What to Look For in a Single Serving Coffee Maker

A single-serve machine is capable of making an espresso cup in under a minute. It also creates less waste and mess than a traditional coffee maker.

Epi's reviews editor, Noah Kaufman, loves the pod-style machine due to its sleek design and smart features. It is programmable and will fill a travel cup prior to your morning commute.

Pods

Single-serve coffee pods, also known as soft pods, are paper-covered discs designed to make one cup of coffee each. They can be used in a variety of coffee makers, such as those made by Bunn, Black & Decker, and Philips. Soft pods are reusable and recyclable, in contrast to plastic or metal capsules which are discarded after use. Some people do not like the idea of throwing away these single-use disposable pods, which contribute to global waste.

Another option is a single-serve coffee maker that has an integrated grinder. This allows you to grind your beans by yourself or use ground coffee instead of prepackaged pods. Some models come with an insulated reservoir that can be removed, which can be used to save money on your daily cup. The size of the reservoir can vary from machine to machine, so it is important to find out how much the model you prefer for a single serve coffee maker holds before making a purchase.

The top single-serve coffee machines have a range of settings that give you unparalleled control over your coffee from the strength to the temperature and even how fast it makes. Some models, for instance, offer the My Brew setting that allows you to alter the brewing process to suit your particular tastes and preferences. These features are perfect for those who are trying to make their coffee as perfect as they can.

If you like the convenience of single-serve pods but aren't keen on throwing away plastic, then think about a model which uses reusable coffee capsules made from recyclable and biodegradable materials. These pods are more expensive than traditional coffee capsules, however they offer the same convenience and high-quality cup of coffee.

You should consider buying a single-serve coffee maker if you are a busy professional who needs to make a quick cup of coffee at work. This kind of coffee maker can make a cup intense espresso in just one minute. It's more efficient than drip brewers. It also allows you to create milk-based drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Beans

The primary drawback of single-serve machines is the amount of waste they create. These machines can produce lots of plastic containers that end up in landfills, which can negatively impact the environment. If you want to lessen your environmental footprint it is recommended to look for models that are recyclable or compostable pods.

You can also select machines that use beans to brew your coffee this is a great option for those who prefer the flavor of freshly ground coffee. These machines are larger and more expensive than pod-based models. For these models, you will also require grinders and biodegradable or reusable filters.

Another option is to purchase a dual-brew machine, which can make both the regular coffee and one cup at a time. This is a great option for large families or people who drink several cups of coffee throughout the day. It takes longer to brew than other models and requires more water and beans however it will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy more pods or ground coffee bags.

The model comes with one-serve that can make up to 14 ounces of coffee and a carafe that is able to hold up to 12 cups of regular coffee. It can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance of time and a travel cup can be positioned on the single-serve part for those looking to grab a quick coffee prior to work or school. It also has a large bean hopper as well as an easy-to-use touchscreen, allowing you to make your drink exactly as you like it.

Filter

The filter type that is used in a single-serving coffee maker can have an impact on the flavor of your cup. Some machines use recycled paper filters for K-Cups or ground coffee, whereas others make use of disposable paper filters. Choose a model which accepts your own reusable filters if are looking to reduce the amount of consumption and impact on the environment.

You'll also need to consider the size of cup you prefer. If you consume more than one cup in the morning or will be sharing your single-serve machine with others, you'll need a brewer that will accommodate a greater variety of serving sizes. The Mueller single-serve coffee maker, for instance, can make up to six, 10 or 15-ounce cups of coffee. It can also make espresso shots and hot cocoa, in addition to drip coffee.

When selecting a single cup coffee-serve espresso maker, it's important to consider the brew time. Some models can heat the water and brew coffee in under two minutes, whereas other models may take longer to make a carafe of hot coffee. If you're working in a hurry, you may find that a model using disposable K-Cups and coffee pods is the most convenient.

You'll also have to decide if you'd like coffee maker that has a built-in reservoir or one that requires you to add water. Some models have tanks that are removable and can hold up to 40 ounces. of water. Others have a reservoir, which is filled each time you make a cup. If you are limited in space in your kitchen, a single serve machine that requires water is a good choice. The BLACK+DECKER coffee machine is a great example. It occupies a small space on your counter, and has a simple button to begin the machine. It also shuts off automatically when the brewing cycle is complete. Making your own water available to the machine, however, will require some extra work as you'll have to measure and pour your own water prior to starting your brew.

Temperature

In the world of coffee-making there are a myriad of factors that affect the quality of your coffee is brewed, but the most important factor is temperature. To get the best flavor of your beans, the water should be at the right temperature. The higher the temperature of the water, the more coffee will dissolve and the more potent the drink will be.

Most single-serving coffee makers come with a heater which heats water to the ideal temperature for brewing (195-205 degrees Fahrenheit). However, some machines are better in keeping the water hot than others. One of the best machines we tested is the Mueller AdirChef Single-Serve Pod Coffee Maker, which was able to keep the water hot throughout the entire brew cycle and was the only machine to not require cooling down flushes (which requires running the water through pipes).

The method they use to heat their water is distinctive in comparison to other coffee makers. Instead of a pump, these coffee makers use an electronic check valve that only allows water to flow in a single direction. This valve is connected to tubing systems that have the heater attached. The heater is used to heat the tubing to the required temperature to brew. At that point, the check valve opens and the water is pumped through the system.

Some machines have digital displays that tell you how long until your coffee is ready. This is helpful if you need to make several cups at once or are concerned about the water temperature. Some models also include an indicator light that will alert you to when the brew is done.

Some machines can brew in various sizes, ranging from 16-ounce brews to single espresso shots that fit in most coffee cups. Additionally, some machines have milk-frothing capabilities for lattes and cappuccinos. Another alternative is a dual-coffee maker that can be used for single-serve and carafe making. The Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One is an example of a great dual coffee maker that has two separate reservoirs for water and features a dial on the front that switches between single-serve and full-carafe making.