Individual Coffee Makers - How to Keep Them Clean There are many ways to make coffee. Some are quick and simple, but others require a lot of maintenance. If you're looking for the convenience of a silky smooth cup coffee shop brewed brew but without the cost, consider an individual coffee maker. These brewing devices are easy to maintain, reliable and ideal for college dorms or kitchens in offices. 1. Easy to clean A clean coffee maker is vital to brewing delicious strong java. Like you wouldn't cook in a dirty cooker or eat food from a plate that's not clean, your coffee machine should be maintained regularly to ensure that it is operating at efficiently and produces an excellent cup of Joe. Cleaning a single-serve or drip coffee maker is easy enough. The glass carafe and filter basket can be removed, washed in soapy, hot water and then allowed to dry before using. The hot plate can be covered with a paper towel and left to soak until it's free of any stain. The parts that can be removed can be washed with the dishwasher. Check the manual of your coffee maker to make sure that it is safe. Depending on how often you brew, you might require cleaning your coffee maker more frequently. Regular users should clean their machine once or twice a month to ensure it is clean and free of any buildup. Cleaning experts recommend a descaler for all appliances, but white vinegar is equally effective and much less expensive. To clean a coffee maker with vinegar and water, fill the reservoir with a 50-50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water. Then, run a brew cycle, and then two to three cycles of clean, fresh water until you can no longer smell vinegar. The vinegar will help to remove any accrued mineral deposits from the inner workings of the machine. This will improve the taste of your coffee as well. For a more thorough cleaning you can substitute the vinegar with lemon juice or baking soda (using equal parts). Once the mixture has prepared, run two more cycles of clean water to wash the machine. You can also replace the reservoir's water with filtered water. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines can use the clean, refilled reservoir to make coffee for your next pot! You can also wash the glass coffee carafe, or reusable filter in the dishwasher. For a more thorough cleaning, you could purchase the cleaning kit that comes with a specialized cleaner that is specifically designed for coffeemakers. 2. It is easy to use A cup of coffee is an excellent way to begin your day. It will give you enough energy to make it through the day. But, most people prefer to get their morning coffee from a coffee shop near by. But, if you want to save time and money you can make a delicious cup of coffee at home. All you require is a single-serve coffee maker and some coffee pods. Single-serve coffee makers are unnoticed heroes of busy mornings. You can sip your coffee quickly and easily without having to grind or measure coffee beans. They also reduce waste and are typically less expensive than traditional coffeemakers. Which one should you select then? The answer depends on two things: 1) the amount you drink and) what is important to you. If you have to balance a travel mug each morning before you leave the house, you may be willing to sacrifice a little routine for convenience. But if you like to start your day with a delicious, freshly-brewed coffee, you might prefer a more hands-on appliance that lets you make your perfect cup of coffee. There are many different kinds of single-serve coffee makers available that can also make tea. Some are smaller and require less space, while others have more features such as the clock and reservoir for water. It is recommended to check out all the options available and then decide which is the best fit for your needs. If you are short on space, a small portable, single-cup coffee maker is perfect for studio apartments and dorm rooms. It's also a great option for those who wish to avoid paying for expensive coffee while traveling. When selecting a single-serve machine for coffee, ensure you go through reviews to determine which ones are easiest to use and clean. Find a machine that has a descaler, which is necessary to eliminate mineral residue. Most coffeemakers recommend descale every one to three months. While some manufacturers offer cleaning products specifically designed for their machines, a basic at-home solution made of vinegar and warm water can also be used. 3. Easy to store A single coffee maker is a great addition to any kitchen, provided you have plenty of counter space and shelves. You can place K-Cups in a vertical counter organizer, or keep varieties in a large lidded canister on the open shelf. Regardless of where you choose to store your K-Cups make sure you keep them organized so that you are able to locate what you require. AdirChef is a good choice if you want a small coffee maker that can only brew one cup. It's among the smallest single-cup models that we test, and it did not take up much space on our counter. This model also boasts several convenience features, like the flip-up/down stand that can be adjusted to fit any size travel mug as well as bold and regular brewing strength options. 4. Easy to maintain A coffee maker is a wonderful addition to your kitchen, however it requires regular maintenance and attention to function properly. A few simple tasks can help prevent your coffee maker from getting filled with mineral deposits which could affect the taste and quality of your coffee. Doing these tasks on a daily basis and once a month for a deep cleaning can ensure that your coffee maker lasts longer and operates optimally. First take the carafe out of the dishwasher after each cup of coffee. Clean the glass carafe and the brewing basket after each use. This will get rid of any oil residue or set-in stains which could cause your coffee to taste stale. It is also recommended to wash the reservoir with water after each brew cycle to prevent bacteria and mold from growing inside the machine. Most modern coffee makers feature the ability to descale their machines, which can be run at least once a month. This process removes the minerals in your water, which can clog up the machine and make it difficult to brew coffee. This cycle is typically similar to running a normal brew cycle and using the descaling solution provided by the manufacturer. If you don't have a solution specifically designed to clean your coffee maker, you can use the combination of water and vinegar to keep your machine in good condition. The acid in vinegar helps to get rid of any mineral deposits, coffee oils, and staining that's accumulated over time. After cleaning your coffee maker, run a few cycles with clean water, preferably with filtration to get rid of any remaining cleaning solution or vinegar. Since the beginning of 2019, Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab. She oversees our content as well as testing of kitchen appliances that are small including coffee makers, tools and kitchen appliances. She holds a grand diploma in classical culinary arts obtained from the former French Culinary Institute. She has written for more than 15 years on cooking, travel, and food. Her writing has been published in a variety of publications including Good Housekeeping Food & Wine, and Southern Living.