Comparing Nespresso to Keurig used to be a no-brainer based on your coffee drinking preference since the original Nespresso machines were only serving espressos and Lungos while Keurig coffee makers deliver drip coffee. However with the introduction of its Vertuo line a few years, Nespresso became a solid drip style coffee competitor for Keurig machines in North America.
Let’s compare both brands.
ORIGINS
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso is the pioneer of coffee capsules which were invented by Nespresso engineer Eric Favre in 1976. Ten years later, the Swiss company launched its first single-serve coffee makers which originally catered to hotels, bars and offices. Nespresso entered the international consumer market in the early 2000’s with its emblematic cube machine and has remained to this day the leader. Keurig entered the market later with its pods, targeting the office market in 1998 and homes in 2004.
VARIETY
When it comes to quantities, Keurig is the clear winner with 200+ flavors while Nespresso offers a limited selection of around 50 capsules at the time (and a 100+ since its beginning – check out Best Nespresso Capsules list). Winner: Keurig.
COFFEE QUALITY
Ask coffee lovers and they will tell you Nespresso capsules have far better flavors than Keurig pods. Designed for espresso drinkers, Origin capsules are darker and bitter, aiming at recreating the authenticity of European coffee experience. Mostly appealing to the American market, Vertuo capsules bring sophisticated flavors to drip coffee drinkers, with a taste superior to most Keurig offerings. Winner: Nespresso.
EASE OF USE
Both brands’ single-serve machines use similar systems where all you have to do is fill the water reservoir, turn on the machine, put in your capsule and make your cup with the push of a button. However, with Nespresso makers, used capsules end up in a bin that can be emptied later while you need to manually remove Keurig’s pods. Winner: Nespresso.
PRESSURE
Nespresso’s Vertuo and Original line machines are designed to make a strong brew, using high-pressure pumps while Keurig uses low-pressure pumps. Winner: Nespresso.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Nespresso pods are made of aluminum and are recyclable. When ordering online or picking up your order at the store, Nespresso will provide you with a free recycle that can be dropped off at the store or mailed free of charge through UPS. In addition, Nespresso has partnered with the Fairtrade organization, pledging to support sustainability through its recycling program, climate change, community support and ecological coffee production. On the other hand, Keurig does not offer such services and its pods are made of plastic. Winner: Nespresso.
PRICING
Keurig coffee pods have a starting price around $0.45 per pod, up to $1.25 for higher end coffees. Nespresso original capsules’ cost starts at $0.80 and can go as high as $2 for limited editions. Nespresso Vertuo line capsules start at $0.98 per unit, most of them being sold around $1.25. Likewise, Keurig coffee machines have a starting price around $80 while the cheapest Nespresso machines are around $189. Winner: Keurig.
BEST CHOICE
While coffee is obviously a personal preference, the main differences between these 2 brands is that they are not targeting the same audience. Nespresso caters to a higher-end market, whether it’s the hospitality industry or home use. This is the right choice for coffee connoisseurs and fans of European lifestyle. This is the clear winner here, but it comes with a higher price point. On the other hand, Keurig is a better option for office use, providing a cheaper alternative, which also means lowest quality coffee and mediocre flavors.
The bottom line is that there is no perfect cup of coffee coming from a pod coffee machine. While these machines provide a quick, easy way to make a decent cup of coffee – at least Nespresso does – they can’t compete with a real espresso machines or a trip to your local independent coffee shop.
