Nowadays, we have a lot of options when it comes to how we want to brew our coffee at home. Classic coffee makers will get you a traditional cup of drip coffee in the morning, while a sophisticated espresso machine can offer you a perfect latte without leaving your house.
Another surprisingly common option for at-home coffee brewers are capsule brewers. If you aren’t familiar with them, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Coffee comes prepackaged in plastic capsules, which you pop into the machine and receive a fresh cup of coffee instantly in return.
Capsule brewers aren’t one of the most popular options for coffee makers. Some people accuse them of wasting too much plastic and others are bothered by the fact that they can typically only make one cup of coffee at a home.
However, capsule brewers are undeniably convenient. They are quick, simple, and require very little preparation and cleaning. But, how do you decide which brand of capsule brewer to purchase?
Two of the most popular brands are Illy and Nespresso, so we recommend narrowing down your search between these two. Check out the guide below for more information about each of them.
Illy vs. Nespresso: The History
Illy
Illy is a family-run company that was established in Italy in 1933 by Francesco Illy. They became popular around the world for their unique blend of Arabica beans. The company as a whole is dedicated to sustainability and transparency, which is a great thing to hear coming from a major corporation.
A fun fact about Illy is that their recognizable logo is appreciated by both the art and fashion worlds. The charming logo was designed by celebrated pop-artist James Rosenquist in the 1990’s.
Nespresso
Nespresso is a Swiss brand that is a part of the Nestlé Group. Sustainability is also one of their top priorities. In fact, the plastic pods they produce for their capsule brewers are fully recyclable.
An interesting tidbit about Nespresso is that they have an extensive retail network with over 250 coffee boutiques around the world.
Illy vs. Nespresso: Brewing System
While both Illy and Nespresso are high-quality brands, there are some significant features of their capsule brewers that make them distinct from one another.
For example, Illy’s capsule system uses what is called a two-stage brewing system. In simple terms, this means that you end up with a particularly incredible cup of espresso that is rich in flavor and accomplishes that classic layer of crema on top.
On the other hand, Nespresso capsule brewers use the typical one-stage brewing system. While this is pretty standard, it also means that this machine is highly efficient.
Illy vs. Nespresso: Capsules
One thing that Illy can definitely brag about is the range of flavors available in their capsules. There are countless options ranging from medium to dark roast, decaffeinated to flavored, and Columbian to Ethiopian. While the taste of their espresso pods is known to be a little lighter than others on the market, the variety of options for Illy capsules is a huge plus.
While Nespresso doesn’t have quite as large of a range as Illy in terms of capsule flavors, the quality of their coffee is amazing. Nespresso capsules are available in two ranges called Original and Vertuo. Also, unlike the Illy capsules, the Nespresso pods are recyclable.
Illy vs. Nespresso: Aesthetics
Admit it: the way your capsule machine looks on your kitchen counter is a significant factor in your decision making process. No one wants an eye sore, especially when they’re just trying to get their morning caffeine fix.
Luckily, both Illy and Nespresso offer attractive options in terms of the overall design of their machines. Firstly, Illy wins the prize for chicness. Known for their sleek look that oozes an effortless level of classiness, Illy capsule brewers are a fantastic option for those who want their brewing system to look as nice as the coffee it produces can taste.
Nespresso is less stylish, with designs leaning more toward the tech-savvy buyer. That’s right – they made a computerized capsule brewer! Nespresso machines are attractive, but they’re also durable and dependable.
Illy vs. Nespresso: Best-Selling Machines
The Illy Francis Francis X7.1 iperEspresso is an at-home barista’s dream come true. Though it comes with a significant price tag, this machine is worth every penny. One of the coolest features of this machine is that it comes with a Panarello system wand, making it quick and easy for you to froth your own milk and craft the perfect latte.
On the other hand, the Nespresso Creatista Plus is all about convenience. Featuring a bar-code system that allows this capsule brewer to work automatically, this machine is also credited for giving users a fantastic foam and smooth quality. A little more affordable than the aforementioned Illy machine, this Nespresso capsule brewer is a great option for latte lovers that prefer practicality over aesthetics.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, the final verdict is up to you! Both Illy and Nespresso are quality companies that boast both enviable brand recognition and overall excellence that are unmatched by other competitors on the market. Because both brands deliver a fantastic standard, the choice of purchase comes down to the finer details.
For coffee drinkers who are looking for a fashionable, yet simple machine, Illy is the brand for you. Still owned by the same family that founded it, this company is dedicated to ensuring they deliver the best products possible while staying loyal to the original style of the brand that Francesco Illy created.
If you’re more interested in purchasing a futuristic capsule brewer with fun high-tech features, Nespresso is probably the better choice for you. Committed to sustainability, you can rest assured that your investment in a machine from Nespresso is a positive decision for the planet and your carbon footprint.
All in all, capsule brewers are a reasonable option for coffee drinkers from all walks of life. Whether you go for Illy or Nespresso, you’re guaranteed a delicious drink.
