15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Single Cup Coffee
Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?
There are a lot of options when it comes time to make coffee. Which one is the most suitable for you?
Single cup coffee makers provide convenience at the push of an button. The machines use capsules or pods from the store (like K-Cups), to make the beverage you want. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic, which can result in a significant waste.
1. Easy to use
Single-cup coffee makers are ideal for people who want an espresso in a hurry but don't need a larger coffee maker. They're easy to use, and they offer a variety of brewing options for different preferences. They also require less counter space than traditional drip coffee makers which is an advantage in a cramped kitchen.
Most of the models that we tested could brew ground coffee, or pre-portioned pods or capsules from a store. The pods, which are tiny cups made of aluminum or plastic are filled with pre-measured coffee grounds and filters built-in. They are convenient and cheaper than buying whole coffee beans, however they may become costly in time. Many manufacturers produce reused filters that can be used in conjunction with their pods. They can be recycled filters.
Some machines can also brew cold coffee, and some come with milk-frothing attachments for making lattes or cappuccinos. Others such as our top choice, can brew both tea and coffee. We looked at the models on their functionality, durability, ease of installation and breakdown aesthetics, as well as their warranties to help us find the top single-cup brewers.
In single serve coffee machines , our top choice stood out from the crowd due to its simple design, numerous options for brewing and its simple one-touch operation. It produced the hottest cup that could accommodate a variety of brewing sizes and was the easiest to clean out of all the models we tried.
This model also has an inbuilt grinder, which was the most beneficial feature of the single cup brewers that we tested. It was able to grind regular and dark roast beans to the same degree, and was extremely quiet when in operation. It was also the most durable machine we evaluated. And its tiny footprint made it possible to fit in tight spaces.
We'd like add a final point. Although single-cup brewers are ideal for combining grounds and pods in one but we wouldn't recommend them to anyone who wants their own reusable pods. These are typically a combination of plastic and aluminium, which can be hard on a machine's heating element over time. However, you can purchase coffee bags that are a mixture of filter paper and plant-based substances, which is a greener option.
2. Easy to clean
A single cup coffee maker uses whole bean or ground coffee, along with filters to make a cup of fresh brewed coffee. The majority of models use pods, which are small aluminum or plastic cups that have ground coffee that has been pre-portioned and has filters built-in. Keurig's K-Cups are made from polypropylene, a material that is recyclable, but you should consult with your local recycling center to find out whether this material is acceptable in your community. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum, and are typically recyclable.
3. Less expensive than other coffee makers
There's no need to invest an enormous sum of money in a brewing machine. Single-serve coffee makers, such as the Keurig, are an excellent way to make a quick cup for yourself or your colleague. They also have the added benefit of being a great opportunity for people to come to socialize over the cup of coffee.
Most single-serve coffee systems use pre-portioned, ground coffee in small pods made of plastic or aluminum that include a built-in filtration system. This makes the process fast and simple. The pods are single-use and practical, but they be more expensive than using your own beans, and result in plenty of waste. Companies such as Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others offer a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups that are affordable and environmentally-friendly.
Another alternative to the pre-portioned pods of coffee used by single-serve brewers is using your own ground coffee and an reusable filter. This will eliminate the need to purchase and disposing of single-use coffee pods. Although this may take a little more time to prepare, it will save you money in the end. It also lets you select your own ground coffee instead of having to stick to the same brand.
You should consider the amount of coffee you consume often and if convenience or ritual is more important to you. If you consume lots of coffee and often rush out the door with a cup in one hand, it could be worth getting a simple single-serve brewer.
If you drink only a few cups of coffee a day, it may be worth investing in a drip or percolator machine that can handle large quantities at once. This will allow you to have a variety of tastes and avoid having to throw out coffee that is burned or stale.