Breville Creatista Plus vs. Breville Barista Express: A Full Comparison

Posted on by SuperDee

When it comes to making your favorite coffee drinks, there are two routes to take. First, is the most convenient, the single-serve machine. The other one would be a classic espresso machine.

Each method of these has its pros and cons. People who go for single serve espresso makers want a quick cup, convenience, and simple one-button operation. On the other hand, the quality is less than perfect. You get a great cup, a nice (but not perfect) milk froth and an overall good experience. If you enjoy crafting your coffee drink from scratch, you’ll like using a classic espresso machine where you’ll have to grind the coffee, dose it, measure it, and manually froth the milk. These machines come with a learning curve, it takes time to get the hang of it, but once you get it, you’ll love every cup you make.

With the Creatista Plus and Barista Express, Breville offers the very best of each type of machine. The Creatista Plus, being a single-serve espresso machine, gives you results that are as fast as any other single serve, but the quality is higher than average thanks to its professional steam wand that textures milk rather than just frothing it.

The Barista Express, a semi-automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder, allows you to create your espresso and other coffee drinks from scratch. But if you find it difficult to get things right from the beginning, it has all the presets to help you achieve a great cup.

Let’s have a look at the features of each espresso machine.

Features of Breville Creatista Plus:

  • Single serve espresso machine compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, including capsules from 3rd party brands.
  • Features a built-in professional steam wand that heats and textures your milk professionally and fully automatically.
  • Display allows you to customize your drink in terms of volume, temperature and milk texture level. It also guides you through the process of making each drink.
  • Fast 3-second heat up time.
  • Choose from 8 preset coffee drinks: ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, cafe latte, latte macchiato, flat white and milk.
  • Choose from 8 milk textures and 11 milk temperatures ranging from 133 to 169F (55 to 76C).
  • Milk frothing wand self cleans after each use.
  • Machine includes a sample box of capsules and a milk frothing jug.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 60 oz
  • Dimensions: WxHxD 16.1 x 6.7 x 12.2 in

Click here to learn more about the Breville Creatista Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of Breville Barista Express:

  • Semi-automatic espresso machine with built-in conical burr grinder.
  • Automatically grinds the right amount of coffee for your selected shot (single or double) directly into the portafilter.
  • Portafilter cradle allows for handsfree grinding.
  • Built-in tamper.
  • Digital Temperature Control ensures water is delivered at the optimal temperature for a great espresso extraction.
  • Simple dial control for adjusting your grind size.
  • Steam wand for heating and texturing your milk.
  • Control buttons for single shot, double shot and for manual override.
  • Gauge allows you to see what temperature stage your machine is at.
  • Includes: razor dose trimming tool, 54mm portafilter, single and dual wall filter baskets, stainless steel milk frothing jug, cleaning disc and tablets, coffee scoop, water filter holder and water filter.
  • Dimensions: 13.2 x 12.5 x 15.8 inches

Click here to learn more about Breville Barista Express, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is The Difference Between Breville Creatista Plus vs Barista Express?

Right off the bat, these are two completely different machines in how they work:

Creatista Plus is a single-serve espresso machine that uses capsules only (you can’t use ground coffee). And the Barista Express is a traditional espresso machine where you can only use ground coffee, that the machine will conveniently dose and measure for you automatically.

Ease of Use and Convenience:

If convenience is what you’re aiming for, then a single-serve, the Creatista Plus in the case, is what you’ll want. The pre-measured pods, the pre-set drinks and the automatic milk frothing guarantee that you’ll get the perfect drink each and every time. And thanks to the customization options, you can play a little with the recipes to fine-tune it to your liking.

The Barista Express, while it does have some presets and it does automatic grinding and dosing, you still have to do the work. You’ll tamp, insert the portafilter, heat and texture your milk manually (which can go wrong the first few tries). Then there’s the clean up process after.

Taste and Quality:

Now here’s where you get to compromise a little. With the Creatista Plus, you’re using Nespresso capsules (either from Nespresso or from other brands, as long as they’re OriginalLine capsules). These capsules hold about 5 to 7 grams of coffee in them. While the espresso shots produced from these capsules are not bad, they’re not comparable to an espresso shot that is produced from the Barista Express which uses about 19 grams of coffee.

The Barista Express makes a more authentic shot of espresso than the Creatista Plus, or any other single serve espresso machine. You’ll also be using your choice of coffee beans, and at the freshness you choose them to be. That makes a lot of difference in your drinks quality for sure.

When it comes to milk froth, the Creatista Plus has a steam wand that no other single-serve espresso maker has (as of the timing of this post). Usually, single-serve machines will use your average whisk to create froth. The Creatista Plus, on the other hand, uses a steam wand that is comparable to any professional espresso machine’s wand. It actually textures milk and produces micro foam that you can use to create beautiful latte art, and it does it automatically so you don’t have to worry about creating the wrong milk texture.

The Barista Express has a steam wand too, and you can achieve the same results, but you’ll have to do it manually. This is where you’ll have to do some learning and practicing until you get your milk temperature and texture right.

Price:

The Creatista Plus is highly priced for a single-serve machine, but for the features you get, it’s totally worth it. The Barista Express, which gives you everything you need from grinder, to tamper and pretty much whatever you need to get started, is offered at a great price, too.

The two machines are in the same price range. But you have to keep in mind that with the Creatista Plus, you’ll have the on-going expense of buying your coffee capsules. How much would that be? It will totally depend on where you get your capsules. 3rd party capsules are less expensive than Nespresso’s.. so how much you’ll end up paying will vary for sure.

Which Do You Buy? Creatista Plus or Barista Express?

You really need to know what you’re looking for here:

Do you want a good cup of coffee with a push of a button, less hassle, total convenience? Then go for the Creatista Plus.

Do you want a better and more authentic cup and you’re willing to learn your way through it? Then the Barista Express is your machine.

Nespresso Essenza Plus vs. Essenza Mini, What’s New and How Are They Different?

Posted on by SuperDee

A while back, Nespresso released the Essenza Mini, a truly compact espresso machine that you can fit anywhere. It’s my personal choice that I keep right beside my workstation for a quick cup whenever I need an energy boost. With 3.3 inches in width, countertop space is the last thing to worry about with the Essenza Mini.

However, there’s now a new and improved version of the Essenza Mini that goes by the name Essenza Plus. What’s new in this new version? What’s ‘Plus’ about it and how is it different than the Essenza Mini? This is what you’ll find out in this post.

Essenza Plus Features:

The Essenza Plus is still a compact espresso machine, although, it’s slightly wider than the Essenza Mini. In return, it offers many new things:

  • Additional serving size options
  • Hot Water on Demand
  • Connectivity
  • One-Touch capsule order.

