Moving to a Nespresso machine from a drip-style coffee maker is a huge jump!
Because of that, it’s important to know what differences you can expect when making the upgrade.
There are some big feature differences as well as different kinds of beverages that you’ll be able to make.
Each kind of device also offers different pros and cons that you’ll need to weigh out and it’s improtant to understand up front that the vast majority of Nespresso machines make a coffee more similar to espresso than to coffee.
Nespresso pods make one-touch espresso typically does in 1.5-3 oz increments.
Only the Nespresso Vertuo has options to make larger coffee-like or Keurig sized cups of more traditional drip coffee.
You can see our comparison of Keurig to Vertuoline Nespresso machines here for more on that topic.
Luckily, we’re here to help out by providing some solid information on both drip-style coffee makers as well as the most commonly sold Nespresso machines.
Then we’ll follow that up by comparing these machines in regard to cost, versatility and convenience.
Buckle up and enjoy!
Drip-Style Coffee: Simple and to the Caffeinated Point
Features
Many of us who enjoy coffee are familiar with drip-style coffee makers.
These machines are often the starting point for those who are new to the delights of coffee.
They can be very low cost, but typically require you to measure out your own grounds and water.
The less expensive options also need to be started manually, but those of a little higher cost can be programmed to start at a certain time just like an alarm clock.
Furthermore, there are a range of different carafe sizes, from about 5 cups to 12 cups.
There can really be some big differences that set different drip-style coffee makers apart.
In addition, many are able to keep your brew hot for as long as you need, though that can vary from model to model.
Generally speaking, they are simple devices that are excellent for beginners or those who don’t feel the need to get too fancy.
Pros
- Offer you more control over the strength and quality of the brew.
- Allow for up to 12-cup options.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Tend to be less expensive, and use less expensive coffee grounds.
- Can be programmed so that you can wake up to a hot brew.
- Keep your brew warm in between servings.
Cons
- Cleaning can sometimes be more difficult.
- Coffee and grounds can mold if you forget about them for too long.
- Some users don’t find the resulting taste to be ideal.
Summary
While this is generally the simpler, less costly option, it’s also not going to be able to brew espressos, lattes or other more complicated drinks by itself.
You’ll also need to remember to empty out any remaining coffee or grounds after use, as they can begin to mold quite quickly.
Some also find that the flavor is more watered down than they prefer.
However, the cost of purchasing these devices often greatly outweighs the downfalls.
You’ll also have the ability to adjust the brew by adding or decreasing the amount of grounds and/or water.
This will make it easier for you to get the perfect taste as a result.
Nespresso Coffee: Your Own Personal Barista
Features
There are a lot of upsides to owning a Nespresso machine.
These include the ability to make not only coffee but espressos and other drinks that can be a little more complicated.
So, if you want to have a higher level of versatility with your coffee, one of these machines is a great way to go.
In addition, they make other kinds of coffee beverages much easier to make.
With just the touch of a few buttons, you’ll have a delicious drink in a matter of minutes.
Another great aspect is that, as long as the machine is working correctly, you’ll be able to rely on it producing uniform results.
A Nespresso machine is also a great machine to use when you’re looking to save money rather than visiting the coffee shop on a daily basis.
While the capsules they use aren’t the least expensive, they do tend to be quite a bit cheaper than specialty coffees from a shop.
Pros
- It’s extremely easy to use.
- Can allow you to make large amounts of high quality coffee or espresso drinks quickly.
- You can expect the quality to remain the same for each use.
- Machines typically have a great look.
- Pods tend to be less expensive than buying coffee from a shop.
- Nespresso machines are fantastic for espressos.
Cons
- Capsules are often more expensive than standard coffee grounds.
- The machines can be quite expensive.
- You will only be able to use specific kinds of capsules.
Summary
It’s important to keep in mind that Nespresso machines can be rather expensive, depending on the model you’re interested in.
You will also be somewhat limited by the need to use Nespresso capsules to make your drinks.
That said, many find these capsules to be delicious and they can make the process a lot easier.
So if you don’t mind using capsules, then these devices are a great option.
Furthermore, they are incredibly useful for when you need to make several drinks at once.
Without a Nespresso, making espressos or lattes can take quite a while.
You can see the following pages to compare the bestselling nespresso machines for sale today:
- The Nespresso Pixie vs The Nespresso Essenza Mini
- The Nespresso Inissia vs The Nespresso Essenza Mini
- The Nespresso Inissia vs The Nespresso Pixie
A Head-to-Head Comparison of Nespresso & Standard Coffee Machines
Cost
This is going to be one of the biggest factors to consider, because there is frequently a very large gap between the prices of drip-style coffee makers and Nespresso machines.
Drip-style coffee makers can really range in price, depending on how many extra features you want.
You can find something that will simply make coffee for as low as $12 in some cases, but most often these devices are around $20-$40 although some fancy SCAA certified coffee makers can be a couple hundred or more!
Keep in mind that within that lower price range, they aren’t likely to be programmable. You’ll need to measure and add water and grounds yourself and press a button to start the process.
If you’re looking for something with more features, the prices for normal drip coffee makers can go all the way up to around $100 but most models are far below that.
The low cost makes these coffee makers a fantastic choice for those who have a strict budget.
Meanwhile, Nespresso machines are far more automated, so it makes sense that they’ll come at a higher cost.
On the lowest levels, you might find an entry level Nespresso machine for around the price of a high end drip coffee maker.
Nespresso machines on the premium end can be a lot more expensive than that too!
One thing that is important to keep in mind is that you won’t have to sacrifice on beverage quality if you choose one of the lower-cost options.
You just may not get as many of the extra features as the more expensive models.
If you don’t mind a used option, you may be able to find these machines at a big discount off retail pricing as well.
It’s up to you to decide what is most important to you in your coffee maker.
Versatility
There’s really no question about which option between Nespresso machines and drip-style machines as to which is more versatile.
While you can use the coffee from a drip-style machine to make other kinds of coffee beverages, the machine itself isn’t typically able to make espressos, lattes, cappuccinos or similar drinks.
That can make the process take longer if you do want to make those kinds of beverages.
Meanwhile, Nespresso machines are fantastic for those more complicated drinks that require frothed milk, crema and more.
Because of that, the cost of these machines is really backed up by the overall ability.
With such versatility and a number of drinks to choose from, you’re unlikely to get bored with a Nespresso machine!
Therefore, if you just want coffee and aren’t extremely picky, a drip-style coffee maker can get the job done but a Nespresso machine is great if you want more options and higher quality.
Convenience
If you’re looking for something that can make coffee brewing a lot easier, the Nespresso is going to be the way to go.
Generally speaking, all you have to do with this device is add in the capsule flavor you want. After that, just choose the strength and size of your drink and you’re ready to go!
That said, drip-style coffee makers aren’t exactly hard to use if you’re just looking for a standard cup of coffee.
So really, it’s largely about what kind of coffee beverages you want to be able to make.
If you have any interest at all in espressos, lattes or cappuccinos then a Nespresso machine is well worth a look.
Otherwise, you may find that a solid programmable drip-style coffee maker will be able to handle your needs perfectly.
So Which Home Coffee Maker Is Better? Nespresso or Drip?
There is no overall option that is going to be better for everyone.
It’s really going to depend on the type of coffee drinks you want to make, what kind of budget you have to work with and the kind of convenience you’re looking for.
If you just want basic coffee, brewed in a simple and reliable way then it’s worth taking a look into the drip-style coffee makers on the market.
On a side note, a coffee percolator can also work well to fit this need.
However, if you want more versatility, or to be able to make lattes and espressos with ease then there are several Nespresso models worth checking out!
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