There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time to brew a fresh pot before we hit the road. That’s where small appliances like the Keurig come in handy though. Designed to whip up a great-tasting mug of warm delight in just a few minutes, it’s hard to beat the convenience delivered by the popular brand. But Keurig isn’t the only name in town.
If you’ve got a lot of mugs to fill in the morning, or you think you could score a better deal by going with a non-Keurig model, we’re on your side! Here’s five Keurig alternatives for 2024 you can buy right now.
The best overall Keurig alternative
Nespresso Vertuo Next
- Brews in six different sizes
- Slim and compact design
- Recyclable capsules
- Lackluster water reservoir
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capsule type: | Vertuo Capsules |
| Brew sizes: | 5 – 18 ounces |
| Standout features: | Works with 40+ premium capsule blends |
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the ideal alternative to Keurig. Built around the Vertuo capsule lineup, you’ll have access to over 40 different drinks — all of which can be quickly brewed in just a few steps.
Regardless of what you like to drink, Nespresso has you covered. Its exclusive Vertuo capsule lineup features everything from dark, strong beverages to lighter blends and limited-edition experiments. To help you on your tasting journey, a “Welcome Kit” is included with your coffee maker, giving you a chance to test out some of their best blends.
With a slim design, recyclable capsules, and the option to brew 5 ounces to 18 ounces, there’s a lot to love about the Vertuo Next. Its 37-ounce water reservoir is smaller than some rivals, but it’s a worthy tradeoff for its slim profile and premium features.
The best budget-friendly Keurig alternative
Black + Decker Single Serve K-Cup Brewer
- Affordable
- Works with K-Cups
- Works with ground coffee
- Lacks premium features
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capsule type: | K-Cup |
| Brew sizes: | 6 – 10 ounces |
| Standout features: | Supports K-Cups and under $100 |
Clocking in at under $100, the Black + Decker Single Serve K-Cup Brewer is a reasonable alternative to Keurig. It even offers support for K-Cups, thanks to an included capsule holder. Not interested in K-Cups? Then you’ll be glad to know ground coffee is also supported.
Compact in size yet large enough to brew directly into your travel mug, it’s the perfect companion for those busy mornings before work. Its large 50-ounce reservoir means you won’t have to refill it very often, as it’ll get you up to seven cups of coffee before needing more water.
The Black + Decker Singler Serve K-Cup Brewer isn’t as fancy as some other brands (it doesn’t look quite as luxurious as other models, lacks smartphone support, and other premium features), but it’s a no-frills, affordable alternative to Keurig. Give it a closer look if you’re not a coffee aficionado and just need a warm brew before the sun comes up.
The best premium Keurig alternative
Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus
- Brews multiple drink types
- Works with Expert and Blue capsules
- Simple touch interface
- Expensive
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capsule type: | Lavazza Expert and Blue Capsules |
| Brew sizes: | 8 ounces |
| Standout features: | Brews coffee, expressos, lattes, and more |
If you need a premium brew that rivals (arguably outdoes) Keurig, the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is up to the task. Built to brew incredible drinks without any hassle, it’s a good option for folks with very particular tastes or with a discerning palate.
Compatible with the Lavazza Expert and Blue Capsules, you’ll have the option to brew tons of different drinks, including expressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and more. That makes it a great alternative to not just Keurig, but even Starbucks. That versatility makes it great for individuals with diverse tastes and large families with different drink preferences, allowing you to brew them all with a single, compact coffeemaker.
The Lavazza appliance isn’t cheap, but you’re getting plenty of useful features for your investment. Toss in a simple touchscreen interface and an easy-to-clean design, and it’s clear that the Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus is doing everything it can to justify its price.
The best Keurig alternative for grinding coffee beans
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker
- Stylish design
- Single-serve coffee maker
- Capable of grinding
- Large footprint
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capsule type: | K-Cup |
| Brew sizes: | 8 - 12 ounces |
| Standout features: | Includes a built-in grinder |
The Cuisinart Single Serve Coffeemaker is a great Keurig alternative since it’s fully compatible with K-Cups. But what really sets it apart from the competition is its powerful grinder, allowing you to grind your own beans and brew up your own drinks.
The left side of the coffeemaker is home to a massive conical burr mill that automatically grinds beans and stores them in the HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup. The container holds up to 100 grams of beans — and its airtight lid helps keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.
Of course, all these components mean the coffeemaker is a bit larger than others on this list. But if you’re interested in using K-Cups and grinding your own beans, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew is hard to beat.
The best Keurig alternative that supports K-Cups
Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Coffee Maker
- Supports K-Cups
- Built-in frother
- Streamlined design
- Quality control issues
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capsule type: | K-Cup |
| Brew sizes: | 6 - 12 ounces |
| Standout features: | Support for K-Cups and grounds |
The Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Coffee Maker is fully compatible with K-Cups, making it a good option if you just want a reliable coffee maker that doesn’t bear the Keurig name. However, it goes a step beyond simple K-Cup support, offering a built-in milk frother and the ability to brew grounds, making it a versatile companion for your countertop.
Part of what makes the Ninja coffeemaker so compelling is its support for K-Cups. That allows you to brew up everything available on a typical Keurig. So if you love the Keurig blends but aren’t a fan of their hardware, this is a good way to circumvent the issue. At the same time, Ninja added a milk frother to the coffee maker as well as support for brewing grounds — making it more capable than most products in the Keurig catalog.
While the vast majority of shoppers are well-served by the Ninja coffee maker, some users note serious issues with their device shortly after purchase. In most cases, you’ll be able to simply ship it back and get one without a defect — though note that quality control issues aren’t out of the picture. But since you’re getting loads of premium features for around $100, it might be worth the compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keurig is responsible for some of the best coffee makers, but it’s not the only brand in town. From Ninja to Cuisinart and Lavazza to Black + Decker, here’s how we picked the best Keurig alternatives.
- Compact: Most Keurig models are compact and fit into kitchens of all sizes. Alternatives need to be just as compact, offering a streamlined profile yet still carrying plenty of premium features.
- Easy to use: Another draw of Keurig machines is their intuitive design and simple operation. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds to brew a cup of coffee — and for those busy mornings or late nights, it’s arguably the most important feature. The five products above do much the same and make it easy to get your favorite drink without much work.
- Versatility: Whether you want to use your own grind or pick up K-Cups, the more versatility you have for brewing, the better. At the same time, it’s important to realize that sometimes Keurig doesn’t offer much flexibility with its machines (and it often results in an uneven experience). With that in mind, we looked for reliable products that produce a variety of high-quality beverages.
- Pricing: Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just need something to wake you up as fast as possible, there’s no denying that coffee makers can save you a bundle of cash compared to frequenting your local coffee shop. With that in mind, we chose products that are reliable and reasonably priced, ensuring you get an appliance that’ll help your wallet and provide years of hassle-free operation.
This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.
