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Choosing a Single Cup Coffee Machine For those who live on their own or in small spaces the model takes up minimal space and makes an excellent cup of coffee. It's also one of the most affordable options we test, and assembly was a breeze (lift from the box and remove stickers, then rinse water tank). Unfortunately this machine is only compatible with Nespresso pods which aren't recyclable and are one-time use. For those seeking a more sustainable option, this machine isn't the best match. 1. Easy to use It is essential to select a single-cup coffee machine that is simple to use. You should look for a simple control panel, automatic shut-off and power-on functions, and an indicator light that informs you that it's brewing. Also, consider the dimensions of the reservoir and if it's removable to make refills easy. If you're planning to use the ground beans, choose an appliance with a built-in grinder which can be adjusted to provide the greatest efficiency. Lastly, be sure to read the manual prior to using your single-serve coffee maker in order to learn how to descale it and clean it up properly. This is an essential step to maintain your machine as minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate over time. If left unattended, this could negatively affect the brew temperature and the flavor of your coffee. It is recommended that your machine be descaled every six months to avoid this. To descale your single serve coffee maker, use an agent that descales such as Bar Keepers' Friend. This product is sold at most major grocery stores. It is safe to use on all home machines. To complete the process, fill the reservoir with equal amounts of white vinegar and water, and then brew a pot of coffee. Once the brew cycle is complete, pour out the vinegar-water and allow the machine to sit for 30 minutes. Then empty the reservoir, and hand-wash any removable attachments—like the K-cup pod holster and drip tray—with hot water and dish soap in the sink. This model is simple to use and will produce consistently delicious coffee consistently. Plus, it's small enough to fit on the majority of countertops and be tucked away when not in use. The only drawback is that it takes longer to brew one cup than other models and the lid does not open automatically. However, considering the price and performance, it's worth the price. This machine is able to detect the type of pod or cup, the roast, brand and strength, then alter the brewing parameters to produce the perfect cup of coffee. 2. Easy to clean Unlike drip coffee makers with large carafes and mugs, single cup machines require less regular maintenance. However, they do need to be descaled (removing the buildup of scale) and cleaned frequently. We searched for models that have easy-to-reach removable water reservoirs and/or drain valves, and clear and concise instructions on how to use them. We also compared the speed at which they could make a cup coffee, and if their removable components could be removed and cleaned without having to remove the entire machine. Single-serve machines use either ground coffee that is pre-portioned or in single-use pods or capsules. The majority of the models we tested utilized recyclable Nespresso aluminum capsules or K-Cup pods. It's important to note that the foil or plastic coatings that protect pods and coffee grounds could make it difficult to recycle. Find out from your local recycling facility whether this kind of plastic is accepted. Some models let the use of your own loose soil in a filter if you want to get rid of the hassle or plastic waste. Others use a soft pod or tea bag-like filter that is often recyclable. The Smeg FAB-KIT CC-1, for instance, has an adjustable drip tray that can accommodate a range of short espresso cups or tall travel mugs. Its dishwasher-safe milk frother is located directly on the side, making it easy to make a cappuccino or latte. Think about the amount of coffee you drink each day if you plan to use your single-cup coffee maker frequently. A larger reservoir of water could help you brew several cups at a time, and certain models have removable and insulated lids that keep your coffee warm for a longer period of time. On the other hand, if you only consume a cup or two each morning, it may be more practical to opt for a smaller model with smaller reservoir of water and/or an attached mug. 3. The clock is rapidly approaching Many people are addicted to coffee. It is consumed for breakfast or to improve their mood in the afternoon. Brewing coffee brewer single cup of coffee in a traditional drip coffee maker is lengthy. Single cup coffee makers allow for brewing much faster. They can make a fantastic cup of coffee by using a coffee pod, or ground beans. A single cup coffee maker can be a great solution for busy families. They can reduce time by letting everyone select their own drink in the morning and ensure that coffee is ready in time. Additionally, because the single cup coffee maker uses less water than the typical drip coffee maker, it can also be environmentally friendly. The best single-serve coffee machines are quick to heat up and make a cup of coffee hot in less than a minute. Additionally, some models have powerful heating mechanisms that are able to quickly heat the water, making the coffee even more efficient. They can be up to three times faster than a traditional drip machine. A single cup coffee maker must also allow for easy switching between drinks. The most flexible coffee makers utilize pods. They can be used to make a variety drinks, including tea and hot cocoa. They can cost more than coffee makers that use whole beans or ground coffee. Certain machines provide different brewing sizes for those who prefer a stronger or lighter cup of coffee. The Breville Precision Brewer, a single-serve machine that comes with a variety of features coffee drinkers will appreciate is a perfect example. In our tests, it made an eight-ounce cup of coffee in about two minutes. It comes with six options for brewing, including My Brew which allows you to alter the temperature and flow rate to your preference. This allows you to create the perfect cup of coffee each time. 4. Different options for brewing The majority of single-cup coffee makers utilize prepackaged pods, capsules, or capsules that come with pre-portioned ground coffee and a built-in coffee filter. They are less complicated to use than ground coffee, but can be more expensive and may contain other ingredients, such as flavorings or sugars. They are also difficult to recycle because of their aluminum or plastic construction, so look for an option that makes use of beans and filters that can be reused to reduce the amount of waste. The Cuisinart Grind & Brew takes an innovative approach to single-cup coffee making, offering customers the choice of using Keurig-style K-Cups or filling a reusable filter with their own freshly ground beans. The machine also has three preset brewing sizes of eight, ten, and twelve ounces to help users ensure they're getting the right amount of coffee to meet their requirements. Our experienced testers discovered that the brewing options provided by this machine made great tasting coffee and were simple to use. Another approach that is innovative to single-cup brewing is the OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker. This brewer blends the best features of Keurig's single-cup coffee makers, and also thermal carafes that allow you to brew a full pot of coffee. The OXO lets you make use of either K-Cups or ground coffee. It also features an innovative “coffee indicator” that shows you how much water remains. Our experts have concluded that this model produces some of the hottest coffee of any in our tests, is easy to use and has various brewing options. If you're looking to use a more traditional method of making coffee, the BLACK+DECKER single-serve coffee maker is an excellent option. It was the cheapest in our tests, and it has sleek design that is perfect for any kitchen. Its compact size makes it easy to put on your countertop and doesn't take up too much space. It has a single start button and a handy reservoir and automatically shuts off when the brewing process is complete. It also had an adjustable drip pan that could be used to place a travel cup on the single-serve part of the machine.