We hope you enjoy our comprehensive guide on the single cup coffee maker. With so many models to choose from, there can be some information overload! It is our goal to pick the best models in several different categories depending on your needs. Feel free to use the table of contents to jump straight to the reviews if you prefer. Otherwise, read on for some things to consider before making your purchase.
Types Of Single Cup Coffee Brewers
The first thing to consider is what type of machine you are looking for. Do you prefer the convenience and flexibility coffee pods provide? Or maybe you rather use the old reliable drip machine. Many drip coffee maker comes with single cup capabilities. In fact, you can get a machine that does both!
Single Cup Pod Brewer
I'm sure you all know what these are, but there are many different brands that can be confusing. Some cups are not compatible in some machines. Our recommendation is to stick with the Keurig coffee makers. They are the ones that started it all and there is a machine for every type of situation. The only thing you have to be a little careful about is whether you are getting a Keurig 2.0 machine. These newer models only accept single cups that are 2.0 compatible. Having said that, the vast majority of coffee roasters have converted over. But it's a good thing to keep in mind.
If you do go with one of these machines, take a look at http://mixcups.com for a convenient way to add a variety to your coffee drinking.
Drip Brewer With Single Cup Capabilities
These machines are what everyone is most familiar with. Drip machines are the most popular choice for making large pots of coffee. They are great for households with multiple coffee drinkers or family gatherings. But many of these coffee makers come with the capability to make a single cup of coffee or a full pot! Keep in mind the process is a little more involved than a pod brewer. You need to use a filter, add water, scoop your coffee, and clean up. We recommend these machines for the household that only needs to use the single cup feature occasionally.
Multi Function Brewer
As you probably guessed, this type of machine does both. It can accept a coffee pod or you can make one cup using the drip feature. We don't really recommend these. If you need to make pods and drip coffee, it's probably better to get separate machines. You'll get more choices and in our opinion, a better quality coffee maker!
Benefits Of Using A Single Cup Coffee Machine
Convenience
The convenience of being able to brew a single cup of coffee directly into your mug or travel mug is a big factor. You do not have to brew a pot of coffee, only to transfer it into a mug. If you are rushed in the morning, you can simply brew a single cup of coffee directly into your travel mug and take it with you.
Freshness
Another aspect of the benefits of using a single cup coffee machine is that you will always have a fresh cup of coffee. If you are making a pot of coffee at home, it will stand there for hours between cups being consumed. This often gives the coffee a stale, stagnant taste which you will not experience with a single cup coffee machine.
Financial Savings
Being able to brew a single cup of coffee ensures that you use the exact amount of coffee and there is no wastage. Pots of stale coffee often get thrown down the drain simply because it has lost its flavor and all you want is a nice, fresh cup of coffee.
Different Flavors or Variety
If you are the adventurous type who loves to try new coffee flavors, you will find this to be one of the benefits of using a single cup coffee machine that will appeal to you. It is possible to obtain sachets of coffee or samples and these are ideal for your one cup coffee maker.
Machine Maintenance
One of the really cool things about these types of coffee machines is that there really isn't much, if any, maintenance required. Sure, you have to clean it from time to time but really that is all there is to it!