Coffee is not the first thing that will come to mind when reading the name ‘Instant Pot’, a brand name that has always been synonymous with slow cookers. But as the company expands, they’ve come up with a versatile single-serve coffee and espresso maker that will brew a cup to everyone’s taste. The coffee maker, is appropriately named, Instant Pod.

Features of Instant Pod Coffee Maker

FDM Instant Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker

• Compatible with all single-serve K-Cups, generic universal reusable K-Cups, and original Nespresso-style capsules
• 19 bar high-pressure pump delivers optimal espresso flavor extraction
• One-touch programs for 2 oz, 4 oz and 6 oz Nespresso capsules and 8 oz, 10 oz and 12 oz K-cups.
• Fits espresso cups and smaller coffee mugs, 7 inch tall travel mugs (most 16 oz mugs), also perfect for single and long shot espresso
• Large 68 oz removable water reservoir is easy to handl

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If you, or someone in your family, or even your colleagues at the office, enjoy different type of coffee pods, the Instant Pod is a great choice as it’s compatible with both K-Cup pods and Nespresso Original Line capsules, so you can enjoy both coffee and Espresso drinks.

You’re not only getting a variety of capsule usage, but a nice variety of serving sizes, too. Using a K-Cup pod, you can brew sizes 8, 10 and 12 oz. And with a Nespresso pod, which are espresso pods, normally, you’d be able to brew 2 to 4 oz, but the Instant Pod allows you to brew up to 6 oz using a Nespresso capsule. However, I do expect the coffee to taste watered down using that serving size as the OriginalLine capsules do not contain enough coffee ground to brew 6 oz of coffee.

The Instant Pod has a larger 68 oz water reservoir, so you won’t have to refill frequently. But that would depend on your usage, too.

Now, usually with multi-capsule coffee makers, you’d need to use adapters to hold the different type of capsules/pods. With the Instant Pod, you don’t need adapters. You’ll find that the machine already has two slots for each type of pod. You’ll also find dedicated buttons for each serving size. You can brew into any cup size you prefer, from an espresso cup (with the help of a cup tray) or a travel mug up to 7” tall.

What Pods Are Compatible with Instant Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker?

As mentioned above, using Instant Pod allows you to brew two types of pods, Nespresso OriginalLine capsules for espresso and K-Cup pods for coffee. Of course, you can also use K-Cup pods for other beverages. The machine is compatible with official and non-branded, 3rd party pods of both K-Cups and Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.

Can You Use Reusable (Refillable) Pods in the Instant Pod Coffee Maker?

The ongoing cost of pods can add up pretty quickly. So if you plan to use refillable pods, either to save on cost or limit your plastic/aluminum usage, you’ll be happy to know that the Instant Pod coffee maker is compatible with refillable pods, too. Either Nespresso’s or K-Cup pods. However, results can vary as those reusable cups come from different 3rd party brands and not all of them of the same quality.

Instant Pod vs. Nespresso – Which Is Better?

FDM Instant Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker

Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi, Black

Pod Type

Nespresso OriginalLine - K-Cup pods

Nespresso OriginalLine only

Serving Sizes

2, 4, 6 oz for Espresso

About 2 oz for Espresso and 4 oz for Lungo

Reprogram Serving Sizes

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FDM Instant Pod Coffee and Espresso Maker

Pod Type

Nespresso OriginalLine - K-Cup pods

Serving Sizes

2, 4, 6 oz for Espresso

Reprogram Serving Sizes

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Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi, Black

Pod Type

Nespresso OriginalLine only

Serving Sizes

About 2 oz for Espresso and 4 oz for Lungo

Reprogram Serving Sizes

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If you want to brew Nespresso espresso shots, then your first option is to go for a Nespresso OriginalLine machine like the Essenza, Pixie or CitiZ. However, if you want to expand your coffee brewing option, you’d go for something like the Instant Pod.

Most OriginalLine brewers by Nespresso will give you two serving sizes: an espresso shot of about 2 oz and a lungo shot of about 4 oz. Instant Pod offers an additional serving size of 6 oz, but it will most likely taste watered down because Nespresso pods were not measured to brew that much coffee.

Nespresso’s machines allow you to reprogram the serving sizes and it will automatically save them. Instant Pod does not have this option.

Then there’s the size and design, of course. Nespresso’s machines are known for their compact designs that barely take up any space. The Instant Pod, being a 2-in-1 machine, has a heavy foot print and requires some counter space.

When it comes to the actual coffee quality, you can expect the same quality from both machines (provided you use the same serving sizes).

So which machine to go for would totally depend on what you need out of your machine. Do you want to brew K-Cup pods as well as Nespresso? Then an Instant Pod is your choice. If you don’t need to brew K-Cup pods, then you’ll be able to save countertop space and get a more compact machine by going for a machine like the Essenza Mini by Nespresso.

Instant Pod vs. Keurig – Which Is Better?

