What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tassimo vs Keurig ?
1. Drink Variety?
Tassimo:
Tassimo's claim to fame is the consistency of the drinks based on their unique bar code technology that calibrates the machine to the perfect water temperature, pressure and drink size. If you have a sleepy brain in the morning, never fear the Tassimo does all the work for you, just remember to put a mug under the spout! The Tassimo also has the built in ability to steam and froth milk from the real milk t-discs, so this is the machine for making cappuccinos and lattes. Brand variety is limited to a handful. Drink choices include more than 40 varieties of Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, Latte, Espresso, Iced Coffee and real Milk Creamers.
Keurig:
Keurig is King for variety with over 200 different k-cups in Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa, Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, and Apple Cider in a wide selection of brands. The Keurig does not have the ability to froth or steam, however you can buy seperate attachments to handle frothing and still enjoy cappacinos and lattes. If you enjoy flavored coffees and teas you'll find just about everything you'd want in a k-cup.
2. Which Handles Big Cups?
Tassimo:
Drink size is determined from the bar code on the drink t-disc, however at the end of the drink cycle you have the option to add more water manually to your cup. The t-discs are optimized for consistency so adding water manually will result in a weaker drink.
Keurig:
Choose from 5 options for cup sizes before brewing. 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz and 12 oz. Experiment with the k-cups to find your perfect size beverage setting. From what I can tell there is no option to add additional water without running a second cycle.
3. What about the Water Tank?
Tassimo:
61 fl oz tank fit with a Mavea Maxtra water filter, but the unit will run just fine without the filter in place. The water tank is set in the back of the machine, which means you must pull the machine away from the wall for refills. This does, however save on precious counter real estate. The sleeker design is more attractive in my opinion.
Keurig:
60 oz water tank mounted on the side for easier refills. The side tank does mean it will take up a bit more counter space. No built in filter option.
4. Programmable?
Tassimo:
Nope, the machine reads the bar code on the t-disc to get all the information it needs to brew a consistent drink. No brain power of your own required. However, you do have a manual over ride to add more water at the end of the cycle. No clock.
Keurig:
Yes. You can select water temperature, automatic start and 1 of 5 cup sizes (see 2nd bullet). It also has a digital clock.
5. DIY drinks?
Tassimo:
No refillable options for t-discs. Although you are able to insert the cleaning disc and get hot water for use with your own teas, which I do quite often. Instant hot water is a very nice feature.
Keurig:
Yes you can make your own k-cups by buying a refillable k-cup kit. People who enjoy grinding their own beans, really love this option. This was one of the most positive aspects that was pulling me from Tassimo.
