Instead of pods, Hamilton Beach’s coffee maker brews using a mesh filter basket that doubles as a scoop, ensuring you always measure out the correct amount of coffee grounds. It’s built with a 40-ounce water reservoir that you can remove to refill. You can brew an 8- or 14-ounce cup of coffee, and the flip up/down stand adjusts to multiple heights to accommodate different mugs and travel mugs.
The K-Latte can brew 6-, 8- and 10-ounce cups of coffee and can also accommodate a 7-inch travel mug. This machine has a 36-ounce removable water reservoir and is sold with a separate milk frother. One of the most common ways to clean a single-serve coffee maker is to fill the water tank with a vinegar and water solution.
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. Brewing one cup at a time also ensures the mug you’re drinking is fresh. Makes a full pot of coffee, but the boss doesn’t roll in until after nine, his coffee will be stale, taste burned, and probably end up going in the microwave. 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.
One of our favorite features is the “strong” button that brews a fuller flavored cup no matter which size you choose. On the other hand, if you enjoy being able to tweak your coffee strength or program the machine for frothy drinks as well, we’ve got some machines ready to deliver your perfect cup. When purchasing a more customizable coffee maker, make sure you understand the features of each model, so you don’t end up in over your head or disappointed with a machine that is too simple.
Another major drawback is being forced to buy only coffee sold in pods. While there is currently a huge range available – both using official K-Cups and other “rebel” brands – you still don’t have the flexibility to buy whatever you like afforded by a traditional method. In the case of pre-ground coffee, the exponentially larger surface area allows oxidization to occur at a much faster rate, meaning ground hamilton beach dual coffee maker coffee deteriorates much faster than whole beans. Freshly roasted coffee beans contain a lot of carbon dioxide which is released rapidly during the first few days after roasting. When green coffee beans are roasted, the flavors and aromas of coffee are created by a process known as the Maillard reaction . We will continue to update this post as we test additional models and as new products are released.
Of course, all of the single-serve drip coffee makers we’ve picked out for you are high-quality, reliable, and will ultimately produce a delicious brew. But there are a few more specific things you should look out for when choosing a drip coffee machine. However, there are definite drawbacks to owning a Keurig, not least of which is the price. Keurig coffee makers are much more expensive than regular drip machines or other brewing methods; after the initial outlay, you will also spend more on pods than regular beans or grounds. It’s not quite a K-cup machine, but this Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine makes delicious espresso drinks in your home.
The cold brew function works in 10 to 15 minutes and operates at a lower temperature to create refreshing cold drinks. The coffee maker features a 24-hour timer, auto shutoff, and brew pausing, letting users grab a cup before the brew cycle is complete. The brew strength selector allows coffee drinkers to choose between regular and bold flavors.
If you need help choosing the right brewer, start with our coffee maker buying guide. Despite Keurig’s popularity, our tests show that the best K-Cup coffee makers usually aren’t made by Keurig. In fact, of the top five K-Cup brewers in our ratings, only one model is made by Keurig. Our testers liked that all parts comfortably fit into a gallon-sized zip top bag making it perfect for packing, plus it was a breeze to wash.
Keurigs offer virtually nothing but the utility of caffeine and a coffee-like smell. Starting at $35, here are your go-to’s when you want something that tastes good, too. We then search every corner of the internet for relevant facts and customer feedback for the products that made the cut. We reserve the right to change prices without notice and to correct errors. If I would need to pick one reason for not recommending a Keurig, it’s the quality. While we appreciate the SS-10’s ease-of-use and self-clean cycle, we found the brew basket opening mechanism to be unresponsive and slightly confusing.