Overview of the Brand Illy

Francesco Illy founded illycaffè in 1933.  His 1935 invention of the illetta, considered the blueprint for modern espresso machines, revolutionized coffee preparation.  The brand name “Illy” was coined from the surname of the founder of the company which is currently under the management of Andrea Illy who represents the third generation of family leadership.

Illy is one of the most popular Italian coffee brands in the world today and is also the world’s first coffee company to receive Responsible Supply Chain certification.

The company produces its signature, superior-quality blend of coffee in three different roasts; regular, dark roast, and decaf. Also, Illy offers single-origin Arabica beans that are sourced from six countries: Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and Costa Rica.Illy’s coffee is now present in more than 140 countries.

Illy coffee is delivered as pre-ground coffee, whole beans, iperEspresso capsules, and E.S.E. espresso coffee pods. Further, Illy’s pre-ground coffee is packed in steel containers, pressurized with inert gas, rather than air, to keep the coffee fresher for longer.The original Illy’s blend is 100% Arabica, but the exact components are unknown. Their coffee is stored in 3-kilograms steel cans and Methylene Chloride is used to replace the oxygen in the can.

Pros & Cons

Notable Products

1.Illy Classico Ground Espresso

Classico, classic roast coffee has a lingering sweetness and delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine.This coffee is Medium roasted and grounded ideally. One of the greatest things about this is the fact that this coffee has hints of chocolate to enhance the flavor of your espresso.

2.Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee

Considering that this coffee is made of 100% Arabica seeds, it’s safe to say that this is probably the best Illy coffee. It gives a perfectly blended and smooth flavor to your beverage. It also has an embedded taste of chocolate and caramel that sets the taste just right.

3.Illy Ground Moka Classico Coffee

This one is made of the 9 finest coffee sources. It is a medium roast and has a host of delicate aromas and sweetness. And what’s more, a lot of Illy coffee reviews rate this product as one of the best. And that’s understandable – the subtle notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and caramel make this java very delicious, with taste that will leave you speechless.

>>Click here to buy Illy

Saving Tip:  If you want to buy coffee on Illy,don't forget to sign up at Extrabux.com！(What is Extrabux),then you can enjoy Up to 6% super cash back on your order from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus!  

Overview of the Brand Lavazza

Established in Italy, in 1895 Lavazza is one of the oldest coffee brands. And ever since it was beloved among many people.Like Illy, Lavazza has been a family-owned business since its founding. Lavazza is the seventh ranking coffee roaster in the world and has a 36% market share of sales in Italy.

Lavazza imports coffee from around the world and uses beans from South and Central America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras), Africa (Uganda), Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. The brand has a number of Arabica/Robusta blends, making their offerings slightly more specialized than Illy’s.

Like Illy, Lavazza offers their coffee as whole beans, pre-ground coffee, and coffee pods.The ideal grinding (not too fine nor too coarse) is designed to always result in a perfect espresso. Its characteristic taste makes this a traditional Italian product.

Pros & Cons

Notable Products

1.Lavazza Super Crema

Almost every Lavazza coffee review agreed that Super Crema is the best Lavazza coffee. Super Crema blend offers a full body and a precise taste experience, with notes of roasted hazelnut and brown sugar, and all the harmony of Italian espresso.

2.Lavazza Qualità Rossa

A unique blend of Robusta and Arabica beans featuring an aromatic, smooth, well-rounded flavour. A versatile coffee, great with or without milk.

3.Lavazza Gold Selection Whole Bean

With hints of honey and almond, Gold Selection contains a fine variety of washed Arabica hand- picked in the highlands of Central and South America, carefully blended with washed and semi- washed Robusta. 

>>Click here to buy Lavazza

Shopping on Lavazza and you can get 11% super cash back from Extrabux.

Illy vs. Lavazza: Comparison Side by Side

1.Beans Used

While both Illy and Lavazza use coffee from various countries from different parts of the world, each company seems to have a preference for certain types of coffee beans.

Illy - Illy gets its reputation as a top manufacturer of premium coffee mostly from the fact that their signature coffee blend is made from 100% Arabica bean but the precise constituent of the blend being a closely guarded secret.

Lavazza - Lavazza used a blend of Arabica and Robusta. 

