What Is Single Serve Coffee Maker And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee machines can be used for a quick cup or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who appreciate customization will want a machine which can produce a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. These machines are also designed to reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable coffee pods. They make use of recyclable or reusable capsules.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that is a perfect blend of exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's among the most versatile Keurig models in terms of what it can brew -- it supports K-Cups and ground coffee and hot tea and chocolate. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It is also compatible with K-Cups that can be reused, which will save you money over the course of time.
It's easy to navigate, even though it has more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel has the power button, the settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu, an "strong" button, a hot water button and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color-coded to allow you to know when the machine needs refills and descales.
The K-Elite is one of our favorite Keurigs has its drawbacks. For example, it can be difficult to clean, since it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secured. Also, the spout tends to leave a few splatters, especially when you use smaller travel mugs.
In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found it to perform well in a variety of categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed.
It was also one of the fastest to heat water and make the cup, and 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. Additionally, its iced option was not as flavorful as the strong brew. The K-Elite is a great choice for anyone seeking a single-serve machine. It is available at many retailers including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. It's priced around $150. If you're looking for a less expensive model it's the K-Classic is a good option. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but isn't as expensive as some of our other top choices.
2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker Black+Decker
A single-serve machine allows you to prepare a cup of coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller and less bulky than drip models, making them a good fit for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They also allow you to prepare a variety of different coffee drinks, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are easy to clean and use which makes them a great option for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is one of the least expensive models available however it does offer certain essential features worth considering. It has a filter that is permanent that can be used with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also comes with an automatic shut-off function to save energy and water. It takes only a few just a few minutes to make one 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 if you prefer).
In our tests, we found that the BLACK+DECKER was able to make an excellent cup of coffee in less than half the amount of time required to make the typical model. It also has some functions that can be programmed, which are normally reserved for models with higher prices like auto start.
Its retro-styled design is perfect for those who like to match their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and removable tank makes it easy to carry. It was fairly user-friendly and had a digital control panel that was easy to use and an easy menu that anyone can comprehend. However, the brew time was not the best in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than other models we tried which could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. However, despite these issues, the CM618 is an excellent option for those on a budget who want 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 divides its pod-based machine into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines are designed to make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are made to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.
The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 features four different drink sizes as well as intelligent capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It is sleek and modern design, and comes with a removable 37-ounce water tank. The machine is easy-to-use and comes with an automated system that lets pods empty in a container integrated into the machine. It takes 15 to 20 seconds for the machine to get heated, and shuts off automatically after nine minutes.
In our tests, the XP371 produced an excellent cup of coffee. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without worrying about burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third slowest in our tests. This isn't a huge issue however it could be an issue if you're used to quick morning coffee and brews.
Overall, the NespressoXP371 is a fantastic choice for espresso and coffee lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules may make some consumers turn away.
If single cup coffee makers don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker but would like to have the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we recommend that you check out our review of cup reusable. You can also use one of our preferred cup insulated ones to keep your tea or coffee warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has received a plethora of positive reviews from users and offers a variety of convenient features that many other models don't have. The price is very reasonable for a machine that is of high-end quality and features a stylish design. However, some owners have reported this model as a fire danger which is something to certainly keep in mind when you're considering purchasing it.
This fully automated coffeemaker comes with 24-hour programmability and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at once or the entire pot that holds 12. The carafe is thermal and the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter and charcoal water filter remove impurities to enhance the flavor of your brew. There is a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that stops the brewing process to allow you to make a cup, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean.
The controls on this coffee maker are equally spaced and clearly labeled making it easy to determine what each button is at a glance. Other features include a self-cleaning and alerts to reduce the calcification of the carafe and tank, an automatic shutoff, and a drip-free knuckle guard spill spout to allow for easy pouring. The coffee maker is extremely user-friendly, and its stainless steel brushed finish is beautiful on the counter.
Some customers have complained that the gold toned permanent wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be an issue for those who prefer to use paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill up properly due to an issue with the design that forces water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills water and coffee grounds all over the counter when it is running, however it appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, it is a great coffee maker worth a look if you are looking for a simple model that comes with a lot of convenience features at a very reasonable cost.