Let’s talk about these new features, one by one:

Serving Size Options:

The Essenza Plus has 4 coffee sizes:

  • Espresso, Lungo, Americano and Americano XL.

What are Americano and Americano XL?

Americano is usually made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso. On the Essenza Plus, the Americano option is programmed to brew 0.85 oz of espresso followed by 4.2 oz of hot water. Americano XL recipe uses 1.35 oz of espresso followed by 5.4 oz of hot water.

Can I Make any other Coffee Drinks?

Of course, you can make any espresso based drink like Cappuccino, Latte or Macchiato if you choose to bundle your machine with an Aeroccino milk frother, or use any other frother you choose.

Hot Water on Demand:

This is a really useful feature, to have hot water at a press of a button. It’s great not only for Americano preparation, but it’s great for other things like tea or preparing instant meals.

The best part about this is that the hot water has its dedicated spout, which means you don’t have to worry about getting hot water with coffee residue in it.

Connectivity and One-Touch Ordering:

The Essenza Plus is Bluetooth and WiFi enabled. Usually, I’m not a fan of connected machines. I just don’t see the use for it. And in this case, it can either be useful to you or a total novelty, you decide!

The Nespresso app on your phone or tablet can do many things, including help you reprogram drink volumes, get recipes and set up some configurations. Another thing it can do is allow you to set up a preferred capsule order to keep on your account. Once you start running low on capsules, the only thing you’ll have to do is press the One-Touch Order button on your machine and your preferred order will be sent to Nespresso. This button is kind of smart, too. Once your order has been confirmed, the button will display a steady white LED light, and you’ll have 2 hours to cancel your order via the app, if you want to. If your button flashes an Orange LED light, then something went wrong and you’ll have to check via the app, too.

You will not be able to order through the One-Touch button again until your pending order has shipped. But I do wonder, what if you press the button by mistake? What if you don’t even realize you hit that button and just end up with a surprise order showing at your door? This is the type of ‘too much convenience’ that is not always helpful, but is cool to have as a novelty.

Other Features:

  • Repositionable water tank allows you to keep it at either side or at the back.
  • Capacity: 33.8 oz
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.6 x 15.7 x 10.1
  • Used capsules container capacity: 11 capsules
  • 19-bar pressure pump.
  • Available in two designs and colors.

Essenza Plus vs. Essenza Mini, What’s The Difference?

The Essenza Mini is a basic espresso machine that can brew two drinks: Espresso and Lungo, and with the help of a milk frother, you can make any coffee recipe.

The biggest difference between the Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus, and it’s my personal favorite feature here, is the Hot Water button, which allows for automatic brewing of Americano or using hot water for anything else you like.

Design wise, the Essenza Plus is wider than the Essenza Mini at 4.6” to 5.5” wide (Depending on the model). But a great design feature that the Essenza Plus has is the fact that it has a repostionable water reservoir, making it more adaptable to your space.

Is It Worth It? Should You Upgrade Your Esssenza Mini?

If there’s one feature that makes this machine awesome, it’s the hot water on demand. The fact that it has its own dedicated spout makes it a true winner. With other Nespresso machines, you could always get hot water simply by not placing in a capsule and hitting any brew button. But what you would get is hot water mixed with some residue from previously brewed coffee. With the Essenza Plus, you’re getting hot water that goes through its own dedicate pipe so it doesn’t mix with the coffee at all.

Between the Essenza Mini and Essenza Plus, I absolutely recommend the latter.

Should you upgrade your current Essenza Mini (or other Nespresso machine)? It depends on whether or not you’ll need the hot water on demand. Americanos are a great way to enjoy a longer cup of coffee that is smoother and less bitter than a shot of espresso or lungo. You can still make Americanos using any Nespresso machine, of course. Just add hot water using a kettle. But if you’re in a situation, like myself, where you can’t keep a kettle and an all-in-one solution would be the best choice then the Essenza Plus is your machine.

As for the Connectivity and One-Touch ordering, while it’s innovative and all, I don’t think of it as a necessity at all. You can still use the app to order your capsules and get your recipes without the need to have it directly connected to your machine.

Capsule Compatibility:

The Essenza Mini Plus, like the Essenza Mini, is an OriginalLine machine. Which means it is compatible with all OriginalLine capsules from Nespresso or other brands. There are also some refillable capsules you can use, but always purchase these with caution as some are not built very well and can cause the needle inside your machine to break and void your warranty.

Nespresso Lattissima One Vs. Touch Vs. Pro

Posted on by SuperDee

Lattissima One is one of Nespresso’s one-touch machines that can make you any coffee drink you want with a press of a button. Although Nespresso’s Lattissima line has many machines with the same idea, the Lattissima One has been designed differently to be more compact and with a truly beautiful design.

What Are the Features of Lattissima One?

  • Single-serve OriginalLine Nespresso machine with built-in milk frother.
  • Milk container is also a single-serve. It holds enough milk for just one serving for Cappuccino or Latte.
  • Serving sizes: Espresso 1.35 oz, Lungo 5 oz.
  • Milk frothing button with heat and froth the full amount of milk in the container. Guide lines inside the container tell you the amount of milk to add for Cappuccino or Latte.
  • Milk container is detachable for easy cleaning.
  • Heat up time: 25 seconds
  • Water reservoir capacity: 33.8 oz
  • Milk container capacity: 4 oz
  • Used capsule drawer holds up to 8 capsules.
  • Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and 3rd party Nespresso compatible capsules.
  • Available in 4 colors.
  • Made in Italy.

What Makes Nespresso Lattissima One Special?

What sets Nespresso Lattissima One apart from other Lattissima machines is the single-serve milk container. This container is designed to keep waste at minimum and to ensure the use of fresh milk every time. With larger containers, you could add more milk than you need to less, majority of users will fill the milk container to max level, use what they need and take the rest to keep in fridge. With the single-serve milk container, non of that is necessary. Using the lines marked inside it, you’ll know the exact amount of milk you need, and the machine will froth the entire thing. No waste, and no need to keep any leftovers in the fridge.

The smaller milk container also means a smaller machine. Lattissima One is very compact in design and makes a perfect choice for anyone looking for a space saving machine.

Lattissima One vs. Lattissima Touch, What’s The Difference?

Lattissima Touch is a popular choice for a single-serve machine with built-in milk frother. It is also a Nespresso Original Line machine, so it’s compatible with many capsules including Nespresso’s or Nespresso-compatible brands.

  • The machine features 6 preset buttons: espresso, Lungo, cappuccino, latte, latte macchiato and hot milk.
  • The milk frother on the Lattissima Touch is made by DeLonghi. It holds milk for multiple uses, has an option to adjust froth density and it is detachable for easy cleaning and leftover milk storage.
  • Water reservoir capacity is 30 oz and milk container capacity is 16.9 oz and used capsule container holds up to 10 capsules.

