20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Single Cup Coffee
Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?
When it comes to making coffee there are a lot of options. Which one is right for you?
Single cup coffee makers are simple and can be operated with one button. The machines use capsules or pods from the stores (like K-Cups), to make the beverage you want. These are usually made of aluminum or plastic and could cause serious waste.
1. Simple to use
Single-cup coffee makers are great for those who want an espresso in a hurry but don't need a larger coffee maker. They are simple to use, and they offer a variety of brewing options for different tastes. They require less space on the counter than a traditional coffee maker. This is an advantage for kitchens with small spaces.
The majority of the models we tested can brew ground coffee or pre-portioned capsules, pods, or pods from a retailer. The pods, which are tiny cups made of plastic or aluminum are filled with pre-measured coffee grounds as well as filters built-in. They're easy to use and less expensive than buying whole beans, but they can be pricey in the long run. Many manufacturers make reused filters that can be used in conjunction with their pods. They can be recycled filters.
Some machines can also make cold coffee, and some also have milk-frothing attachments to cappuccinos or lattes. Others like our top pick can brew tea and coffee. We evaluated the models based on their performance, durability easy installation and breakdown, aesthetics, and included warranties to help us find the top single-cup brewers.
Ultimately, our top pick stood out from the crowd because of its straightforward design, multiple options for brewing and its simple one-touch operation. It produced the hottest coffee of all, allowed for different brewing sizes, and was the simplest model to clean.
This model also has a built in grinder, which was the most useful feature of the single cup brewers we tried. It could grind regular and dark roast beans to the same level of fineness, and was extremely quiet when operating. We also found it to be the most durable machine we've tested, and its compact footprint made it easy to stash in a small space.
One final note: Although it's great that single-cup brewers can be used with both grounds and pods however, we wouldn't recommend them to anyone looking to make their own reusable pods. They are typically made up of aluminum and plastic which can wear out the heating element of the machine over time. However, you can buy coffee bags that are a mixture of filter paper and plant-based materials, which is a much greener alternative.
2. Easy to clean
A single cup coffee maker uses pre-portioned ground or whole bean coffee, along with an evaporator to create one cup of fresh brew. Most models utilize pods which are small aluminum or plastic cups that have ground coffee that has been pre-portioned and has a built-in filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene, which is recyclable. However, you should inquire with your local recycling facility if this material is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made from aluminum and are also usually recyclable.
3. Less expensive than other coffee makers
Coffee is a beloved beverage, but there's no need to shell out money for a large brewing system. Single-serve coffee brewers, like the Keurig are a great way to make an instant cup for yourself or a colleague. They also come with the benefit of being a great way for people to gather together and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The majority of single-serve systems utilize pre-portioned ground coffee in small aluminum or plastic pods that come with a built-in filter, which makes the process fast and simple. These single-use pods can be useful, but they also cost more than using your own beans and cause plenty of waste. Companies such as Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others offer a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups which are both affordable and eco-friendly.
You can also make use of your own ground coffee and filters that are reusable to replace the pre-portioned pods that are used in single-serve coffee makers. single pod coffee will eliminate the need to purchase and get rid of single-use pods. This method can take a little longer but it will save you money over the long run. Additionally it allows you to select your own coffee, rather than having to stick to the same brand each time.
It is important to think about the amount of coffee you consume frequently and whether the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you drink lots of coffee and often rush out the door with a mug in one hand, it might be worthwhile to invest in a single-serve brewer.
If you only drink a few cups of coffee a day, it might be worth investing in a drip or percolator machine that can handle large amounts at once. This will give you to choose a variety of flavors and avoid having to throw out stale or burned coffee.