What features should you look for in a single serve coffee maker?
What features should you look for in a single serve coffee maker?
Check here to find out why YOU should buy a pod coffee maker.
It's easy to find information about how great these machines are. Read here to learn the whole story so you can make an informed decision.
View a comprehensive review of the most popular brands of pod coffee makers.
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What You Need to Know About Pod Coffee Maker Brands
Many manufacturers are now offering at least one option that takes coffee pods instead of traditional coffee grounds. There is a sea of information available, but how do you know which one to choose? The models below show the array of brands, features and prices that you will find for this product. I have attempted to select items that are not only varied, but also favorably reviewed.
Keurig B70 Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System
If you're more flexible with your budget, the Keurig B70 Pod Coffee Maker will give you much more features including:1. Patented K-Cups that virtually eliminate cleaning.
2. An optional Pod Holster that allows you to use any brand pod in your Keurig machine.
3. Removable 48-ounce water reservoir.
4. An auto on/off time option.
5. Three cup sizes including a 9.25 ounce serving for travel cups.
6. Adjustable temperature controls.
Although this model has more features than the Senseo, you will still find the following issues with this machine:1. The "quiet brew" technology is only available in the "special edition" models of the B60, meaning that the less expensive models may be noisier than some people would prefer.2. From the "off" setting it takes about 4 minutes to power up before the water is warm enough to brew that first cup.3. If you're trying to brew many cups in a row, it will take a couple of minutes per cup, since it does need to heat the water in between cups.
Bosch TAS1000UC Tassimo Single-Serve Coffee Brewer
If you're willing to spend more for a great cup of Joe, you will enjoy the Bosch Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Maker. The features that set this machine apart from its competitors are:
1. T-Disc technology that uses barcoding to identify the optimal brewing time, temperature and amount of water needed.
2. Over 40 beverages from 12 name brands, including Starbucks. Choose from coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino and lattes with real milk.
3. Customizable cup size and coffee strength.
4. Very quick warm up time from the "standby" setting.
5. Considerably quieter than many other pod coffee maker models.
6. Integrated storage compartment for T-Discs, cord and the cleaning disc.
7. One of the smallest footprints available, saving space in your kitchen.
There are a few things you should consider about this model though:
1. Brewing takes longer to complete than with the Keurig.
2. T-Discs are not readily available in stores. Joining the monthly shipping club will help ensure you don't run out of your favorite flavors.
3. This machine must be cleaned more frequently than other modes. If you don't clean before switching from different types of beverages, the tea will taste like coffee and your coffee will taste like tea. When using the milk discs you must clean the machine after each use.
Breville Gourmet Single-Cup Coffee Maker
While nowhere near the "top of the line" (you can literally spend thousands on one machine) the Breville K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker will give you all the features for a reasonable price (if you consider $350 for a coffee maker "reasonable"). With this machine you will find:
1. Brushed stainless steel that is both durable and easy to clean.
2. Four cup sizes.
3. Adjustable temperature settings.
4. A 60-ounce removable water tank.
5. An auto on/off time option.
6. Able to use K-Cups instead of the more expensive T-Discs.
7. A fast brewing time: less than 2 minutes to "ready to brew," then just 9 seconds between each cup and only 38 seconds to brew the largest cup.
Before you get out your credit card though you should know:
1. This machine can be noisy, like many of the single serve coffee makers.
2. Although this coffee maker is stainless steal, there are plastic parts on it so do not expect it to be 100% stainless.
Mr. Coffee SL13 Home Café Single Serve Coffee Maker
If you are not the only coffee drinker in your household, you might want to consider a dual coffee maker.Mr. Coffee presents the Home Café.
1. Single Serve, Brews Coffee & Tea Pods
2. Makes 1 or 2 cups at a time
3. Adjustable brew head to fit Travel Mug
4. Cord storage.
If you're willing to forego some features, the dual
coffee maker prevents the need to wait for your coffee if you're not the first one up in the morning.
Copyright © 2009 Dianna Kelly