Lattissima Touch offers more presets, which is understandable since the machine has a large milk container and needs to know how much milk to use, unlike the Lattissima One which draws all milk at once. So the Lattissima Touch gets a button for each drink you want to prepare. But eventually, both machines can prepare the same coffee drinks.

The Difference in milk containers, however, is not in the size only. The Lattissima Touch has an adjustable froth density. So that’s an extra way to customize your drink.

Which Do You Choose?

I would personally pick the Lattissima Touch over Lattissima One for many reasons:

  • The Lattissima One’s single-serve milk container is great for a one person use. But it could turn into a hassle if you’re ever entertaining guests or need to make multiple cups for any reason.
  • Lattissima Touch’s milk container, while it could lead to some milk waste, it shouldn’t. If you’re planning to make a single cup, you can always try to measure your milk in your cup then pour it into the container, to get an idea of how much milk you’ll use.
  • Other than the milk frother, both Lattissima One and Lattissima Touch give you the same drink options, same machine quality (both made in Italy), but the dimensions are different. The Lattissima Touch is larger than One, but it’s not a huge machine.

Lattissima Touch vs. Lattissima Pro, What’s The Difference?

Another requested comparison is between the Lattissima Touch and Lattissima Pro. The two look rather similar in what they do, and they are. But is there any differences?

Lattissima Pro is another DeLonghi machine powered by Nespresso, much like the Touch model. It has the same milk frother as Lattissima Touch: it’s detachable and has foam density adjustablility.

Lattissima Pro is also an OriginalLine machine, so it’s compatible with all OriginalLine capsules from Nespresso and Nespresso-compatible brands.

When it comes to presets, Lattissima Pro has 7 of them: Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, Latte, Latte Macchiato, Warm Milk and Hot water on demand, which is quite useful when you want to make tea or prepare an instant meal. The hot water comes out a different spout that the coffee, so you don’t have to worry about coffee residue in your hot water.

Another difference is the controls on the Lattissima Pro are touchscreen along with and LCD display that makes any programmability easier.

It also has light indicators to let you know of an empty water reservoir or full capsule drawer.

Keurig’s Best Dual Coffee Maker: K-Duo and K-Duo Plus

Posted on by SuperDee

Making a single-serve cup of coffee using a Keurig machine is great and all, especially with the vast variety of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or any other beverage available in a K-Cup pod. Keurig has always been favorited by coffee drinkers thanks to this variety of options available to them. But sometimes, you can’t help but want to make a full carafe of coffee using your favorite ground coffee. That’s where the rise of dual coffee makers came to life.

What’s a dual coffee maker? It’s a combination machine that allows you to brew a single-cup of coffee using a k-cup pod as well as a pot. This sounds a lot like the concept of Keurig 2.0, which can brew both single cup and full carafe, but not exactly. The type of machine I’m talking about using ground coffee for carafe brewing, instead of a special pod (K-Carafe) like Keurig 2.0.

Such machines were always available from brands like Cuisinart or Hamilton Beach. But Keurig has finally joined the club of dual coffee makers with the release of Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus.

What Is Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus?

K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are as versatile as a coffee maker could get. Both models are dual coffee makers that brew a single-cup or a carafe, up to 12 cups.

Here are the features of K-Duo and K-Duo Plus:

  • Brew a single-cup using K-Cup pod or a carafe using ground coffee.
  • Choose from many brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz for single cup brewing or 6, 8, 10 and 12 cups for carafe brewing.
  • Programmable digital clock allows you to setup auto-brewing up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Strong Brew option for single serve brews a more intense cup of coffee.
  • Pause and Pour feature pauses the brewing for 20 seconds mid-way through the cycle, giving you the option to brew a cup before the carafe brewing is finished fully.
  • 60 oz water reservoir shared between both the single-serve and carafe brewing.

What Is The Difference Between K-Duo vs. K-Duo Plus?

K-Duo has two sides, one for single serve brewing and the other for carafe brewing. This model comes with a glass carafe and uses a heating plate to keep your coffee hot. The heating plate is programmed to shut off after two-hours to preserve energy, much like other coffee makers.

K-Duo Plus, on the other hand, does not have sides. It has one single spout that is used either for single cup brewing or carafe brewing. Like the K-Duo, it has one 60oz water reservoir for both brewing methods, but the reservoir in this model is repositionable. You can position it right, left or behind the machine. Overall, these design features make the K-Duo Plus a more friendly choice for someone who is limited on countertop space. One more thing, the K-Duo comes with a thermal carafe instead of a glass carafe.

Keurig K-Duo vs. K-Duo Essential, Are They Different?

For the most part, the K-Duo and K-Duo Essentials are the same in the sense that both are dual coffee makers. However, the K-Duo Essentials gives you less serving sizes and it does not have a digital clock for programmability.

  • Serving sizes: 8, 10 and 12 oz for single-serve brewing and 8, 10, 12 cups for carafe brewing.
  • It has no digital clock so you cannot set it to automatically start like the K-Duo.
  • No Strong Brew option.

It is a basic version of the K-Duo for slightly less than its price. With about $20 to $30 price difference (at the time of writing), I’d absolutely recommend the K-Duo over the K-Duo Essentials.

What Kind of Pods Are Compatible with Keurig K-Duo and K-Duo Plus?

For single-serve brewing, you can use any type of K-Cup pod available. You can choose from Keurig’s own pods, or pods available from 3rd party brands. And of course, you can brew any type of beverage available in a K-Cup pod! (I do recommend rinsing your machine between brews to get rid of any residue that might end up in your coffee). However, make sure not to use K-Mug, K-Carafe, Vue or Rivo pods. It’s strictly K-Cups only.

K-Duo and K-Duo Plus are also compatible with Keurig’s My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter. So if you which to use ground coffee for your single cup brewing, that’s an option, too!

What Kind of Paper Filter is Compatible with Carafe Brewing?

You can use any flat bottom paper filters compatible with 12-cup coffee makers. These are widely available in stores or online.

How Long Does It Take to Brew a Carafe?

It depends on the amount you’re brewing: 6 cups: 5-6 mins, 8 cups: 6-7 mins, 10 cups: 7-8 mins, 12 cups: 8-9 mins.

Can You Brew a Single-Serve Cup and a Carafe at the Same Time?

This question about be applicable to the K-Duo model with two sides. And the answer is no, you can’t brew using both brew methods at the same time.

