15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Single Cup Coffee

Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You? When you're making coffee you have plenty of choices. Which one is best for you? Single cup coffee makers are simple and can be operated with a single button. The machines utilize pods that are available at the grocery store or capsules (like K-Cups) to brew the beverage you want. They are typically made from aluminum or plastic and could result in significant waste. 1. Simple to use Single-cup coffee makers are great for those who need an instant cup of coffee but don't want a larger coffee maker. They are easy to use, and they provide a variety of brewing options for different tastes. They also require less counter space than a traditional drip coffee maker which is a big plus in a kitchen that is cramped. Most of the models that we tested can brew ground coffee or pre-portioned pods or capsules purchased from a retail store. Pods, which are small cups made of aluminum or plastic, contain ground coffee that has been measured and filters built-in. They are convenient to use and less expensive than buying whole beans, but they can be pricey over time. Many manufacturers also make filter filters that can be reused for their pods and you're able to reuse them. Certain machines can also brew cold-brewed coffee, and some come with milk-frothing attachments for making cappuccinos or Lattes. Some such as our top pick can also brew coffee and tea. We looked at the models on their performance, durability, ease of setting up and dismantling aesthetics, and also included warranty in order to find the best single-cup brewers. Our top choice stood out because of its simplicity of design, the variety of brewing choices and one-touch operation. It made the most hot cup of the bunch that could accommodate a variety of sizes of brewing and was the easiest to clean of all the models we test. This model also has an integrated grinder, which was the most valuable feature of the single-cup brewers that we tested. It was able to grind both regular and dark-roast coffee beans to the same coarseness and was extremely quiet during the process. It was also the longest-lasting machine we evaluated. And its small footprint allowed it to be placed into tight spaces. One final note: Although it's fantastic that single-cup brewers are able to be used with both pods and grounds however, we wouldn't recommend them for anyone who wants to make their own pods that can be reused. These are usually a mixture of plastic and aluminum, which can wear down the heating element of the machine over time. You can buy coffee bags constructed from a mixture of filter paper and plant-based materials. single serve coffee machine is a greener option. 2. Easy to clean A single-cup coffeemaker uses ground or whole beans, as well as filters, to create fresh brewed coffee. Most models utilize pods. These are small aluminum or plastic cups that contain preportioned ground beans, with an integrated filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene that is recyclable. However, you should verify with your local recycling center to see if this material is acceptable. Nespresso capsules are made from aluminum and are also usually recyclable. 3. Much less expensive than other coffee makers There's no need to spend a fortune in a large machine for brewing. Single-serve brewers such as the Keurig are an affordable way to get an instant cup of coffee for yourself or your coworker. Keurig has the benefit of allowing people to meet and socialize around the table with a hot cup of coffee. The majority of single-serve systems are pre-portioned ground coffee in small plastic or aluminum pods that come with an integrated filter that makes the process fast and simple. While these types of single-use coffee pods are convenient, they can also be more expensive than using your own ground beans, and also generate a lot of waste. However, companies like Green Mountain and Wolfgang Puck offer a wide range of Fair Trade and organic K-Cups that are both economical and sustainable. Another option to use the pre-portioned pods of coffee used by single-serve brewers is to make your own ground coffee with an reusable filter. This means you don't have to purchase and disposing of single-use coffee pods. While this can take a little more time to prepare, it can save you money over the long term. Moreover it allows you to select your own coffee, rather than having to use the same brand all the time. You need to consider how much coffee you drink often and if the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you drink a lot of coffee and often rush out the door with a mug in your hand, it may be worth getting a simple single-serve maker. If you consume only the occasional cup of coffee a day, it may be worthwhile to invest in a drip machine that can handle large amounts at a time. This will allow you to have a variety of tastes and avoid having to throw the coffee that has been burned or stale.