Do you love coffee, but don’t have the patience (or capital) to invest in one of the best coffee grinders? Even if have great coffee grinds, you’ll need an equally good (and expensive) drip brewer (like the Technivorm Moccamaster) to get the best out of your coffee. If you’re like me and you’re willing to trade just a little bit of flavor for lots of time, then getting a single-cup brewer is the best option for you.

You might just be planning to get a coffee maker then. But then, as usual, there’s a catch. There are too many brands, and you need just one machine. There’s a choice you have to make. Well, Nespresso and Keurig are the biggies of the game. But, but, but, which is the best. Let’s know the two machines better to decide.  Here is a look at both the systems up close.

Brewing System

Both the Keurig and Nespresso are single serve coffee machines. However, the brewing system of the two machines is contrasting. Keurig uses pressure to brew your coffee whereas Nespresso works with centrifugal force. The brewing time for them both is 3 to 4 minutes, and the flavor wins hearts. Keurig gives you a choice to have other drinks like tea and hot chocolate as well which is not the case with the Nespresso. But, Keurig can’t do an espresso.

K-Cups versus Capsules

Keurig coffee machines use K-Cups. The K-Cups are crafted out of plastic and covered with foil. Keurig’s coffee pod can fill only a cup at a time but saves your drink from exposure, keeping it fresh for longer. Nespresso, on the other hand, has been using capsules in its brewing system since evolution. These aluminum capsules use a food-grade lacquer to protect your drink. The foil is perforated in various ways to suit the requirements of different drinks.

Compatible brands

Keurig scores well in its variety of beverages. It covers more than 200 types of drinks from popular names from the world of teas and coffees. The brands include Starbucks, Green Mountain, Celestial Seasonings, Folgers, Tully’s, Twinings, and Caribou. Now, Nespresso isn’t interested in teas. It has its own league of coffee flavors like Colombian Rosabaya, Ethiopian Bukeela, Brazilian Dulsao, and Indian Indriya.

Performance

Despite some of the basic differences between Keurig and Nespresso, they both are high in quality. These machines exceed your expectations when it comes to the flavor they bequeath to your drinks. Both the brands give you a limited one year manufacturer’s warranty and may serve well for about five years if not molested while using. What would your coffee cost you? Now, this is important. This decides where you can have a bit of financial edge. When it comes to an affordable mug, Keurig is the thing. Coffees are more affordable with Keurig as Nespresso likes to keep it as a high-end brand. The capsules and pods cost you a dollar or a bit more but can be cheaper in bulk buying.

Verdict

So which beats the other when it comes to Keurig versus Nespresso? The answer lies in your needs. Keurig and Nespresso are the best coffee machines but which is better is going to be about what you need.  You want Keurig if you like teas as well or want to save a few bucks. If you love espresso or royalty or both, get a Nespresso.