Nespresso CitiZ and Milk vs. Lattissima – Are The Different? Which To Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

CitiZ is one of Nespresso’s classic espresso machines that has been around since the beginning, make it one of the most popular models in Nespresso’s range. It’s an Original Line machine, which means it makes espresso as well as espresso based drinks (cappuccino, latte, macchiato).

CitiZ and Milk, as it’s name suggests, features a built-in milk frother that heats and froths milk with a push of a button. It can also make cold froth without heating the milk to use with iced coffee drinks.

If you’ve been doing your research, you probably came across the Lattissima line, which are also Nespresso coffee makers with built-in milk frothers. So the question now is, which of these do you choose? Is there any difference between them?

Let’s start with the CitiZ and Milk:

  • 19 bar OriginalLine espresso machine
  • Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules as well as Nespresso-compatible capsules.
  • Can make espresso, lungo and milk based espresso drinks.
  • Built-in Aeroccino 3 milk frother can heat milk, create Latte foam or Cappuccino foam. It can also make cold froth.
  • Reprogrammable volume sizes: 1.35 oz espresso and 3.75 oz lungo, can be reprogrammed to your preferred volume.
  • Can accommodate short or tall glasses.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 34 oz

Click here to learn more about CitiZ and Milk, read the customer reviews and buy it.

How Does CitiZ and Milk Work?

Making your favorite coffee drink using CitiZ and Milk is as simple as pushing a button. And since the Aeroccino frother is built into the same base as the machine, you only need one electric plug to operate them both at the same time. Watch the following video to see how it works:

DeLonghi Lattissima Pro and Lattissima One:

The Lassittima line is actually by DeLonghi and is powered by Nespresso’s capsule system. So when you pick a Lattissima machine, you’re getting the technology of two brands rather than just one.

Lattissima machines, just like CitiZ and milk, come with a built-in milk frother to make your coffee prep very easy. However, the milk frother on the Lattissima works differently…

Let’s look at two of the most popular Lattissima models, Lattissima Pro and Lattissima One.

Features of Lattissima Pro:

  • Espresso make compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and Nespresso-compatible brands.
  • Built-in Cappuccino system by DeLonghi that creates hot creamy froth for your favorite coffee drinks.
  • Digital Touchscreen allows you to easily choose from preset drinks or program your own. Choose from Cappuccino Latte, Espresso, Lungo, Warm milk or hot water.
  • Milk frother automatically heats, froths and dispenses the right amount of milk right into your cup.
  • Detachable milk container allows you to store leftover milk in the fridge for later use.
  • Adjustable cup tray accommodates short or tall cups.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 43 oz.

Click here to learn more about Lattissima Pro, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Features of Lattissima One:

  • Compact single-serve espresso maker with built-in milk frother.
  • Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and Nespresso-compatible brands.
  • Small milk frother holds just enough milk for a single-serve cup.
  • Button controls: easily operate the machine using three buttons: espresso, lungo and milk button (for frothing milk).
  • Milk frother dispenses froth directly into your cup.
  • Jug is detachable for easy cleanup.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 33.8 oz.
  • Available in different colors.

Click here to learn more about Lattissima One, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What’s The Difference Between Lattissima Pro vs. Lattissima One?

Before we get into the difference between Citiz and Milk and Lattissma, let’s look at the difference between Lattissima Pro and Lattissma One…

Both Lattissma models are great one-touch systems with innovative milk frothers that froth and dispense milk automatically. The difference comes in their size and controls:

  • Lattissima Pro has a larger milk frother, it automatically measures and dispenses the right amount of milk for your chosen recipe. Using the LCD display, you can select from preset drinks so all you have to do is push a single button for the machine to start brewing the coffee and preparing your milk.
  • The Lattissima One, on the other hand, does not have pre-set drinks. Instead, you’ll do two steps to prepare your coffee drink. First, choose from Espresso or Lungo to extract the coffee. Then press the milk button for the frother to heat, froth then dispense your milk into the cup. The frother holds only a single serving of milk at a time, and using the measurement marks, you can fill the exact amount of milk required for Cappuccino or Latte.

CitiZ and Milk vs. Lattissima – What’s The Difference?

Now we’ve looked at the features of each model, differences are becoming more clear, but let’s start with how they’re similar first:

  • All these machines use Nespresso OriginalLine capsules. You can also use Nespresso-compatible capsules and refillable filters, although I don’t recommend these since some have terrible quality and can break your machine.
  • You can make the same coffee drinks: espresso, lungo and with the help of the milk frother, any milk + espresso drink (Cappuccino, latte…).
  • So, whichever of these models you choose, you’ll be making the same coffee drinks using the same coffee capsule style (OriginalLine).

Where’s the difference then?

They’re different in how they operate:

  • CitiZ and Milk, although it has a built-in milk frother that powers up with the machine, it still operates separately. Which means, after the milk is frothed and ready, you’ll pick up the frother to pour your milk in and add it to your cup. Measuring the amount of milk is done by you, although there are measurement guides inside the frother.
  • On the Lattissima Pro, things are much simpler. Fill up the frother’s jug with cold milk, insert a capsule and pick your drink from the presets in the menu (or create your own). The machine will brew the coffee, froth the perfect amount of milk and pour it automatically to your cup. So it really is a one-touch operation.
  • Last but certainly not least is the Lattissima One, which combines the compact size of the Citiz and Milk with the one-touch (well, two touch to be exact) operation. The Lattissima One has a small frothing jug that holds a single serving of milk only. Fill it up to the first line for Cappuccino and second line for a less frothy milk, perfect for a Latte. Now all you have to do is press either Espresso or Lungo button to brew the coffee, then the Milk button to froth and pout the milk into the cup.

Other differences are in the design and dimensions. The Lattissima Pro being the largest, but also comes with the most premium finish thanks to its brushed aluminum body.

CitiZ and Milk as well as Lattissima One have plastic bodies. But each model has its own unique design that you might prefer.

Nespresso VertuoPlus vs. VertuoPlus Deluxe, Which Do You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

The VertuoPlus and VertuoPlus Deluxe are two of Nespresso’s Vertuo line. These are Nespresso’s line of machines that can brew both espresso and coffee drinks. In fact, unlike the Original Line machines, Vertuo can brew up to 5 sizes. The Vertuo machines use completely redesigned capsules and work in an entirely new way than OriginalLine machines like Pixie, CtiiZ or Essenza Mini. Vertuo is a whole new world from Nespresso that offers you a great coffee and espresso experience at home.

