Nespresso vs. Keurig: Who Wins The Match? The Ultimate Comparison Guide (Updated For 2022)

This may be a tough choice, but if you’re looking for a machine that can make good coffee and is easy to use, Nespresso may be the brand for you. Keurig may be the leader in the US single serve market, but Nespresso is one of the biggest names in the single serve coffee game.

The Bottom Line

The biggest defining factor between these two giants is Keurig can’t brew espresso, but some Nespresso machines can brew regular coffee. The Winner: Nespresso

“Nespresso vs Keurig. The two biggest names in the single-serve coffee world.“

There is no difference between regular coffee maker vs keurig or regular coffee maker vs Nespresso because both Nespresso and Keurig are single serve regular coffee makers. But, there is a lot of differences between Keurig and Nespresso. So, if you’re a novice in single-serve coffee machines, you must’ve heard two names: Nespresso and Keurig. And most coffee lovers ultimately may have to choose between them.

And you, too, have the option between Nespresso and Keurig.

So, which should you choose? Nespresso or Keurig?

Let’s decide!

Nespresso vs. Keurig USA 2022 Single-Cup Coffee Market Share

Research conducted in December 2015 tells us that Keurig owned 61% of the total single-serve market in the United States, while Nespresso had only 4%, and they got this revenue from both machines and coffee pods. But this analysis ignores the strong performance of Nespresso’s parent company Nestle (a Swiss company), in the UK and Europe, where the company is still one of the industry leaders.

So, things have changed today. 

According to Coffee Aim’s research, on April 26, 2022, Keurig was the first ranked single-cup coffee brand in the United States, and Nespresso is the second, but it will not be the same in the future.

Who will win the game?

Possibly the one you choose.

The CEO of Nespresso, a pioneer of single-serve coffee, told CNBC that Nespresso hopes to expand its reach. When he unveiled a new machine that offers large cups of coffee to broaden the American coffee market, watch the below video for full detail.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2014/02/20/nespresso-creating-a-new-market-ceo.html

Both these companies are the top competitors in the coffee machine business, and it can be hard to figure out which one you should go with. We’ve made the ultimate guide on which company is better for your specific needs!

Let’s have to choose between them.

Best Nespresso Machines

• Best Value Machine: Nespresso CitiZ
• Best Nespresso Machine: Nespresso Creatista Plus
• Best For Easy Lattes: Nespresso Lattissima Pro
• Best For Tall Coffees: Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo

Best Keurig Coffee Makers

• Best Value Keurig: Keurig K-Select
• Best For Single-Serve & Full Pots: Keurig K-Duo Plus
• Best Compact Keurig: Keurig K-Express
• Best Keurig Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Supreme Plus SMART

Nespresso vs. Keurig: What’s the Difference?

Even though it may seem like there can’t be much difference between Nespresso and Keurig because both single-serve brewers provide the same service, there is much that sets them apart.

Pros for Nespresso	Pros for Keurig
High-Quality beverages: Nespresso produces concentrated, high-quality coffee and espresso. The OriginalLine’s pump and the VertuoLine’s centrifugation technology make rich, excellent, and better quality beverages.	More than 80 different models: Keurig probably has the most variety to choose from in terms of the kinds of machines they offer. Currently, Keurig has over 80 other models for you to choose from.
Better quality machines are usually Swiss-made: Nespressos are manufactured in Switzerland, and its devices are famous for being very sturdy and resistant to wear and tear.	Over 400 different varieties of coffee and other beverages: With many more machines, there is also a lot more variety in the number and types of pods available.
Nespresso machines have excellent custom size features: Nespresso’s machines can brew coffee and espresso for custom cup sizes, which is perfect if you enjoy variety in how much coffee you want to consume.	From 6-60 oz brew size: The Keurig also has some good options for brewing for differing cup sizes. Some models can brew for capacities from 6 oz to 12 oz.
Nespresso pods are recyclable and environment friendly: Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability has received much acclaim for its introduction of 100% recyclable pods.	Keurig is less expensive to buy and use: Keurig’s machines are known for being cheaper than Nespresso’s and their cheaper pods, which makes them a much more affordable overall purchase.

