# Keurig goes DRM. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 4, 2014, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820 "2014-03-04T12:58:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/61 "2014-03-07T19:49:42Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > 170 variations on pre-ground coffee isn’t what I’d call much of a selection. > > But you’ve hit the nail on the head: K-coffee is “good enough” for many drinkers. I just wonder how many would continue considering it good enough if they fully analyzed the cost against other factors. Paying $1 a cup for meh coffee adds up, both ways. I enjoy the coffee just fine and the cost is absolutely reasonable given the amount I drink. I’m not stupid in how I spend my money, nor do I have a poor palate, so perhaps your posts shouldn’t suggest that. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/62 "2014-03-07T21:06:56Z")
> [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](#): > > If I use the French press I have more than 170 varieties to choose from. And I can taste the difference, an I don’t think I’m a coffee geek either. Awesome, dude. And when they come up with a French press I can operate with one hand, is ready to drink in 30 seconds, only leaves the cup to clean, doesn’t need me to mess with boiling water and doesn’t require me to pour or dispose of loose coffee grounds, I will totally enjoy the full range of French press coffee on a daily basis. But for the weekday mad dash out the door? My Keurig produces a drinkable cup, and is MUCH cheaper than Starbucks. ---
**Author:** ![Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e47c2d/32.png) [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/63 "2014-03-08T02:52:51Z")
I don’t use the French press. I use the DRM-free Keurig, with refillable cups. I was responding to the claim that a subset of all the coffee in the world somehow doesn’t merit the term “limited” ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/64 "2014-03-08T04:25:48Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Preach it, brother! I tell my wife that she doesn’t like coffee, she likes the _idea_ of coffee. My brother and his wife were at Starbucks and she ordered a decaf mocha. He asked her why she didn’t just order a hot chocolate. I use the Keurig at work to make hot water. I then mix in Aldi instant, which is pretty good for an instant, and very cheap. Keurig’s coffee gives me bowel distress and smells stale. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/65 "2014-03-08T17:10:39Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > I’m not stupid in how I spend my money, nor do I have a poor palate, so perhaps your posts shouldn’t suggest that. I didn’t. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/66 "2014-03-08T17:23:43Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > I didn’t. Really? > [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > 170 variations on pre-ground coffee isn’t what I’d call much of a selection. > > But you’ve hit the nail on the head: **K-coffee is “good enough” for many drinkers**. I just wonder how many would continue considering it good enough if they **fully analyzed the cost against other factors**. Paying $1 a cup for **meh coffee** adds up, both ways. “good enough” in quotes, indicating that you don’t see this as positive. “meh coffee”- if you enjoy it you don’t know any better because it’s not good. “If they fully analyzed the cost” meaning that if you don’t think it’s expensive you just haven’t looked carefully enough. You clearly think people who drink K-cup coffee are wasting their money and settling for or enjoying an inferior product. Don’t pretend that’s not what you’re saying. Frankly, it’s insulting to those who do factor in the cost and find it acceptable and enjoy what their drinking. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/67 "2014-03-08T18:51:18Z")
Maybe I should have emphasized “I” more. But that’s another story. It has nothing to do with Keurig or coffee specifically; I take issue with pretty much all products driven entirely by their marketing, which means I end up facing off with the people who are now highly defensive about having bought the marketing along with the disposable 5-bladed floor-sweeper coffeemaking convenience. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/68 "2014-03-08T20:32:05Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > Maybe I should have emphasized “I” more. But that’s another story. > > It has nothing to do with Keurig or coffee specifically; I take issue with pretty much all products driven entirely by their marketing, which means I end up facing off with the people who are now highly defensive about having bought the marketing along with the disposable 5-bladed floor-sweeper coffeemaking convenience. > > 🙂 Wow. You just can’t help yourself, can you. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2014, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/69 "2014-03-08T20:45:49Z")
He really can’t. It’s very important for Amateur Barbarian to make it clear that he _is_ smarter than you. Frankly, I think it must be very tiring to always be outraged about nutella and bitcoins and razorblades and coffee but I guess if it keeps him busy… ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/70 "2014-03-09T02:06:04Z")