Features of Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker:

  • Simple, one touch brewing. There’s only a single button on the machine, and that is the brew button.
  • Ability to brew 5 cup sizes: espresso (1.35oz), Double espresso (2.7oz), Lungo (5 oz), Coffee (8 oz) and Alto coffee (14 oz).
  • Centrifusion brewing technology. Instead of using a pump, Vertuo machines using Centrifusion technology to rapidly spin capsules while fully saturating them with water. This results in in better water distribution and full flavor extraction.
  • Automatic capsule recognition. The machine’s intelligent extraction system can read the barcode on each capsules to recognize the type of capsule, blend and size and adjust automatically.
  • Motorized head with soft open and close mechanism does not require you to push hard to puncture capsules like other Nespresso machines.
  • Adjustable water reservoir can be placed on the side or back of the machine to make it more suitable to your space.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 37.1 oz.
  • Used capsule capacity: 10 capsules (large).

Click here to learn more about Nespresso VertuoPlus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is The Difference Between VertuoPlus and VertuoPlus Delxue?

The “Deluxe” in the VertuoPlus Deluxe refers to two things, and it’s how it differs from the VertuoPlus model:

  • It has a larger water reservoir capacity: 57.5 oz
  • It has some slight design upgrades like the metal rims on the cup holder and head’s open/close rim.

Other than that, they’re pretty much the same.

Vertuo by DeLonghi or by Breville, Is There a Difference?

Like other Nespresso machines, you’ll find the VertuoPlus and VertuoPlus Deluxe under two brand names: DeLonghi or Breville.

Whichever brand you choose, you’ll be getting the same machine and same functions. However, there are small aesthetic difference between them and different color availability.

As you can see in the photo above, the VertuoPlus by Breville has a more of a rounded and curved top design. While the one by DeLonghi has a flat and narrow top.

Vertuo Vs. OriginalLine, What’s The Difference and Which Is Better?

Whether you are new to Nespresso or thinking of upgrading from an OriginalLine to a Vertuo machine. If you’re wondering which system to go for or whether or not you should upgrade, here are some thoughts on the matter:

The Capsules are entirely different:

Vertuo’s capsules are not even closely similar to OriginalLine’s capsules. Since Vertuo machines can brew 5 cup sizes, then the capsules are available in different sizes that hold the appropriate amount of coffee ground for each brew size. OriginalLine machines only have two cup sizes and a single size for a capsule.

Speaking of capsules, it’s important to note that Vertuo only uses capsules by Nespresso. There are no refillable pods and no 3rd party capsules. So this limits your choices, somewhat. On the other hand, OriginalLine machines can use Nespesso capsules, refillable capsules or 3rd party capsules from other brands.

Cup Sizes:

Like already mentioned, the fact that Vertuo offers you 5 sizes to choose from is great. Now you can do a lot more than just the classic cup of Espresso or Lungo that OriginalLine offers.

Beverages:

Using an OriginalLine machine, you can make Espresso, lungo or any espresso and milk based drinks like cappuccino or latte. With a Vertuo machine, you can still do all those as well as your classic cup of coffee.

So, picking between those Nespresso systems totally relies on what you like to drink on a regular basis:

If you’re someone who is looking to make the classic coffee house drinks like espresso, cappuccino or latte then stick to an OriginalLine system like the Pixie, CitiZ or Essenza Mini for example (which you can read all about here). It’s exactly what those machines were made to do, and you get to enjoy a bigger variety of capsules.

If you want more than just those, the Vertuo offers you three extra cup sizes for coffee and not just espresso drinks. It will limit your options of capsules you can use, but you’ll definitely enjoy the experience. Nespresso does offer a nice number of capsules to try and are always adding to their selection.

What Is The Best Nespresso Machine for Latte and Cappuccino?

Posted on by SuperDee

We all have our favorite way to enjoy our cup of coffee. Some like a traditional cup of drip coffee, others prefer a strong and aromatic shot of espresso. But if you’re one of the people who like a creamy and luxurious cup of creamy latte or foamy cappuccino and want to make it with a press of a button at the comfort of your home, this post is for you.

Nespresso machines are a popular choice for a single-serve espresso machine, no doubt about this. But there’s also so many options and models to choose from. Picking the right Nespresso machine always goes down to what you want to prepare with it. Of course, all Nespresso machines can prepare several recipes of coffee, but some models do a better job than others.

What Do You Need in a Nespresso Machine for Latte or Cappuccino:

Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato and other specialty coffee drinks are all made of two main ingredients: espresso and milk.

All Nespresso machines can make Espresso, but for you to complete the recipe, you’ll need a milk frother.

You have several options here:

  • You can use a handheld milk frother, where you’ll have to first heat the milk then whisk it manually.
  • You can buy your Nespresso machine bundled with an Aeroccino, Nespresso’s electric milk frother which heats and froths the milk automatically.
  • Or, you can buy a Nespresso machine with a built-in milk frother. This is the best and fastest way to make your latte and cappuccino with a single press of a button.

Best Nespresso Machines with Built-in Milk Frothers:

Nespresso Lattissima Pro:

Lattissima Pro is a Nespresso machine by DeLonghi. It uses Nespresso’s OriginalLine capsule system and DeLonghi’s patented automatic Cappuccino system.

This machine’s built-in milk frother allows you to adjust the foam level to your liking. When you pick a drink using the touchscreen, it will automatically heat up, foam and dispense the milk into your cup. The coffee spout will then dispense the espresso shot and add it to the milk.

The milk frother is also detachable. This is great because you can simply remove any left-over milk and store it in the fridge for later use. It’s also dishwasher safe.

Other features of Lattissima Pro:

  • 44 oz water reservoir.
  • Use capsule container: 15 capsules.
  • Adjustable cup tray allows you to fit small or tall cups.
  • Backlight indicator.
  • Easy to use touchscreen and LCD display for customizing your drinks.
  • Compatible with all Nespresso OriginalLine capsules and Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Lattissima Pro, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Lattissima One:

The Lattissima One, also powered by Nespresso’s capsule system and DeLonghi’s Cappuccino system, is Lattissima Pro’s younger sibling.

Just like the Lattissima Pro, the Lattissima One does it all with a push of a button. It automatically heats and froths and pours it to your cup. But here’s how it’s different than the Lattissima Pro:

  • It has a small milk frother that holds just enough for a single cup. The milk jug is clearly marked with two lines, one for cappuccino and the other for latte.
  • There’s no touchscreen display, but simple buttons: espresso, lungo and milk froth.
  • It has a 33.8 oz water reservoir capacity.

If you prefer a smaller and simpler Nespresso system, then the Lattissima One is the machine to go for. Just keep in mind that it’s not as adjustable as the Lattissima Pro, you can’t adjust the milk foam, but you can reprogram the coffee volume just like any other Nespresso machine.

Click here to learn more about the Nespresso Lattissima One, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville:

This beauty that was designed by Breville, takes your Nespresso experience to a whole new level. It does not have a built-in milk frother, but it has something much much better.

