You’ll also be able to choose between the automatic drip brewing option or a bolder brew if you prefer stronger coffee. Once the machine is done brewing, it shuts itself off automatically so you won’t have to worry about it once you head out for the day. For easier cleaning, the water reservoir is removable, and the unit itself comes with a rinse feature to clean inside of the brewing chamber. You can also pop out the drip tray for cleaning and to more readily brew coffee right into a travel mug. The coffee maker is compatible with a variety of pods; however, it also comes with a reusable filter cup if you prefer to use your own grounds.
If you’re looking to continue to make drip coffee from freshly ground beans, and you want to manipulate the strength and water-to-coffee ratios yourself, you probably don’t need a Keurig. But, if you’re attracted to the convenience and variety of the K-Cup system, then choosing which one is right for you will require looking at some additional factors. Many of the models we tested came with sample packs of pods to try, and one machine, the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go, even came with a travel mug that fits perfectly under the spout. Another machine that failed to impress is the Keurig – K-Classic Coffee Maker.
It also allows users to program their preferred brewing options like coffee strength and cup volume. For tasting, we brewed at least three cups of the same K-Cup variety, per machine, hamilton coffee Maker using a variety of brew settings, like “strong” and iced. We used a decaf roast from Publix so we could taste each cup without keeping our tester awake through the night.
The K-Elite boasts a large 75-ounce reservoir that allows you to brew more cups of coffee at once than any other model in this roundup. If you’re making lots of coffee every single day, you can get Keurigs with unlimited water reservoirs. These units hook into your building’s plumbing, so that they’re constantly replenished with new water. Even though it has many features, it manages to be relatively simple to use.
We also measured the energy consumption of each appliance over the course of about 30 minutes of use. We considered the size, stature, and noise level of each machine for at-home use, comparing measurements between every Keurig using a noise meter. The K-Select takes an average time of 54 seconds to brew a cup of coffee––including the typically longer “strong” pour––and roughly 40 seconds to heat up, which is as fast as you’d expect with a Keurig. Though it’s quite pricey, this premium Keurig is a superhero for those mornings when you want a barista experience with little time to spare. If you’re in search of a Keurig that can replicate that coffeehouse feel at home, or you just want a bolder flavor of K-Cup in the morning, the K-Cafe is your go-to machine.
Keurig coffee-making machines will brew in under one minute — an essential consideration for those who need their morning caffeine fix in a hurry. Even better, many Keurig machines are fully programmable, so you can set your coffee maker to deliver your early morning cup of joe before you even get out of bed. Keep in mind that “cup” measurements provided by coffee machine manufacturers don’t necessarily align with the standard unit of measurement. A standard U.S. cup measures 8 ounces, while a “cup” from a coffee maker may only measure 4 to 6 ounces. If you’re going on vacation or not planning on using your single-serve coffee maker for an extended period, empty the reservoir and turn off the machine.
If you’re looking for convenience, just be prepared to pay the price for advanced models. Just because a coffee maker is compact doesn’t mean it’s limited to a small capacity. There are plenty of space-saving options that brew upwards of 14 cups . Think about the amount of coffee you consume a day, as well as the number of coffee drinkers in your household. If you primarily brew a cup or two a day just for yourself, check out pour overs, French presses, and pod-based machines. This list covers a number of space-saving alternatives, from mini drip coffee makers to non-electric brewers small enough to store in cupboards.
In fact, our Nutribullet Brew Choice review left us feeling so satisfied that we use it every single day. The Keurig K-Elite features a strong and iced setting, creating a slightly richer flavored coffee by slowing the brewing process. Enhancing the versatility of the Keurig machines is the ability to make tea or hot cocoa using specified pods. The least versatile machine was the Nespresso Pixie, as its functions are limited to making espressos and lungos. Single-cup coffee makers have grown in popularity because of their reliability; single-cup machines that use pods make a consistent product every time. They’re efficient, convenient, and offer a huge selection of beverages — over 200 coffees, teas, and hot chocolates, including styles from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Snapple, Tazo, and Illycafe.
Brittany is skilled in writing about a variety of topics, but her specialties are travel, lifestyle, and pet content. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Until recently, K-Cups were not recyclable and wound up in landfills. New recyclable K-Cups made of polypropylene have been developed and have been rolled out across the US through 2019 and 2020. Keurig promised that by the end of 2020, all K-Cups will be recyclable, however there hasn’t been an update on this initiative since then. That means you may have to double check you are buying a recyclable K-Cup pod.