Cons for Nespresso	Cons for Keurig
Nespresso’s machines are known to be relatively expensive. Coupled with a higher pod price, buying a Nespresso can be pretty hard on your pocket in the long run.	While Keurig’s may be cheaper, it also must be considered that most Keurig’s only have a warranty of one year in comparison to Nespresso’s two years.
Nespresso offers less variety in comparison to Keurig. While Keurig’s K-Cups have 400 different pod varieties to offer, on the other hand, Nespresso has only 54 OriginalLine and 41 VertuoLine types of coffee pods and capsules available.	Keurig’s machines are often large and bulky and take up a lot of counter space. The user interface, while intricate, can be a bit complicated and takes time to understand how to use.
Nespresso pods can be tedious to recycle. Instead of just tossing them into a recycling bin, you have to either mail the pods back to Nespresso or drop them off at your nearest Nespresso boutique.	Keurig machines are much more prone to breakage. The machines are made of light plastic, which is not very resilient. Keurig customers are also more likely to report more issues with their machines than Nespresso customers.

Nespresso Overview

Nespresso brewers are pod-based, single-serving espresso machines, far less than their counterpart Keurig. Nespresso has divided its models into two lines:

• OriginalLine: This line brews a regular Nespresso OriginalLine repertoire of ristrettos, espressos, and lungos. The OriginalLine machines with an integrated milk frother like Lattissima Series and Creatista Series can brew lattes, cappuccinos, espresso-based drinks, and cafe beverages. At the same time, some OriginalLine machines like Essenza Plus are more versatile machines that can brew two sizes of Americano.
• VertuoLine: This line brews Nespresso VertuoLine repertoire of 1.35 oz espresso, 2.7 oz double espresso, 5 oz gran lungo, 7.8 oz coffee, and 14 oz Alto XL coffee. With the custom sizing feature of your VertuoLine machine like the Evoluo, you can brew up to 17 oz coffees using the Alto XL capsules. Moreover, with your VertuoNext machine, you can brew 18 oz Pour-over style coffee.

Keurig Overview

With the release of over 80 different models, Keurig is the leader in the single-serve coffee machine market in the US. Despite its decade-plus of dominance, the Keurig doesn’t hold compared to Nespresso’s innovations in different cup sizes and beverage qualities. 

Does Keurig’s espresso pale in comparison to what Nespresso offers?

Let’s see.

Ever since Nespresso and Keurig raced for more revenue in the USA’s single-serve coffee market, the two brands have been trying to outdo each other. Nespresso is trying to develop machines that provide long coffee to its users, as Nespresso’s competitor, Keurig, focuses more on long coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline machines are a link in the chain, one of which the Vertuo Next produces 18oz power-over style coffee.

On the other hand, Keurig strives to develop coffee makers that provide high-quality espresso to their users, as Nespresso focuses on producing high-quality espresso. One such model has been developed by Keurig — the Keurig K-Cafe — which makes a single-serving espresso. Despite being decent, it is weaker than Nespresso machines. The resulting espresso is inferior to the espresso produced by Nespresso’s single-serving brewers.

What’s the reason?

First: Nespresso has espresso-specific capsules:

• Ristretto (0.84 oz)
• Espresso (1.35 oz)
• Lungo (3.70 oz)

The names I have mentioned above are the cup-size names of the Nespresso Original Line machines and the names of Nespresso capsules used in the original line machines. When you insert one of the capsules above into your Original line machine, it will produce the same amount of beverage that is written in front of that capsule. Now it’s up to you how much you want to drink and what you want to brew.

Second: Old style K-Cups

Compared to Nespresso’s innovative machines, Keurig’s K-Cafe brewer still depends on the same K-Cups that regular coffee brewers had used for a decade-plus old. 

The result: (a) Keurig has no well-optimized coffee makers. (b) The resulted drink falls short of Nespresso in quality.

Why can’t Keurig beat Nespresso?

As mentioned above, Keurig focuses on large coffees, so they develop single-serving coffee makers that are perfect for large coffees. One of their major coffee makers is the Keurig K-Duo, which is ideal for a single cup of coffee and whole pots up to 60 oz, but not for espresso.

These two companies are the kings of the single-serve machine market in the US, with no clear-cut winner between them.

But these are my honest thoughts for each.

It depends upon your preferences and whom you choose for your morning cup of joe. Nespresso or Keurig?

In your view, the winner will be the one you choose (according to your point of view).

For in-depth surveys and answers to any questions you may have about each Nespresso or Keurig model, see our complete comparison guides for both Keurig and Nespresso:

• Best Nespresso Machine Comparison: 26 Nespresso Models
• Compare 87 Keurig Models: The Best Guide to Keurig Coffee Makers

Nespresso vs Keurig: Who Wins?

Want to dig much deeper?