The Creatista Plus was designed to give you the closest thing to a professional espresso machine but without all the work. It doesn’t have a milk frother, but it has a milk steamer. Yes, just like the steamer your cafe has in their machine, and it works automatically. it creates professionally steamed textured milk that you can use to make latte art (that one you’ll have to do the work for!).

On the machine, there’s a colored display that allows you to customize already programmed recipes like: cappuccino, latte, flat white and more. You can also create your own recipe and save them under any name you want.

You also have the option to choose from 8 milk textures and 11 temperatures.

  • Other features include:
  • 60 oz water reservoir.
  • Adjustable cup tray to hold small or tall cups.
  • Full stainless steel housing.
  • Includes a milk frothing jug.
  • Compatible with all Nespresso OriginalLine and Nespresso-compatible capsules.

Click here to learn more about Creatista Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Further Reading:

Difference Between Nespresso Lattissima Pro vs. Creatista Plus.

Best Nespresso Capsules for Latte and Cappuccino:

Now that you now which Nespresso machines work best for making Latte and Cappuccino, here are some recommendations for the best Nespresso capsules.

As you know, Nespresso capsules come in different intensities and varieties. And some of these complement milk better than others. So here are some variety packs to consider:

This variety pack includes 50 capsules of Nespresso’s most intense coffee blends. It includes: 10 Ristretto, 10 Arpeggio, 10 Roma, 10 Indriya from India, 10 Fortissio Lungo.

If you prefer a strong taste to your coffee that cannot be overpowered by the taste of milk, this is the variety pack to try.

If you like your coffee flavored, then definitely give these capsules a try. This variety pack includes 30 capsules total, 10 of each flavor: 10 Vanilio, 10 Ciocattino, 10 Caramelito. They are medium roast and have an intensity level of 6. It’s important to note that these capsules do not include artificial flavors, the pods contain pure coffee ground. The flavors are subtle and the milk help brings them more to life. So don’t expect a sugary drink when using these, but a rather pleasant and sweet aftertaste and lovely aroma.

This is another intense coffee capsule bundle, but from a brand other than Nespresso. Gourmesso is a fair trade brand that creates Nespresso compatible capsules. This bundle is available in a count of 60, 80 or 100 capsules. it includes: Etiopia Blend Forte – Intensity 10 ✪ Ristretto Blend Forte – Intensity 10 ✪ Messico Blend Forte – Intensity 9 ✪ Tarrazu Forte – Intensity 8.

Also by Gourmesso, a bundle of naturally flavored coffee capsules that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar. They all have medium 5 intensity, and includes these flavors: caramel, chocolate, coconut, hazelnut and vanilla. Each box contains 10 capsules.

Portable Espresso Makers – Which Is Best To Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

For a lot of people who are always on the move, quality coffee is a common companion. And if you’re that type of person, a portable espresso maker is a must-have.

A portable espresso maker is a machine for brewing coffee through pushing high-pressure water close to boiling point through a ground coffee puck to produce thick, concentrated shot of espresso. You don’t need electricity for such a device, few have rechargeable batteries, which makes it a great accessory to take on the go.

A portable espresso maker is a useful device to have to make espresso in a car, while camping or traveling, or even if you want to make espresso at home without using a machine.

Which Handheld Portable Espresso Maker Is Best To Buy?

Here are the top-rated picks for a handheld espresso maker:

Staresso Espresso Maker:

The Staresso brand has successfully made a compact portable espresso maker that you can take with you wherever you go.

This device can reach a stable pressure of 20 bars for extraction, providing you with a shot of espresso with a perfect crema on top.

The Staresso machine also features a portable design and large capacity. It measures 8.2 inches in length with a weight of 1.1 pounds. However, it can hold more than 80ml water, and the optimum weight of the ground coffee reaches up to 10g. Furthermore, its sleek design and ergonomic construction deliver a reassuringly solid feel.

And if you’re a fan of espresso based drinks like cappuccino or caffe latte, the Staresso doubles as a milk frother too.

It is compatible with ground coffee as well as Nespresso and Nespresso-compatible capsules (OriginalLine capsules).

Click here to learn more about Staresso Espresso Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

WACACO Nanopresso Handheld Espresso Maker

The Nanopresso delivers excellent power and is built on a new and improved pumping system. It has maximum stable pressure of 18 bars, which is enough to create an aromatic and balanced shot of espresso.

This appliance can work with ground coffee or Nespresso pods. You only need to add boiling to the tank before making the coffee and pump manually. With the new design of Nanopresso, you will need 15 percent less force when pumping your espresso shot.

The tank of the Nanopresso can hold 80ml of water. It has a lining and receives protection from the detachable cup. Both of these parts have a heat sink pattern for absorbing and protecting your hands from heat. It has an ergonomic design, and its short length makes it perfect for travel. This device is light, and the material its made of gives a solid feel. It has a length of 6.14 inches and weighs 336g.

Click here to learn more about Nanopresso, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Litchi Portable Espresso Maker

This compact, handheld espresso maker from Litchi comes at a more affordable price than the previous two devices. But on the other hand, it has less features.

You can brew the ground coffee with the hot water at a steady pressure of 8 bar and make your shot of top-notch quality espresso. It measures only 7.6 inches in length and weighs about 1.11 pounds.

The Litchi portable espresso maker is compatible with ground coffee only, unlike the Nanopresso and Staresso, which work with both ground coffee and Nespresso capsules. Also, the materials on this one is a bit more flimsy, but for the price, it’s exactly what is expected. I would recommend this one only if you’re on a tight budget.

Click here to learn more about the Litchi Portable Espresso Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

A portable espresso maker is a must-have accessory for anyone who needs a fresh cup of hot coffee anywhere. Regardless of the place, whether you’re traveling, camping or even in an office or a dorm room. A portable handheld espresso maker is the perfect choice for someone who needs to make their espresso shot without a traditional espresso machine.

Is There a Portable Espresso Maker That Heats Water?

If at this point you’re wondering, what if I don’t have access to boiling water? Is there a portable espresso maker that can boil the water on the go, too?

As of the time I write this post, there are a few options, one of them is an electric portable espresso maker from a brand called Cisno.

It comes with a rechargeable battery pack which allows it to power up and heat water on the go. It can provide boiling water up to 194F/90C degrees and brew coffee at 149F/65C degrees. The water tank capacity is 50ml and it works at 15-bar pressure.

It’s all great so far, but here’s what I didn’t like about this product:

  • It works with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules only. You can’t use coffee ground and apparently, not even Nespresso-compatible capsules from other brands. This limits your options of coffee brands you can enjoy to Nespresso only.
  • It takes over 10 minutes to get the water to boiling temperature. That’s a long wait.
  • It’s heavier and larger in size than other handheld models (1.9 lbs and 9.8” tall). But it’s still portable size for traveling.
  • The battery takes up to 2.5 hours to fully charge and will only provide 3 runs of boiled water/coffee extraction. If you’re not going to use the boiler, it will provide a lot more runs.
  • Price wise, it’s quite expensive in comparison to other handheld espresso makers. For less, you can buy an actual Nespresso machine.

