In the late 1990s, the introduction of single serve coffee makers and brewing systems solved one problem of coffee drinkers who tend to brew more than they can drink. Putting the excess coffee on the heating pad cause the coffee to taste burnt after a while leaving you with only two choices: you either throw the coffee away or drink it with your eyes closed because nothing beats the taste of freshly-brewed coffee!
The market debut of one-cup coffee makers was received by coffee drinkers with excitement because they can now enjoy their favorite beverage one fresh cup after another!
Today, more than 10 years after their original market introduction, single cup coffee makers have evolved into more than just a miniature drip coffee maker. You now have a wider choice of one-cup products from well-known brands with their own versions of coffee makers that can make one-cup or two-cup servings of coffee or tea at a time.
Generally, there are two types of single serving coffee makers: the drip maker system, those that use pods and single serve coffee brewing systems. All one-cup products have common properties: a water reservoir, a boiler or heater, and a proprietary coffee-and-filter mechanism.
One very important question you have to ask yourself before choosing a single cup maker for your home or office is whether you’re willing to be restricted in your choice of coffee to drink. Leading manufacturers of single cup coffee makers such as Keurig, Senseo, and Tassimo require that you specifically use coffee specially prepared and packaged for their respective machines. If the manufacturer of your single serve coffee maker of choice carries your brand(s) of coffee, well and good otherwise you have to settle on another type of one-cup maker.
One-Cup Drip Coffee Makers
If you are in the market for one-cup drip coffee makers, make sure to check the following before buying the unit:
Does it use replaceable paper filters o a permanent filter?
Can it dispense coffee into a regular sized mug?
Is it adjustable to accommodate a bigger mug or does it come with a thermal travel mug?
Can you make two or more cups immediately after one another?
Is it programmable?
Black & Decker’sDCM18S Brew and Go Personal Coffeemaker brews coffee directly into the accompanying 15-ounce stainless steel dishwasher-safe travel mug that is tapered to fit most vehicle cup holders. It uses a permanent filter system and has auto shut-off switch, covered by a 1-year warranty.
Coffee Pod Systems
Some one-cup makers use coffee pods – all-in-one coffee and filter arrangement that resemble an oversized tea bag – that come in single serving, double serving and espresso pod configurations. On the other hand, high-end pod systems include coffee baskets to fit each of the three sizes that allows you to use your single serve product with a wide selection of coffees. Although you can make your own personal pod, it is time consuming and a hit-or-miss proposition; it is better to check if your favorite coffee is available in pods before buying one.
The Melitta MES2R One is a one-cup product that uses the pod system. It brews one cup at a time directly into either a 5-ounce or 8-ounce a mug and has a 28-ounce metered water tank that allows you to make 5 consecutive servings without refilling. The system’s 2.2 bar steam pump will always give you rich, full-bodied fresh coffee.
Single-Cup Coffee Brewing Systems
This type of single serve coffee makers uses a proprietary ‘mini-brewer’ in their coffee machines. All you have to do is put in the pre-packed pre-measured coffee cups or discs into the maker, press and button and wait until your coffee is ready. The cup/disc contains both the coffee and the filter. When the machine has finished brewing, you simply remove the spent brewer and throw it in the trash. The nice feature of this system is the coffee does not touch any part of the machine, allowing you to brew multiple cups of coffee in various flavors and roasts.
Again, the main consideration in getting this type of single serve coffee maker is whether the coffee you prefer is available from the manufacturer.
One of the highly recommended single serve product is Keurigs Single Serve Gourmet Coffee and Tea Brewing System. The programmable unit offers one-touch brewing, features a 24-hour digital clock and comes with a removable drip tray. It comes with a pack of 72 K-Cups variety pack and one My K-Cup reusable filter.
The cost of coffee is the most important consideration when choosing single serve makers; you pay more for coffee when you buy capsules, cups, pods or discs for single serve coffee machines because you generally have to order your brand of coffee through the machine manufacturer.