> [@GreasyJack](#): > > No, the Keurig actually forces hot water through the cup under pressure. It’s way less pressure than an espresso machine, but uses kind of the same idea where forcing the water through speeds up extraction. Thanks! Ignorance fought. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/71 "2014-03-09T04:14:21Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > \[1\]([Amazon.com: AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso-style Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, & Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker: French Presses: Home & Kitchen](http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1393878670&sr=8-8&keywords=bialetti)) > > (While my Keurig has had problems, they’ve been simple to fix.) So, somewhat coincidentally, my french press broke and I figured I’d pick up an AeroPress and give it a try. It’s pretty neat. The super-concentrated stuff that comes right out of it is really delicious, and diluting it to make “american coffee” it really does make a pretty nice single cup of coffee. Way less harsh than french press coffee. It kind of strikes me that the AeroPress works on a similar principle as the Keurig, using a little bit of pressure to speed up extraction. The “american coffee” I’ve made with it actually does taste quite a bit like the stuff the Keurig makes. The cleanup is pretty fast with it since you can eject the grounds in a puck, but otherwise it seems to be a comparable amount of work to a french press. I’m definitely impressed with it, but I don’t think it’s going to replace the Keurig in the lazy low-yield coffee niche. * * * 1. The AeroPress is very nice . . . ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/72 "2014-03-09T04:34:58Z")
Although I also came to the conclusion that the best appliance we have in the house for making 180-ish degree water for the AeroPress is… the Keurig! It even dispenses just about the right amount of water on the small setting. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/73 "2014-03-09T11:51:56Z")
Do Nespresso machines/pods not exist in the US? They’re huge here, make excellent coffee (so good I’ve seen cafes and restaurants using them) and there are people making “third party” capsules compatible with the system. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/74 "2014-03-09T13:29:02Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > Do Nespresso machines/pods not exist in the US? They’re huge here, make excellent coffee (so good I’ve seen cafes and restaurants using them) and there are people making “third party” capsules compatible with the system. They’re apparently just being introduced. I’ve only very recently seen ads and signs in store windows for them. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/75 "2014-03-09T13:45:45Z")
> [@GreasyJack](#): > > So, somewhat coincidentally, my french press broke and I figured I’d pick up an AeroPress and give it a try. It’s pretty neat. The super-concentrated stuff that comes right out of it is really delicious, and diluting it to make “american coffee” it really does make a pretty nice single cup of coffee. Way less harsh than french press coffee. > > It kind of strikes me that the AeroPress works on a similar principle as the Keurig, using a little bit of pressure to speed up extraction. The “american coffee” I’ve made with it actually does taste quite a bit like the stuff the Keurig makes. The cleanup is pretty fast with it since you can eject the grounds in a puck, but otherwise it seems to be a comparable amount of work to a french press. I’m definitely impressed with it, but I don’t think it’s going to replace the Keurig in the lazy low-yield coffee niche. When traveling abroad I get a kick out of the term “American coffee”/cafe americano. I usually order espresso in those situations knowing it will be excellent. (Similarly, in a restaurant I initially was perplexed when I wanted water and the waitperson asked “still?”. Yes, I still want water. . .then the waitperson said, “flat?”. Ohhhhhh. . . Still/flat = non carbonated!!!) ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/76 "2014-03-09T14:08:39Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > Do Nespresso machines/pods not exist in the US? They’re huge here, make excellent coffee (so good I’ve seen cafes and restaurants using them) and there are people making “third party” capsules compatible with the system. They have been around for quite some time. Usually at higher end kitchen supply stores in malls. Usually set up for samples if you ask. ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/77 "2014-03-09T14:10:27Z")
Forgive my ignorance, but the K pods only have instant coffee inside dont they? Not ground? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/78 "2014-03-09T14:13:00Z")
> [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > Forgive my ignorance, but the K pods only have instant coffee inside dont they? Not ground? Nope, it’s ground coffee. The “pod” is heavier after than before use. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/79 "2014-03-09T14:13:08Z")
> [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > Forgive my ignorance, but the K pods only have instant coffee inside dont they? Not ground? By K pods do you mean K cups, that go in a Keurig? If so, no it’s not instant. It’s ground coffee that gets water under pressure forced through. ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820/80 "2014-03-09T14:18:03Z")
Have you ever looked inside one after its been “brewed”? what’s in there? I just dont like the general idea of the waste of the plastic “cups”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keurig-goes-drm/682820.md?page=5)