What to Look For in a Single Serving Coffee Maker A single-serve machine is capable of making an espresso cup in less than a minute. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines 's also less messy and inefficient than the traditional pot of coffee. Noah Kaufman, the editor of Epi's Reviews, is a fan of this pod style machine for its sleek and smart features. It's programmeable and can be used to fill a travel mug before the morning commute. Pods Single-serve coffee pods, or soft pods, are discs covered with paper that are designed to brew a cup of coffee per. They are used in a variety of coffee makers, including the ones made by Bunn, Black & Decker and Philips. Soft pods can be reused and recyclable, in contrast to plastic or metal capsules that are thrown out after use. However, some people dislike the idea of dumping the disposable pods that are single-use which can contribute to the global waste production. A good alternative is a single-serve coffee maker with a built-in grinder, which allows you to grind your own beans or use ground coffee instead pre-packaged pods. Certain models also come with a removable water reservoir that is great if you want to save the cost of your daily cup of coffee. The size of the reservoir varies from machine to machine, so it is important to know how much you will need before buying a single-serve coffee maker. The best single-serve coffee makers have several options that allow you to modify your coffee's strength of the coffee, temperature, and the speed of brewing. For instance, some models offer the My Brew setting that allows you to tailor the brewing process for your particular preferences and tastes. These features are great for those who love coffee and want to ensure their coffee is as perfect as they can get it. If you like the convenience of single-serve coffee pods but aren't a fan of throwing away plastic look into a model that makes use of reusable coffee pods made of bio-based and completely recyclable materials. These pods might be more expensive than traditional capsules, but they provide the same convenience and high-quality cups. If you're an active professional looking to brew a quick cup of coffee in the office, you should consider buying a single-serve espresso machine. This kind of coffee maker can create an intense cup of espresso in just one minute, which is more efficient than drip brewers can make. You'll also be able to make milk-based drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Beans The main disadvantage of single-serve machines are the waste they produce. Many of these machines produce lots of plastic containers, which end in landfills and negatively impact the environment. If you want to lessen your carbon footprint, you should look for models that make use of reusable or compostable pods. You can also choose one that uses beans to make coffee. This is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy the flavor of freshly ground coffee. It is important to remember that these types of machines are usually larger and require a greater investment than pod-based models. You'll also need to purchase a grinder and an reusable or compostable filter for these models. Another option is to purchase a dual-brew coffee maker, which can create a pot of regular coffee and a single cup at a time. This is a great option for families with large numbers or who drink several cups of coffee throughout the day. It takes longer to brew, and consumes more water and coffee beans than other models, but you will save money over time because you don't need to purchase as many pods or coffee bags. The model comes with one-serve that can make up to 14 ounces of espresso, and a carafe that can hold up to 12 mugs of standard coffee. It is programmable for up to 24 hours in advance, and it can accommodate a travel mug on the single-serve side for those who have to grab a quick cup prior to school or work. It also has a sizeable bean hopper and an easy-to-use touchscreen, allowing you to make your drink exactly as you like it. Filter The filter you use in a single serving coffee maker can have a major influence on the taste of your coffee. Certain machines have reusable filters for ground coffee or K-Cups, while others require disposable paper filters. Choose a model that can accept your own reusable filters if are looking to reduce the amount of consumption and impact on the environment. You'll also have to consider what size cup you prefer. If you consume more than one cup of coffee in the morning, or are sharing your single-serve coffee maker with others, you'll require a brewer that can accommodate a greater variety of serving sizes. The Mueller single-serve coffee maker, for instance, can brew up to six 10- or 15-ounce cups of coffee. It can also make espresso shots as well as hot cocoa in addition to drip coffee. A speedy brew time is another aspect to take into consideration when choosing a single serve coffee maker. Some models can heat water and make the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, whereas others may take a little longer to prepare a huge 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. Then, you'll have to decide whether or not you'd like a single-serve coffee maker with a reservoir of water built-in or requires you to bring your own water. Certain models have tanks that are removable and can hold up to 40 ounces. of water. Others come with a reservoir that has to be filled every time you make one cup. If you're limited on space, an espresso maker that needs you to add your own water may be the best choice for your kitchen. The single-serve coffee maker from BLACK+DECKER, for instance, occupies a small space on your counter. It also has a an easy-to-use start button that makes it simple to use. The machine shuts off automatically following the brewing process. Adding your own water to the machine, however, can require a bit of work, as you'll need to measure and pour the water you've poured before beginning your brew. Temperature Temperature is the most crucial element in the process of brewing coffee. To get the best flavor out of your beans, you must to ensure that the water is at the proper temperature. The higher the temperature of the water the more coffee will dissolve and the stronger the drink. Most single serving coffee makers have heating system that heats the water to the optimal brewing temperature of 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some machines are better at keeping the water hot than others. One of the top machines we tested was the Mueller AdirChef Single-Serve Pod Coffee Maker, which was able to keep the water hot throughout the entire brew process and was the only machine that didn't require cooling down flushes (which requires running water through pipes). The method by which these coffee makers heat their water is distinctive in comparison to other coffeemakers. Instead of a pump, these coffee makers have an electronic check valve that allows water to flow in one direction. This valve is paired with the tubing system, which has the heater attached. The heater heats the tubing until it is at the temperature of brewing at when it opens the check valve and pumps the water through the system and out of the tubing into your cup. Certain machines have digital displays that tell you how long it will take until your coffee is ready. This is helpful if you are planning to make several cups at once or are worried about the temperature of your water. Some models even have an indicator light that can alert you to when the brew has finished. Certain machines can brew in various sizes, ranging from 16-ounce brews, to individual espresso shots that fit in most coffee cups. Some machines are also able to froth milk for cappuccinos or lattes. A dual coffee maker is another alternative. It can be used both for single-serve brewing as well as carafe. Dual coffeemakers like the Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One are excellent examples. It comes with two separate water reservoirs and a dial in the front to switch between single-serve brewing as well as a full carafe.