Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You? When you're making coffee you have plenty of options. Which one is the best for you? Single cup coffee makers are convenient and can be operated with just a single button. The machines use store-bought pods or capsules (like K-Cups) to brew your preferred beverage. These are usually made of plastic or aluminum and can create a lot of waste. 1. Simple to use For those who require a quick cup of coffee but do not have the space for a larger brewer, single-cup coffee makers can help. They're simple to use and provide many brewing options to suit different preferences. They also require less counter space than a traditional drip coffee maker, which can be a big plus in a cramped kitchen. Most of the models that we tested could brew ground beans, or pre-portioned pods or capsules purchased from a retail store. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines are small aluminum or plastic cups that are filled with ground coffee that has been measured and a built-in filter. They are convenient and cheaper than buying whole coffee beans, but may become costly in time. Many companies also make reusable filters for their pods, and you can often recycle them. Certain machines can also brew cold-brewed coffee, and some even have milk-frothing attachments for making lattes or cappuccinos. Others such as our top choice can brew tea and coffee. We compared the models based for their performance durability, reliability, ease of setting up and breakdown, along with their appearance and included warranties to determine the top brewers with one cup for use at home. Ultimately, our top pick stood out from the crowd because of its straightforward design, a variety of options for brewing and its simple one-touch operation. It made the most hot cup and was able to accommodate different sizes of brewing and was the most easy to clean of all the models we tested. The model also comes with an inbuilt grinder, which was the most beneficial feature of the single cup brewers that we tested. It could grind both regular and dark-roast coffee beans to the same level of coarseness and was incredibly quiet during operation. It was also the longest-lasting machine that we test. Its small footprint made it possible to fit into tight spaces. One final note: Although it's fantastic that single-cup brewers are able to be used with pods and grounds, we don't recommend them for anyone looking to make their own reusable pods. These are usually a mixture of plastic and aluminum, which can wear out the heating element of the machine over time. However, you can buy coffee bags that consist of filter paper and plant-based substances, which is a greener option. 2. Easy to clean A single cup coffee maker utilizes whole bean or ground coffee, as well as a filter to make one cup of fresh brewed coffee. The majority of models use pods which are small plastic or aluminum cups that have ground coffee that has been pre-portioned and has a built-in filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene that is recyclable. However, it is important to inquire with your local recycling facility if this material is accepted. Nespresso capsules are made from aluminum, and are typically recyclable. 3. More affordable than other coffee makers There's no reason to spend an enormous sum of money in a coffee maker. Single-serve coffee brewers like the Keurig, are a great way to make an instant cup for yourself or a colleague. The Keurig also has the added benefit of allowing people to socialize and gather around a cup of hot coffee. The majority of single-serve systems use ground coffee that is pre-portioned in small pods made of plastic or aluminum that include a built-in filtration system. This makes the process quick and easy. The pods are single-use and practical, but they also be more expensive than using your own beans, and result in lots of waste. However, companies such as 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 and filters that are reusable, which will eliminate the need to purchase and disposing of single-use coffee pods. This method can take a bit more time however it will save you money over the long term. Additionally it lets you choose your own ground coffee, rather than having to stick to the same brand each time. It is important to think about how much coffee you drink frequently and whether the convenience or the ritual is more important to you. If you drink a lot of coffee and often find yourself running out the door with a cup in one hand, it may be worth investing in a basic single-serve maker. If you only drink just a few cups of coffee a day, it may be worthwhile to invest in a percolator or drip machine that can handle large amounts at a time. This will allow you to enjoy a variety of flavors and avoid throwing the coffee that has been burned or stale.