Right off the bat, and just like how the Instant Pod compares to Nespresso, with the Instant Pod is a 2-in-1 machine that gives you more coffee variety than buying a Keurig or a Nespresso machine.

With Keurig, there’s a whole world of coffee makers that give you different options. All of them brew K-Cup pods only, but you still get variety of options based on the model you choose. Some of them will have more brew sizes than others, some are dual coffee makers that can brew both single-serve and coffee pot (using ground coffee). Some will have strength selection as well as temperature control.

Generally speaking, if you want to brew both Nespresso espresso capsules as well as a K-Pods for coffee using a single machine, then go for the Instant Pod.

However, if you want more customization out of your Keurig brewing, you’ll want something from Keurig where you’ll be able to:

Have a Strong coffee option – temperature selection – serving sizes from 4 oz to 12 oz – an option to brew ground coffee.

Here are some detailed posts on Keurig’s machines if you want to learn about them in details:

• Keurig K-Duo – Single Serve and Coffee Pot Brewer

• Keurig K-Supreme – Brew sizes up to 12 oz – Strength and temperature settings

• Keurig K-Cafe – Has built-in milk frother for specialty coffee drinks

• Keurig K-Mini or K-Slim – compact K-Cup brewers

Conclusion

The Instant Pod does a great job as a 2-in-1 espresso and coffee maker using both K-Cup pods and Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.

While it does gives you a variety of serving sizes for both espresso and coffee options, what it lacks is programmability. It also lacks strength control or temperature control, which can be offered by Keurig machines, but not Nespresso machines.

When it comes to pricing, and please do keep in mind that prices of machines do fluctuate regularly, but generally, the Instant Pod is sold for nearly the same price as a Nespresso or Keurig machine, so it will be like getting two machines for the price of one.

UPDATE –

Instant Pot have released a newer version of their coffee and espresso maker that just goes by the name “Instant”. The updated features in the machine address most issues from the previous model:

Instant 2-in-1 Multi-Function Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup® Pods and Nespresso Capsules

• 2-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Brew coffee and espresso in one machine (compatible with K-Cup pods + Nespresso capsules)
• TAILOR EVERY POUR: Adjustable brew strength so you can make a bolder cup of coffee.
• CAFÉ-QUALITY BEVERAGES: Perfect for coffee and espresso, brewing at the optimum temperature (195F) and pressure (19-bar pump for espresso)
• SUSTAINABLE COFFEE-MAKING: Brew coffee from your own grounds with included reusable pod.
• MULTIPLE BREWING SIZES: 8, 10, and 12 oz K-cup; 2, 4, and 6 oz Nespresso

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• It now has an option for bolder brew.

• It includes a refillable K-Cup refillable pod, so now you don’t have to go through different brands to find one that fits.
• It has a removable 68 oz water reservoir, just like the previous model, but this time it has a water level alert which will blink to remind you to refill the reservoir.

If you’ve ever wanted a Keurig brewer but found them to be out of your budget, then we have good news for you. Keurig’s K-Express is the brewer for you, it packs all the necessary features you need at a very ‘welcoming price’ as Keurig calls it. The K-Express gives you variety of brew sizes, strong brew, nice compact design and a good size for a water reservoir all for less then $100 (at the time of writing).

Features of Keurig K-Express

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

• STRONG BREW: Increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor.
• 3 CUP SIZES: Brew an 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup at the push of a button.
• MULTIPLE CUP WATER RESERVOIR: 42oz. removable reservoir lets you brew up to 4* cups before refilling. *8 oz. cup size
• FAST & FRESH BREWED: Delicious coffee made in minutes.
• TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7.4” tall.

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The K-Express gives you three most wanted serving sizes: 8, 10 and 12 oz. That’s enough for a nice cup to enjoy at home or for a travel mug on the go. Also, you get the all important ‘strong brew’ option which gives you a stronger brew of coffee by steeping the coffee for a bit longer.

Dimensions of the machine are 12.6H x 5.1W x 12.8D, it’s a compact design that can fit anywhere from a kitchen countertop, dorm room or office.

So, you might be wondering, what are you giving up on here in exchange for a more affordable price?

I can assure you that you are not giving up on quality, but there are a few extras that are missing from the K-Express. For Example:

• It does not have an LCD display or a digital clock.

• There’s no customization such as temperature control.

• You’re limited to three serving sizes only.

• No iced coffee setting or hot water on demand.

But again, these are all extra features that you might not even need or use frequently.

If you’re looking for the most essential features in a Keurig, you’ll find them in the K-Express. No need to overpay for features that you’ll rarely use. But if you’re still not sure… keep on reading the comparisons to see which option is better for you.

Keurig K-Express Comparisons

The K-Express is a compact brewer, but it is not Keurig’s only compact brewer. Let’s compare the most popular models to help you with your decision.

K-Express vs. K-Express Essentials

The K-Express Essentials is another version of the K-Express. It has a slightly larger design, but a smaller water reservoir.

