The Biggest Issue With Single Cup Coffee, And How You Can Fix It
Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?
There are many options available 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 the button. The machines make use of pods from the store or capsules (like K-Cups) to brew the beverage you want. They are typically made of plastic or aluminum and can result in significant waste.
1. Simple to use
Single-cup coffee makers are perfect for those who need an instant cup of coffee but don't need a larger coffee maker. They're easy to use, and they offer a variety brewing options to suit different tastes. They are smaller on the counter than a traditional coffee maker. single cup coffee maker uk www.coffeee.uk can be a huge plus in a kitchen that is small.
The majority of the models we tested can brew ground coffee or pre-portioned pods or capsules from a retailer. The pods, which are tiny cups made of plastic or aluminum, contain pre-measured coffee grounds and a built in filter. They are more convenient and less expensive than buying whole coffee beans, but can become expensive as time passes. Many companies also make filter filters that can be reused for their pods and, in many cases, you can reuse them.
Some machines also brew cold coffee and some have milk-frothing attachments that can make Lattes or cappuccinos. Others, like our top pick, can brew both coffee and tea. We evaluated the models for their performance, durability and the ease of setup and breakdown, aesthetics and included warranties to determine the best brewers that use a single cup for home use.
Our top pick stood out because of its simplicity of design, the variety of options for brewing and a single-touch operation. It made the most hot cup of the bunch, allowed for various brewing sizes and was the easiest to clean of all the models we test.
Additionally the model comes with an integrated grinder, which we found to be the most beneficial feature of the single-cup brewers that we tested. It was able to grind regular and dark-roast coffee beans to the same level of coarseness and was extremely quiet throughout operation. We also found it to be the most durable machine we've tested, and its compact footprint made it easy to stash in tight spaces.
We'd like to add one last note. While single-cup brewers can be great for using both grounds and pods but we wouldn't recommend anyone to buy their own pods that are reusable. These are typically a combination of aluminum and plastic which can be damaging to the heating element of a machine over time. You can buy coffee bags constructed from a mixture of filter paper and plant-based materials. This is a greener option.
2. Easy to clean
A single-cup coffee maker makes use of pre-portioned ground or whole bean coffee, as well as filters to make a cup of fresh brew. The majority of models use pods, which are small aluminum or plastic cups that are filled with ground coffee that has been pre-portioned and has filters built-in. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene which is recyclable. However, it is important to check your local recycling center to determine if this product is accepted. Nespresso capsules, made from aluminum, are usually recyclable.
3. Less expensive than other coffee makers
Coffee is a popular beverage but there's no reason to spend a fortune on the largest brewing equipment. Single-serve brewers, like the Keurig are an affordable option to grab an instant cup of coffee for yourself or a coworker. The Keurig also comes with the added benefit of allowing users to get together and enjoy an iced coffee.
The majority of single-serve systems use pre-portioned, ground coffee in small pods made of aluminum or plastic that include a built-in filtration system. This makes the process fast and easy. The pods are single-use and useful, but they also cost more than using your own beans and create plenty of waste. Companies like Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others provide a range of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups which are both affordable and eco-friendly.
Another option to use the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used by single-serve brewers is to make your own ground coffee using filters that are reusable, which will eliminate the need to purchase and disposing of single-use coffee pods. While this might take a bit longer to prepare, it will save you money in the long run. It also allows you to choose your own coffee rather than having to stick to the same brand.
It is important to think about how much coffee you drink frequently and whether ritual or convenience is more important to you. If you drink often and often rush out the door with a cup in one hand, it could be worth investing in a basic single-serve maker.
If you drink only a few cups of coffee per day, it might be worthwhile to invest in a percolator or drip machine capable of handling large quantities at a time. This will give you a variety in flavors and prevent having to throw away stale or burned coffee.
