Single-serve coffee makers are an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the convenience of pods, or replicate the flavor of drip coffee at home. These machines are easy to operate and fast.
You can find them in different styles, from basic to the sophisticated (like attachments for latte on the most advanced models). You can find models that utilize Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ground coffee beans.
How do they function?
A single-serve coffee maker uses capsules, K Cups or pods pre-packaged with ground coffee or tea. The user presses a button, selects the cup, and the machine fills it with hot water and hot or iced coffee, or hot chocolate. Some models feature an automatic shutoff or sleep mode to reduce the energy consumption.
Most of the brewers in our roundup utilize pre-packaged coffee or tea however there are a few that allow you to make your own. Certain models have adjustable temperatures and brew strength and others have pre-set strengths. Choose a model with an ample water reservoir that meets your needs. If you make more than one cup per day, you should consider a unit with a larger capacity that will require less refills.
Some single-serve machines offer a range of options for brewing. They include single espresso shots and a 16-ounce brew, which is ideal for a travel-sized cup. The type of coffee you prefer or tea can also influence your purchase decision, as some brewers will only accept a single brand of capsules or K Cups.
It’s true that a single-serve machine can save your time and money you compare it to brewing coffee in a pot. But it’s equally important to consider the environmental impact of purchasing and disposing of a lot of K-Cups and pods. These plastic containers end up being put in landfills and have negative impacts on the environment.
Some models can brew both ground and pod coffee. If you prefer traditional drip coffee, look for one that allows you to select the size of your grind and add water in a manual manner.
If you drink multiple cups of coffee each day with friends and family, you may need a single serving coffee maker-serve coffee maker which can accommodate more than one cup at a time. The best models have a removable drip tray which holds up to three cups. Some models without drip tray removable can accommodate four to five cups. You’ll also want to check if your model has different sizes of brew, such as an 8- to 12-ounce option or a 10- or 14-ounce cup size.
What kinds of coffees can you make?
A single-serve machine can make different kinds of coffee. Most commonly, they are made with coffee pods such as those made by Keurig and Nespresso. But some models can also make drip-style coffee with ground beans. And some can make espresso and lattes. Although they’re not likely to win any beauty contests against a Moka or pour-over kettle however, they can still make great coffee in a couple of minutes.
Some manufacturers offer reusable capsules and reusable versions if you’re worried about the amount of plastic used to make these coffee pods. Some companies sell “eco sustainable” cups that are made without plastic. Many of the coffee makers that we have reviewed feature the “mybrew” setting that allows you to alter the settings for brewing. These settings can range from as simple as choosing the size of a cup, to as complicated as choosing the kind of beverage or altering the temperature of brewing.
It’s also important to think about whether you’d like a machine that’s exclusively single-serve or whether you’d also like a carafe-style coffee maker for larger quantities of coffee. We’ve included a few these models in this roundup, like the popular Ninja Specialty coffee maker, which can brew four ounces of coffee for you and anyone else you might be making coffee for.
Other single-serve machines let you pick from different brewing styles and sizes for brewing. For example the Bruvi Precision Brewer offers options for low acidity, Americano coffee, iced cold brew, and iced. The touch-screen display also has additional options for customization including the option of adding sugar and milk directly to your beverage.
Other single pod coffee-serve machines focus on making a particular type of coffee, for example the Nespresso Essenza Mini and the Breville Barista Express. Both machines can make both lungo and espresso coffee in one-touch, foolproof fashion. Both machines are small enough to sit on your kitchen countertop.
Can they be reused?
Although they offer an easy and quick method to make a cup of coffee single coffee brewer serve coffee brewers create an enormous amount of waste. After use, the tiny plastic and aluminum pods are to be discarded and leave behind a massive amount of waste that is discarded. This is among the fastest-growing waste streams around the world, and it is crucial to do everything you can to decrease it. Many retailers and manufacturers provide sustainable disposal options for used and old coffee makers. These programs can help keep these waste streams from landfills and prevent pollution to our environment. This is why it’s important to know whether your favorite single serve coffee maker is able to be reused.
Metals like aluminum and copper are very recyclable, as is glass and other components of your coffee maker. These metals can be melted down and then remade into new products, saving energy and resources by removing the need for mining and processing raw materials. A lot of the electronic components found in coffee makers can be reused to reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to these metals, most coffee makers are made from other recyclable plastics and other materials. The “cup” on many K-Cups, and other coffee pods that are disposable are made from a plastic called No. 5 polypropylene. This plastic can be recycled. Mother Jones estimates that the K-Cups produced in 2013 would be enough to wrap around the Earth’s equator 10.5 times. This is why it’s vital to recycle used and unwanted pods.
If you’re looking to recycle your coffee maker, it’s best to contact the manufacturer to receive specific instructions. Some companies, like Keurig and Nespresso, have comprehensive recycling programs for their brewers and pods, which include mail-in or local drop-off options. You can also search online for a local recycling center, which will often have dedicated e-waste recycling centers that handle items such as coffee makers and small appliances. Repurposing or donating your coffee maker single cup maker can also be a green alternative to recycling, as these methods avoid the landfill and keep the machine out of the hands of non-sustainable charities.
How do they appear?
Single-serve brewers are an excellent option if you enjoy the taste of freshly made coffee but don’t have the time to prepare an entire pot. They can make the perfect cup of coffee or any other beverage with the click of the button. This means that there is less chance of making too much and having to throw it to waste later. They are also generally more efficient than larger brewers.
There are many kinds of single-serve brewers that include several reuseable options found in most supermarkets. Some of these brewers are designed to work with coffee pods, that are available in a variety of flavors. Some are more flexible that allow you to use your ground beans, teabags, or loose-leaf.
Single-serve systems for brewing can be more expensive than a standard drip coffee maker, but it’s definitely worth the cost if you enjoy the convenience of having your favorite drink ready with the click of the button. The best models we’ve tested provide a excellent taste, are simple to use, and offer many options for customization to the type of drink you want.
The compact and affordable CSB100S is compatible with single serving french press-packs coffee, ground coffee and tea bags. It has a large water tank and is very simple to operate, with only one button to start and an automatic shutoff. It lacks features that can remotely control the brewing process, and some users have reported issues with its performance over time.
The Instant Pod Plus is another compact model, a little more expensive than the BLACK+DECKER. It’s made by the same company who makes the Instant Pot. The brewer can be used with K-Cups as well as Original Nespresso pods and the brand’s compostable pods (though note that these require an industrial composting center instead of your backyard pile). The drip tray can be removed and adjusted to fit into a travel mug. However the lid for the hot-water button isn’t included.
The Aeropress is an brewer with a single serve that utilizes your own coffee grounds for an alternative to traditional. It takes about two minutes to make 8 ounces of coffee and doesn’t require electricity or hot water. You can use coffee grounds that are standard but you will need to grind them finely to ensure they absorb liquid quickly.