What Is Single Serve Coffee Maker And Why Are We Talking About It?
Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison
Single-serve coffee machines are convenient for a quick cup of coffee or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.
Coffee drinkers who prioritize individualization will likely require a machine that can make a full pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. Many of these machines also address the environmental impact of coffee pods using capsules that are recyclable or reused.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a gorgeous design that combines premium finishes with customizable features. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms of the kinds of beverages it can be brewed with- it supports K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot tea or chocolate. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It is also compatible with reusable K-Cups which can save you money over the course of time.
Despite having more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel has a power button, settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu as well as an "strong" button, a hot water button, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large, color-coded LCD display makes it easy to see when the machine needs to descale or refill.
The K-Elite is one of our Keurigs we love however, it has some disadvantages. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it does not have a removable drip tray and the lid is not secure. Also, the spout tends to create some splatter especially when you use smaller travel mugs.
In single serve coffee makers comparison tested the K-Elite and found it to perform well in a variety of categories. It scored higher than average for first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed.
It was also the most efficient to warm the water and then brew the cup. It was also the least likely machine to produce grounds. However the K-Elite was not able to create as hot of a cup as some of our other top models. The iced coffee was also less flavorful than the strong coffee. The K-Elite is a great option for those looking for a single-serve machine. It's available for purchase at numerous retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for purchase for around $150. The K-Classic model is also a good option if you want a more affordable model. It costs a bit more than the Elite but isn't as costly as our other top models.
2. Black+Decker Single-Serve Espresso Maker
A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee at any time. These machines are smaller and more compact than drip models, making them a good choice for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They also offer the ability to prepare a variety different coffee beverages, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy households.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be one of the cheapest models on the market but it offers some key features that are worth considering. It uses an in-built filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and soft coffee pods that are pre-packaged, and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after the brewing process has finished to save water and energy. It only takes just a few minutes to make a single cup of coffee and comes with a thermal travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).
In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was capable to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the time it took the average model we tested in our lab. It also has programming options that are typically reserved for more expensive brewers including an automatic start.
Its retro-styled design is perfect for those who want to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight design and removable tank make it easy to move. Our testers found it user-friendly, with an intuitive menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those with no prior experience using a single-serve coffee machine. However, the brew speed was only average in our tests, and it wasn't able to reach 195degF for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperature was significantly higher than other models in our tests which could lead to overheated coffee and burnt grounds. Despite these concerns the CM618 is a great option for people on a budget but want to brew their favorite K-Cup pods, or even their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines are a bit different from K-Cup and Keurig machines in that they use only the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand splits its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines brew espresso-based drinks, whereas VertuoLine models are designed to brew larger coffee and milk recipes such as lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.
The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 features four different drink sizes and smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It features a sleek and modern design, and comes with an adjustable 37-ounce water tank. It is user-friendly and features an automatic system that ejects pods that are used in a container integrated into the machine. It takes 15 to 20 seconds for the machine to warm up, and shuts off automatically after nine minutes.
In our tests, the XP371 brewed an excellent cup of coffee. It produced a decent cup of coffee that had an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces, which is the third-fastest of the models we test. This isn't an issue but if you're familiar with brewing coffee fast in the morning, it may be an issue.
Overall, the NespressoXP371 is a fantastic choice for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. However, the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a nagging issue for some potential buyers.
If you don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker, but still would like to have the convenience of a single-serve machine, then we recommend that you check out our review of cup reusable. You might also want to consider one of our favorite insulated tumblers to keep your tea or coffee warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has received thousands of favorable reviews from customers and has many useful features that other models do not have. Its price is affordable for a machine of its quality and has a stylish design. Some owners have claimed that this model is a fire hazard. This is something you should be aware of prior to purchasing.
This fully automatic coffeemaker has 24-hour programmability and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at once or the entire pot of 12 cups. The carafe has thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, thus enhancing the taste of the coffee. The "Brew Pause", which interrupts the brewing process for 30 seconds, lets you pour the contents of a cup. The self-cleaning feature helps keep the tank clean.
The controls on this coffee maker are evenly spaced and clearly labeled, so you can easily determine what each button is at a glance. Other features include an automatic shutoff, as well as an spout that is drip-free and has the knuckleguard. The coffee maker is extremely easy to use and its brushed stainless steel finish is beautiful on the countertop.
Some buyers have reported that the gold toned permanent wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Additionally, some have complained that they are unable to get the reservoir to fill correctly due to an issue with the design that pushes water through a small opening in the back of the machine and into the filter.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spews water and coffee grounds all over the counter while it is running, however this is rare. This is a fantastic coffee maker if you want a basic model that has numerous features that make it convenient for affordable prices.