• Servings sizes: Essentials also has three serving sizes but they are different than the K-Express. The K-Express Essentials has 6, 8 and 10 oz for serving sizes, while the K-Express has 8, 10 and 12 oz.

• K-Express Essentials does not have a strong brew option like the K-Express.

• K-Express Essentials has a 36 oz water reservoir while the K-Express has a 42 oz reservoir. Both are removable.

• K-Express Essentials is wider at 6.5” but has less height at 11.3”

• K-Express Essentials is available in three colors: black, red or tropical blue.

As of the time of writing, the K-Express Essentials is available exclusively at Walmart.

K-Express vs. K-Slim

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 8 to 12 oz. Brew Sizes, White

Serving Sizes

8, 10, 12 oz

8, 10, 12 oz

Reservoir Capacity

42 oz

46 oz

Strong Brew option

Width

5.1"

4.7"

Depth

12.8"

15.2"

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Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Serving Sizes

8, 10, 12 oz

Reservoir Capacity

42 oz

Strong Brew option

Width

5.1"

Depth

12.8"

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Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 8 to 12 oz. Brew Sizes, White

Serving Sizes

8, 10, 12 oz

Reservoir Capacity

46 oz

Strong Brew option

Width

4.7"

Depth

15.2"

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• The K-Express and K-Slim both have the same serving sizes: 8, 10 and 12 oz.

• The K-Slim has a slightly larger water reservoir at 46 oz capacity.

• Design wise, The K-Slim is even more compact, it has a 4.7” width. The K-Express isn’t much wider but I’m sure for some people with limited countertop space it can make a difference.

As you can see, there’s barely any difference between the K-Express and K-Slim. Price wise, the K-Express is more affordable and will do the exact same job a K-Slim would do.

K-Express vs. K-Mini

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Sizes, Matte Black

Serving Size

8, 10, 12 oz

6, 8, 10 and 12 oz

Water Reservoir

42 oz

Add fresh water every time

Strong Brew option

Width

5.1"

4.5"

Depth

12.8"

11.3"

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Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Serving Size

8, 10, 12 oz

Water Reservoir

42 oz

Strong Brew option

Width

5.1"

Depth

12.8"

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Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Sizes, Matte Black

Serving Size

6, 8, 10 and 12 oz

Water Reservoir

Add fresh water every time

Strong Brew option

Width

4.5"

Depth

11.3"

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The K-Mini is another affordable option for a compact brewer from Keurig, especially now it’s considered to be an older design.

It has several brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz, however, unlike the K-Express, it does not have a water reservoir. Instead, you have to fill it up with fresh water with the brew capacity you want at each brew. For that reason, you’ll not find any buttons on the K-Mini other than the brew button. There’s no Strong Brew option, too, if you prefer a bolder cup, you’ll want to go for the K-Express instead.

Design wise, it has a smaller width at 4.5”, also a shorter depth of 11.3”. And if you prefer a pop of color in your kitchen, you’ll love that this model is available in five colors.

K-Express vs. K-Compact

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Keurig K-Compact Single Serve Coffee Maker

Serving Sizes

8, 10, 12 oz

6, 8, 10 oz

Reservoir

42 oz

34 oz

Strong Brew option

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Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black

Serving Sizes

8, 10, 12 oz

Reservoir

42 oz

Strong Brew option

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Keurig K-Compact Single Serve Coffee Maker

Serving Sizes

6, 8, 10 oz

Reservoir

34 oz

Strong Brew option

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The K-Compact model, which has a design that is more comparable to Keurig’s classic models, offers limited serving sizes just like the the K-Express, but it’s all about which serving sizes you prefer.

While the K-Express serving sizes start at 8 oz, the K-Compact offers 6, 8, and 10 oz serving sizes.

The K-Compact lacks the Strong Brew button that you get with the K-Express. When using it, you are advised to use a smaller serving size to achieve a stronger brew.

The reservoir on the K-Compact is 34 oz, which is smaller that the K-Express’s 42 oz reservoir.

Price wise (as of the time of writing), there’s little to no difference between these two models – I’m talking about a few extra bucks for the K-Express over the K-Compact. I would recommend the K-Express over the K-Compact as it gives you bigger serving sizes, a larger reservoir and a strong brew button. It also looks nicer and more modern, if that’s something you’re into.

Refillable K-Cup Pod for Keurig K-Express

Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable K-Cup Pod Coffee Filter, Compatible with Keurig Classic/1.0 K-Cup Pod Coffee Makers, 1 Count, White

• For use with keurig classic series brewers only.
• Removable lid for easy filling and cleaning
• Optimized for all k cup brew sizes (4ounce To 12ounce Depending on your brewer model)
• Top rack dishwasher safe
• Made with premium materials for high durability

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The K-Express is compatible with Keurig’s My K-Cup refillable pod, which you can use to brew any kind of coffee ground you like. This is sold separately. There are 3rd party refillable K-Cup pods available, but I cannot confirm the compatibility of generic brands. You’re always better off buying the official refillable pods to ensure compatibility.