Illy and Lavazza, which are considered to be the two most well-known brands of Italian coffee, can be purchased pretty much wherever that sells coffee. Both of these establishments provide great and traditional Italian coffee. Which of these two options should you choose then? In this post, we compare and contrast two of the most well-known coffee producers in Italy so that you may make an informed choice.
Before we get started, we feel it’s important to point out that neither option is inherently worse than the other, but individual preference and a few minor distinctions may lead you to choose one over the other. Both Illy and Lavazza are capable of delivering a flavorful cup of coffee for your morning routine, as well as an enjoyable espresso after supper. All right, let’s get started!
✅ Best Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee
100% Arabica Coffee: – Classico Medium Roast Composed of 9 of the finest Arabica coffee sources worldwide, Classico, Medium Roast is your classic roast coffee has a lingering sweetness and delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine.
✅ Best Lavazza Espresso Italiano Single-Serve Coffee K-Cups
Just really good coffee – Yet another wonderful product by Lavazza. This new K-Cup is very flavorful, the packaging is beautiful, and a wonderful addition to their product line. Also, their customer service was very responsive, friendly, and informative.
✅ Best 100% Arabica Bean Signature Italian Blend Roasted Coffee
Favorite Coffee Ever! – The dark roast is personal favorite, extremely smooth and delicious to the last drop, but still has the bold coffee flavor that associate with dark roasts. Price is comparable to other high-end brands of k-cup coffee, yet this still exactly the same as the whole bean and ground versions.
✅ Best Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
Rich and robust coffee – This coffee is certainly for everyone. It is a strong, dark roast coffee made up with a mixture of both arabica and robusta beans. Arabica beans tend to have a sweeter, softer taste, with tones of sugar, fruit, and berries.
Illy Overview
Francesco Illy established the Illy coffee business in Trieste, Italy, in 1933. The firm is still owned and operated by the Illy family. Coffee beans aren’t the only thing Illy is known for producing. Illy is known for producing high-quality coffee as well as a wide range of coffee-related products, including coffee makers, espresso machines, and other coffee-related accessories.
When it comes to coffee, the chances are good that Illy has what you’re searching for, whether it’s a certain origin or a specific roast that you’re after. They provide Arabica beans originating from all over the globe, such as South and Central American countries (such as Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala), as well as African countries (Ethiopia).
Because Illy normally roasts its beans to a level that is between between medium and extra dark, these beans are an excellent option for use in a French press, Moka pot, or standard espresso machine.
In addition, there is a subscription service that enables you to choose the sort of coffee that you want, as well as the frequency with which you want it delivered and the kind of coffee maker that you will use to produce your coffee. You are able to get coffee delivered to you that is ready to use with any way of brewing you like since all of these options integrate so well with Illy’s array of coffee makers.
Pros
- Good variety of origins
- Excellent variety of coffee makers
- Decent selection of roast levels
- Subscription service
- Whole bean, ground, or pods available
- Competitive prices
Cons
- No light roasts
- Relatively small selection of whole been options
- Uses exclusively Arabica
Lavazza Overview
Lavazza, much like Illy, has been run by the same family since the company first opened its doors in 1895. Since its founding in Turin, Italy, more than a century ago by Luigi Lavazza, the Lavazza firm has been manufacturing high-quality coffee continuously since that time.
Coffee beans are sourced from South and Central America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras), Africa (Uganda), Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States by Lavazza, which imports coffee from all over the globe. The company sells a variety of Arabica and Robusta mixes, which gives its products a somewhat more specific focus than those of Illy.
In conclusion, Lavazza is pleased to announce that it has established itself as a frontrunner among its peers in the race to develop and promote environmentally responsible manufacturing methods for coffee. This dedication to creating wonderful coffee in a responsible manner is symptomatic of a forward-thinking corporate approach that pledges to maintain producing outstanding coffee for the next one hundred years.
