Single-Serve Coffee Makers
If you’re living on your own or you just want coffee for one person There’s a single-serve coffee maker available that can meet your needs. The top coffee makers brew quickly, taste fantastic and don’t require any regular maintenance.
They’re also more environmentally conscious than pod-based models which use pre-portioned ground coffee or K-Cups.
Types
A single-cup coffeemaker uses pre-packaged tea capsules or coffee pods to make hot drinks. These single-use containers are available in soft and hard pods made from filter paper or in tough plastic K Cups and Nespresso capsules. Some single-cup brewers make use of tea bags for loose leaf tea. The reusable filters and other components of these brewers are generally made from recyclable materials. You’ll need to use a regular brewer if you need to make more coffee or use different kinds of.
A variety of single-cup coffee maker single, go here, makers are offered, and each type differs in the kind of drinks it makes and the price range. Some single-cup coffee makers are made to work with pods. Others can brew a whole pot of coffee. Some models have drawers that are removable and allow you to select whether you want to brew using pods or ground coffee. Many can make both hot and cold brewed coffee.
Take into consideration other features, such as the type of beverage that you’d like to make. If you are planning to use the machine by several people, purchase one with a carafe or a variety of mug sizes. If you’re interested in trying espresso-based drinks, you should consider one that can brew coffee and espresso pods for making an Americano or cappuccino.
Derek Rose is The Spruce Eats Coffee and Tea Expert. He evaluates a range of coffee makers, consuming third-party articles and reviews and conducting his own tests to determine the best products for office and home use. He holds a BA in Communication and an MFA Creative Writing. He is a skilled writer who writes about food, travel, and lifestyle topics.
Benefits
Coffee lovers enjoy a cup of hot fresh brewed coffee to kick off the day or get their afternoon boost. Brewing large quantities of coffee using drip machines can be time-consuming and risky, particularly when you need to ensure that every individual gets the perfect cup. Single-serve brewers can be quick and hassle-free, guaranteeing the perfect cup every time.
Single-serve coffee makers also reduce waste and eliminate the need to dispose of any leftovers. While most coffee brewers will produce only a few extra mugs to take up space, this single will only produce one at a time, meaning there is never a possibility of being left with a large pot of coffee you won’t drink later in the day. Many of these brewers also able to make other beverages besides coffee. Single-serve brewers can be used to make hot tea or chocolate.
Another benefit of single-serve brewers is that they are much more clean than traditional coffee makers. Since there is no pot to wash and the pods are sealed they are simple to clean. These coffee makers are an excellent option for households with food allergies or intolerances because they eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
A single-serve machine is costly, especially if it requires you to purchase pods, K-Cups or capsules. If you can afford to invest in this type of brewer, it’s worth it as you will save lots of time, and be able to enjoy your drink of choice at home without having to leave your house.
It’s important to note that most single-serve brewers are constructed of plastic, which isn’t ideal for the environment. Environmentalists are concerned about the use of plastics by some businesses, even though they are trying to reduce it. If you buy a high-quality product, it is more likely to be recyclable. If you have a recycling program in place in your area it will help protect the environment as these products will not end up in landfills.
Convenience
Single-serve coffee makers are an excellent option for those who do not need to brew multiple cups at once. These brewers are typically designed to fit directly into your cup or mug, which cuts down on pod waste and makes it easier to alter the strength of your brew. Some come with a drip tray which raises the coffee mug, preventing spills.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use coffee maker the BLACK+DECKER Single Serve coffee brewer single cup Maker is a good option. This compact brewer features one cup coffee machines start button and shuts off at the end of the brewing process making it a convenient option for those who like to simplify things. Its smaller-than-average water tank requires frequent refills and some long-term owners have complained of functional problems.
The Mr. Coffee Single Serve Latte, Cappuccino and Iced Coffee Maker is a great choice for those who are seeking a more flexible machine. This versatile machine lets you choose from seven different brewing methods, which range from a 5-ounce carafe up to 10 cups. It is compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso pods, as well as loose coffee grounds. It also offers hot and cold brewing options, and preset settings for foaming.
A single-cup pour-over brewer is another useful alternative. This includes the renowned Chemex Wave Series or the Kalita Single-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker. Brewers that use these types of brewers can create full pots of ground coffee or a single-serve cup and you can make use of it to test your preferred methods of brewing. They can also be used to make other beverages, such as tea or hot chocolate.
If convenience is your top priority, consider how you are willing to spend cleaning your single-serve espresso machine. Some models require daily cleaning, including wiping down the reservoir and the receptacle. Others require only to be wiped down and descaled regularly. Consider whether the coffee maker comes with an adjustable reservoir. This will save you from having to buy a separate container to rinse and empty after each use.
Price
A commercial machine that has a single serve is a great option when a carafe is just too large for one person to make. These small brewers can be connected to an water supply, removing the requirement to refill them frequently. There are models that can serve tea, hot cocoa and even iced drinks. The Black+DECKER model we tested for instance, comes with a 16-ounce travel mug and is small enough to fit on most countertops. It was among the least expensive options that we tried and produced a pot of coffee brewer single cup which was steaming hot. You should look for models that can be used with reused K-Cups or Nespresso Vertuo pods. You’ll save money by decreasing the amount of coffee maker waste.