Even if you don’t like coffee in the morning, you will still need to have a cup before you start the seemingly endless cycle of meetings, e-mails and phone calls. Keurig’s innovative pod technology (aka pod machine) is a great alternative to waiting for a drip espresso maker, or fiddling with a French presse. You can enjoy your caffeine boost from a pod of coffee at the touch of a button.
In-home Keurig machines were launched in 2004. This revolutionized the coffee industry and transformed Americans’ habits regarding their daily caffeine intake. The mechanism behind Keurigs works in a similar way to drip coffee machines, but it is much more efficient: pour hot water over the coffee beans, and then pressurize the coffee to extract the juices. Many pod coffee companies joined the fray to challenge Keurig’s short-lived monopoly. Nestle’s Nespresso quickly unveiled the more advanced VertuoLine single-serve coffee machines with centrifusion technology. This can enhance the taste by tenfold.
The sleek exterior aside, the Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville is the winner. It brews a hot, strong cup of coffee with minimal effort. The 40-ounce water tank isn’t the biggest in our roundup. However, the swivel bottom handle makes it easy to remove the tank for storage. We recommend the Keurig K–Cafe (available at Amazon), which is the most versatile single-serve coffee maker we tested.
These are the top single-serve coffee machines we tested and ranked in this order:
Nespresso VertuoPlus from Breville
With just a touch, the Nespresso VertuoPlus espresso and coffee machine can brew 4 single-serve cups. Every machine comes with a welcome set that includes a variety of Nespresso Vertuo capsules and unique aroma profiles. Dual capsules are available for Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machines. They can be used to make espresso or coffee using Centrifusion technology. The VertuoPlus makes both 5 oz coffee and 8 oz coffee, as well as single or double espresso shots. Additional features include 40 oz. Removable water tank and automatic capsule ejection hold up to 10 used capsules. It heats up in about 20-25 seconds
Keurig K-Café
Keurig K–Cafe Single-Serve K–Cup Coffee Maker, Latte Maker, and Cappuccino Maker. Includes Dishwasher Safe Milk Frother, Capability for Coffee Shots, Coffee Shot Capability, Compatible with all Keurig K–Cup Pods, Dark Charcoal
Cuisinart SS-10
The 72-oz. capacity Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Brewer is fully programmeable and versatile. It is perfect for personal and family use. This coffeemaker is compatible with all single-cup pod brands, including Keurig K-Cup pods. It also comes with the HomeBarista(tm), Reusable Filter Cup. You can choose from five different cup sizes (ranging in size from 4 to 12 ounces) and you can adjust the brewing temperature to achieve your desired temperatures. The unit has a hot water button that can be used for making coffee as well as soups, tea, and hot cocoa. It also features a rinse function to make it easy to clean.
Keurig K-Elite
The Keurig K-Elite brewer combines a premium finish with programmable features. This brewer offers modern design and ultimate beverage customization. It’s stylish addition to any kitchen with its striking brushed finish, metal details and stainless steel. The Keurig K-Elite ™, coffeemaker features Strong Brew, which is for those who want stronger coffee. There’s also an Iced button that allows you to brew hot coffee over ice, for a full-flavored, refreshing iced coffee. You can make your choice of coffee, tea, or iced beverages in five different brew sizes. You can choose from hundreds of K-Cup (r-) coffee pods or make your own ground coffee with the Universal My K-Cup (r-) reusable coffee filter (sold separately). The Keurig (r- K–Elite ™, coffeemaker provides hot water on demand for instant soups, oatmeal, and a large 75oz removable water tank that allows you to make 8 cups between refills.
Keurig K-Select
The Keurig K Select ™, is a stylish device with simple controls that will help you make the perfect cup every single time. If you love strong coffee, the Strong Brew button will increase the strength and intensity of your coffee. Additionally, the 52-ounce water tank allows for 5 cups of coffee before you need to refill it. You can make six, eight, or twelve ounces of your favorite beverages in less than a minute. Additionally the Quiet Brew Technology reduces noise. Simply pop in the pod and choose your brew size for a perfect brew.
Included is a bonus 6-count K–Cup (r), Pod variety package, one water filter handle, and one filter cartridge that will help you ensure that your beverages taste the best.
Keurig K-Classic
First cup. Fourth cup – With Keurig (r) it’s always fresh. K-Classic (tm), Coffee Maker makes a perfect cup of hot coffee, tea or iced beverages in less than one minute. The K50 comes in three sizes and has a removable drip tray that can be used to hold travel mugs.
