Which Single Cup Coffee Maker is Right For You?

When you're making coffee you have plenty of options. Which one is right for you?

Single cup coffee makers offer convenience with the click of an button. The machines make use of capsules or pods purchased from the stores (like K-Cups), to create the beverage of your choice. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic, and could result in significant waste.

1. Simple to use

For Coffeee those who require a quick cup of joe but don't have the space for larger brewers, single-cup coffee makers can help. They are easy to use and offer a variety of brewing options to satisfy different preferences. They require less space on the counter than a traditional coffee maker. This is a huge plus for kitchens with small spaces.

Most of the models that we tested could brew ground coffee, or pre-portioned capsules, pods, or pods from a store. The pods, which are tiny cups made of aluminum or plastic, contain pre-measured coffee grounds and an integrated filter. They're convenient to use and less expensive than buying whole beans, however, they can cost a lot in the long run. Many companies make reusable filters that you can use in conjunction with their pods. You can reuse these filters.

Some machines can also brew cold coffee, and some have milk-frothing attachments for making Lattes or cappuccinos. Others like our top pick can brew tea and coffee. We compared the models based on their functionality, durability and ease of setting up and breakdown, as well as their aesthetics and warranty included to identify the best one-cup brewers for use at home.

Our top choice stood out due to its simple design, multiple brewing choices and one-touch operation. It produced the hottest coffee in the market that could accommodate different sizes of brewing, and was the simplest model to clean.

In addition, this model has a built-in grinder which we found to be the most beneficial feature among the single-cup brewers we tried. 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 most durable machine that we evaluated. And its tiny footprint allowed it to fit into tight spaces.

One final note: Although it's great that single-cup brewers can be used with both pods and grounds but we don't recommend them for anyone looking to make their own pods to reuse. These are typically a combination of plastic and aluminium, which can be a strain on a machine's heating element over time. But, you can also purchase coffee bags that are a mixture of filter paper and plant-based materials, which is a greener alternative.

2. Easy to clean

A single cup coffeemaker uses ground or whole beans, along with a filter, to make a cup of freshly prepared coffee. Most models use pods which are small plastic or aluminum cups that contain pre-portioned ground coffee with an integrated filter. Keurig K-Cups contain polypropylene which is recyclable. However, it is important to verify with your local recycling center to determine if this product is accepted. Nespresso capsules, which are made of aluminum, are generally recyclable.

3. Less expensive than other coffee makers

There's no reason to spend the money to buy a huge coffee maker. Single-serve brewers, like the Keurig are a great way to get a quick cup of coffee for yourself or a coworker. Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker: Fast and Efficient has the benefit of allowing people to meet and socialize around the table with a hot cup of coffee.

Most single-serve systems use ground coffee that has been pre-portioned in small aluminum or plastic pods that have an integrated filter that allows the process to be quick and simple. The pods are single-use and useful, but they be more expensive than making your own beans and create a lot waste. Companies such as Green Mountain, Wolfgang Puck and others offer a variety of Fair Trade and Organic K-Cups that are affordable and environmentally-friendly.

You can also use your own ground coffee machine single serve and an reusable filter to replace the pre-portioned pods which are used in single-serve coffee makers. This eliminates the need to purchase and dispose of single-use pods. This process may take a little longer but it will save you money over the long haul. It also allows you to select your own ground coffee rather than having to stick to the same brand.

It is important to think about the amount of coffee you consume often and if convenience or ritual is more important to you. If you drink a lot of coffee and often rush out the door with a cup in one hand, it could be worth investing in a basic single-serve brewer.

If you drink only just a few cups of coffee a every day, it's better to purchase percolators or drips that can handle larger amounts at once. This will give you to choose a variety of flavors and avoid having to throw out stale or burned coffee.