Let’s have a look at the most important categories of these two pod machine leaders:

• Nespresso Vs. Keurig Taste
• Types of Beverages Brewed
• Variety of Models Available
• Flexibility
• Cost to Purchase Coffee Machines
• Cost per Serving
• Caffeine Content
• Performance
• Ease of Cleaning
• Quality, Durability & Reliability
• Recycling & Impact on Environment
• The Verdict

Nespresso vs Keurig Taste

Winner: Nespresso

This is the most important competition between Nespresso and Keurig in my analysis, so I put it at the top of the list. Tastes are something you work hard for and spend your precious money on. However, in the taste, each coffee drinker has his own preferences according to which he decides. If you want to choose between Nespresso and Keurig based on the taste, check your preferences. If you are fond of drinks other than coffee and occasionally like to drink coffee, Keurig will be better for you as Keurig offers a wide range of other very tasty drinks besides coffee and espresso.

Conversely, if you are a frequent drinker of coffee and espresso, Nespresso will inevitably be better for you as Nespresso focuses more on espresso and coffee than any other beverage. And we have repeatedly tried to find that the taste of Keurig coffee and espresso is weaker than that of Nespresso. So Nespresso vs. Keurig taste Nespresso was the winner.

Types of Beverages Brewed

Winner: Draw

The Keurig is simply unmatched in the variety it offers. Keurig has over 400 different types of capsules from 60 other brands. This variety is because third parties manufacture pods for it, so users have so many flavors to experiment with. Keurig’s K-Cups allow for so much autonomy from the customer that you can even fill up your coffee grounds in an empty K-Cup and use it. If you’re in the mood for something that isn’t caffeine-based, the Keurig even lets you use pods for hot chocolate or fruit-based drinks. Even though it can’t make espresso, the Keurig can’t be beaten in terms of flexibility.

Nespresso capsules were initially designed only to make espresso. It also has a crema feature with espresso, which deposits a nice, frothy layer of crema on every shot. The Nespresso VertuoLine machines brew coffee and espresso and have 41 types of Nespresso and Starbucks brands coffee pods and capsules available. But they do not take OriginalLine compatible pods. While the OriginalLine has more variety in pods, they have 54 Nespresso brand pods available and a wide variety of third-party brand capsules.

My analysis here says that if you are keen to drink long coffee with more varieties, then Keurig is good to go. But if you prefer espresso with more types, Nespresso is matchless in the world of coffee pods in terms of quality and variety of espresso.

Our Verdict: A Draw

As a result, Nespresso and Keurig are equal in terms of the types of beverages.

Variety of Models Available

Winner: Keurig

Keurig has 80+ models, but most of them are discontinued; today, there are only 6 commercial and 17 home Keurig brewers for you to choose from. This massive variety means that it’s much more likely for you to find a machine that caters to your particular coffee needs. It also means that you’ll have a machine available for your budget: Keurigs can be as cheap as $75 and have expensive commercial models at around $500.

Our Verdict: Keurig Winner

Nespresso has a much smaller range of models available, and all the models belong to two main lines. However, extra accessories, like milk frothers, can be purchased with Nespresso to make specialty drinks like lattes.

Flexibility

Winner: Keurig

In terms of flexibility, Keurig cannot be beaten. Keurigs have so many different machines, but they also have a lot of variety in terms of what kind of beverages can be brewed in them. Keurigs can brew not only coffee but also fruit-based drinks, teas, and hot chocolates too. Keurig also has a lot of collaborations with other brands like Starbucks, so if you have a Keurig, you’ll have a lot of options on what pods you can use. Some Keurig cups can even be refilled with ground coffee, and you can brew whatever type of coffee you want to enjoy.

In contrast, being a Nespresso user means being restricted to their limited variety of pods and machines. Even though the OriginalLine now has some third-party pod makers, the VertuoLine only accommodates the Nespresso-made capsules themselves. 

Our Verdict: Keurig Winner

Keurig is a dream for those who value diversity of choice like:

• Keurigs have so many different machines
• A lot of variety of beverages
• Keurig brews coffee, fruit-based drinks, teas, and hot chocolates 
• Keurig brews drip coffee

Cost to Purchase Coffee Machines

Winner: Nespresso

Nespresso Machine Price

Nespresso offers two lines of coffee machines:

VertuoLine machines: They are cheap machines in comparison to Keurig.

OriginalLine Machines: Some are almost the same price as Keurig, but most are pretty expensive.

Although Nespresso has some cheap models like Nespresso Vertuo Next by Magimix that has just $38 price, and some of the most luxurious and hence most expensive Nespresso machines like the Lattissima series and Creatista series up to $440-$800 price, most Nespresso models fall into the $150-$300 range, 

Keurig Machine Price

Keurig offers two types of brewers:

• Keurig Commercial Brewers: These are the most expensive brewers, but they are not subject to this comparison of Nespresso vs. Keurig.
• Keurig Home Brewers: They are budget-friendly brewers, but Keurig has discontinued most of their cheap brewers

Compared to Nespresso, Keurig home brewers are relatively cheaper but not of high quality. The cheapest in-production Keurig model is the Keurig K-Mini, which has $78, and the most expensive Keurig model is the Keurig C K-Elite, which costs $204. So all of the Keurig models for home use fall in the $75-$200 price range.

