It's Time To Upgrade Your Single Serve Coffee Maker Options
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for quick cups of hot or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged bags of coffee or reusable filters filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who appreciate individualization will require a machine which can make a full-pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. These machines are also designed to lessen the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use recyclable or reusable capsules.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a stunning design that blends high-end finishes with customizable features. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms the types of coffee it can brew -it can be used with K-Cups, ground coffee and hot chocolate or tea. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing refills. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods that can save you money in the long run.
Despite having way more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's still easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel features an energy button, a settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button, a hot water button and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color-coded to make it easy to determine when the machine requires refills and descales.
Although the K-Elite is among our favorite Keurig models However, it has a few negatives. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, since it does not have a drip tray that is removable, and the lid isn't secured. The spout can also result in splatters when you use smaller travel cups.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tried the K-Elite and found that it performed well in all categories. It was above average in the first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.
It was also the most efficient to boil the water before brewing the cup. And it was the least likely to produce grounds. The K-Elite could not create a more hot cup than some of our top models. In addition the iced option was less flavorful than the stronger coffee. However the K-Elite is an excellent option for those who want the convenience of one-serve coffee makers. It's available for purchase at many retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can purchase it for about $150. If you're looking to buy a lower-priced model, the K-Classic is a good option. It costs a little more than the Elite, but not so much as our top selections.
2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker
A single-serve machine lets you to prepare coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller, more compact and are ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorms. They can also prepare a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are simple to use and clean which makes them a great option for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be among the most affordable models on the market however it comes with a few key attributes that are worth looking into. It has a filter that is permanent that works with ground coffee or soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps save energy and water. It takes just a few minutes to brew a single cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermos travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).
In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to create a delicious cup of coffee with less than half the time it took the typical model in our lab. It also comes with programs that are typically reserved for higher-end models like auto start.
Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who prefer to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and removable tank makes it easy to transport. It was relatively easy to use and had a digital control panel that was easy to use and an easy menu that anyone can comprehend. However, the brew speed was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than other models we tried and could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these concerns, the CM618 is an excellent choice for those on a budget but want to brew their preferred K-Cup pods, or even their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they only use their own coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: Original and VertuoLine. Original machines brew espresso-based drinks. VertuoLine models are designed to brew larger coffee and milk recipes like cappuccinos and lattes. Because they're designed to be used in tandem with Nespresso's sustainable and reusable capsules, Original machines typically cost more than VertuoLine models.
The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drinks with smart capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion brewing method. It features a modern and sleek design, as well as a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and features an automatic system that ejects pods that are used in a container integrated inside the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to heat up, and it shuts down automatically after nine minutes.
In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 made a good cup. It produced a decent cup of coffee with a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third-lowest speed in our tests. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it can be a problem if you're used to quick morning coffee making.
Overall the NespressoXP371 is a great choice for coffee and espresso lovers who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is a bit more luxurious than the average pod brewer and it's compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more environmentally friendly than the K-Cups and other traditional pods available on the market. However, the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules can be a nagging issue for potential buyers.
If you don't have the money to buy the best single-serve pod coffee maker, but still love the convenience of one-serve machines, we recommend checking out our best reusable cups review. You can also use one of our preferred cup insulated ones to keep your tea or coffee warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of users due to its convenient features and many other models don't have these features. Its price tag is also very reasonable for a machine that is of good quality and comes with a stylish design. However, a few users have reported this model as a potential fire risk which is something to certainly keep in mind if you are considering buying it.
This fully automated coffeemaker comes with the ability to be programmed for 24 hours and you can program it to brew just one or four cups at once or a full pot of 12 cups. The carafe has thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter eliminate impurities, enhancing the flavor of the brew. The "Brew Pause", which will stop the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour the contents of a cup. The self-cleaning feature keeps the tank free of impurities.
The controls are well-spaced and clearly identified. You can quickly identify the function of each button. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to decalcify the carafe and tank and an automatic shutoff and a knuckle-guard dripless spout that allows for a easy pouring. Coffeee is extremely user-friendly, and its brushed stainless steel finish is beautiful on the counter.
However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill correctly due to a flaw in the design that forces water into the filter through a small hole at the back of machine.
A few people have also complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it's in operation but this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. This is a fantastic coffee maker if you're looking for a basic model that has many features that are convenient at a reasonable price.