The Little-Known Benefits Of Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
If you are looking for the most convenience factor for you, a single cup coffee maker might be the right choice. They are smaller and more user-friendly than drip coffee makers.
You can pick from models that make use of K-Cups, original Nespresso pods or reused aftermarket pods. Some models can also make espresso-style shots or iced coffee.
1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew
This machine is designed to be elegant and stylish. It can grind and brew a single cup or a full pot. It's smaller than other coffee makers that have grinders which means it frees up space on the countertop to accommodate other appliances. The Grind and Brew's burr grinder is designed to crush beans to a specific size. This results in more uniform ground coffee.
The Grind & Brew has an automatic shut-off, and showerheads that evenly distribute water evenly across the grounds. This ensures consistency between the brews. It can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance of time to start the brewing process. It also comes with a variety of control options, including a custom-designed clock, coffee strength (mild or medium), and a brew-pause feature, which allows you to pour a cup without interrupting the cycle.
This model is unique in that it can brew K-Cups as well as whole beans. The choice between them is based on your preference. The machine can hold 12 K-Cups, or you can fill it up with whole bean ground. The coffee brewing time is a bit slower than our top pick however it's still fast enough for most people to have their coffee ready by the time they wake up.
As a whole the Grind & Brew performed well in our tests, however it fell short of our best overall score. Its brew temperature was the most unstable of any model we test. It deviated from the first coffee to the fifth by almost 5 degrees, and was never able to reach the 195 degree target set by the SCAA for excellent coffee.
But it's a small price to pay for the convenience of having a dedicated grinder and brewer that will make your mornings less hectic. The machine is simple to use and is clean. All of its components fit into place and open/close with the satisfying "clunk". It's also compact and light, which is great for those with a small counter space.
2. Smeg Drip coffee maker
If you're looking for an elegant and compact single-cup coffee maker to put in your kitchen, this model from SMEG is a fantastic choice. The Italian-based company is known for its retro-style '50s appliances, and this drip filter coffee maker combines form and function in an elegant style that will look great on your counter. The auto-start feature allows you to start your day with a pot of fresh coffee. It can make 10 cups at a time. You can also adjust the strength of your brew by selecting from two aroma settings (Delicate or Intense) and set an end-of-brewing alarm to remind you when the coffee is ready.
This programmable espresso maker has an ample water tank of 1.4 Liters, which means you won't have to worry about running out of water. The reusable filter helps reduce waste, and there is a clear water level indicator to let you know when it's time to refill. This coffee maker can also be used to make hot chocolate and herbal tea. The brewing cycle can be completed quickly, and the keep-warm plate helps keep your coffee warm until you are ready to drink.
This SMEG drip-filter coffee maker features four buttons that are simple to use. The LED clock shows the current settings. The permanent filter is dishwasher-safe and can be used again and again. The spout has been designed to prevent spills. If you live in an area with hard water the SMEG drip filter coffee maker has to be cleaned regularly. You can descale the machine by pressing the automatic-start and off/on buttons for five seconds and then pouring the descaler solution into the reservoir for water.
This programmable drip-filter coffee maker also comes with the added benefit of being compatible with ESE pods. These are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups or other single-serve pods. The only downside to this coffee maker is that it doesn't have an brew timer, which means you will need to manually adjust the time of brewing each morning.
3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe
The Oxo Brew 12-cup thermal carafe is a great option if you want a coffee maker that has the capability to brew a single cup or a complete pot. It includes a stainless-steel thermal carafe that has double walls and a vacuum insulation which keeps the coffee hot for a few hours. It also has an interactive display screen that's simple to use as well as a removable mixer tube. The machine can be programmed to run up to 24 hours in advance of time. The LCD display backlit displays the remaining time until the coffee is ready.
The coffee maker comes with two different size brew baskets that can be used for small or large quantities, making it ideal for households that require various sizes and quantities of cups. It is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing Gold-standard coffee. The BetterBrew Precision System and Rainmaker Shower Head evenly distribute water to your grounds to ensure the best flavor extraction.
Unlike most pod-based coffee machines, this one uses regular ground or whole beans (not proprietary ones) instead of prepackaged single-serve capsules. Using standard coffee grounds can save money and also reduces waste from used pods. The machine is also speedy, brewing a cup in less than six minutes. It is more expensive than the other drip coffee makers we tested. However its sleek design and top-quality construction make it a great option.
A lot of multi-functional kitchen appliances sway toward gimmicks and flashy features however this drip coffee maker can do the job without any frills. It's well-built and quiet. The simple interface makes it easy to set the exact amount of water to be brewed. The Brew Barista brain is a robust machine that was able to deal with our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.
While the majority of cold-brew coffee makers utilize the immersion method however this model dispensates your coffee with the help of iced water, which gives you a much more drinkable result than what you get with infusion. single cup coffee machines has a programable setting that starts the brew at exactly five minutes from now, saving you the time of waiting for the coffee to be brewed.
4. Bruvi Brewer
If you're willing to spend a little more than your typical K-cup coffee maker, this sleek machine from Bruvi could be the perfect single-cup brewer. It utilizes "B-Pods" from Bruvi, which have 40 percent more than a standard K-cup pod. They are composed of treated polypropylene and are designed to degrade over time in landfills and composters without leaving behind microplastics (although it's not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods allow for the brewing process to be hygienic since each cup is sealed within the pod. This prevents the possibility of contaminating flavors between cups. The Bruvi is also noteworthy for its sleek and modern design. The touch screen comes to life when you insert the pod. It then shows the various options available based on the type of beverage it is.
The Bruvi offers a variety of options for cold brew coffee and Iced coffees, which include hot and iced americanos and espresso. It is also designed to utilize less water than a traditional single-serve brewer, which can help reduce dilution when add Ice.
The Bruvi also has an embedded camera that scans each B-Pod's individual code and optimizes the brewing parameters for the type of coffee. You can be sure that your Bruvi will provide a delicious cup espresso.
Finally, the drip tray of Bruvi can also be adjusted to reduce splashing, when brewing in a small mug, or removed completely for large travel mugs. The Bruvi comes with few extra features like an adjustable reservoir for water and an automatic cleaning cycle that keeps it functioning efficiently and effectively.
While the Bruvi costs more than other pod coffee makers, it's worth it for its exceptional coffee taste and lower environmental impact. It's a good choice when you frequently shifts between espresso and coffee due to its hygienic coffee maker allows rapid and simple change to cold brew or iced coffee, without the need for an additional machine. It includes milk frother, which is a nice addition for this price.