On the other hand, Keurig models for commercial use are more expensive than Nespresso, but that is not our subject; we are comparing Nespresso vs. Keurig for home use only.

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins

Although it seems that Keurig machines are cheaper than Nespresso, so Keurig wins, my analysis here is different from the general marketers.

I would say that although Keurig machines are cheap, they are far below Nespresso in quality and performance. Even with these lousy machines, you will not find a machine for less than $70 – some disconnected by Keurig’s very old used sold on eBay have an exemption – You will not find any luxury brewer in the Keurig lines of machines.

Conversely, when you look at Nespresso machines, you will find the cheapest machine up to $50 and the most expensive machine up to $800. And if we look at the performance, Nespresso’s machines, whether as cheap as the Nespresso Vertuo Next or as expensive as the Gran Lattissima, are far superior to the Keurig machines. So for me, as far as the price of coffee machines is concerned, I think Nespresso is the winner over Keurig.

Cost per Serving

Winner: Draw

Whenever I go to a coffee shop, I have to pay $4 for a cup of coffee. Do you know how many dollars it is annually? $1,460 for just one cup of coffee a day – and like me, you probably drank 4 cups of coffee a day. $5840 per year. Lol!

I prefer to make my third-wave specialty coffee at home.

But which brewing system would be cheaper for making coffee at home? Nespresso or Keurig? Let’s compare the cost per serving for Nespresso vs Keurig.

Nespresso uses two different pods in their machines, depending on if you have a VertuoLine machine or an OriginalLine machine. The average costs for the pods for the two lines are as follows:

• Nespresso Brand OriginalLine: $0.75-$0.85 per capsule
• Nespresso OriginalLine Third-party: $0.30-$0.60 per capsule
• VertuoLine: $0.90-$1.40 per capsule

Note: No third-party pods were previously available for VertuoLine machines, but since Nespresso and Starbucks have partnered, Nespresso Starbucks pods are available for VertuoLine machines. Unfortunately, they have the same price as Nespresso brand VertuoLine pods.

VertuoLine machines only accept capsules manufactured by Nespresso because of their capsule scanning system, which prevents the use of third-party capsules. Result? Less variety to use. OriginalLine machines, on the other hand, also allow third-party capsules, so you will have a much cheaper alternative to the official Nespresso pods using the OriginalLine device.

Of note: OriginalLine brewers only brew espresso, ristretto, lungo, and other espresso-based drinks, whereas VertuoLine brewers make espresso, double espresso, and coffees up to 3-18 oz. However, you can also make a delicious Americano with your OriginalLine coffee maker by pushing the espresso button off.

Good news for those thinking about adopting the Keurig brewing system because Keurig brewers have a lower cost for their pods. But not all Keurig pods have the exact cost. Like two lines of Nespresso pods, Keurig also has 5 types of pods, but not all have the exact cost. What is the difference?

Let’s explain:

• K-Cup: $0.35-$0.65 per pod
• K-Mug: $1.40-$1.60 per pod
• K-Vue: $0.85-$1.10 per pod
• K-Carafe: $1.75-$2.25 per pod
• Rivo: $0.85-$1.40 per pod

Remember: K-Mug, K-Vue, K-Carafe, and K-Rivo pods are a thing of the past, as Keurig has discontinued all models that used these pods. Now Keurig is only producing 17 New and latest homebrewers that use standard K-Cup pods. And if you want to drink coffee made from K-Mug, K-Vue, K-Carafe, and K-Rivo pods, you’ll have to wait for someone selling these old Keurig pods on eBay. Now K-Cafe lattes and cappuccinos also use Keurig K-Cup pods. The only exception is the K-Duo, which produces drip coffee up to 60 oz and allows you to use your favorite ground coffee. The K-Duo uses a separate filter basket for this purpose.

While Keurig has one main type called K-Cups, they are generally cheaper than Nespresso pods and have an average cost of about:

• K-Cup: $0.35-$0.65 per capsule

According to our research, pod coffee systems are a great way to save money when drinking coffee in coffee shops. It’s cheaper than buying an expensive cup of joe every day at the cafe; moreover, they protect your time!

You’ll never guess how much coffee you can save daily! The average person spends $4 at their local shops and stores, but how much they can save if they buy Nespresso or Keurig pods instead of buying from coffee shops. 

