3 Common Causes For Why Your Single Coffee Maker Isn't Working (And What You Can Do To Fix It)

Which Single Coffee Maker is Right For You? You can save money by purchasing one-serve coffee makers when you are the only person in your home who likes a hot coffee. Which one is best for you? The machines are simple to operate, but they require a steady supply of pods, K-Cups or capsules at a price per cup. Be sure to verify the source before buying. What is a single cup of coffee maker? A single coffee maker can be used to brew one cup of coffee or tea. They're usually quick and easy to use, and come with a range of options. While they can cost more upfront than a traditional coffee brewer, many consumers find that the savings they make on tea and coffee at the coffee shop quickly pays for the initial investment. Most models of single-serve coffee makers are pre-packaged with coffee pods or “K-Cups” and tea bags for brewing either soft or hard (adhesive-free) pods made of filter paper or plastic capsules that contain whole or ground coffee. Some models include a drawer to store loose tea, and others have an extra drawer to hold hot water to make hot chocolates or iced drinks. Some are even able to brew espresso, for those who like caffeinated drinks occasionally. Many models can be used to create drip coffee, including the French Press or Moka Pot. Other models are able to make espresso-style cappuccinos and lattes using an additional add-on or milk frother. Additionally some of the most sophisticated brewers can also dispense hot water to fill a travel mug to make on-the-go tea or coffee. In our thorough testing of the top single coffee makers we looked for specific features that differentiate them from each other like how fast they can brew and heat regardless of whether the coffee is hot or lukewarm, how they worked with different sizes of tumblers and cups, and their ease of cleaning and maintenance. We also examined a wide range of teas, coffees and cocoas to determine which ones they brewed best, what cup sizes they were able to accommodate, and how well the machine stood up to daily use over the course of. The majority of tea and coffee makers only last about five years, unlike other appliances that can last for a number of years before replacing them. You should consider how long you'll keep it for and consider the cost of purchasing and replenishing your items. Estimate your annual coffee or tea consumption to determine the most suitable option for you and your budget. How do I select a single coffee machine? A single-serve coffee maker is the ideal way to make your coffee at the touch of one button. The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested several of these machines and found them to be more efficient than ever before in making a delicious brew. But when it comes to choosing a specific model there are a few aspects to keep in mind. The first thing to think about is what type of brew you'd like make. Many single-serve machines only make one cup of coffee at a given time, but some machines can also create tea, espresso or hot chocolate. Some machines can brew lattes or cappuccinos if you have the right pods or capsules. A second factor to consider is the amount of money you're willing to invest. A single-serve machine can cost more upfront than a standard brewer but will save you money over time by eliminating costly coffee shop purchases. Be sure to include price of the coffees or teas that you plan to prepare in your calculations. You'll also need to decide if you're comfortable with the waste generated by these devices. The positive side is that many models now offer recyclable, reusable or compostable options for their pods and K-Cups So you can help cut down on the amount of plastic waste in your home. It is important to select one-serve machines that fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. For instance, if you're committed to keeping your machine clean and tidy choose an option that is simple to clean and sanitize. If you'd like to be more in control of the coffee you drink, you might think about a coffee maker that lets you grind your own beans. Jamie Kim is a Senior Product Tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She's been employed by the company since the year 2018 and has tested a wide variety of products, including numerous coffee and espresso makers. She is enthusiastic about food and drinks and loves trying out new tea and coffee varieties. She is a self-confessed “coffee fanatic” who believes that the perfect cup of coffee begins with the proper brewing method. What is the top single-serve coffee maker? There are some things to consider when you are evaluating the best single coffee maker for your needs. Think about the kind of coffee you like drinking as well as any other features you might desire (such as the capability to make hot chocolate or tea). Think about the cost and availability of the teas or coffees you enjoy. Take into consideration how many cups coffee you intend to brew in a single batch. This will aid in determining the size of the unit you need. This Bodum model is a great choice for those who want a single, simple coffee maker. It's also easy on your pocket. This simple French Press can brew an 8- or 14 ounce cup in just a few minutes. It will keep your cup warm for four hours. Plus, it doesn't require any paper filters or K-Cups, and it can be used with any type of ground coffee. Another option is the Bruvi that offers all of the convenience of a K-Cup machine, but without the plastic waste. The pod-free brewing device is made of bio-based materials, and is fully recyclable. It is a great choice for environmentally conscious customers. In our tests, we observed that the Bruvi brewed eight-ounce cups in less than two minutes. It also had a touchscreen interface that had an intuitive user interface which allowed us to easily create preferences. Pod coffee makers are more competent than ever before in making a smooth, silky cup of coffee. their speedy brewing speeds make them an excellent alternative to fiddling with a French press or waiting for a traditional drip machine to start your day. The team at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab tested dozens of pod coffee makers and found the Keurig VertuoPlus and Nespresso K-Elite to be among the top. To identify the top single-serve brewing systems Our team sets up top-rated models, and brews at least 10 cups in each to test how long they take to preheat and brew. We also look at how easy to fill the reservoir and mug with water, and how versatile the machine is for brewing other beverages. Ultimately, we find that the best single-serve brewing units are the ones that offer the most options for customization while still remaining user-friendly and efficient. Which one cup coffee machines is best for me? There are a myriad of methods to make your own coffee at home. Each method has its pros and cons. For those who are looking for convenience without sacrificing flavor, a single serve coffee maker is the way to go. Like the name implies, these machines can make only one cup at a time and require less counter space than their larger counterparts. They also tend to have the ability to brew faster so that you can be sipping your morning java in less than 30 seconds. As we all know, however, not all machines were created equal. Before purchasing a machine it is essential to consider the type of coffee you enjoy and how often you'll use your machine. If you are a fan of a smooth latte and prefer a pod-based machine from brands like Keurig and Nespresso is the right choice for you. However, if you're looking to have more control over your morning cup of coffee and want to control the flavor, a coffee grinder and French press could be a better fit. It is also important to consider the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Certain models require descalement at a minimum every six months. This process removes any minerals from the water that can impact brew temperature and quality. The company should either provide instructions or include them in the instruction manual, based on the model. Before you make a final decision, consider the features that are most important to you. You should consider how much counter space is available, and if the size of the machine you select will require more or less space than the other options. These easy-to-use machines are perfect for beginners and experts alike. Before making our recommendations, we spent weeks testing dozens coffee makers. We analyzed their overall performance, durability and ease of setup and break down, aesthetics and warranties included. The Black+Decker Single-Serve coffee Maker is our top choice for those who live on their own because it's affordable, fast to brew and easy to use.