What s The Fuss About Single Serve Coffee Maker

Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for a quick cup of cold or hot brew. They can use pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters stuffed with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who appreciate individualization will require a machine which can make a full-pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. Many of these machines take into consideration the environmental impact of the use of disposable coffee pods using recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a stunning design that combines premium finishes with customizable features. It's among the most versatile Keurig models in terms of what it can brew -- it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee as well as hot chocolate and tea. Its large and removable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods that can save you money in the long run.

Despite having more buttons on the control panel than other Keurig model, it's still easy to navigate and use. The top control panel features the power button, the settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu as well as the "strong" button, a hot water button, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color coded to allow you to determine when the machine requires refills and descales.

The K-Elite, while one of our Keurigs we love, does have some drawbacks. For instance, it can be difficult to clean since it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secure. The spout could also cause splatters when using shorter 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 higher than average for first-cup speed, temperature consistency, and repeat speed.

It was also one cup coffee makers of the fastest ways to make hot water and brew a cup, and it was the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. However the K-Elite was not able to create as hot of a cup as some of our other top models. The iced coffee also was less flavorful than the strong brew. 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 website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can find it at around $150. The K-Classic model is a good option if you need a lower-cost model. It costs a little more than the Elite however, not as much as some of our top selections.

2. single cup coffee maker-Serve Coffee Maker BLACK+DECKER

A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee at any time. These machines are smaller and compact than drip models which makes them a great fit for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They are also able to make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate and are a great option for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be among the most affordable models available, but it has some important features which make it worth a look. It has an in-built filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after brewing to conserve water and energy. It takes only a few minutes to brew a single cup of coffee and comes with a thermos travel mug that fits most standard car-cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).

In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to produce a tasty pot of coffee in less than half the time that it took the average model we tested in our lab. It also comes with functions that can be programmed, which are normally reserved for higher-end models, such as an auto-start feature.

Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who like to match their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and tank that can be removed makes it easy to move. It was surprisingly easy to use with a touch-screen control panel that was intuitive and a menu that anyone could comprehend. However, the brew time was only average in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperature was also noticeable higher than other models in our tests, which could result in overheated coffee and burnt grounds. Despite these concerns, the CM618 is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want to make brews using K-Cup pods and make their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup or Keurig machines because they use only the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand divides its pod-based machine into two categories which are VertuoLine and the Original. Original machines make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes like lattes and cappuccinos. Because they're designed to be used with Nespresso's sustainable and reusable capsules, the Original machines typically cost more than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drink as well as smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It features a modern and sleek design, and a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy to operate and uses an automatic system that ejects used pods into an internal container. It takes 15 to 20 seconds for the machine to get heated and then shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 made an excellent cup of coffee. It produced a good cup of coffee that had an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the mornings without burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces, which was third slowest among the models we tested. This isn't a big deal, but if you are used to making coffee quickly in the morning, it may be a problem.

Overall the Nespresso XP371 is an excellent choice for coffee and espresso lovers who want to cut down on waste. Its design is a bit more lavish than the typical pod brewer, and it's compatible with Nespresso's capsules that are reusable, which are more eco-friendly than K-Cups and other traditional pods available on the market. The VertuoLine's high price and dependence on proprietary capsules might turn some buyers off.

If you don't have the money to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker, but want to enjoy the convenience of a single coffee maker-serve coffee maker, we suggest you check out our review of reusable cups. You might also want to test one of our top tumblers that are insulated 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 do not include these features. The price is very reasonable for a top-quality machine, and it has a sleek design. Some owners have complained that this model poses dangerous to fire. This is something to be aware of prior to purchasing.

This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed for up to 24 hours. You can configure it to make four cups or twelve at each time, or just one cup or four cups. The carafe is a thermal one and the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter and charcoal water filter remove impurities to enhance the flavor of your brew. The "Brew Pause", which will stop the brewing process for 30 seconds, lets you 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 a self-cleaning that alerts you to decalcify the tank and carafe as well as an automatic shutoff and a drip-free knuckle guard spill spout to allow for easy pouring. This coffee maker is also extremely user-friendly, and its brushed stainless steel finish is beautiful on the counter.

Some buyers have reported that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be an issue for those who prefer to use paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill correctly due to an error in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.

Some have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spits coffee grounds and water everywhere when it is in operation, but this seems to be a rare event. In any case, this is a top-quality coffee maker that is worth checking out if you are seeking a basic model that comes with a lot of convenience features at a very reasonable cost.