If the average costs of Keurigs and Nespresso are compared, you’ll find that a Keurig is much cheaper overall. We have made a table to make this info easier to digest.

The table below shows how much money you can save by switching from your local coffee shop to Nespresso and Keurig coffees.

Let’s see:

Capsule or Pod	Cost, 1 Serving	Cost, 365 Servings	Savings Over Coffee Shop
Keurig K-Cup	$0.35-$0.65	$219	$1,241
Nespresso Vertuo	$0.90-$1.25	$402	$1,058
Nespresso Original	$0.70-$0.85	$292	$1,168
Nespresso OriginalLine Third-Party Capsules	$0.30-$0.60	$164	$1296
Coffee Shop	$3.50-$4.50	$1,460	$0

Note: Prices and estimates in the table above are approximated, so they are changeable according to the area and type you select; we have calculated the “Cost, 365 Servings” using the most common mid-point of 1 serving price range. 

In the table above, we have compared all the savings at the average price of $4.00 per espresso or coffee at your local coffee shop with the price per pod of Nespresso OriginalLine, Nespresso VertuoLine, and Keurig K-Cup pods. While this is not the best table, it will give you a solid message when choosing Nespresso vs. Keurig.

Our Verdict: A Draw

• From the table above, it is clear that using any line of coffee capsules and pods will save you a considerable amount of money compared to the daily cup of coffee at your local coffee shop.
• Nespresso Original Line third-party capsules are the most cost-effective way to save up to $1296 a year compared to a regular cup of coffee at your local coffee shop, $128 compared to Nespresso Original Line brand capsules, $ 238 compared to Nespresso VertuoLine, and $ 55 compared to Keurig K-Cup pods. 
• K-cup pods are another great source to enjoy a budget-friendly pod coffee at home that will save you around the following per year:
  • Around $75 per year compared to Nespresso OriginalLine brand pods for Americanos
  • Around $325 per year compared to Nespresso VertuoLine coffees

The above analysis shows that Nespresso third-party capsules are the cheapest source of pod coffee at home. But unfortunately, they only make espresso, and since they contain only 5 grams of ground coffee, they cannot make long coffees like VertuoLine and K-Cup pods. So if you are looking for long coffees, then Keurig K-Cup pods are the cheap resource for you.

When it comes to coffee, Americans drink about 2 cups a day. Based on the American Coffee Consumer survey in 2019, we can assume that most households have at least 2 people, so 4 Nespresso or Keurig pods will do for our calculations!

There are several ways to save your money by using Drip coffee makers, hand espresso makers, French Press, pour-over, Moka Pot, or a Percolator if you prefer a traditional third-wave specialty coffee.

But if you like a traditional espresso, a manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, or a super-automatic coffee machine is good to go. Save most of your money every year by grinding whole coffee beans or using a pre-ground option.

But being a pod person, I don’t like traditional espresso machines more than pod machines. There are three significant reasons:

1. They require a lot of hard work
2. They are messy and problem-creating
3. It is challenging for an intermediate level home barista to learn them

I think the best and most cost-effective way to make coffee is to choose one of the pod machines, Nespresso or Keurig. Use coffee pods compatible with your machine when you’re in a hurry, but use your favorite pre-ground or whole coffee beans when you have free time. You can use the available reusable pods offered by various third-party companies compatible with any Nespresso or Keurig machine. These reusable Nespresso or Keurig pods will also give you a taste of Third-Wave specialty coffee as well as reduce your cost per serving:

• Nespresso: OriginalLine Reusable capsule compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine machines
• Nespresso: VertuoLine Foil lids to reuse capsules, compatible with VertuoLine coffee makers
• Keurig: Reusable My K-Cup pods. You have to check your model if they are compatible with or not 
• Keurig: Keurig Vue model pod adapter compatible with coffee grounds as well as K-Cup pods 
• Keurig: Reusable pods compatible with K-Carafe 

The savings that come from using ground coffee with Nespresso and Keurig’s reusable pods all depend on two things:

1. How many grams of coffee does the reusable pod you are using contain?
2. What is the quality and price of the coffee you are using in the reusable pod?

Although Hawaiian Kona coffee is one of the most expensive coffees globally, I am used to it, costing me $40 per pound. You can order 100% Kona coffee if you want a taste.

However, below are two links that you can click to buy some of the best coffees in the world for your cold brew and black coffee:

• The Best Coffee Beans That Money Can Buy
• The Best Coffee Beans in The World and They are Most Flavorful

Caffeine Content

Winner: Nespresso

No one knows the exact amount of caffeine in Nespresso or Keurig pods because it varies based on the pod variety. In addition, the amount of caffeine may differ depending on the origin, the type, and the quantity of ground coffee in that pod.  