You can click here to learn more about Cisno Electric Portable espresso maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Pixie vs. CitiZ vs Essenza Mini, Which Should You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

Pixie is one of the earlier models by Nespresso. Back when there was still no VertuoLine, the Pixie was one of Nespresso’s few machines. And although there are now so many machines and two type of brewers (OriginalLine and VertuoLine), the Pixie is still one of Nespresso’s top selling espresso machines. In this post, you’ll find what makes the Pixie special and how it compares to other models and if you should buy it.

Features of Nespresso Pixie:

  • Powerful 19-bar pressure pump
  • Quick 25 seconds startup time
  • Two programmable cup sizes: Espresso and Lungo.
  • Available either as a standalone machine or bundled with an Aeroccino so you can make milk based drinks at ease.
  • Backlight indicators: red backlight indicates water reservoir needs to be refiled. Otherwise, it will be blue.
  • Folding drip tray allows you to fit taller cups.
  • 24 oz water reservoir capacity.
  • Compact and sleek design.
  • Metal side panels gives it a more upscale look and makes it more sturdy.
  • Available in three color variations.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Pixie, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Pixie by Nespresso, DeLonghi or Breville, Is There a Difference?

When buying your Pixie (or other Nespresso models), you’ll most likely find them available under three different brand names: Nespresso, Breville or DeLonghi. Is there any actual difference between them? Should you pick one brand over the other?

Actually, no, there is no difference in how the machines operate. They’re all the same Nespresso machine. Nespresso has partnered with these two companies to help them with the manufacturing and distribution of their popular machines. If there’s one difference between those, it will be in the aesthetic of the machines (very slight change in design) and in available colors. But overall, whichever brand name you choose, you’ll get the same Nespresso machine and the same after sale support from Nespresso.

What Kind Of Capsules Is Pixie Compatible With?

Pixie is an OriginalLine espresso machine, so it’s compatible with OriginalLine capsules either from Nespresso or from third party companies (and there’s so many to choose from!). This is one of the pros of going for an OriginalLine machine, you will not be restricted to Nespresso’s capsules only, but you’ll have the option to try capsules from so many different brands.

Nespresso Pixie Comparisons:

Here’s a look at how the Pixie compares to Nespresso machines that are similar:

Nespresso Pixie vs. CitiZ, What’s The Difference?

CitiZ is another great machine from Nespresso’s earlier models. It’s a great machine and it is similar to Pixie in these features:

  • Both have 19 bar pressure pumps.
  • Both are OriginalLine machines
  • Both offer two cup sizes (that can be reprogrammed)

The differences are:

Design wise, the Pixie is smaller and lighter in weight. Dimensions of the Pixie are 4.4″ x 9.3″ x 12.8″ and dimensions of the CitiZ are 5.1″ x 10.9″ x 14.6”. This should make a difference to someone who is tight on countertop space or needs to fit their machine in a personal office or a dorm.

Water Reservoir: as the Pixie is smaller in size, then it makes sense that it has a smaller water reservoir than the Citiz. Pixie’s reservoir is 24 oz and CitiZ has a 34 oz capacity.

Materials: this is where the Pixie shines, it has the best exterior of all Nespresso machines. Although it is not fully metal, the sides make a big part of the machine and they’re fully metal. On the other hand, the CitiZ has plastic housing.

Backlight Indicator: while this isn’t a major deal breaker, it is still a nice part of the machine’s design. Only Pixie has backlight indication for water reservoir and capsule drawer. The CitiZ does not have this feature.

Color Variation: If you like your machine’s design with nice color, the CitiZ is available in few colors like white, silver black or red. Pixie’s aluminum side panels can be updated to other colors as Nespresso does sell those panels individually as an accessory (called Pixie Clips), so if you ever get bored of the machine’s design, you have the option of updating it.

Which One Should You Buy?

I guess when picking between the Pixie and CitiZ, especially as standalone machines, it’s really hard to pick between the two. If you care about design, Pixie has the upper hand. But there’s also a price difference between the two, so budget is another thing to keep in mind.

If you’re planning to buy an Aeroccino with your machine, then I would absolutely recommend going for the CitiZ with built-in Aeroccino. Although it takes up some space, it makes a better choice as the Aeroccino is built into the base of the machine, which means you’ll only need one electric outlet instead of two to power the separate devices (when bought as a bundle).

Click here to learn more about Nespresso CitiZ, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Nespresso Pixie vs. Essenza Mini, What’s The Difference?

As of the time I write this, the Essenza Mini is the most compact Nespresso machine available. It’s only 3.3” wide, making it easy to fit almost anywhere you want to use it. It’s my machine of choice for the office and I simply love how small it is.

Like the Pixie and CitiZ, Essenza Mini is an OriginalLine machine too. So they’re all compatible with the same line of capsules, either from Nespresso or from Nespresso-compatible brands.

Other similar features:

  • Two programmable cup sizes: Espresso and Lungo.
  • Removable drip tray.
  • Removable water reservoir.

Differences:

  • Of course, there’s a huge difference in design between the Pixie and Essenza Mini. The Pixie has a more upscale and more durable design while the Essenza Mini has fully plastic housing and is probably not as durable as the Pixie.
  • And with the Essenza Mini being that small, we can’t expect it to have a large reservoir. It has the smallest reservoir with only 20 oz capacity. Yet, it’s not that different from Pixie’s 24 oz capacity.
  • When it comes to the fancy light indication features of the Pixie, the Essenza Mini is yet another model that doesn’t have that.
  • The Used capsule drawer on the Essenza Mini is rather small and can hold up to 5 capsules only, so it will require more clean up than the Pixie which can hold up to 11 capsules before needing to discard them.

Which One To Buy?

The Nespresso Essenza Mini was introduced to the market as the smallest and most affordable choice out of all OriginalLine models. It’s perfect for someone who has limited space or want the Nespresso experience but doesn’t care much about the design. The Essenza Mini still looks good, and it’s available in two different aesthetics, one by Breville and another by DeLonghi. But in comparison to the Pixie, it’s a bit flimsy.

If design in a priority to you, the Pixie is the way to go. It’s still compact in comparison to other Nespresso OriginalLine machines, yet it has the best build of them all.

Click here to learn more about Nespresso Essenza Mini, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Has Nespresso Pixie Been Discontinued?

