Why Single Serve Coffee Maker May Be More Risky Than You Thought
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for a quick cup of hot or cold coffee. They can use pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans. Coffee drinkers who like customization will want machines that can make a full-pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. Many of these machines tackle the environmental impact of coffee pods by using recyclable or reusable capsules. 1. Keurig K-Elite The K-Elite is a stunning machine that combines exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms of what can be brewed — it supports K-Cups as well as ground coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with reusable K-Cup pods, which could save you money in the long run. Despite having a lot more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's still easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel includes the power button as well as a settings button. It also has up and down buttons to navigate the menu. There are also four different size brew buttons, an “iced button” and a “strong button” as well as an option for hot water. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine needs a descale or a refill. The K-Elite, while one of our Keurigs we love, does have some drawbacks. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, since it doesn't have a drip tray with a removable lid, and the lid is not secured. The spout could also cause some splatter when using shorter travel cups. In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tried the K-Elite and found it to perform well in all categories. It scored above average for first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed. It was also one of the fastest to make hot water and brew the cup, and was the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite could not make a cup that was hotter than some of our top models. The iced coffee also was less savory than its robust coffee. The K-Elite is a great choice to anyone who is looking for a machine that is single-serve. It is available to purchase from many retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's priced about $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model then the K-Classic is also worth a look. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but not as much as some of our top choices. 2. Single-Serve Coffee Maker BLACK+DECKER A single-serve machine lets you to make a cup of coffee quickly and at any time. These machines are smaller, more compact and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They are also able to make a variety of coffee drinks, such as espresso shots and lattes. They are easy to clean and use and make a great choice for busy families. The BLACK+DECKER CM618 might be among the most affordable models available, but it has some important features that are worth a look. It uses an in-built filter that can accommodate ground coffee as well as pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it also has an auto-shutoff function that shuts the machine off after brewing to conserve water and energy. It takes just minutes to make a single cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel mug that fits in most standard car cup holders. In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was capable to create a delicious cup of coffee with less than half the time it took for the standard model we tested in our lab. It also comes with programming options that are typically reserved for more expensive brewers like an automatic start. Its retro-styled design is ideal for those who prefer to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and removable tank makes it easy to move. It was fairly easy to use with a touch-screen control panel that was intuitive and an easy menu that anyone can understand. The brew time in our tests was average, and the machine couldn't achieve 195degF in less than five or six minutes, which is the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than other models we tried and could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these issues the CM618 is still an excellent choice for those on a budget but still want the flexibility to brew their preferred K-Cup pods or own ground coffee. 3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker Nespresso machines are a bit different from K-Cup or Keurig machines in that they are the only ones that use the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machine into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines make espresso-based drinks. VertuoLine models are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes like cappuccinos and lattes. Since they're meant to be used in conjunction with Nespresso's reusable and sustainable capsules, the Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine models. The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso offers four different drink sizes, intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion brewing process. It is modern and sleek design and a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy to operate and features an automatic system that allows you to eject pods that are no longer used into the built-in container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds to warm up and shuts down automatically after 9 minutes. In our tests, the XP371 brewed an excellent cup of coffee. It produced a good cup of coffee that had an excellent crema. single brew coffee machines was also hot enough to drink in the mornings without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to prepare. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces, which was third-fastest of the models we test. It's not a major issue but it could be a problem if familiar with quick morning coffee brews. Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is a great choice for espresso and coffee lovers who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. The VertuoLine's price is high and its dependence on proprietary capsules could make some consumers turn away. If you don't have the money to buy a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker but still love the convenience of a single-serve machine we suggest you check out our top reusable coffee 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 lot of users for its convenience features and many other models don't have them. The price is very reasonable for a machine that is of high-end quality and features a sleek design to boot. However, some users have reported this model as a possible fire hazard and this is something you should be aware of if you are considering buying it. The fully automatic coffeemaker features 24-hour programmability, and you can set it to brew one or four cups at once or an entire pot of 12. The carafe is thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, enhancing the flavor of the coffee. There is a 30-second “Brew Pause” feature that will stop the brewing process so that you can pour a cup of brew, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean. The controls on this coffee maker are evenly spaced and clearly marked and easy to find what each button does at an instant. Other features include an automatic shutoff and drip-free spout that has the knuckleguard. This coffee maker is easy to use and has gorgeous 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 paper filters. Some have also reported that they have difficulty getting the reservoir to fill up properly due to a design flaw that forces water through a small opening in the back of the machine and into the filter. Some have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spews water and coffee grounds everywhere it is in operation, but this is an uncommon occurrence. In any case, this is a great coffee maker that is worth checking out if you are looking for a simple model that has plenty of convenient features at a reasonable cost.