The Reasons Single Serve Coffee Maker Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee makers are convenient for quick cups of cold or hot brew. They can make use of pre-packaged coffee pods, or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who are adamant about individualization will likely require machines that can prepare an entire pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. Many of these machines tackle the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods by utilizing reusable or recyclable capsules.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a gorgeous design that blends high-end finishes with programming capabilities. 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. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before requiring a refill. It also works with reusable K-Cups which can save you money over time.
Despite having a lot more buttons on the control panel than other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and use. The top control panel contains an energy button and a settings button. It also has buttons for up and down to navigate the menu. There are also four different brew size buttons and an "iced button" and an "iced button", a "strong button" as well as a button for hot water. A large, color-coded LCD display makes it easy to see when the machine needs a descale or a refill.
While the K-Elite is among our top Keurig models However, it has a few disadvantages. For example, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secure. Additionally, the spout is prone to leave a few splatters especially when you use shorter travel mugs.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found it to perform well in all categories. It scored higher than average for first-cup speed, temperature consistency, and repeat speed.
It was also the most efficient to heat the water and brew the cup. And it was the least likely machine to produce grounds. The K-Elite could not make a cup that was hotter than some of our top models. The iced coffee was less flavorful than its strong coffee. However the K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker. 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 also an option if you want a more affordable model. It costs a bit more than the Elite but isn't as expensive as our other top picks.
2. Single-Serve Coffee Maker BLACK+DECKER
A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a quick 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 of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great option for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is among the least expensive models available however it does offer certain essential features that make it worth looking into. It comes with a permanent filter which can be used with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also comes with an automatic shut-off feature to save energy and water. It takes only a few just a few minutes to make a single cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermal travel mug 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 capable to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took for the standard model we tested in our lab. It also has some programmable functions that are usually reserved for more expensive models, such as an auto-start feature.
Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who like to blend their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight design and removable tank make it easy to transport. Our testers found it simple to operate and operated with a user-friendly digital control panel and menu that was easy to understand even for those with no prior experience with a single-serve coffee machine. However, the brew time was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperature was significantly higher than other models we tested, which could result in burning grounds and overheated coffee. However, despite these issues, the CM618 is an excellent choice 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 are a bit different than K-Cup or Keurig machines in that they are the only ones that use the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines are designed to make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to brew larger milk and coffee recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Since single serve coffee maker meant to be used in conjunction with Nespresso's reusable and sustainable capsules, the Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine models.
The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drink as well as smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It also features a sleek, modern design and a removable water tank which holds 37 ounces water. It is easy to operate and uses an automatic system that ejects used pods into an internal container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds for the machine to get heated and then shuts down after nine minutes.
In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 made an excellent cup. It produced a good cup of coffee with an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to brew than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7,7 ounces, which is the third-fastest of the models we examined. This isn't a huge issue however it could be an issue if you're familiar with quick morning coffee and brews.
Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is an excellent choice for coffee and espresso lovers who wish to cut back on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. The VertuoLine's high price and dependence on proprietary capsules may cause some buyers to be hesitant.
If you don't have enough money to buy a top-rated pod coffee maker, but would like to have the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we recommend checking out our review of cup reusable. You could also consider one of our favorite insulated tumblers to keep your tea or coffee warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has received thousands of positive reviews from customers and has numerous features that other models do not have. Its price is very reasonable for a machine of its quality and has a sleek design to boot. However, a few owners have cited this model as a potential fire risk and this is something to certainly keep in mind if you are considering buying it.
The fully automated coffeemaker can be programmed for up to all hours of the day. You can program it to make four cups or twelve at each time, or just one cup or four cups. The carafe is an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of the brewed beverage. 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 on the coffee maker are evenly spaced and are clearly marked and easy to find what each button does at a glance. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle that alerts you to decalcify the tank and carafe as well as an automatic shutoff and a knuckle-guard dripless spout for ease of pouring. This coffee maker is also very easy to use and its brushed stainless steel finish is stunning on the countertop.
However, some buyers have found the permanent gold tone mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this could be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill up properly due to an issue with the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spits coffee grounds and water everywhere while it's in operation, but this seems to be a rare event. In any case, this is a great coffee maker worth checking out if you are looking for a basic model that comes with a lot of convenience features for a low cost.