Verismo Vs. Keurig: Which Instant Coffee Maker Is Better?

It’s a great time to be a coffee fanatic, as now there are instant coffee makers that can brew delicious coffee in under two minutes. Keurig puts out a range of coffee makers whereas Starbucks only has different versions of its signature Verismo coffee maker. Below, we’re going to compare two popular Keurig coffee makers—the K-Elite and K-Mini Plus—to the Starbucks Verismo V in order to see which brand makes a better coffeemaker.

While the Verismo V is certainly an efficient coffee maker, it is inferior in some ways when measured up to two of Keurig’s most popular systems, the K-Elite and K-Mini Plus. The Keurig systems are easier to operate and maintain, and they can brew over 200 kinds of pods whereas the Verismo V can only brew 16.

The Verismo’s brew quality is excellent, allowing one to bring the signature smell and taste of Starbucks coffee into their home. Also, the “Black” and “Expresso” brew options on the system ensure variety, and it’s been said that the Verismo V is the only instant coffee maker on the market today that can make first-rate expresso.

Starbucks is known for being premium-level coffee. Therefore, when one brews Starbucks coffee in a Starbucks coffee maker, they’re sure to enjoy all the premium goodness that’s synonymous with the Starbucks brand.

The K-Elite is also a straightforward coffee maker. This machine, however, does not take more time to turn on after an extended period of inactivity.

But unlike the Verismo V, which is a comparatively quieter machine, the K-Elite has a tendency to be noisy—no matter what brewing option is selected. For this reason, the K-Elite may not be an ideal coffee maker if you intend to use it at the office.

Where the K-Elite outperforms the Verismo V is in the versatility category, as a K-Elite can brew more than 200 kinds of K-Cups, including the 16 that the Verismo V is limited to brewing. Moreover, one can switch pods without ever worrying about mixing blends.

The Verismo V delivers great coffee in a flash, but maintaining it and cleaning are both challenging. It needs to be cleaned at least once a month—more often if you drink multiple cups every day.

Additionally, the system should be descaled every three months. Descaling can be a hassle, even when everything is done correctly. Clearing limescale buildup is important, however, as limescale can inhibit the heating element from working properly.

Overall, the Verismo V is a durable coffee maker that can perform well over a long period of time if it’s taken care of. It has an intuitive design and it employs reliable technology, so it’s definitely built to last. One can also consult this post to know how to properly take care of a system’s heating element.

Compared to the Verismo V, cleaning the K-Elite is a walk in the park. Wiping down the exterior takes only a few seconds, and washing the water reservoir is a piece of cake since it’s removable. The time and effort required to clean a K-Elite make this system very attractive, especially to those who just want good coffee fast and with no strings attached.

Maintaining the K-Elite, however, is not so easy, as again there’s the need for regular rescaling. Clearing limescale buildup is important, in large part because failure to do so can affect coffee in the following ways:

While a basic coffee maker serves its inherent purpose well, special features and add-ons are what distinguish the high-quality machines from the basic ones. As Keurig manufactures over 130 products, it’s safe to say Keurig wins in the available add-ons department.

The Verismo V can, however, be paired with a Verismo Milk Frother to make unique drinks, enabling the user to become a barista at home. There is also a Verismo add-on that enhances the machine’s expresso-making capability.

Related Questions

How much does an owner of either system pay for K-Cups?

For a 72-count box of Verismo Pods, which is the standard size, one can expect to pay between $60 and $70. For either of the Keurig systems, the cost of an equal amount of cups is $30-$50.

Is a Verismo V a visually appealing coffee maker?

The Verismo V is a sleek, compact coffee maker that only comes in one color: black. Its color allows it to go well with any decor. The K-Elite, on the other hand, comes in Brushed Steel, Slate, or Gold, while the K-Mini Plus comes in Teal and Cardinal Red. The color of a coffee maker is often the last quality that prompts a buyer to purchase one.

Is a Verismo programmable?

One of the most popular features of the Keurig coffee maker is the ability to create a brewing program that delivers fresh, hot coffee at your preferred time every day. This feature helps to speed up the coffee-making process and allows you to have a cup of Joe ready first thing in the morning.Unfortunately, the Starbucks Verismo just doesn’t have this type of capability. The Verismo does not allow you to set a time to turn it on and start making your coffee automatically. While this is a non-issue for some consumers, it can be a deal-breaker for others who rely on their efficient morning routine.If you purchase the Verismo, be sure to adjust your morning routine effectively to accommodate the lack of available programming.

Which is better for a kitchen: a Verismo V or a K-Elite?

Either system works well in a kitchen, though the K-Elite takes up more counter space. The K-Elite’s noisiness does, however, get drowned out by louder appliances. Consult this post to see if your system’s noise problem is fixable.

In the end, the Verismo delivers a more refined coffee brewing experience than both Keurig models, but at the expense of the system being a lot tougher to take care of. Starbucks has also officially ceased production of the Verismo V, so getting a brand-new one is a lot harder these days.

Further comparing the Verismo to the Keurig, users will find both coffee makers have a large water reservoir that can be handy when making several cups of coffee in the morning. Both coffee makers are also very easy to maintain and require very little ongoing maintenance to keep the coffee machine in good working order.

However, the Verismo brews coffee much more quickly and gives the user options beyond simple drip coffee. Unfortunately, the Verismo cannot be programmed and lacks some of the efficiency that the Keurig boasts.

If you enjoy good coffee and you’re fine with spending less than two minutes waiting for it, you can’t go wrong with either Keurig model. Both systems perform well, offer a range of functions and features, and are built to last. Moreover, both are sold online and at select retailers.