There are so many methods to make coffee out there, it can be hard to decide which to use!
Many of us are familiar with drip-style coffee, but not everyone is a big fan.
The good news is, you have other options!
Two of these options are the Keurig and the French press, which have two very different processes for making coffee.
One is geared more towards convenience and speed, while the other may take a little longer but is more simple and potentially a lot less costly!
For those who want to know if there is more out there than the Keurig, we’re going to compare both types of coffee brewing.
That way you’ll be able to decide which is best for you!
Read on and enjoy!
The Coffee Makers
Because these are two very different kinds of coffee makers, you’ll easily be able to tell them apart.
Keurigs are generally electric machines that you place a K-Cup inside and it will make coffee using that.
Meanwhile, a French press looks more like a simple container that is often made of glass but can sometimes be stainless steel.
They come in different sizes, and will have a plunger that is used to keep the grounds from making it into the resulting cup of coffee.
It’s important to look into the differences in the machines themselves, that way you’ll know what you can expect from either one.
These differences can include features like the cost, environmental impact and overall ease of use.
The Cost
One of the most notable differences you’ll see between a French press and Keurig is the price of the machine.
If you look carefully, some Keurig models can be found for as low as $60 but are more often in the $80 to $120 range.
Meanwhile, French press coffee makers can be found for as low as $15, and up to around $50 depending on the size and style you want.
Generally speaking, a French press is also going to be easier to take care of as it is a simpler device.
However, Keurigs are more complicated machines that may need to be repaired by a professional should something go wrong.
It’s important to keep these price differences in mind while you shop, as there is quite a gap between them!
If you already own a Keurig, then the low prices might entice you to try out a French press just to find out what it can do for you.
The Environmental Impact
Another aspect that is important to keep in mind is the environmental impact these coffee makers can have.
The most obvious difference is that the Keurig is going to use electricity, while the French press itself does not.
However, keep in mind that you will need to heat water before adding it into the French press if you want a hot cup. That process will require a stove and will use a little bit of energy.
If you are someone who unplugs their devices after each use, then the energy use may be somewhat equal between the two options, but if you leave the Keurig plugged in it will be likely to draw a little more energy than it takes to heat some water.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the types of coffee these devices use.
As many people know, Keurigs use K-Cups. These are essentially a single serving of coffee encased in a plastic container with a filter.
For the most part, these capsules aren’t easily recyclable. There are some methods you can use to make them more sustainable but in most cases they end up in the trash.
There are also some reusable filters you can use that will be able to save money and cut down on adding to the landfill.
On the other hand, a French press can use standard coffee grounds. You also won’t have to worry about purchasing paper filters unless you want an extra pure cup.
This is due to the built-in filter that the French press offers.
Then, once you are finished with the grounds you can easily add them to a compost pile.
Ease Of Use: Simple Machine vs. Ultimate Convenience
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the ease of use these devices offer.
Neither one is particularly difficult, but the French press is definitely a more simple device.
When it’s all set up, the Keurig can allow you to make a cup in just a couple of minutes, while the French press can take a little longer.
Making coffee with a French press is also a more hands-on experience, as you’ll need to know when to use the plunger, add water and so on.
You can even use a French press to make cold brew!
However, it’s important to consider what might happen if each device breaks.
In the worst case scenario for a French press, you may have to replace it. That can cost about $20-$30 depending on your model preference.
On the other hand, if a Keurig breaks then the problem can range from something you can fix for free to replacing a $100+ machine.
Because of that, it’s important to consider the kind of investment you’re willing to make should something happen to your default coffee maker.
On a side note, it can also be a great ideal to keep an inexpensive backup coffee maker just in case!
Next, we’ll take a look at what to expect from the resulting coffee from both of these coffee maker options.
The Coffee: That’s What Matters
The most important aspect for many coffee-drinkers is the taste of the resulting coffee.
Because of that, it’s important to test out both machines with regard to the taste.
After all, buying a coffee machine that makes coffee you aren’t a big fan of is a huge waste of money!
Many believe there are also some pretty big differences between French press and Keurig coffee.
The Flavor
According to some coffee connoisseurs, the flavor that is created when you use a Keurig is drinkable but far from the ideal.
Part of this can be due to the quicker brewing and lower brewing temperature, that result in a drink that just isn’t as strong.
This can also result in coffee that some consider to be watered-down.
That said, you can change a few things during the brewing to adjust the resulting flavor. These adjustments, however, will change the flavor to a lesser extent than other brewing options.
Furthermore, this thought process isn’t going to be shared by all coffee drinkers. Some may find that they love the coffee they get from a Keurig machine.
If that’s the case for you, then by all means keep enjoying it!
On the other hand, many people who try it out find that the coffee made with a French press can be more flavorful and enjoyable by comparison.
It’s also much easier to adjust the amount of grounds, water and even water temperature to make the perfect cup for your personal tastes.
The Cost: Beyond the Basics
On top of the initial cost of the machines themselves, you’ll need to consider the cost of the coffee that both devices use.
Generally speaking, you can use pretty standard grounds in a French press. These can sometimes be found for as low as $6-$8 if you don’t have a strong brand preference, or $10-$20 for about a pound for some of the fancier brands out there.
Considering that each cup is about 2 tablespoons of grounds, that’s going to mean that you can get upwards of 80 cups of coffee from a one-pound bag. That can vary, depending on how strong you want your drink and how large of a cup you drink.
On the other hand, K-Cup options can be $10 or more for a 12-pack.
Based on that, you can pay the same amount for 12 K-Cups that you might pay for around 80 cups of standard grounds.
That in itself is something to consider, and make sure you shop around to get a good idea of all the pricing options available.
So Which Is Better?
Ultimately, this decision is going to be up to you.
Whether you want the extreme convenience of a Keurig, or the rich, hearty flavor offered by a French press, there are plenty of options out there.
If you aren’t sure, you can always try out a small, inexpensive French press coffee maker. That way, you can give it a shot without having to worry about investing a lot into something you don’t know will work out for you.
On the other hand, if you have a friend or family member who uses a Keurig, you can try some of their coffee to discover how you feel about the flavor available.
A large part of the decision may be due to the differences in cost, as French press coffee machines tend to be much less expensive.
Hopefully, the information here will be able to help point you in the right direction.
Make sure to take a close look into the available options with regard to your unique situation, and enjoy your shopping!
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