Blog entry by Marlene Montalvo
single serving french press serve coffee makers comparison (visit the next post)
Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for a quick cup of cold or hot brew. They can make use of pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters stuffed with ground beans.
individual coffee maker drinkers who appreciate customization will want an appliance that can make a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. These machines are also designed to minimize the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use reusable or recyclable capsules.
1. Keurig K-Elite
The K-Elite is a stunning machine that is a perfect blend of premium finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew. it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee, as well as hot tea and chocolate. The large, reusable 72-ounce tank is able to make up to seven medium-sized cups prior to needing a refill. It's also compatible with reusable K-Cup pods, which can save you money over the long term.
It's easy to navigate, even having more buttons than other Keurig. The top control panel features the power button, the settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu, a "strong" button that is hot water, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large, color-coded LCD display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or refill.
The K-Elite is one cup coffee makers of our Keurigs we love has its drawbacks. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, since it does not have a removable drip tray, and the lid is not secured. The spout also tends to leave a few splatters, especially when you use smaller travel mugs.
We also compared the performance of the K-Elite in our Coffee Makers test program, and it did fairly well in most categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.
It was also the most efficient to boil the water before brewing the cup. And it was the least likely machine to produce grounds. However the K-Elite wasn't able to make as hot of a cup as our other top models. The iced coffee also was less flavorful than its strong brew. The K-Elite is a great choice for anyone looking for a machine that is single-serve. It's available for purchase from many retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for around $150. If you're looking to buy a lower-priced model, the K-Classic is also worth considering. It costs a little more than the Elite however, not as much as some of our top selections.
2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker
A single-serve machine lets you to prepare coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller, less bulky and are ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorms. They can also make a variety coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are easy to use and clean and make a great choice for busy families.
The BLACK+DECKER CM618 might be among the most affordable models available, however it comes with a few key features which make it worth a look. It has a permanent filter which can be used with ground coffee or soft coffee pods. It also comes with an automatic shut-off function to conserve energy and water. It only takes minutes to perk one cup of coffee and comes with a thermos travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own mug if you prefer).
In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to produce a tasty pot of coffee in less than half the time it took for the standard model in our lab. It also has programming options that are typically reserved for more expensive brewers including an automatic start.
Its sleek and retro design is an ideal fit for anyone who appreciates an aesthetically pleasing design that blends with other appliances in your kitchen, and its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable makes it easy to move. It was fairly user-friendly with a touch-screen control panel that was simple and an easy menu that anyone can understand. However, the brew speed was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperature was significantly higher than other models we tested and could result in burning grounds and overheated coffee. However, despite these issues, the CM618 is still a great option for those on a budget who want to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.
3. Nespresso Vertuo single serving french press-Serve Coffee Maker
Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup or Keurig machines because they only use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines brew espresso-based drinks, whereas VertuoLine models are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were designed to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.
The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different sizes of drink as well as smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It has a modern and sleek design and an adjustable 37-ounce water tank. The machine is easy to operate and uses an automatic system that ejects pods that are no longer used into a built-in container. It takes 15 to 20 seconds for the machine to warm up and then shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.
In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 produced a good cup. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to enjoy in the morning without worrying about burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 min and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces, which is the third slowest of all the models we tested. It's not a major issue, but it can be a problem if you're used to quick morning coffee making.
Overall the NespressoXP371 is an excellent choice for espresso and coffee lovers who want to cut down on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more environmentally friendly. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules could cause some buyers to be hesitant.
If you don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker, but still want to enjoy the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we suggest you check out our review of reusable cups. You could also consider one of our favorite tumblers that are insulated to keep your coffee or tea warm.
4. Cuisinart DCC-1200
This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of customers for its ease of use features and many other models do not have these features. Its price is affordable for a machine that is of good quality and comes with a sleek design to boot. Some owners have reported that this model is dangerous to fire. This is something you should be aware of prior to purchasing.
This fully automated coffeemaker comes with 24-hour programming and you can set it to brew one or four cups at a time or an entire pot of 12. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold-tone filter with wire mesh and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of your brew. The "Brew Pause", which will stop the brewing process for 30 seconds, lets you pour a cup. The self-cleaning feature helps keep the tank clean.
The controls on the coffee maker are evenly spaced and clearly marked and easy to determine what each button is at glance. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to decalcify the tank and carafe and an automatic shutoff and a knuckle-guard dripless spill spout to allow for comfortable pouring. This coffee maker is easy to use and has stunning brushed stainless finishes.
However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this could be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill up properly due to an error in the design, which forces water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.
Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills coffee grounds and water everywhere it is running, however this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, this is a great coffee maker worth checking out if you are looking for a simple model that comes with a lot of convenience features for a low price.