7 Simple Changes That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your Single Serve Coffee Brewer
Single Serve Coffee Brewer
A single-serve coffee maker is a great option for those who like the ease of pods or wish to recreate the flavor of drip at home. These machines are easy to use and are quick.
They come in different designs, from the basic to the sophisticated (like attachments for latte in the latest models). You can find models that are geared toward Keurig K-Cups or Nespresso capsules and also ones that can take ground coffee beans.
How do they work?
A single-serve coffee maker uses capsules, K Cups or pods that are pre-packaged with ground coffee and tea. The user presses a button, selects the cup and the machine fills that cup with hot water as well as iced coffee or hot chocolate. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off or a sleep mode to save energy costs.
Some of the brewers we reviewed allow you to make your own coffee or tea, but the majority do not. Some have adjustable temperature and brew strength settings while others offer preset settings for your convenience. Choose a model with a large water reservoir that suits your needs. If you make more than one cup a day, consider choosing an appliance with a larger reservoir that will require less refilling.
Certain single-serve machines provide various brewing options. These include single espresso shots as well as the 16-ounce brew that is perfect for a travel-sized cup. The coffee you choose to drink or tea could also affect the purchase choice, as some brewers will only accept a single brand of capsules or K Cups.
It's true that a single-serve machine can save your time and money you compare it to brewing the coffee. But it's also important to think about the impact on the environment of purchasing and disposing of many K-Cups and pods. These plastic containers end up being disposed of in landfills, and they have negative effects on the environment.
While most people who buy a single-serve machine for coffee will select a K-Cup or pod made machine, a few models can make drip and ground coffee. If you prefer traditional drip coffee, look for a model that allows you to choose your own grind size and add water by hand.
If you drink multiple cups of coffee with your friends and family members, you might need a single-serve coffee maker that can hold more than one cup at a time. The top models have a drip tray that is removable and holds two to three cups. Some models without removable drip trays can hold four to five cups. Check if the model you're looking at offers different sizes of brew like an 8-12-ounce option or a 10 to 14-ounce-sized cup.
What kinds of coffee do be made?
A single-serve machine can make different kinds of coffee. They are usually made with coffee pods like those made by Keurig (K-Cups) and Nespresso (capsules). Certain models also make drip coffee with ground beans. Some models can make espresso and lattes. They won't take on beauty contests like pour-overs or Moka pot but they can make decent coffee for one person in the convenience of a few minutes.
Some manufacturers offer reusable capsules and reusable versions if you're worried about the amount plastic used in the production of these coffee pods. Some even sell "eco-friendly" cups that have none plastic at all. Many of the coffee makers that we have reviewed come with the "mybrew" setting that allows you to alter the your brewing parameters. These settings can range from as simple as choosing the size of a cup, to as complex as selecting the kind of beverage or altering the brewing temperatures.
You should also think about whether you need a machine that can make single-serve coffees or should you also consider a coffee maker with an insulated carafe to make larger quantities. We've included a few of these models in this roundup, including the popular Ninja Specialty maker, which can brew four ounces for you, and any other people you may be brewing for.
Other single-serve machines let you choose from a variety of brewing styles and sizes of brew. For instance the Bruvi Precision Brewer offers options for low acidity, Americano coffee, iced cold brew, and iced. Its touch-screen display offers a range of other customizing features, as well for instance, the ability to add milk and sugar directly to your beverage.
Other single-serve coffee makers are geared towards a specific type like the Breville Barista Express and the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Both machines are capable of making espresso and lungo coffee with just one touch, which is a foolproof method. Both machines are small enough to fit on your kitchen counter.
Can they be recycled?
While they can provide an easy and quick method to make coffee, single serve coffee brewers produce a huge amount of waste. After use, the small plastic and aluminum pods are removed leaving behind a large amount of waste that is discarded. This is among the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, and it's important that you do everything you can to decrease it. Many retailers and manufacturers provide environmentally responsible disposal options for used and old coffee makers. These programs help keep these waste streams from landfills and stop pollution to our environment. That's why it's crucial to know if your favorite single serve coffee maker is able to be reused.
Metals like copper and aluminum are extremely recyclable, as are glass and other components of your coffee maker. The metals can then be melted and reformed to make new products. This saves energy and resources because it removes the need to extract and process raw materials. Many of the electronic components used in coffee makers can be recycled and reduce their environmental impact.
The majority of coffee makers are made from recyclable plastics or other materials. For instance the "cup" of many K-Cups and other disposable coffee pods is made of the plastic known as No. 5 polypropylene. It can be recycled. In fact, Mother Jones estimates that all the K-Cups made in 2013 could wrap around Earth's equator 10.5 times and that's why it's crucial to recycle your old and unneeded pods.
When it comes to recycling your coffee maker, the best choice is to check with the manufacturer for specific instructions on how you can properly dispose of your machine. Certain companies, like Keurig and Nespresso have comprehensive recycling programs for their brewers as well as pods that include drop-off at the local or mail-in option. You can also look on the internet for a nearby recycling center, which may have dedicated recycling centers for e-waste that deal with items like coffee makers and small appliances. You can also recycle your coffee maker by donating it or making it reusable. This will stop the machine from going to landfills and away from less-than-friendly charities.
How do they look?
If you are a fan of a freshly-brewed pot of coffee but don't have enough time to make a full pot, single serve brewers can be a great choice for you. These machines can make the perfect cup of coffee or any other drink with the click of a button. This means that there's less chance of making enough and then having to throw it away later. They are also generally more efficient than larger brewers.
A lot of grocery stores stock a variety of single-serve coffee brewers. They also have models that can be reused. Some are specifically designed to work with prepackaged coffee pods that are available in a variety of flavors, while others are more flexible and allow you to make your own ground coffee tea bags, tea bags or loose-leaf coffee.
Single-serve systems for brewing is more expensive than a standard drip coffee maker, but it's well worth the investment if you love the convenience of having your favorite beverage ready with the click of one button. The top models we evaluated have excellent taste, are easy-to-use, and let you personalize your beverage.
The BLACK+DECKER CSB100S model is an affordable and compact model that can be used with single-pack coffee, ground tea bags, coffee and loose-leaf coffee. It has a large water tank and is user-friendly with just one start button and an automatic shutoff. It doesn't have any features that allow you to remotely manage the brewing process and some users report problems with its performance over time.
Another compact model that's bit more expensive than the BLACK+DECKER is the Instant Pod Plus, from the makers of the do-it-all Instant Pot. This brewer works with K-Cups as well as Original Nespresso pods and the brand's compostable pods (though you should note that they'll require an industrial composting center instead of your backyard pile). The drip tray can be removed and adjusted to fit inside a travel mug. However the lid that houses the hot-water button is not included.
The Aeropress is a single-serve brewer that uses your own coffee grounds for a more traditional option. It takes just two minutes to make an eight-ounce cup and requires no electricity or hot water. You can use coffee grounds that are standard but you will need to grind them thoroughly so that they can absorb liquid quickly.