Are You Making The Most From Your Single Cup Coffee?
Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?
When it comes to making coffee you have plenty of options. Which one is best for you?
Single cup coffee makers offer convenience at the push of an button. The machines utilize pods that are available at the grocery store or capsules (like K-Cups) to brew your desired beverage. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and could result in significant waste.
1. Simple to use
If you're looking for an instant cup of coffee but don't have room for a larger brewer single-cup coffee makers can help. They are simple to use and offer a variety of brewing options for different tastes. They are smaller on the counter than a traditional coffee maker. This is a huge plus in a kitchen that is small.
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 include pre-measured coffee grounds as well as a built in filter. They are a great option and are less expensive than buying whole coffee beans, however they can get 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-brewed coffee, and some even have milk-frothing attachments to make lattes or cappuccinos. Some models, such as our top choice, can brew coffee and tea. We assessed the models based on their performance, durability easy setup and break down, aesthetics, and included warranty to identify the top single-cup brewers.
In the end, our top pick stood out from the pack due to its simple design, numerous brewing options and simple, one-touch operation. It made the most hot cup of the bunch that could accommodate a variety of sizes of brewing, and was the easiest to clean out of all the models we test.
This model also has an integrated grinder which was the most useful feature of the single cup brewers that we tested. It was able to grind regular and dark-roast coffee beans to the same level of coarseness and was extremely quiet during operation. We also found it to be the most durable machine we've tested, and its compact footprint allowed it to be easily stored in a small space.
We'd like add a final point. While single-cup brewers can be excellent for using both grounds and pods together, we wouldn't recommend them to anyone who wants their own pods that are reusable. These are typically a combination of plastic and aluminium, which can be damaging to the heating element of a machine over time. However, you can buy coffee bags that are a mixture of filter paper and plant-based materials, which is a more sustainable alternative.
2. Easy to clean
A single-cup coffeemaker uses whole or ground beans, along with a filter, to make a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The majority of models use pods. These are small plastic or aluminium cups that are preportioned with ground beans and a built in filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene, which is recyclable. However, you should verify with your local recycling center to determine if this product is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum, and are typically recyclable.
3. Coffee makers that are less expensive
There's no need to invest an enormous sum of money in a machine for brewing. Single-serve coffee brewers like the Keurig, are an excellent way to make an instant cup for yourself or your colleague. Keurig has the added benefit of allowing users to socialize and gather around an iced coffee.
Most single-serve coffee systems use ground coffee that has been pre-portioned into small pods made of plastic or aluminum that include a built-in filtration system. This makes the process fast and simple. While these types of single-use coffee cups are convenient, they can also be more expensive than making your own ground beans, and also generate a lot of waste. single serving french press like Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others provide a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups which are both affordable and eco-friendly.
You can also use your own ground coffee and an reusable filter to replace the pre-portioned pods which are used in single-serve coffee makers. This eliminates the need to purchase and dispose of single-use pods. While this can take a little more time to prepare, it can save you money in the end. It also lets you choose your own coffee rather than having to stick to the same brand.
You should consider how much coffee you drink frequently and whether ritual or convenience is more important to you. If you consume often and often rush out the door with a cup in one hand, it might be worth investing in a basic single-serve maker.
If you drink only just a few cups of coffee per day, it may be better to invest in a drip or percolator that can handle greater amounts at once. This will allow you a variety in flavors and avoid having to throw out old or burned coffee.