Different Nespresso and Keurig blends could have more or less caffeine per capsule, whereas Robusta varieties or blends will have a higher caffeine content than Arabica varieties or blends. The average difference in the quantity of caffeine in the Nespresso and Keurig capsules you’ll know in the following lines.

Nespresso Caffeine Content

A standard capsule of Nespresso OriginalLine contains 5 grams of coffee, and each 5 mg can deliver 60 mg of caffeine per pour. In contrast, Lungo capsules contain 6 mg, so they have an average of 60 mg of caffeine.

The caffeine range is 77-85 mg for lungo and 55-65 mg for espresso, whereas the Kazaar blend has approximately 125 mg of caffeine.

Alto varieties and VertuoLine coffee contain 130-200 mg caffeine, whereas the average amount is 165 mg caffeine per capsule.

Espresso capsules of VertuoLine contain 60-150 mg caffeine, whereas the average amount is 105 mg caffeine per capsule. 

VertuoLine Carafe Pour-Over Style coffee pods contain 200 mg of caffeine per capsule.

VertuoLine Half Caffeinato capsules contain 90 mg of caffeine.

Decaf blends of VertuoLine contain almost 12 mg of caffeine.

Keurig Caffeine Content

According to Keurig, regular K-Cup® pods contain between 75 and 150 mg of caffeine per 250 ml (8 oz) cup. Although third-party brands remove 97% of the caffeine from the decaffeinated K-Cup pods, they still fall somewhere between 2 to 4 mg per 250 ml (8 oz) cup.

The exact amount of caffeine in Keurig K-Cup pods is hard to determine because of different reasons: 

Different third-party brands have different formulas for the amount of caffeine they will put into their K-Cup pods.

Of course, some third-party brands have more caffeine in specific blends:

Extra Bold, Revv Coffee, and Vue Cups have approximately 30% more caffeine than standard K-Cups.

Another K-cup brand, the Black Label by Devil Mountain Coffee, is most famous for more caffeine in its K-Cup pods.

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins

Regarding caffeine content, if we compare Keurig’s K-Cup pods with the Nespresso Original Line, the former has more caffeine because they are larger than the OriginalLine pods. But if we compare Keurig K-cup pods with Nespresso VertuoLine, the latter has more caffeine. Because Keurig K-cup pods are only 4-12 oz in size, Nespresso VertuoLine pods come in 3-18 oz. Therefore, Nespresso is the winner in caffeine content.

Performance

Winner: Nespresso

When it comes to performance, it comes down to the following sub-categories:

• Available features
• How well do those features work
• Ease of use
• Quality of coffee

We’ll explain the last one in the Quality, Durability & Reliability section below, but we can discuss the rest of the three here.

It has to do with how many features the machine has and how easy it is to use when it comes to performance.

In the following lines, we have mentioned some essential features of coffee machines, and we have compared how Nespresso and Keurig use these features:

Features	Nespresso	Keurig
Color touch LCD display	Nespresso has also used a Touch LCD display very well in its Lattissima and Creatista series.	Most Keurig brewers have a Color touch LCD display.
Programmable Clock	You’ll find Prodigio Nespresso machines with programmable clocks if you look at Nespresso machines.	Programmable Clock is for people who are not used to getting up in the morning. This feature is typical of Keurig brewer.
Auto-On	Nespresso machines do not have this feature nor require an auto-on element for pod coffee.	This feature belongs to Keurig brewers, but they only use it for drip coffee.
Temperature control	Nespresso does not use this feature in their machines, and they argue that an increase in the temperature of your brew may affect the taste of your espresso.	Keurig uses the temperature control feature to make their brewers more user-friendly, but only to make drip coffee.
Brew strength control	Keurig uses this feature to make drip coffee because it is related.	Nespresso doesn’t need this feature because it is unrelated to pod coffee.
Water reservoir	Nespresso Creatista Pro and Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe are machines with 67 oz and 60 oz water reservoir capacity respectively, but most Nespresso machines come with smaller water reservoirs than the Keurig.	Although some Keurig brewers like K500, K525, K550, and K575 come with an 80oz water reservoir, which is a good option for a large family, this feature doesn’t mean exclusive to Keurig.
Water filter	Nespresso provides the best water filters in the water tanks of their coffee makers to give their customers a better taste. These simple filters fit right inside your brewer’s water reservoir.	Keurig provides the best water filters in the water tanks of their coffee makers to give their customers a better taste. These simple filters fit right inside your brewer’s water reservoir.
Built-in or hand-pump frothers	Among the Nespresso machines, the Creatista and Lattissima series are famous for their built-in milk frothers and frothing arms. In addition, you can buy automatic compatible frothers with Nespresso Citiz, Pixie, Vertio Plus, and Vertuoplus Deluxe machines.	Only Keurig K-Cafe Latte and Cappuccino maker comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother. Hence Nespresso wins in this feature.
Easy-to-use	With Original Line and VertuoLine simple single-serve pods, all Nespresso machines are easy to use and require less maintenance than Keurig brewers. Many people rely on Nespresso machines as the best coffee maker for everyday use.	Keurig machines are more complex to use than Nespresso. Because most Keurig machines make a single serving and drip coffee, their use becomes more complicated.
A smaller countertop footprint	Nespresso machines are smaller and more potent than the Keurig; they can fit even the smallest kitchens due to their slim, attractive frame. What’s more, the simplicity of Nespresso machines makes them easy and the best to use.	Keurig brewers are bulky due to extensive water tanks and may not fit in every kitchen. Due to the clumsy design and size, the Keurig machines do not look very beautiful.
Sleek design	Since launching Single Serve Espresso machines in 1986, the Swiss company Nespresso has developed several smooth and automatic original line and vertebral line machines for homes that make espresso and coffee. Nespresso machines are well known in the USA for their sleek design.	Keurig machines are not as sleek as Nespresso. Their designs are less popular because of their bulky footprint.

