Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?

When you're making coffee you have plenty of options. Which one is the best rated single serve coffee machines for you?

Single cup coffee makers provide convenience at the touch of a button. The machines utilize capsules or pods purchased from the store (like K-Cups), to brew the desired beverage. These are usually made of aluminum or plastic and could cause serious waste.

1. Easy to use

Single-cup coffee makers are ideal for those who want an espresso in a hurry but don't want a larger coffee maker. They are simple to use and provide a variety of brewing options to suit different tastes. They also take up less counter space than traditional drip coffee makers, which can be a big plus in a tight kitchen.

The majority of the models we tested can brew either ground coffee or pre-portioned, store-bought pods or capsules. Pods are small aluminum or plastic cups that are filled with pre-measured ground coffee and filters built-in. They are a great option and are less expensive than buying whole coffee beans, however they may become costly over time. Many companies make reusable filters that you can use with their pods. You can recycle these filters.

Some machines can also brew cold coffee maker single cup, and some also have milk-frothing attachments to cappuccinos or lattes. Others like our top pick can brew coffee and tea. We looked at the models on their durability, functionality easy installation and breakdown aesthetics, as well as their warranties to help us find the top single-cup brewers.

In the end, our top pick stood out from the pack because of its simple design, a variety of brewing options and simple, one-touch operation. It produced the hottest cup and was able to accommodate different sizes of brewing and was the most easy to clean of all the models we tested.

In addition, this model has an integrated grinder which we found to be the most useful feature among the single-cup brewers that we tested. It was able to grind both regular and dark-roast coffee beans to the same degree of coarseness, and was extremely quiet during operation. It was also the longest-lasting machine that we evaluated. And its tiny footprint allowed it to fit into tight spaces.

We'd like add a final note. Although single-cup brewers are excellent for using both grounds and pods together however, we would not recommend them to anyone who wants their own pods that are reusable. They are usually made up of aluminium and plastic, which can be a strain on the heating element of the machine over time. However, you can buy coffee bags that consist of filter paper and plant-based materials which is a greener alternative.

2. Easy to clean

A single cup coffeemaker uses ground or whole beans, along with filters, to create a cup of freshly made coffee. Most models use pods which are small plastic or aluminum cups that are filled with ground coffee that has been pre-portioned and has a built-in filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene, which is recyclable. However, it is important to inquire with your local recycling facility if this material is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum, and are typically recyclable.

3. Much less expensive than other coffee makers

Coffee is a beloved beverage, but there's no need to shell out money for a large brewing system. Single-serve coffee brewers, like the Keurig is ideal for making an instant cup for yourself or your colleague. Keurig has the benefit of allowing people to meet and socialize around the table with a hot cup of coffee.

Most single-serve coffee systems use ground coffee that is pre-portioned in small pods made of plastic or aluminum which have a built-in filter system. This makes the process fast and simple. These pods that are only used once can be convenient, but they can also be more expensive than making your own beans, and result in plenty of waste. However, companies such as Green Mountain and Wolfgang Puck offer a wide range of Fair Trade and organic K-Cups that are affordable and eco-friendly.

You can also make use of your own ground coffee and an reusable filter to replace the pre-portioned pods that are used in single-serve coffee makers. This eliminates the need to purchase and get rid of single-use pods. While this can take a little more time to prepare, it will save you money over the long term. It also lets you select your own ground coffee, rather than having to stick with the same brand.

It is important to think about the amount of coffee you consume often and if the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you're a coffee drinker and find yourself frequently rushing out the door with a mug in hand you're drinking, it's worth it to invest in a single serve coffee maker.

If you drink only a couple cups of coffee each day, it might be better to purchase a drip or percolator capable of handling larger quantities at one time. This will give you to choose a variety of flavors and prevent having to throw out old or burned coffee.