keurig coffee maker is better than Nespresso.

It has a far greater variety of drinks and offers over 80 different models – so if you need anything, they may have something that works for you. 

Many cups of coffee on wooden table
Keurig brews a wide variety of coffee types

While Nespresso brews superb coffees, the overall cost adds up over time. 

Who Is Nespresso Better For (And Why)? 

Many people think Nespresso tastes better than Keurig. If you like full-bodied coffee, this is the one for you.

If you live in a household without different opinions on the dark and blonde roast, we would recommend investing in a Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville.

Its consistent performance and capability to produce a deluxe crema are worth it!

Who Is Keurig Better For (And Why)?

If you’re looking for a coffee maker at your office, Keurig might be the best choice since it’s better at fulfilling all coffee lovers’ requests.

We recommend using the most versatile single-serve coffee maker – the Keurig K-Cafe with a milk frother, which allows you to froth milk to make specialty coffees.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.