How To Recognize The Single Serve Coffee Maker That's Right For You
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee machines are ideal for quick cups or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who appreciate the ability to customize their coffee will need an appliance that can produce a full pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. A lot of these machines take into consideration the environmental impact of coffee pods using capsules that are recyclable or reused.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a stunning design that combines premium finishes with programmable features. It's one of 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, reusable 72-ounce tank is able to make up to seven medium-sized cups prior to needing refills. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods, which could save you money over the long term.
It's easy to navigate, even when it has more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel features the power button, the settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu, the "strong" button, a hot water button, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or a refill.
Although the K-Elite is among our top Keurig models However, it has a few disadvantages. It isn't easy for example to clean 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 tested the K-Elite and discovered that it performed well in a variety of categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.
It was also one of the fastest ways to heat water and brew cups, and it was the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. However the K-Elite did not make the same hot cup as our other top models. The iced coffee was also less flavorful than its strong brew. The K-Elite is a great option for those seeking a single-serve machine. You can purchase it from several retailers like Keurig, Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. It's available for purchase at around $150. The K-Classic model is also an option if are looking for a less expensive model. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite, but not as much as some of our top picks.
2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker Black+Decker
A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee at any time. These machines are smaller, less bulky and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They also offer the ability to prepare a variety different coffee drinks, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate making them an ideal option for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be one of the cheapest models available, but it offers some key attributes that are worth considering. It uses a permanent filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods and it also has an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few minutes to perk a single cup of coffee and comes with a thermos travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).
In single brew coffee machines was able to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the time that it took the typical model we tested in our lab. It also has programs that are typically reserved for higher-end models like auto-start.
Its sleek and retro design is a perfect option for those who like an elegant look that is coordinated with other kitchen appliances, and its lightweight construction and removable water tank make it easy to transport. Our test subjects found it user-friendly, with an intuitive 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 the best in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperature was noticeably higher than that of other models in our tests which could lead to overheated coffee and burnt grounds. However, despite these issues, the CM618 is a great choice for those on a budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines since they use their own coffee 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 Nespresso XP371 offers four different sizes of drinks with smart capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion process for brewing. It also features a sleek, modern design and a water tank that is removable that can hold 37 ounces of water. It is easy to operate and uses an automated system that releases used pods into an internal container. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to heat up, and it is shut down by itself after nine minutes.
In our tests, we found that the XP371 was a great cup. It had a lovely crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without having to worry about burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to make 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third slowest of our tests. It's not a huge issue but if you're used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it could be an issue.
Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is a great option for coffee and espresso lovers who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is more luxurious than the average pod brewer and is compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more eco-friendly than K-Cups and other traditional pods on the market. The VertuoLine's high price and dependence on proprietary capsules may cause some buyers to be hesitant.
If you aren't able to invest in the top single-serve pod maker but are still in love with the convenience of a single-serve machine we suggest you check out our best reusable cups review. You can also use one of our favorite insulated cups to keep your tea or coffee warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of users due to its convenient 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 look. However, a few owners have reported this model as a potential fire hazard and this is something that you should certainly keep in mind if you are considering buying it.
This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed for up to 24 hours. You can program 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 filter made of wire mesh and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities to enhance the flavor of your brew. 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 auto-cleaning feature keeps the tank clean.
The controls on this coffee maker are equally spaced and are clearly marked and easy to determine what each button is at an instant. Other features include an automatic shutoff, as well as an spout that is drip-free and has the knuckleguard. This coffee maker is easy to use and has a beautiful brushed stainless finish.
Some buyers have reported that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be a problem for those who prefer to use paper filters. In addition, some have reported that they have difficulty getting the reservoir to fill up properly due to an issue with the design that pushes water through a tiny opening in the back of the machine before it goes into the filter.
A few people have also complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it's in operation, but this seems to be a rare occurrence. In any case, it is a top-quality coffee maker that is worth a look if you are looking for a basic model with plenty of convenience features at a very reasonable price.