10 Healthy Single Serve Coffee Maker Habits

Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee machines can be used for quick cups or cold brew. They may use pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who appreciate individualization will require a machine which can make a full-pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. Many of these machines also take into consideration the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods by utilizing capsules that are recyclable or reused.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that is a perfect blend of exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's one the most versatile Keurigs in terms what can be brewed -it can be used with K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot tea or chocolate. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank is able to dispense up to seven medium cups before requiring a refill. It is also compatible with K-Cups that can be reused which can save you money over the course of time.

It's easy to navigate, even when it has more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel has a power button, settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button that is hot water and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. A large LCD display with color coded colors allows you to easily see when the machine needs to descale or a refill.

The K-Elite is one of our top Keurigs has its drawbacks. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it doesn't have a drip tray that is removable, and the lid is not secure. The spout could also cause some splatter when using shorter travel cups.

We also compared the performance of the K-Elite in our Coffee Makers test program, and it performed fairly well in the majority of categories. It scored above average for first-cup speed, temperature consistency and repeat speed.

It was also among the fastest to heat water and make cups, and it was also the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite was not able to make a cup that was hotter than our top models. Additionally the iced version was less flavorful than the stronger coffee. However the K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for the convenience of an espresso maker that is single brew coffee machines-serve. It is available to purchase from many retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can find it for about $150. If you're looking for a less expensive model then the K-Classic is also worth a look. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but isn't as costly as our other top models.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A single-serve machine enables you to prepare coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller and less bulky than drip models which makes them a great option for small kitchens or dorm rooms. They are also able to make a variety of coffee drinks, such as espresso 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 among the most affordable models on the market however it comes with a few key features that are worth considering. It uses a permanent filter that is able to accommodate ground coffee as well as pre-packaged soft coffee pods and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after brewing to conserve water and energy. It only takes just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermos travel mug that can fit most standard car-cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).

In our tests, we observed that the BLACK+DECKER could produce an excellent cup of coffee in less than half the time required to make the typical model. It also comes with functions that are normally reserved for more expensive brewers, such as an automatic start.

Its sleek, retro style is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys an elegant look that is coordinated with other appliances in your kitchen and its light weight construction and water tank that is removable make it easy to transport. It was surprisingly easy to use and had a digital control panel that was simple and an easy menu that anyone can understand. However, the brew speed was only average in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures also were higher than other models we tried and could result in burning or overheated coffee. Despite these issues the CM618 is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want to brew K-Cup pods and make their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they only use their own coffee pods. The brand splits its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger coffee and milk recipes, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different drink sizes as well as smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It features a sleek and modern design, as well as a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy to operate and features an automatic system that ejects used pods into an internal container. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to heat up and then is shut down by itself after 9 minutes.

In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 made a great cup. It had a lovely crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without worrying about burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third-lowest speed in our tests. It's not a major issue however it could be a problem if used to fast morning coffee brews.

Overall the NespressoXP371 is an excellent choice for those who love coffee and espresso who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules which are more sustainable. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules can be a deterrent for some potential buyers.

If you aren't able to buy the top single-serve pod coffee maker, but still love the convenience of using a single-serve machine, we recommend checking out our best single brew coffee maker reusable cups review. You can also make use of one of our top insulated cups to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received a plethora of positive reviews from customers and has a variety of convenient features that many other models don't have. The price is very reasonable for a machine of this quality, and it has a sleek look. However, a few users have reported this model as a potential fire hazard, and this is something that you should certainly keep in mind in the event that you're thinking of buying it.

The fully automated coffeemaker can be programmed for up to all hours of the day. You can program it to brew four cups or 12 at the same time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold tone filter with wire mesh and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of your brew. The "Brew Pause", which will stop the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour a cup. The self-cleaning feature keeps the tank clean.

The controls on the coffee machine single serve maker are evenly spaced and clearly labeled and easy to identify what each button does at glance. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to decalcify the tank and carafe, an automatic shutoff, and a drip-free knuckle guard spill spout to allow for comfortable pouring. The coffee maker is very easy to use, and its stainless steel brushed finish is beautiful on the countertop.

However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this could be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill properly due to an error in the design, which forces water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.

Some have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter when it is in operation but this appears to be a rare event. In all likelihood, this is a top-quality coffee maker worth a look if are seeking a basic model that has plenty of convenient features for a low price.