Which is better: Keurig cups or Nespresso pods? It’s a question that has been bothering and slightly perplexing espresso enthusiasts all across the globe. So, where’s the difference between these two?
Isn’t it true that both make smooth, steaming, caffeinated nirvana in a cup? Yes, but due to some distinct features, they are not switchable.
And in this article, I will be separating apples and oranges. So, buckle up for a detailed comparison of Keurig cups and Nespresso pods.
Will Nespresso pods work in Keurig?
Nespresso pods are not designed in a way that they can be used in a Keurig. Although both Nespresso and Keurig coffee makers are used to brew coffee, Nespresso pods and k-cups are very different in various aspects. The Nespresso pods and Keurig capsules are not interchangeable.
The most significant difference between them is in their shapes and sizes. Since Nespresso pods are smaller compared to the Keurig cups, they won’t fit into the Keurig. And the same goes for K- cups. As they are huge, they won’t fit into the Nespresso coffee maker.
On the other hand, the built-in mechanism of the machines is drastically dissimilar. So there’s completely no other way to use Nespresso pods as a substitute for k-cups in a Keurig.
Are Nespresso pods and Keurig pods the same size?
The most prominent distinction between Nespresso pods and Keurig pods is their sizes. While the machine uses the same quantity of water for each pod, the varied pod sizes affect the flavor strength.
The least brewing size of a Nespresso pod is 1.35 oz which is espresso. Then comes other brewing sizes such as double espresso with 2.7 oz, Gran lungo with 5 oz, coffee with 7.77 oz, and the largest Alto XL with 14 oz.
Besides, customers can choose from five different cup sizes: 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, and 12 ounces, or even more up to 30 ounces for Keurig cups. In addition, K-cups allow users to brew up to 7-8 cups before needing to refill, saving time and making the morning ritual easier.
| Features | Nespresso pods | K-cups |
| Brewing Sizes | 1.35 oz – 14 oz | 4 oz – 30 oz |
| Shapes | Dome-shaped | Cylindrical shaped |
Also Interesting: What grind is best for Keurig?
What Pods are compatible with Keurig?
The Keurig machine comes with a variety of coffee pods which is different from other coffee pods. These are called k- cups or Keurig cups. These pods are specially designed for Keurig makers.
- Starbucks: Offers premium quality K-cups with most competitive price.
- Green Mountain: They offer different strength of roasted coffee in Keurig compatible K-cups.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: These recyclable Keurig compatible K-cups offer great taste of coffee with a great care to environment!
Again some capsules can be used to make various beverages besides just coffee in a Keurig. Some beverages that these capsules can make are Tea, Iced tea, Apple fizz, hot chocolate, etc. Keurig’s capsules can also make different coffee drinks like latte, cappuccino, etc.
However, if you’re thinking about using coffee pods, you should think twice because they aren’t compatible with a Keurig machine. Using k-cups in a Keurig to make a better cup of coffee is a better option.
Can you use other coffee pods in Keurig?
No, you can’t use any types of coffee pods in a Keurig. The chambers where coffee is brewed are different for different brewer types, so all kinds of coffee pods except k-cups or Keurig cup pods are incompatible with using in a Keurig.
When using your Keurig maker, the top and bottom of each k-cup are perforated, and water is poured under pressure inside the k-cup. Inside the Keurig cup, there is ground coffee and a filter. At the same time, water is poured all over the pod to wet it entirely in a normal espresso machine.
So, if you use any other coffee pod in your Keurig maker (which you shouldn’t), water inside the brewing chamber wouldn’t similarly be sprayed across the pod and as a result, you’ll have an awful tasting beverage in your hand.
Read Next: can you use keurig 2.0 without water filter
Is there a difference between K-cups and K-Cup pods?
K-cups and pods are similar in no way. Both of them are used in different types of brewer. K-cups are used in Keurig makers. And pods are used in espresso machines. Although both of them are used to make single-serve coffee, their brewing mechanism is unique. The difference between k-cups and coffee pods are:
| K-cups | Coffee pods |
| K-cups are powdered coffee grains stored in a plastic cup that is wrapped in a foil cap. | A pod contains grounded coffee grains enclosed using filter paper. |
| They’re cylindrical shaped. | They’re rounded in shape and has a flat surface. |
| They are comparatively less soft. | Pods are soft and malleable. |
| Prices are relatively higher than coffee pods. | Prices are reasonable if compared to the k-cups. |
| The extraction of coffee is difficult as it is enclosed in plastic. As a result, less water comes in contact with the coffee. | Coffee extraction is better and easier in pods. |
| Less aromatic when brewing. | While brewing, more aroma of the coffee comes due to the coffee not being completely sealed in plastic. |
| A huge variety of flavors are available. | Fewer coffee blends and flavor options are available. |
Frequently Asked Questions [Related Question]
Q1: Is Nespresso stronger than Keurig?
Answer: Known for their longevity and durability, Nespresso espresso machines produce a better-tasting shot of espresso. Nespresso machines are more lightweight and durable than Keurig models. The duration of warranty of Nespresso machine is 2 years, whereas it is 1 year for Keurig maker.
Nespresso’s Swiss-made machines are made of thicker plastic with metallic-plated exteriors. In contrast, Keurig’s brewers are made of lighter plastic. As a result, they’re also denser, heavier, and more durable.
Additionally, I’ve found that Nespresso customers love how long their espresso makers last, whereas Keurig customers have more frequent problems with their machines.
And if something goes wrong with your Nespresso, you’re covered by their 2-year warranty.
Q2. Does Nespresso taste better than Keurig?
Answer: Between these two models, the taste and quality of the brew may be the most significant difference, which frequently serves as a deciding factor in the matter of supremacy. The Nespresso Vertuo is the superior product as it produces rich, flavorful, and authentic coffees.
High-quality brews are only possible with premium Nespresso pods. The capsules are hermetically sealed but contain a special flavor when they’re brewed as centrifugation uses centrifugation. So while Keurig coffee is decent, there’s nothing like Nespresso coffee!
Conclusion:
I believe I’ve clarified any misunderstandings on what to do and what not to do when using a Keurig coffee maker. Finally, even though Nespresso pods won’t work in the Keurig, you can still enjoy a hot cup of coffee with the Keurig.