Keurig vs Bartesian: Which One Wins?
When it comes to single-serve pod machines for coffee versus cocktails, the clear winner is the Keurig. With a more affordable price point, cheaper pods, and wider functionality, the Keurig edges out the competition. However, the Bartesian still fills an important niche for cocktail lovers. So which one is right for you? Let‘s explore the key differences.
First, what exactly are these products? The Keurig utilizes small plastic pods, called K-cups, filled with coffee grounds to brew fresh, customized cups of joe. The Bartesian takes a similar pod approach but for cocktails – its capsules contain mixes, syrups, bitters and juices to create bar-quality drinks with the alcohol of your choice.
Both models offer speed and simplicity for their target beverage. But there are some major differences under the hood.
Keurig vs. Bartesian: A Side-by-Side Analysis
To start, let‘s look at some key specs that differentiate the Keurig and Bartesian:
| Keurig | Bartesian | |
|---|---|---|
| Year invented | 1998 | 2014 |
| Manufacturer | Keurig Dr Pepper (U.S.) | Hamilton Beach Brands (U.S.) |
| Price range | $60-$250 per machine | $250-$450 per machine |
| Pod price range | $0.40-$1.25 per pod | $2.25-$2.50 per pod |
| Drink brands offered | Starbucks, Dunkin‘, Panera, +100 more | Bartesian-branded only |
| Beverage types | Coffee, tea, cocoa, cold brew, lemonade, fruit drinks | Cocktails only |
| Revenue | $12.7 billion (Keurig Dr Pepper 2021) | $100 million (Bartesian 2021) |
As you can see, Keurig has been around for over 20 years longer than the Bartesian, enjoys greater household brand awareness, and offers far more variety in beverage selection. Bartesian on the other hand is limited to cocktails only.
Now let‘s analyze those key differences in greater detail:
Price: Keurig Wins
The most budget-friendly Keurig model starts around $60, whereas Bartesian machines begin at $250. And when you calculate the per-pod price, Keurig remains the cheaper option too. Even premium K-cups max out around $1.25 each, while Bartesian cocktail pods cost $2.25 apiece at a minimum.
If you‘re someone who just wants a simple daily cup of coffee, Keurig provides better value. The Bartesian appeals more to cocktail aficionados willing to pay a premium for specialty drinks.
Beverage Variety: Keurig Wins
Keurig machines can produce everything from black coffee to cappuccinos to hot cocoa. Models like the K-Cafe brew regular coffee, espresso shots, lattes, cappuccinos and more through the same machine.
With over 100 partner brands – from Starbucks to Dunkin‘ Donuts – Keurig allows you to enjoy popular specialty drinks in the comfort of home.
The Bartesian, on the other hand, solely creates cocktails according to bartender recipes. The drink options are still impressive with margaritas, old fashioneds, martinis and more. But it doesn‘t have nearly the flexibility of the Keurig.
If you like to kick back with a wide range of hot and cold beverages throughout the day, Keurig is the move. For cocktail-focused gatherings, Bartesian takes the crown.
Accessibility: Keurig Wins
You can find Keurig machines and K-cups at just about any large retailer – think Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond. Bartesian is harder to come by in-store and primarily sells direct-to-consumer online.
Thanks to its longer history and Dr. Pepper corporate backing, Keurig has wider availability across the U.S. Bartesian just started selling in national chains like Macy‘s and Best Buy over the past couple years.
For shoppers who value convenience and in-store purchasing, Keurig is the easier option to buy. But the Bartesian website does offer fast shipping if you don‘t mind ordering online.
Branded Drinks: Toss Up
Do you care about sipping on Starbucks, Dunkin‘ or other name brand drinks without leaving home? Then Keurig is ideal.
Prefer the taste of unique craft cocktails not found in stores? Go for the Bartesian‘s special libations.
Both machines attempt to recreate the experience of buying those beverages from a cafe or bar. For brand name recognition, Keurig wins. But Bartesian takes the trophy for exclusive artisanal flavor you can‘t get elsewhere.
environmental Impact: Toss Up
Here‘s an unfortunate truth about both systems – they produce significant plastic waste from all those spent pods. Neither offers an eco-friendly solution, although Keurig is actively trying to improve pod recycling.
Until biodegradable pods become mainstream, these single-serve machines aren‘t great for the environment. For now it‘s a draw. But the conscientious consumer may want to opt for a traditional drip coffee machine or cocktail shaker instead.
Ease of Use: Draw
Good news – Keurigs and Bartesian machines are both incredibly simple to operate.
To brew a drink, just insert a pod, fill the reservoir with water (plus milk or alcohol if needed), select your options like cup size or strength, and press start. Cleaning is also straightforward with removable parts.
Both provide an enjoyable level of push-button convenience for their target beverages. It‘s a tie when it comes to user friendliness.
The Bottom Line
So who‘s the real winner between Keurig and Bartesian?
If price and drink versatility matter most, go with Keurig. You‘ll get the widest range of beverage choices for the least amount of money upfront.
But for cocktail enthusiasts willing to invest in a specialized machine, the Bartesian whips up bartender-level drinks in seconds.
Ultimately, it comes down to matching these appliances with your habits and priorities. Love morning coffee and keeping costs low? Keurig it is. Want to entertain guests with craft cocktails? Bartesian is your match.
While Keurig edges out overall due to broader functionality, the right choice depends on you. Both models succeed in delivering convenience and quality for their target beverage. Once you know which one aligns with your lifestyle, it‘ll be smooth sipping from there!