Compare the true cost of how you brew coffee

Pods vs bean-to-cup, bulk brew, and espresso. See when lines cross and savings add up over time.

Inputs · Compare methods

Methods to compare

One-touch convenience

Bulk home brewing

Espresso

Per-method settings

Better home setups often mean fewer shop visits. Adjust if needed.

Pod style

Better home setups often mean fewer shop visits. Adjust if needed.

Results · Cumulative brewing cost

Cumulative brewing cost includes upfront machine cost at the start, plus ongoing home and shop costs over time.

Key insight

Bean-to-cup (super-automatic) pays for its higher machine cost after ~1.9 years, then saves $366 per year in ongoing costs, and you would buy about 2 fewer coffee shop drinks per month.

End of 5-year comparison

Bean-to-cup (super-automatic)

Rank #1

#1

$3,090

Total brewing cost

Machine
$800
Home ongoing
$1,690
$/drink
$0.82
Shop ongoing
$600

Pre-packaged pods

Rank #2

#2

$4,240

Total brewing cost

Machine
$120
Home ongoing
$2,920
$/drink
$1.09
Shop ongoing
$1,200