5 Reasons Single Serve Coffee Maker Is Actually A Good Thing
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee machines can be used for a quick cup of coffee or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who appreciate the ability to customize their coffee will need a machine which 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 capsules that are recyclable or reused.
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 the kinds of beverages it can be brewed withit supports K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot chocolate or tea. The large, removable 72-ounce tank can make up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring a refill. It's also compatible with reusable K-Cup pods, which can save you money in the long run.
Despite having way more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel includes an energy button, a settings button, up and down buttons for the menu, the "strong" button and a hot water button and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color coded to allow you to tell when the machine requires descale or refill.
The K-Elite is, despite being one of our Keurigs we love, does have some drawbacks. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, since it doesn't have a removable drip tray, and the lid is not secure. The spout also can result in splatters when you use smaller travel cups.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tested the K-Elite and found that it performed well in most categories. It did better than average in first-cup speed as well as repeat speed and temperature consistency.
It was also among the fastest to heat water and make cups, and it was the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. However the K-Elite wasn't able to make as hot of a cup as our other top models. In addition, its iced option was less flavorful than the stronger coffee. Nevertheless, the K-Elite is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker. You can purchase it from several retailers like Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It can be found for around $150. If you're looking to buy a lower-priced model, the K-Classic is also worth considering. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite however, not as much as some of our top picks.
2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Espresso Maker
A single-serve machine lets you to prepare a cup of coffee quickly and at any time. These machines are smaller, less bulky and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They are also able to make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are simple to use and clean, making them an excellent option for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 might be one of the cheapest models available, however it comes with a few key features that are worth looking into. It is equipped with a permanent filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods and it has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few minutes to make a single cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel cup that fits into most cup holders in cars.
In our tests, we observed that the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious pot of coffee in a fraction of the amount of time it takes to make the typical model. It also comes with functions that are normally reserved for higher-end brewers like an automatic start.
Its retro-styled design is ideal for those who like to match their kitchen appliances. Its light construction and tank that can be removed makes it easy to carry. Our testers found it user-friendly, with an intuitive digital control panel and menu that was simple to comprehend even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve coffee machine. However, the brew time was not the best in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The temperature of the brew was significantly higher than other models we tested which could lead to burned grounds and overheated coffee. Despite these issues the CM618 is still a great option for people with a tight budget but want to make their favorite K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines are a bit different than K-Cup or Keurig machines because they use only the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand separates its pod-based machines into two categories: Original and VertuoLine. VertuoLine machines are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, including lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.
The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drink as well as smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It is modern and sleek design and a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is simple to operate and uses an automatic system that ejects pods that are no longer used into an internal container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds to heat up and shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.
In our tests, we found that the XP371 was a great cup. It produced a decent cup of coffee with a lovely crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the mornings 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. This isn't a big deal but if you're used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it may be an issue.
Overall, the Nespresso XP371 makes a great option for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is a bit more luxurious than a typical pod brewer and is 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 may be a turn off for potential buyers.
If you aren't able to purchase a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker, but are still in love with the convenience of one-serve machines, we recommend checking out our top reusable cups review. You can also make use of one of our top cup insulated ones to keep your coffee or tea warm.
4.
single-serve coffee Coffeee -1200
This coffee maker has received a plethora of positive reviews from its users and comes with numerous features that many other models do not have. Its price tag is also affordable for a machine of its quality and has an elegant design. However, some owners have reported this model as a potential fire risk, and this is something you should be aware of in the event that you're thinking of buying it.
The fully automated coffeemaker can be programmed for up to 24 hours. You can configure it to brew four cups or 12 at the same time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe is a thermal one and the permanent gold-tone filter with wire mesh and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of your brew. There is a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that will stop the brewing process so you can pour a cup of brew, and the self-cleaning function keeps the tank clean.
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 as well as drip-free spout that has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also extremely easy to use and its stainless steel finish brushed is stunning on the countertop.
However, some buyers have found the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter difficult to clean, and this may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Some have also reported that they have difficulty getting the reservoir to fill correctly due to an issue with the design that pushes water through a small opening in the back of the machine, and into the filter.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills water and coffee grounds everywhere it is in operation, but it appears to be not a common occurrence. It's a great coffee maker if you want an affordable model that comes with many features that are convenient at a reasonable price.
