If you are like me, then you are a coffee nut. I’m like a kid who gets a whiff of chocolate cake in the bakery, except it is coffee that does it for me. And it is this passion of mine that has led me to learn about the different types of coffee out there. Today I want to talk about the single serve coffee brewing. You know this is the option you turn to when you want that afternoon cup of joe but no one else shares your interest. This is when you start thinking about either a K-cups or a coffee pod. But wait! Are these the same things we are talking about.
NO! There is a big difference between the two. First off, you can’t use K-cups in a coffee machine that brews for coffee pods, but you can’t do the reverse either. Does that mean you need to buy different coffee machines just to have the different types of coffee you want? No. There is an option out there for you. You could opt to buy a machine that brews both K-cups coffee and pods. But probably the best thing you can do is to learn the difference between coffee pods and K-cups so you can decide which one you prefer.
The Difference
Even though both products look similar, they differ in their packaging. The cup comes in a cartridge or plastic cup, and the pod comes in a thin paper filter bag, sort of like a tea bag.
The brewing process is also different. The cup needs a needle to puncture the top foil before the machine adds the water. On the other hand, the pod works much the way regular coffee brewing works. You simply place the pod in the appropriate container and wait for it to brew.
Which System Is Better?
If you haven’t tried them both, you should, as this will help you determine which option you like best. Even so here are the advantages and disadvantages to each product.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the K-cup
This product offers a huge variety of coffee blends and flavors. There are even products that are less expensive than others. So neither the flavor, nor the price is really an issue here. I would have to say that a distinct advantage here is the convenience, because you don’t have to worry about clean up with a cup. You just stick it in the machine and throw the cup away when you are finished brewing.
Now for the disadvantage. It is worth mentioning that the cup is higher priced than the coffee pod. This can certainly be a problem for the coffee lover as you only get one cup of coffee for each k-cup. Plus, I have to say that some brands just aren’t as rich and flavorful as others. So you have to do quite a bit of shopping to find the perfect k-cup product. Another disadvantage here is that the k-cup is not eco-friendly. It is a plastic container, and these containers are adding up, so if you are living the GREEN lifestyle, this may not be the option for you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of The Coffee Pod
A distinct advantage here is simple paper packaging. This gives the brewing process a better coffee extraction method. It also offers more of that rich aroma we coffee lovers want. A good coffee pod also produces less waste and trash and is not so detrimental to the environment.
The problem here is that there are fewer pod brewing coffee machines available on the market. And if you buy your coffee in the grocery store, you may have problems finding the pods.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you are a true coffee lover and enjoy the rich aroma of brewing coffee, the answer is simple, choose the pod. So what if you can’t find a zillion flavors. Most of those flavors are artificial anyway. A good pod offers great aroma and outstanding flavor.
On the other hand, if you are always rushed for time, but want a good cup of coffee in the office or to take with you, then the cup is the solution. Some coffee lovers keep both options on hand and use the appropriate type of coffee for the specific situation they face.