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins 

Keurig wins in some of the features mentioned above, but these features are related to drip coffee. Of all the features associated with espresso, long black, short black, or milk-based coffees, Nespresso cannot be beaten. That’s why Nespresso machines are more compact, look better, are easier to use than Keurig, and consistently produce a more prosperous, better cup of coffee.

Ease of Cleaning

Winner: Nespresso

Coffee machines of both Nespresso and Keurig brands are straightforward to clean; follow these simple steps:

Wipe the outside of the machine with a towel, cloth, or sponge, but the fabric should be such that it does not leave marks on the device.

Also, remove the detachable components, including the removable water tank, and wash them thoroughly in the sink.

To clean the calcium deposits inside the machine, after every 3-6 months or after brewing every 600 single-serving coffees, descale with a descaling solution or water/vinegar mixture.

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins

Compared to cleanliness and descaling, Nespresso and Keurig seem to be equal, but Nespresso is superior to Keurig for two reasons:

• Nespresso machines are designed for the best interior cleaning; they come with a descaling mode.
• Keurig machines are more delicate than Nespresso because their pod assembly closes more efficiently within and out needles.

Quality, Durability, and Reliability

Winner: Nespresso

Who is the winner in quality, durability, and reliability: Nespresso or Keurig?

The below table will break down:

Brand	Nespresso	Keurig
Country of Manufacturer	Switzerland	China
Manufacturer Partner	Breville, De’Longhi, Krups, Sage, and Magimix	Keurig Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Eternal  Material	Fully stainless steel and thicker ABC plastic	Lighter plastic
Eternal  Material	Fully stainless steel and thicker ABC plastic	Lighter plastic
Length of Warranty	2 years	1 year

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins

For quality, durability, and reliability, it all depends on the reputation of the machine manufacturer, and of course, you get what you pay for.

Nespresso has been making espresso machines since 1986, and its manufacturing partners include brands that have made a name for themselves in making espresso machines.

Nespresso’s most prominent manufacturing partner in coffee makers is Breville, which has been making home appliances since 1932 but has been making espresso machines since 2001. Breville has made a name for itself in making espresso machines in Australia, the USA, the UK, and Europe.

Nespresso’s second-largest manufacturing partner is DeLonghi, which has been making home appliances since 1974; DeLonghi built the first espresso machine in 1993 and has been making espresso machines. Coffee drinkers and home baristas in the USA, UK, and Europe rely heavily on DeLonghi for espresso machines.

On the other hand, Keurig coffee makers are made of lightweight plastic that can break the skin. In contrast, some of Nespresso’s Swiss-made Latisima series and Cretesta series machines are made entirely of stainless steel, which is long-lasting and durable. But the plastic used in Nespresso machines is not moldy or weak but relatively thick plastic with metal-plated extruders that are dense, heavy, and strong.

Even better is my side research. I keep getting emails from my readers, among them Nespresso users who are proud of the longevity of their espresso machines. In contrast, Keurig users often report more problems with their devices.

Above all, if there is a problem with your Nespresso machine, you have a two-year warranty. You can return your Nespresso machine and have it replaced or repaired.