As mentioned before, the Pixie is one of Nespresso’s earliest models. This makes people wonder if Nespresso has discontinued the model. The answer is no, the Pixie has not been discontinued (As of May 2019). It’s still pretty much on demand and Nespresso is still selling them.

Where Is Nespresso Pixie Made?

Pixie is the only Nespresso machine to be made in Switzerland, home of the Nespresso brand.

What Is the Best Keurig Machine To Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

It’s no surprise that people love their Keurig coffee makers! And we shouldn’t just call them ‘coffee makers’, Keurig machines do a lot more than just coffee. In fact, you can do coffee, tea, iced coffee, hot chocolate, other hot beverages like hot apple cider and more. But with so many Keurigs available on the market, as well as machines from other brands that can brew K-Cups, which one do you buy?

Answering the questions “What is the best….” has always been a tricky one. ‘Best’ is very subjective thing and means different things to different people. So what I’ll try to do here is to recommend a Keurig based on a specific feature that might appeal to you over other things. Overall, you’ll get the same quality of coffee out of any Keurig model, so you’ll have to pick what feature appeals to you the most that would make a particular model the best to you personally.

Things To Consider Before Buying Your Keurig Machine:

There are few a things to keep in mind when it comes to Keurig machines that will make choosing your best machine an easier task:

How Will You Use Your Machine?

Are you buying a machine for a single person to use or a small/large family? Or, how many cups will you be brewing per day? This will determine if you need a small or a larger machine with large capacity water reservoir. Also, are you going to use it at home or in an office? A home-use Keurig shouldn’t be used at an office where it will be used more often. There are commercial-ready Keurig machines for office use.

Advanced Functions:

Will you need advanced features like temperature or coffee strength control? Are you okay with button controls or would you prefer a touch screen?

Size:

Keurig machines can be a little bulky and do take up some space on your kitchen countertop. If you’re tight on space, make sure to go for a small or compact model.

The Best Keurig Machine – Keuirg K-Select:

The Keurig K-Select, which is the upgraded version of the K-Classic (also known as K55) meets all points for a classic machine that is perfectly sized with enough features to meet most people’s needs.

It has:

  • 52 oz water reservoir
  • 4 cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12oz
  • Strong Brew function for a stronger cup of coffee.
  • Brews all K-Cup pods, including refillable filters.
  • Simple button controls.
  • Accommodates cups up to 7.4″ tall.
  • Available in 6 colors.

The K-Select doesn’t have any fancy features. It does the job of brewing a cup of coffee in under a minute just right. It has a nicely sized reservoir which allows you to brew multiple cups before the need to refill it. The Strong Brew button, which steeps your coffee longer before brewing for a bolder cup of coffee, is great alternative for Strength control feature which is available on a more expensive models.

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Select and how it compares to Keurig K-Classic.

The Best Small Keurig Machine – Keurig K-Mini Plus:

If you’re looking for something small in size, look no further than the Keurig K-Mini Plus. This model, which is a big step up from its preceder the K-Mini, has been completely redesigned to be slimmer and look more modern. The K-Mini Plus has the following features:

  • It’s less than 5″ wide.
  • 4 cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Removable water tank.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods, including refillable filters.
  • Available in 4 colors.

So, what will you be giving up on in exchange of this really slim design?

No water reservoir – the machine has to be refilled for each use.

No controls buttons – the machine only has two controls on it, the brew button and Strong Brew button. How do you select your size? The machine brews whatever water amount you add to it, so fill the water tank to the size you want to brew (the water tank is clearly marked with each size capacity).

The water reservoir, or lack of, only becomes a problem when you need to use your machine frequently throughout the day. I don’t recommend this model for a large household, or for multiple brews per day (say, over 5 times per day).

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Mini Plus and how it’s different from the K-Mini.

The Best Keurig Machine with Programmable Options – Keurig K-Elite:

The K-Elite model is quite an upgrade from the K-Select and the K-Mini Plus. This is the model where you get it all: the advanced features, the controls, additional sizes, and more…

  • Large 75 oz water reservoir.
  • 5 cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Iced Coffee option.
  • Hot water on demand for making instant meals or tea.
  • Programmable auto on/off with digital clock.
  • High altitude settings.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods including refillable cups.
  • Available in 3 colors.

Using the K-Elite model, you’re getting a way larger water reservoir, an additional cup size, iced brew option, hot water on demand and programmable auto on/off option. The only con of this model is that it’s vastly larger, too. So you have to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate it.

What Is ICED brew option?

You could be wondering about the Iced option, and if you can do the same using other Keurig models?

The ICED option still brews your beverage hot (coffee or tea), however, the difference is, it takes into consideration the fact that your drink will get mixed in with ice soon enough. So in order not to get a diluted drink, when using this option, the machine will adjust the size and strength of the pod you are brewing to get you the best results.

Can you do the same using other Keurig machines, even if it doesn’t have ICED brew option? You can still brew a hot brew over ice, but you won’t get the best results as the ice might melt as soon as the hot coffee hits it. This is why the ICED option is helpful, it decreases the temperature and steeps the brew longer to make it taste better even if the ice melts into it.

Click here to read our review of the Keurig K-Elite and how it compares to K-Select and K575.

The Best Keurig Machine To Brew Single Cup and Carafe – The Keurig 2.0 K575:

If you want more than just a single cup out of your Keurig coffee maker, then the K575 is what you’re looking for. The Keurig 2.0 line is the only kind (as of time of writing) to brew both single serve cups and carafe size. It also offers a lot of programs and customization for anyone that needs it.

  • It features a large 80 oz water reservoir.
  • Large colored touchscreen display for easy control and customization.
  • Brews multiple cup sizes and K-Cup pods
  • Cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz
  • Mug sizes: 14 and 16 oz
  • Carafe sizes: 22, 26 and 20 oz.
  • K-Cup pods are used to brew cup sizes, K-Mug pods for mug sizes and K-Carafe pods for carafe sizes.
  • Compatible with branded K-Cup pods only. Refillable pods available.
  • Strength and temperature control. You can choose from 5 temperature settings.
  • Hot Water on demand.

The best thing about the K575 is the variety of sizes that it can brew. On the other hand, the limited selection available for K-Carafe and K-Mug pods are concerning. There are some refillable filters available for K-Carafes, but many are still not compatible with the K575 model.

Another con about this model is that the carafe is not included with your purchase. Unfortunately, you have to use their carafe, which is available either as a regular or thermal carafe, or the carafe brewing option will not be displayed on the machine.

Overall, even though this machine performs well, it’s still very limited. If you want to mainly brew carafe sizes, I would recommend a drip machine instead. And for single-cup brewing, any of the models mentioned above would make a better choice.

Click here to read our review and comparisons of the Keurig K575.