Pros
- Single-origin and blends available
- Impressive selection of whole bean coffee
- Nice variety of roast levels
- Offers Robusta-Arabica blends
- Focus on sustainability
Cons
- Not many pre-ground options
- Non-standard roasting level
- Small selection of coffee makers
Taste/Flavor Profile
Edge: Lavazza
Taste is a highly individual experience, and it is totally up to you to choose which kind of coffee you like most. Having said that, there are several key distinctions between Illy and Lavazza that you should be aware of before making your choice.
When it comes to the flavour, the easiest way to determine which one you’ll like is to know what sort of coffee you enjoy in general. This is because the taste of different coffees may vary greatly. Lavazza is a great choice if you prefer a stronger cup of coffee since their beans extract more flavour. They provide a number of different blends, and one of those mixes is made with robusta beans, which ensures a robust and flavorful cup of coffee.
If you want a greater option of roast levels, Lavazza is a terrific alternative for you to go with. Customers are of the opinion that their light to medium-light roast is their entry-level offering, despite the fact that they use an unconventional roasting scale.
Illy does not employ Robusta beans, and their coffee selection does not include a roast level that is appropriately mild. Simply due to the fact that there isn’t much of a variety, we have to give the advantage to Lavazza. However, Illy produces some wonderful coffee, and the Illy or Lavazza bean that gives you the most satisfaction might very well be the source of the coffee you like the most. If you are wondering which company to go with, Lavazza is the superior option since they provide a larger range of roasts and a greater number of options overall.
Quality vs. Price
Edge: Illy
This part will remain regarding the pricing of the coffee by itself so that everything is clear and easy to understand. Illy offers more coffee at a lesser price than Lavazza does, despite the fact that both brands have comparable pricing points. Due to the consistently high quality across the board, Illy is the superior option in terms of value per unit of measurement.
The exceptional quality of Lavazza’s coffee does, however, result in a marginal rise in the beverage’s retail cost. Lavazza is a good option to go with if you want high-quality coffee made from whole beans, since that is their specialty. But even if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, Illy’s coffee won’t put you into debt.
Coffee Makers/Accessories
Edge: Illy
This is when Illy really comes into her own. On the website of Illy, customers have a staggering fifty distinct options for coffee machines to pick from. There is the traditional drip coffee maker, as well as the espresso machine, the Moka pot, the French press, and the milk frother, and the list could go on. The bottom line is that whether it be a coffee machine or an accessory, there is a strong possibility that Illy sells whatever it is that you are searching for. Combine this with the fact that you can buy Illy coffee particularly roasted for the brewing technique of your choice, and it becomes clear that Illy truly shines in this regard.
In contrast, Lavazza doesn’t even come close to meeting the lofty standards that Illy has established. On their website, you may choose between two different espresso machines. That sums it up well. The decision is clear: go with Illy if you want access to a number of different options as well as a comprehensive range of brewers and equipment from a single supplier.
Subscription Service
Edge: Illy
As of the time this article was written, Lavazza does not provide a subscription service, making this a simple decision. The subscription service offered by Illy gives you the option to choose the coffee you desire as well as the frequency with which you want it delivered. In addition, you have the option of purchasing either whole beans, already ground coffee, or a specific pod that can be inserted into any one of their various coffee makers. Do you prefer to grind your coffee beans just before you pour the water over them? You may purchase beans in their complete form. Would you like a coarse or fine grind for your espresso? Without a doubt. The selection is almost limitless, and the ease of having coffee sent to your doorstep on a predetermined timetable is the only thing that can compare to it.
Illy vs Lavazza: Which is right for you?
In general, we believe that Illy comes out ahead of Lavazza by a very little margin. Nevertheless, the category results shown before may give the impression that it is an easier decision than it really is. Lavazza is ahead of the competition when it comes to the range and quality of the various roasts that are offered. Even after taking into account all of the advantages and disadvantages, Illy comes out on top. This is an extremely significant point. The comprehensive selection of coffee machines and accessories offered by Illy, in addition to the company’s subscription service, positions it as the front-runner in our estimation. Illy is a one-stop shop, and what takes it over the top is the added convenience of having coffee that has been brewed especially for the equipment that they sell.
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