A single-serve coffee brewer is a great option for those who prefer pods with a simple design or want to recreate the taste of drip at home. They are simple to operate and fast.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/3438/bosch-tas1002-tassimo-happy-multi-drink-single-serve-coffee-maker-1400-w-0-7-l-unica-black-3438.jpg)They come in a variety of styles, ranging from basic to more sophisticated (like attachments for making latte on the most advanced models). You can find models that use Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ground coffee beans.
How do they function?
A single-serve coffee brewer makes use of capsules, K Cups or pods packed with ground coffee or tea. The user presses a button, selects the cup, and the machine fills that cup with hot water and hot or iced coffee, or hot chocolate. Some models have an automatic shut-off or a sleep mode to save energy costs.
The majority of brewers featured in our roundup use pre-packaged coffee or tea but there are some that allow you to make your own. Some models can be adjusted in temperature and brew strengths, while others are pre-set. Select a model that has a large reservoir of water that meets your needs. Consider a unit that has a larger tank to reduce the amount of refilling.
Some single-serve coffee makers offer a variety of options for brewing, from a single espresso shots to a full 16-ounce brew (perfect for a travel mug). The kind of tea and coffee you drink could influence your purchase because many brewers are limited to a single type of capsule or style.
It's true that a single-serve machine can save your time and money as compared to making coffee in a pot. But it's also important to think about the environmental impact of purchasing and disposing of so many K-Cups and pods. The vast majority of these containers end up in landfills which have a major negative impact on the planet.
While most people who buy a single-serve machine for coffee will select a K-Cup or pod made machine, a few models are able to grind and drip coffee. If you like a traditional drip-style coffee, choose one that lets you select your own grind size. You can also add water manually.
If you have a habit of drinking many cups of coffee with your friends and family members, you might prefer a single-serve machine that can accommodate more than one cup at each time. The best ones feature an adjustable drip tray that holds up to three cups. The ones that don't have removable tray can hold five or four cups. You should also determine if your model has different sizes of brew, such as an 8-12 ounce option or a 10- to 14-ounce cup size.
What kinds of coffees can you make?
A single-serve machine can brew different kinds of coffee. They are typically made with coffee pods such as those made by Keurig and Nespresso. Certain models can also make drip coffee from ground beans. Certain models can make espresso or lattes. They aren't going to take on beauty contests like pour-overs or a Moka pot however, they can make decent coffee for one person in the convenience of the time of a few minutes.
If you're concerned about the quantity of plastic that goes into the production of these coffee pods certain manufacturers offer reusable versions as well as recyclable capsules. Certain manufacturers offer “eco sustainable” cups that are made of plastic. A majority of the coffee makers that we have tested come with the “mybrew” setting, which allows you to alter the your brewing parameters. These settings can range from to as simple as selecting the size of a cup, to as complicated as choosing a beverage type or adjusting the brewing temperatures.
It's also important to decide whether you'd prefer a machine that's exclusively single-serve or if you'd like a carafe-style style coffee maker for larger quantities of coffee. We've included a few of these models in this roundup, like the Ninja Specialty individual coffee brewer maker, which can make four ounces for you, and any other individuals you may be making coffee for.
Other single-serve machines let you pick from a variety of brewing styles as well as sizes for brewing. For instance, the Bruvi Precision Brewer offers options for low acidity, Americano coffee, iced cold brew and brewed. The touch-screen display offers other options for customization, such as the option of adding milk and sugar directly into your beverage.
Some single pod coffee maker-serve machines are focused on making a particular type of coffee, such as the Nespresso Essenza Mini and the Breville Barista Express. Both machines can make lungo and espresso in a foolproof, one-touch way. They also have a small footprint on your kitchen counter.
Can they be reused?
While they can provide an easy and quick method to make coffee, single serve coffee brewers create an overwhelming amount of waste. After use, the tiny plastic and aluminum pods are to be discarded, leaving behind a huge amount of trash that can be disposed of. This is among the fastest-growing waste streams around the world and it's crucial to do your part to reduce it. Fortunately, many manufacturers and retailers provide responsible disposal options for old and used coffee makers. These programs can prevent these waste streams from ending up in landfills, and can keep them from polluting the environment. It is therefore essential to find out if you can recycle your single-serve coffee maker.
Metals like copper and aluminum as well as glass and other components of your coffee maker, are extremely recyclable. Metals can be melted and transformed to create new products. This helps save energy and resources since it removes the need to extract and process raw materials. A lot of the electronic components found in coffee makers can be reused, reducing their environmental impact.
Most coffee makers are also 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. It is recyclable. In fact, Mother Jones estimates that all of the K-Cups made in 2013 could wrap around Earth's equator 10.5 times this is why it's important to recycle your used and not-needed pods.
If you're looking to recycle your coffee maker, it is recommended to contact the maker for specific instructions. Some companies, like Keurig and Nespresso have comprehensive recycling programs that offer drop-off at the local store and mail-in options. You can also look on the internet for a local recycling center, which will often have specialized e-waste recycling facilities that deal with items like coffee makers and small appliances. Recycling or donating your coffee maker can be an eco-friendly alternative to recycling, as these methods avoid the landfill and keep the machine away from charities that are not so friendly.
What are they like?
Single-serve brewers are a great alternative if you like the taste of freshly brewed coffee but do not have the time to prepare an entire pot. These machines can produce a cup of coffee or another drinks with the click of a button. This means that there's a lower chance that you will make enough and then have to throw it away later. They're also typically faster to use than large drip brewers.
Many grocery stores carry various single-serve coffee brewers. These include reusable models. Some of them are designed to work with pre-packaged coffee pods that you can purchase in a wide range of flavors some are more flexible and allow you to make your own ground coffee, tea bags, or loose-leaf coffee.
Single-serve systems for brewing is more expensive than a standard drip coffee maker, but it's well worth the cost if you enjoy the convenience of having your favorite beverage ready with the click of a button. The best models that we tested have an excellent flavor, are simple to use, and allow you to customize your beverage.
The BLACK+DECKER CB100S is an affordable and compact model that works with single serving french press-pack coffee, ground coffee, tea bags, and loose-leaf coffee. It comes with an enormous water tank and it is easy to use by pressing a single button and an automatic shutoff. It does not have any features that allow you to remotely manage the brewing process and some users have reported issues with its functionality over time.
The Instant Pod Plus is another compact model, but a bit more expensive than the BLACK+DECKER. It's made by the same company that produces the Instant Pot. This brewer works with K-Cups as well as Original Nespresso pods and the brand's compostable pods (though note that these require an industrial composting center instead of your backyard pile). The drip tray can be removed and modified to fit inside a travel mug. However, the lid for the hot-water button is not included.
For a more traditional choice that utilizes your own ground coffee, the Aeropress is a highly-rated single-serve brewer. It takes just two minutes to make an eight-ounce cup and does not require electricity or hot water. You can use standard coffee grounds however, you'll have to grind them very finely to ensure they absorb liquid quickly.