It's Time To Upgrade Your Single Serve Coffee Maker Options
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee makers offer convenience for quick cups of cold or hot coffee. They can use pre-packaged coffee pods or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who value customization will want an appliance that can make a full-pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. Many of these machines also tackle the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods using reusable or recyclable capsules.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a stunning machine that is a perfect blend of top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew -- it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee and hot chocolate and tea. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank is able to dispense up to seven medium cups before requiring refills. It is also compatible with K-Cups that are reusable, which will save you money over time.
It's easy to navigate, even having more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel includes a power button and settings button. It also includes up and down buttons to navigate the menu. There are four different sizes of brew buttons as well as an "iced button" and the "strong button" and one for hot water. The large LCD display is color coded so that it is easy to determine when the machine requires descale or refill.
While the K-Elite is one of our top Keurig models, it does have some downsides. For example, it can be difficult to clean because it doesn't come with an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secure. The spout could also cause some splatter when using smaller travel cups.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found it to perform well in all categories. It did better than average in first-cup speed as well as repeat speed and temperature consistency.
It was also one of the fastest machines to heat water and make a cup, and it was the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. However, the K-Elite did not make the same hot cup as our other top models. The iced coffee was less flavorful than its strong coffee. However the K-Elite is an excellent option for those who want the convenience of one-serve coffee makers. It is available to purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for purchase for around $150. The K-Classic model is also an option if need a lower-cost model. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but it's not as expensive as our other top models.
2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Black+Decker
A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and compact than drip models which makes them a great fit for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They also allow you to prepare a variety different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy families.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be one of the cheapest models on the market but it offers some key attributes that are worth considering. It comes with a permanent filter that works with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps save energy and water. It takes just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel cup that can be inserted into cup holders that are found in most cars.
In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took the typical model in our lab. It also has programming options that are typically reserved for more expensive brewers including an automatic start.
Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who prefer to match 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 interface that anyone could comprehend. However, the brew time was only average in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures also were higher than the other models we tested and could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these concerns, the CM618 remains a great option for those on a limited budget who want to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines due to the fact that they use their own coffee pods. The brand separates its pod-based machines into two categories: Original and VertuoLine. Original machines are designed to make espresso-based drinks. VertuoLine models are designed to make larger milk and coffee recipes like lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are designed to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.
The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different sizes of drinks as well as intelligent capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It features a modern and sleek design, as well as a removable 37-ounce water tank. The machine is simple to operate and features an automatic system that allows you to eject used pods into a built-in container. It takes 15 to 20 seconds for the machine to warm up and then shuts down automatically after nine minutes.
In our tests, we found that the XP371 produced a good cup. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to enjoy in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 min and 51 seconds to brew 7,7 ounces. This was the third slowest of all the models we examined. It's not a major issue, but it can be a problem if you're used to quick morning coffee brews.
Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is an excellent option for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules can be a nagging issue for some potential buyers.
If you don't have the money to purchase the best single-serve pod maker but still love the convenience of using one-serve machines We suggest checking out our best reusable cups review. You might also want to consider one of our favorite tumblers that are insulated to keep your coffee or tea warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has received a plethora of positive reviews from customers and has many useful features that other models don't have. The price is quite reasonable for a product that is of good quality and comes with an elegant design. However, some owners have reported this model as a fire risk which is something to certainly keep in mind when you're considering purchasing it.
The fully automatic coffeemaker features the ability to be programmed for 24 hours, and you can set it to brew one or four cups at a time, or an entire pot that holds 12. The carafe has thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter eliminate impurities, thus enhancing the taste of the brewed beverage. The "Brew Pause", which interrupts the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour one cup. The auto-cleaning feature keeps the tank free of impurities.
The controls are evenly spaced and clearly labeled. You'll be able to quickly determine the function of each button. Other features include an automatic shutoff and a dripless spout with the knuckleguard. one cup coffee machines is very easy to use and its stainless steel brushed finish is stunning on the countertop.
Some buyers have complained that the permanent gold toned wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This could be a problem for those who prefer to use paper filters. Some users have also complained that the reservoir does not fill correctly due to an issue with the design, which forces water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water everywhere while it's in operation, but this seems to be an uncommon occurrence. This is a great coffee maker if you're looking for a basic model with many features that are convenient at affordable prices.