What s Holding Back From The Single Cup Coffee Industry

Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?

There are many options available when it comes to brewing coffee. Which one is the best rated single serve coffee machines for you?

Single cup coffee makers provide convenience at the touch of an button. The machines use pods or capsules from the store (like K-Cups), to create the beverage of your choice. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic, and could result in significant waste.

1. Simple to use

Single-cup coffee makers are great for those who want a quick cup of java but don't want a larger coffee maker. They are easy to use and offer a variety brewing options for different preferences. They also take up less counter space than traditional drip coffee makers which is an advantage in a kitchen that is cramped.

Most of the models we tested can use ground coffee or pre-portioned, capsules or pods that are available in stores. Pods are small plastic or aluminum cups that come with ground coffee that has been measured and a built-in filter. They're easy to use and are less expensive than buying whole beans, but they can be pricey in the long run. Many companies also make filter filters that can be reused for their pods and you're able to recycle them.

Some machines can also brew iced coffee and some offer milk-frothing attachments for cappuccinos or lattes. Others, like our top pick can brew tea and coffee. We assessed the models based on their durability, functionality, ease of setup and break down, aesthetics, and included warranty in order to find the top single serve coffee maker-cup brewers.

Our top choice stood out because of its simple design, multiple options for brewing, and its one-touch operation. It made the most hot coffee in the market that could accommodate different sizes of brewing and was the easiest model to clean.

The model also comes with an integrated grinder which was the most valuable feature of the single cup brewers we tested. It was able to grind regular and dark roast beans to the same level of fineness and was extremely quiet while operating. It was also the most durable machine we evaluated. And its small footprint made it possible to fit into tight spaces.

One final note: Although it's fantastic that single-cup brewers are able to be used with grounds and pods but we don't recommend them for anyone who is looking to create their own reusable pods. They are typically made up of aluminum and plastic which can wear down the heating element in a machine over time. You can purchase coffee bags made of a mixture of filter paper and plant based materials. This is a greener choice.

2. Easy to clean

A single-cup coffee maker makes use of pre-portioned ground or whole bean coffee, along with a filter to make one cup of fresh brewed coffee. The majority of models use pods. They are small aluminum or plastic cups that are preportioned with ground beans and an integrated filter. Keurig's K-Cups are made with polypropylene which is recyclable, however you should inquire with your local recycling center to see if that material is accepted within your local community. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum, and are typically recyclable.

3. Coffee makers that are less expensive

There's no need to spend an enormous sum of money in a coffee maker. Single-serve brewers like the Keurig are a great method of brewing an instant cup of coffee for yourself or your coworker. They also have the added bonus of providing a great opportunity for people to come together and socialize over the cup of coffee.

The majority of single serving coffee machine-serve systems utilize ground coffee that has been pre-portioned in small aluminum or plastic pods that have a built-in filter, which makes the process quick and simple. The pods are single-use and practical, but they also cost more than using your own beans and create plenty of waste. However, companies such as Green Mountain and Wolfgang Puck provide a variety of Fair Trade and organic K-Cups that are both affordable and environmentally friendly.

You can also make use of your own ground coffee and filters that are reusable to replace the pre-portioned pods that are used in single-serve coffee makers. This will eliminate the need to purchase and dispose of single-use pods. This method can take a bit more time however it will save you money over the long term. Furthermore it allows you to select your own coffee, instead of having to use the same brand each time.

You need to consider how much coffee you drink frequently and whether the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you are a coffee drinker and find yourself frequently leaving the house holding a mug it might be worthwhile to invest in a single-serve coffee maker.

If you consume only a few cups of coffee a day, it might be worth investing in a percolator or drip machine that can handle large amounts at a time. This will let you take advantage of a variety of flavors and avoid having to throw away stale or burnt coffee.