2.Taste/Flavor 

Taste is a very personal experience, and what coffee you prefer is entirely up to you. That being said, there are a few differences between Illy and Lavazza that can help inform your decision.

Illy - With Illy coffee, you can expect to get a slightly acidic and sharp aroma which is at least a step above what you get from coffee from other top brands. When it comes to the flavor, with Illy you get somewhat balanced and mellow flavors.

Lavazza - When using Lavazza coffee, you get a big and deep taste given the Arabica and Robusta blend. Also, the coffee will be characterized by a warm color and a golden cream and the aroma will have notes of dried fruit and chocolate. Generally, Lavazza coffee is full, smooth and it also has a peaty flavor that is derived from the medium roasted beans.

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, you’re better off going with Lavazza. They have several blends that use robusta beans as part of the mix, and this will guarantee a strong, bold cup.

3.Quality & Price

Illy has more coffee at a lower price than Lavazza, although the two are priced similarly. The overall quality across all offerings means that pound for pound, Illy is the better value.

Lavazza does have some great coffee, but the quality comes with a slight increase in price. If you’re looking for a premium, whole bean coffee, you’ll probably be happy with Lavazza. But if you’re on a budget, Illy’s coffee won’t break the bank.

4.Coffee Makers/Accessories

Illy - Illy has about 50 different coffee machines. This brand has espresso machines, French presses, Moka Pots, drip brewers, and many more. 

Lavazza - Lavazza offers only two espresso machines.

5.Coffee Packaging

Illy -  Illy seems to pay more attention to the packaging as their coffee is usually packed in pressurized and air-free steel canisters finished with a metal seal. Also, the coffee is preserved by substituting oxygen inside the canister with methylene chloride.

Lavazza - Lavazza, on the other hand, uses both paper and steel canister to package their coffee. Their canisters are also pressurized and air-free to preserve coffee's freshness while the coffee in papers is vacuum-packed also to preserve its freshness.

6.Coffee Products Available

Illy -  Illy has 5 different kinds of products in the market which are whole coffee beans, ground coffee, k-cup pods, E.S.E pods, and capsules. And each of these products is further available in different categories. For example, their whole beans are available in 7 types based on their roast and origin.

Lavazza - Lavazza has made 4 main categories of coffee which are whole beans coffee, ground coffee, instant coffee, and espresso coffee capsules.Like Illy, Lavazza also has different products under the four categories. For example, for whole beans, they have Qualita Rossa that is a blend of Arabica and Robusta and Lavazza Caffe Espresso which is 100% Arabica.

Comparison Chart

Which One is Better? 

Given that there is no single coffee brand that will be best for everyone, your specific preferences and tastes as an individual should guide you when picking between Illy and Lavazza.

Whether to choose Illy or Lavazza, all comes down to what you look for in a coffee. If you want a more potent and strong taste – Lavazza is your choice. But if you’re a fan of a more light, smooth taste, consider Illy.

Alternative Brands to Consider

• Danesi Coffee: Danesi is another great Italian coffee brand. A lot of coffee brand reviews praise Danesi for it’s amazing rich taste. This is also a rather famous and old brand, with over a century of experience in the coffee industry.

• Lollo Caffe: Lollo is one of the biggest and greatest roasting companies. It will surely give you espresso you will enjoy! 

• Kimbo: Known for an amazing Neapolitan espressos, Kimbo has been giving an amazing coffee-drinking experience for over 50 years.

• Caffe Musetti: Caffe Musetti promises you the ambiance of a cafe within the comfort of your home. And you won’t be disappointed.

• Quarta Caffe: Founded by Luigi Musetti, this famous brand produces one of the best artisan java. What’s more, all their beverages have a Certified Speciality Coffee label, which just speaks for itself about the high quality of this product.

• Pellini: Another great Italian brand that you can try out as an alternative to Lavazza or Illy. This company was founded in 1922 and has been giving amazing coffee ever since. If you want a tried and true rich taste of java – this is a good option to consider.

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

B&H Photo Video, Dyson, Woodland Direct, Ooni UK, Bed Bath and Beyond, TUSHY, Zoro, Anthropologie, 4seating.com, GDF Studio, simplehuman, Appliance Parts Pros, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)