Recycling and Impact on the Environment

Winner: Nespresso

An article in The Atlantic analyzed that “in 2014, buried Keurig pods would actually orbit the Earth more than 12 times; if they were joined together in a line.”

So if you are eco-friendly, single-serving coffee pods are not for you. Instead, start with whole coffee beans or pre-ground coffee using a manual, semi-automatic, automatic, or super-automatic espresso machine.

But if you prefer a pod coffee machine to meet your caffeine needs, you should consider fixing it instead of being part of the problem.

Not all pod coffee companies are equally bad for the environment. Let’s see what Nespresso and Keurig are doing to make their company’s pods environmentally friendly.

Nespresso Recycling Program

Nespresso is trying to make its pods environmentally friendly through its recycling program (Ecolaboration Program).

Nespresso has set up capsule recycling stations around Canada, aiming to recycle 75% of sold Nespresso capsules.

The company encourages consumers to store their used capsules in a unique recycling bag so that they can be returned to the Nespresso boutiques.

Nespresso’s recycling takes place in Canada, but they have developed a recycling program for their customers in the USA.

Nespresso has 88,000 UPS drop-off locations in the 48 states. According to Nespresso, the following are the locations for returning the capsule:

Nespresso Boutique Main Collection Points

TerraCycle collection points at retail partner locations around the United States

Nespresso’s mail-back program in 48 continental states via UPS

Keurig Recycling Program

In 2016, Keurig began tracking tens of thousands of K-Cup pods at various recycling facilities across North America using RFID technology. On December 8, 2020, Keurig announced that all K-Cup® pods manufactured by the company were now recyclable.

According to Keurig, their K-Cycle® Recycling Program is currently available in the lower 48-states, but they did not confirm their location centers for collecting recycling bins. Keurig is still searching for ways to improve its recycling program.

The following table will explain more about Nespresso and Cureg’s recycling programs:

Brand	Nespresso	Keurig
Recyclable Pods	All pods are recyclable	All pods are recyclable
Used Pods Collection Centers in the USA	88,000 UPS drop off locations in the 48 states	Available in the lower 48-states
Cost of Recycling Bag or Bin	Free of cost	Very expensive
Does Their Recycling Program Easy	Easier than Keurig	Not easy

Our Verdict: Nespresso Wins

If you can’t afford an expensive espresso machine for whole coffee beans and want to be content with one of the cheaper pod machines, what is best for you? Nespresso or Keurig? Nespresso is the best choice for you, and there are several reasons:

• Nespresso’s recycling program is completely free and ideal.
• The program is evident and straightforward.
• You can order recycling bags whenever you want for free order.
• You can return your recycling bag at one of over 250 specialty housewares stores like Bloomingdales, Sur la Table, Macy’s, and Williams-Sonoma.
• You can click here to find your nearest partner.

Our Final Thoughts: Nespresso Vs. Keurig

Winner: Nespresso

A summary of the whole match:

• Nespresso Vs. Keurig Taste
• Types of Beverages Brewed: Draw
• Variety of Models Available: Keurig
• Flexibility: Keurig
• Cost to Purchase Coffee Machines: Nespresso
• Price per Serving: Draw
• Caffeine Content: Nespresso
• Performance: Nespresso
• Ease of Cleaning: Nespresso
• Quality, Durability & Reliability: Nespresso
• Recycling & Impact on Environment: Nespresso

Even though Nespresso may not be the most prominent brand in the United States market, its victory simply boils down to quality. Nespresso’s beverages simply taste better. While Keurigs may be cheaper, Nespresso’s technological advancements and high-quality pods mean that its coffee tastes superior. Despite having the edge on some essential factors, we think performance and taste outweigh everything – and on that front, a Nespresso wins every time over a Keurig.

Which machine you should buy depends on your particular needs as a customer. If you’re someone with a tight budget, you should opt for the cheaper and more reasonable Keurig. If coffee is not just your only priority and you want to be able to make other drinks like teas and hot chocolates as well, then Keurig might be a good option as well. However, if you value a strong shot of espresso and a high-quality cup of coffee, then Nespresso might be the right choice for you.

FAQ

Is Nespresso Compatible with Keurig?

Keurig K-Cups are not compatible with Nespressos, nor are Nespresso capsules compatible with Keurig machines. The shapes of each type of capsule are so different that you could not possibly fit a capsule made for one machine into another. Even capsules made for Nespresso’s OriginalLine are shaped differently from the capsules needed in the VertuoLine machine, so even within the brand, there is no cross-using.

Even though it would be fantastic if both companies had capsules that could be used interchangeably, it is simply not the case.