Single Serve Coffee Brewer Single-serve coffee makers are a great option for those who wish to take advantage of the convenience of pods or recreate the flavor of drip coffee at home. These machines are simple to use and are quick. They come in many different styles, ranging from basic to sophisticated (like attachments for making latte on the most advanced models). There are models that make use of Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ground coffee beans. What exactly do they do? A single-serve coffee brewer uses capsules, K Cups or pods that are pre-packaged with ground coffee and tea. The user chooses one of the cups, presses a button and then the machine fills it up with hot coffee or iced hot chocolate or espresso-based drinks. Certain models come with an automatic shutoff or sleep mode to reduce the energy consumption. Some of the brewers we reviewed allow you to make your coffee or tea, but most do not. Some come with adjustable temperature and brew strength settings while others come with pre-set settings to make it easier for you to use. Look for a model that has an adequate water reservoir to meet your needs. You should consider a model that has a larger tank to reduce the frequency of refilling. Certain single-serve coffee makers provide various brewing options, from single espresso shots to a full 16-ounce brew (perfect for a travel mug). The type of tea and coffee you like to drink may influence your decision because many brewers are limited to a single brand or style of capsules/K-Cups. The convenience of the single-serve coffee maker could save time and money compared to making a pot of drip coffee, however it's important to think about the impact that purchasing and throwing away a lot of K-Cups or pods has on the environment. These plastic containers end up being recycled in landfills and have negative impacts on the environment. Some models can brew ground and pod coffee. If you prefer a traditional drip-style coffee, select a model where you can select your own grind size. You can also add water by hand. If you like to drink coffee with your family and friends you might prefer a single-serve coffee maker that can make more than one cup of coffee at each time. The top models have an adjustable drip tray that holds two to three cups. Some models with no removable drip trays can accommodate four to five cups. Make sure the model you're considering offers different sizes of brew, such as an 8-to-12-ounce option or a 10 - to 14-ounce cup. What kinds of coffee can they make? A single-serve coffee maker can brew a wide variety of different types of java. They are most commonly used with coffee pods, like those produced by Keurig (K-Cups) and Nespresso (capsules). Some models can also make drip coffee using ground beans. Certain models can make espresso or lattes. While they won't be able to win beauty contests as against a Moka or pour-over kettle, they can still make good coffee in just a few minutes. If you're worried about the amount of plastic that goes into making these coffee pods, certain manufacturers offer reusable versions as well as recyclable capsules. Some even offer "eco-friendly" cups that have no plastic at all. Many of the coffee makers we have tested come with a "mybrew" setting that lets you customize the your brewing parameters. These settings can be as easy as picking the size of your cup, or as complex as choosing the type of beverage and then adjusting the temperature of the brewing. It is also important to consider whether you need a machine for single-serve coffee or should you also consider the coffee maker to have an insulated carafe to make larger quantities. We've included several of these models in our roundup, including the renowned Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, which can brew up to four ounces of coffee per you and anyone else you may be making coffee for. Other single-serve machines let you pick from different brewing styles and brew sizes. For instance, the Bruvi Precision Brewer offers options for low acidity, Americano coffee, iced cold brew and brewed. The touch-screen display also has other customization features including the option to add sugar and milk directly to your beverage. Other single-serve coffee machines are geared toward a specific type of coffee, such as the Breville Barista Express and the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Both of these machines are capable of making espresso and lungo coffee with just one touch, which is a foolproof method. Both machines are small enough to be able to fit on the countertop of your kitchen. Can they be recycled? Although they offer a convenient and quick way to make a cup of coffee, single serve coffee makers create an overwhelming amount of waste. After use, the tiny aluminum and plastic pods get removed leaving behind a large amount of waste that is discarded. This is among the fastest growing waste streams worldwide and it's essential to take steps to help reduce it. Many retailers and manufacturers provide environmentally responsible disposal options for old and used coffee makers. These programs can help keep these waste streams from landfills and prevent them from polluting our environment. This is why it is important to find out whether your single serve coffee maker can be recycled. Metals like copper and aluminum are highly recyclable, as is glass and other components in your coffee maker. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines can then be melted and then reformed to make new products. This saves energy and resources because it removes the necessity to mine and process raw materials. A lot of the electronic components used in coffee makers can be recycled to reduce their environmental impact. The majority of coffee makers are made from recyclable plastics or materials. For example the "cup" of many K-Cups and other disposable coffee pods is made from the plastic known as No. 5 polypropylene. This plastic can be recycled. In fact, Mother Jones estimates that all of the K-Cups produced in 2013 could wrap around the Earth's equator 10.5 times, which is why it's important to recycle your old and unwanted pods. If you are looking to recycle your coffee maker, the best choice is to contact the manufacturer for specific instructions on how to dispose of your machine. Certain companies, like Keurig and Nespresso have comprehensive recycling programs that include mail-in and local drop-off options. You can also look online for a local recycler, which often has e-waste centers that deal with items like coffee makers and small appliances. You can also recycle your coffee maker by donating it or recycling it. This will keep the machine from going to landfills and keep it from charities that aren't as friendly. What do they look like? Single-serve brewers are an excellent option if you enjoy the taste of freshly brewed coffee but do not have the time or energy to cook a whole pot. These machines produce a cup of coffee or any other drinks with the click of a button. This means that there's less chance of making too much and have to throw it away later. They're also typically quicker to use than full-sized drip brewers. A lot of grocery stores stock a variety of single-serve coffee brewers. They also have reusable models. Some of these are specifically designed to work with prepackaged coffee pods that you can purchase in a wide range of flavors some are more versatile and allow you to use your own ground beans tea bags, tea bags or loose-leaf coffee. Single-serve systems for brewing can be more expensive than a traditional drip coffee maker, but it's worth the investment if you appreciate the convenience of having your favorite drink ready at the touch of one button. The best models we've tested provide a excellent taste, are simple to use, and have plenty of customization options for the type of drink you're looking for. The compact and affordable CSB100S is compatible with single-packs coffee, ground coffee and tea bags. It comes with an enormous water tank and it is easy to use by pressing a single button and an automatic shutoff. However, it does not have any features that let you control the brewing process remotely, and some owners report problems with the functionality over time. Another compact model that's a little more expensive than BLACK+DECKER is the Instant Pod Plus, from the creators of the do-it-all Instant Pot. The brewer is compatible with K-Cups, Original Nespresso pods, and the brand's compostable pods (although note that they require an industrial composting facility, not your backyard compost pile). The drip tray can be removed and modified to fit inside a travel mug. However the lid that houses the hot water button isn't included. For a more traditional choice that uses your own coffee grounds, the Aeropress is a highly regarded single-serve brewer. It takes about two minutes to make an eight-ounce cup, and it requires no electricity or hot water. You can use regular coffee grounds however, you'll need to grind them thoroughly so that they can absorb liquid quickly.