What's The Fuss About Single Serve Coffee Maker?
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee machines are ideal for a quick cup or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged bags of coffee or reusable filters stuffed with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who prioritize individualization will likely require a machine that can make an entire pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. These machines are also designed to reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable coffee pods. They use capsules that are recyclable or reusable.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that combines top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms of what can be brewed -- it supports K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot tea or chocolate. The large, reusable 72-ounce tank is able to make up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring refills. It also works with K-Cups that are reusable which can save you money over time.
Despite having more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel contains a power button and settings button. It also has buttons for up and down to navigate the menu. There are four different brew size buttons, an "iced button", an "iced button", a "strong button", and one for hot water. The large LCD display is color-coded to make it easy to know whether the machine requires descale or refill.
Although the K-Elite is one of our top Keurig models, it does have some negatives. For single coffee machines , it can be difficult to clean because it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secured. The spout can also cause some splatter when using smaller travel cups.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found that it performed well in all categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.
It was also among the fastest to heat water and make the cup, and was also the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite was not able to make a hotter cup than some of our top models. Additionally the iced option was less tasty than the stronger brew. However the K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker. It is available from numerous retailers, including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can find it for about $150. The K-Classic model is also a good option if you want a more affordable model. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but isn't as expensive as some of our other top choices.
2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker
A single-serve machine gives you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee on demand. These machines are smaller, more compact and perfect for small kitchens or dorms. They can also be used to prepare a variety different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy families.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is one of the least expensive models available, but it still offers several key features that make it worth considering. It has a permanent filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it also has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee, and it comes with a travel mug that is thermal that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own mug if you prefer).
In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the time it took the average model we tested in our lab. It also comes with programs that are typically reserved for more expensive models like an auto-start feature.
Its retro-styled design is ideal for those who want to blend their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight design and removable tank make it easy to carry. It was relatively easy to use, with a digital control panel that was easy to use and an interface that anyone could be able to comprehend. The brew speed in our tests was moderate, and the machine didn't achieve 195degF in less than five or six minutes, which is the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperature was also noticeably higher than that of other models we tested, which could result in overheated coffee and burnt grounds. Despite these issues the CM618 is a great option for people on a budget but still want the flexibility to brew their favorite 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 machine into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Because they're designed to be used in tandem with Nespresso's reusable and sustainable capsules, the Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine models.
The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 offers four different sizes of drink, intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion brewing method. It features a modern and sleek design, and comes with a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and features an automatic system that lets pods empty inside a container that is built inside the machine. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds for the machine to get heated, and shuts off automatically after nine minutes.
In our tests, the XP371 produced a good cup of coffee. It had an excellent crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without having to worry about burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to make 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third slowest of our tests. This isn't an issue, but if you are used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it may be an issue.
Overall the Nespresso XP371 is an excellent choice for those who love coffee and espresso who wish to cut back on waste. Its design is more lavish than the typical pod brewer, and it's compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more environmentally friendly than the K-Cups and other traditional pods on market. However the VertuoLine XP371's pricey cost and dependence on proprietary capsules can be a nagging issue for potential buyers.
If you don't have the money to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker but want to enjoy the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we recommend that you check out our review of disposable cups. You could also try one of our favorite tumblers that are insulated to keep your coffee or tea warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has been praised by a lot of users for its convenience features and many other models don't have these features. The price is very reasonable for a top-quality machine, and it has a sleek appearance. However, some owners have reported this model as a possible fire hazard and this is something to be aware of in the event that you're thinking of buying it.
This fully automated coffeemaker comes with 24-hour programmability, and you can set it to brew one or four cups at a time or an entire pot that holds 12. The carafe features a thermal design and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter remove impurities, thus enhancing the taste 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 auto-cleaning feature keeps the tank clean.
The controls are evenly spaced, and clearly identified. You'll be able to quickly determine the functions of each button. Other features include an automatic shutoff and a dripless spout with the knuckleguard. This coffee maker is easy to use and comes with a beautiful brushed stainless finish.
Some buyers have reported that the gold toned permanent wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be a problem for those who prefer to use paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill correctly due to an error in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.
Some have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter when it is in operation but this appears to be a rare event. In any case, this is a top-quality coffee maker worth checking out if you are looking for a simple model that has plenty of convenient features for a low cost.