Why We Love Single Cup Coffee (And You Should Also!)

Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You? There are many options available when it comes to making coffee. Which one is the best for you? Single cup coffee makers are simple and can be operated by a single button. The machines utilize capsules or pods purchased bought from the market (like K-Cups), to create the beverage of your choice. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic, and can create serious waste. 1. Easy to use Single-cup coffee makers are great for those who want a quick cup of java but don't need a larger coffee maker. They're easy to use and offer a variety of choices for brewing to suit various preferences. They take up less space on the counter than a traditional coffee maker. This can be an advantage for kitchens with small spaces. The majority of the models we tested make coffee using ground coffee or pre-portioned capsules or pods that are available in stores. Pods are small aluminum or plastic cups that are filled with ground coffee that is already measured and an integrated filter. They are convenient and cheaper than buying whole coffee beans, however they can become expensive as time passes. Many manufacturers make reusable filters to use with their pods. one serve coffee maker can be recycled filters. Some machines also brew Iced Coffee, and some have milk-frothing attachments to cappuccinos or lattes. Others, like our top pick, can brew both coffee and tea. We compared the models based on their function, durability and the ease of setup and breakdown, along with their appearance and included warranty to find the best one-cup brewers for use at home. Our top pick stood out from the crowd because of its simple design, multiple brewing options and simple, one-touch operation. It produced the hottest coffee of the group that could accommodate different brewing sizes, and was the simplest model to clean. This model also has an integrated grinder which was the most beneficial feature of the single cup brewers we tried. It was able to grind regular and dark roast beans to the same fineness and was extremely quiet when operating. We also found it to be the most robust machine we tested and its compact footprint allowed it to be easily stored in a small space. We'd like add a last note. Although single-cup brewers are ideal for combining grounds and pods however, we would not recommend anyone to buy their own pods that are reusable. These are usually a mixture of plastic and aluminum, which could wear out the heating element in the machine over time. You can purchase coffee bags made from a combination of filter paper and plant-based materials. This is a greener option. 2. Easy to clean A single cup coffee maker utilizes ground or whole bean coffee, as well as an evaporator to create one cup of fresh brew. The majority of models use pods which are small plastic or aluminum cups that contain pre-portioned ground coffee with filters built-in. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene which is recyclable. However, you must check your local recycling center if this material is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum and are also usually recyclable. 3. Coffee makers that are less expensive There's no need to invest a fortune in a large coffee maker. Single-serve coffee makers, such as the Keurig are ideal for making a quick cup for yourself or a coworker. The Keurig also comes with the added benefit of allowing users to get together and enjoy an iced coffee. Most single-serve systems use ground coffee that has been pre-portioned in small plastic or aluminum pods that have filters built-in, which makes the process fast and easy. While these types of single-use coffee cups are convenient, they can also be more expensive than brewing your own ground beans and generate lots of waste. Companies like Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others offer a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups which are both economical and environmentally friendly. You can also use your own ground coffee and a reusable filter to replace the pre-portioned pods which are used in single-serve coffee makers. This will eliminate the need to purchase and eliminate single-use pods. While this might take a bit more time to prepare, it will save you money in the long run. It also lets you select your own coffee instead of having to stick with the same brand. When you're deciding to purchase a single-serve coffee maker you must consider the amount of caffeine you consume regularly and whether you prioritize convenience or ritual. If you are a coffee drinker and find yourself often running out the door with a mug in hand you're drinking, it's worth investing in a single-serve coffee maker. If you consume only the occasional cup of coffee a day, it might be worth investing in a drip or percolator machine that can handle large quantities at once. This will allow you a variety in flavors and will help you avoid having to throw out old or burned coffee.