Single Serve Coffee Brewer

Single-serve coffee makers are a great option for those looking to experience the convenience of pods, or replicate the taste of drip coffee at home. These machines are easy to use and quick.

They are available in different styles, ranging from the basic to the more sophisticated (like attachments for latte in the latest models). There are models that use Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules or ground coffee beans.

How do they work?

A single coffee brewer-serve coffee brewer makes use of pre-packaged capsules, K-Cups, or pods that are filled with ground coffee or tea. The user selects the cup, then presses a button and then the machine fills it up with hot coffee or iced hot chocolate, espresso-based drinks. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature or a sleep mode that helps to reduce energy costs.

The majority of brewers featured in our roundup utilize pre-packaged coffee or tea but there are some that allow you to make your own. Certain models have adjustable temperatures and brew strengths as well as pre-set brew strengths. Choose a model that has an adequate water reservoir to suit your needs. Consider a unit that has an increased capacity tank to decrease the amount of refilling.

Single-serve machines can offer a range of brewing options. These include single espresso shots as well as a 16-ounce brew, which is perfect to use as a travel cup. The coffee you choose to drink or tea may also influence your purchase decision, as many brewers can only accept one brand of capsules/K Cups.

The convenience of the single-serve coffee maker could reduce time and cost compared to making a pot of drip coffee, however it's worth considering the impact that purchasing and throwing away a large amount of K-Cups or pods has on the environment. The majority of these containers end in landfills and have a huge negative impact on the planet.

Some models can brew both ground and pod coffee. If you like a traditional drip-style coffee, select a model where you can select your own grind size. You can also manually add water.

If you love to sip coffee with your friends and family, you may need a single-serve machine that can make more than one cup of coffee at a time. The top models have a removable drip tray that holds up to three cups. Those that don't have removable tray can hold five or four cups. Check if the model you're looking at has different brew size options, such as an 8-to-12-ounce option or a 10-14-ounce cup.

What kinds of coffees can you make?

A single-serve machine can make different kinds of coffee. Most often, they are made with coffee pods such as those made by Keurig and Nespresso. Some models also make drip-style coffee with ground beans. Certain models can also make espresso or lattes. They won't be able to win beauty contests against a pour-over or a Moka pot but they can make decent coffee for one person at the comfort of a few minutes.

Some companies offer reusable capsules and reusable versions for those who are concerned about the amount plastic used in creating these coffee pods. Certain manufacturers offer "eco environmentally friendly" cups made with no plastic. Many of the coffee makers that we have tested come with a "mybrew" setting, which lets you customize the brewing parameters. These settings can be as simple as selecting the size of the cup to as complex as selecting a beverage type or adjusting the temperature of the brewing.

It's also important to consider whether you'd like a machine that is exclusively single-serve or whether you'd also like a carafe-style style coffee maker to make larger amounts of coffee. We've included a few these models in this roundup, including the Ninja Specialty coffee maker, which can brew four ounces for you and any other people you may be making coffee for.

Other single pod coffee-serve machines allow you to choose between different brewing styles or brew sizes, such as the Bruvi Precision Brewer, which has options for low acid, Americano, iced coffee, and cold brew. The touch-screen display offers other options for customization including the option of adding sugar and milk directly to your beverage.

Other single serving coffee maker-serve coffee machines are designed towards a specific type like the Breville Barista Express and the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Both machines can make lungo and espresso in a foolproof, one-touch fashion. They also have a small footprint on your counter.

Can they be reused?

While they can provide a convenient and quick way to make coffee, single serve coffee brewers produce an overwhelming amount of waste. The small pods made of aluminum and plastic are thrown away after use, leaving behind a massive amount of trash that has to be disposed of. This is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, which is why it's important that you take every step you can to minimize it. Many retailers and manufacturers provide environmentally responsible disposal options for used and old coffee makers. These programs help keep these waste streams out of landfills and help to stop them from polluting our environment. That's why it is important to find out whether your favorite single serve coffee maker can be recycled.

Metals like copper and aluminum are very recyclable, as is glass and other components of your coffee maker. Metals like these can be melted down and transformed into new products, saving energy and resources by removing the need to mine and processing raw materials. Many of the electronic components in coffee makers can be reused and reduce their environmental impact.

The majority of coffee makers are made of recyclable plastics or other materials. The "cup" that is found on many K-Cups, and other coffee pods that are disposable, is made of a plastic called No. 5 polypropylene, which 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 and that's why it's so important to recycle your old and unneeded pods.

If you want to recycle your coffee maker, it's recommended to contact the maker to get specific instructions. Certain companies, like Keurig and Nespresso have comprehensive recycling programs for their brewers as well as pods that include drop-off at the local or mail-in option. You can also search online for a local recycler which often has e-waste centers which deal with items such as coffee makers and small appliances. Repurposing or donating your coffee maker can be a green alternative to recycling, as these methods avoid the landfill and keep the machine from the hands of non-sustainable charities.

What do they look like?

Single-serve brewers are a great option if you love the flavor of freshly brewed coffee but do not have the time to make a whole pot. They can make a cup of coffee or another drinks with the click of a button. This means that there's a lower chance that you'll make too much and have to throw it away later. They are also generally faster to use than large drip brewers.

There are many types of single coffee machine-serve brewers, including various recyclable options that are readily found in most supermarkets. Some of these brewers are designed to use coffee pods, that are available in a variety of flavors. Others are more flexible that allow you to use ground beans, teabags, or loose-leaf.

Single-serve systems for brewing can be more expensive than regular drip coffee makers, but they're worth the investment if convenience is important to you. The best models that we tested have a great flavor, are simple to use, and let you customize your beverage.

The BLACK+DECKER compact and economical CSB100S is compatible with single-packs coffee, ground coffee and tea bags. It has an enormous water tank and is simple to use with just one button and an automatic shutoff. However, it doesn't have any features that let you control the brewing process remotely, and some owners have reported issues with functionality as time passes.

Another smaller model that's a bit more expensive than the BLACK+DECKER is the Instant Pod Plus, from the makers of the do-it-all Instant Pot. This brewer works with K-Cups as well as Original Nespresso pods and the brand's compostable pods (though be aware that they'll require an industrial composting centre instead of your backyard pile). It comes with a removable drip tray that can be modified to be used as a travel mug however, there isn't a lid for the hot water button is included.

If you prefer a traditional method that utilizes your own ground coffee for brewing, the Aeropress is a highly-rated single-serve brewer. It takes just two minutes to brew a cup of eight ounces and doesn't require electricity or hot water. You can use coffee grounds that are standard but you will need to grind them thoroughly so that they absorb liquid quickly.