15 Reasons To Not Ignore Single Cup Coffee
Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?
There are many options available when it comes to brewing coffee. Which one is best for you?
Single cup coffee makers offer convenience at the touch of a button. The machines use store-bought pods or capsules (like K-Cups) to brew the beverage you want. These are typically made from aluminum or plastic, which could result in significant waste.
1. Simple to use
Single-cup coffee makers are great for people who want an instant cup of coffee but don't want a larger coffee maker. They're simple to use and provide various brewing options to suit different preferences. They also take up less counter space than a traditional drip coffee maker which is a big plus in a cramped kitchen.
The majority of the models we tested could brew ground beans, or pre-portioned capsules, pods, or pods from a store. Pods are small aluminum or plastic cups that come with ground coffee that is already measured and a built-in filter. They are more convenient and less expensive than buying whole coffee beans, however they can become expensive in time. Many manufacturers also make reusable filters for their pods and, in many cases, you can reuse them.
Some machines also brew cold coffee, and some even have milk-frothing attachments to make cappuccinos or Lattes. Others like our top pick can brew tea and coffee. We compared the models based on their functionality as well as their durability, ease of setup and breakdown, along with their appearance and warranty included to identify the best brewers that use a single cup for use at home.
Our top choice stood out because of its minimalist design, numerous options for brewing and a single-touch operation. It made the most hot cup of the bunch that could accommodate a variety of brewing sizes and was the easiest to clean of all the models we tried.
In addition, this model has a built-in grinder that we found to be the most useful feature among the single-cup brewers we tried. It could grind both regular and dark-roast beans to the same coarseness and was extremely quiet throughout operation. It was also the longest-lasting machine we evaluated. And its tiny footprint made it possible to fit in tight spaces.
One last note: While it's great that single-cup brewers can be used with both grounds and pods however, we wouldn't recommend them to anyone who wants to make their own pods that can be reused. They are typically made up of plastic and aluminum, which can wear out the heating element in 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 option.
2. Easy to clean
A single-cup coffee maker makes use of pre-portioned ground or whole bean coffee, and a filter to make one cup of fresh brew. Most models use pods. They are small plastic or aluminium cups that have preportioned ground beans, with a built in filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene that is recyclable. However, it is important to check your local recycling center to determine if this product is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum and are usually recyclable.
3. Coffee makers that are cheaper
There's no reason to spend an enormous sum of money in a coffee maker. Single-serve brewers like the Keurig are an affordable method of brewing an instant cup of coffee for yourself or your coworker. The Keurig also comes with the added benefit of allowing users to meet and socialize around the table with a hot cup of coffee.
Most single-serve coffee systems use ground coffee that has been pre-portioned into small pods made of aluminum or plastic with a built-in filtration system. This makes the process fast and simple. The pods are single-use and useful, but they also be more expensive than using your own beans, and result in lots of waste. Companies like Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others offer a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups which are both affordable and eco-friendly.
Another alternative to the pre-portioned coffee pods used by single-serve brewers is to make your own ground coffee using filters that are reusable, which will eliminate the need to purchase and disposing of single-use coffee pods. This method may take a bit longer however it will save you money over the long term. Moreover, it allows you to select your own coffee, rather than having to stick to the same brand every time.
You should consider the amount of coffee you consume regularly and whether the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you consume often and often rush out the door with a mug in your hand, it could be worthwhile to invest in a single-serve brewer.
For single serving french press who only drink two cups of coffee per day, it may be better to invest in a drip or percolator that can handle larger amounts at once. This will allow you a variety in flavors and avoid having to throw away stale or burned coffee.