Anybody have a single cup coffee maker?

I'm thinking of buying one instead of drinking instant coffee.

This one is just calling my name
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...t_adv_XPYD0100

The only draw back is you have to buy the little "K-cups" which are about $8-10US for 25. So it's a bit more expensive than instant coffee, but still cheaper than going to Timmys.

Black and Decker makes ones that is very easy to use and clean, and is on sale all the time for $9.99. I have one, but rarely use it these days, since I got my espresso machine.

Originally Posted by Shifty

Black and Decker makes ones that is very easy to use and clean, and is on sale all the time for $9.99. I have one, but rarely use it these days, since I got my espresso machine.

I've got one that I barely use. It makes one big cup or two small cups at a time and has a reusable filter. I don't remember the name because I barely use it (don't drink coffee). It works like a charm though and is approved by my dad (french, and likes good coffee).

Get a french press.

I love the french press, makes a very flavourfull coffee. I use fresh organic beans ground course.

You can get these for like $15-25, preferably on sale from places like Winners, stokes, Zellers, Walmart..etc.

You can get a decent grinder for about $15-20 as well.

Makes for a top quality coffee for a reasonably price. Don't cheap out on the beans either, get QUALITY beans.

The whole point of getting one of those pod ones is the convenience...

Originally Posted by B40

The whole point of getting one of those pod ones is the convenience...

The other one I'm talking about (something like "cuccina duo") is easy to use: one or two scoops of coffee, add 1 cup of water, turn it on, 3-5 minutes later it's done.

I have been doing the single cup coffee thing for a while. Its rather in its infancy in Canada, with only a few machines offered, but its taking off rather quickly down in USA (and its way ahead in Europe).

That Keurig machine and the k-cup phenom are rather nice but k-cup have certain drawbacks that you should be aware of. I personally went the pod route and decided to first go with the Melitta (one of the two offered in Canada and cheap).

I would suggest you go to Single Serve coffe and check out their Forums before taking the pluge. The thing with k-cups is that its proprietry, and that if Keurig ever stopped making the machines, coffee makers would have no incentive to make k-cups. Pods are universal, with all pod machines being able to accomodate all the types of pods (with small exceptions).

Also, from what I've read, its worth spending an extra $50 and going for the B50 Keurig, if you are really set on going the k-cups route.

Below is a quote from the single serve forum that sums up whats out there very nicely.

Here is may take on the differences between the systems:

Tassimo

Pros:
- Can make many types of drinks: cappucino, espresso, latte, hot-chocolate, tea and regular coffee.
- Easy to use. The disk is simply inserted into the machine. A bar code is read to determine how to brew the beverage. For some drinks multiple disks must be inserted (for example a coffee disk then a milk disk for cappucino)

Cons:
- The Tassimo brewer itself seems to be a generation behind the Keurig and the better pod brewers in terms of design and build quality. People have complained about various quirks and problems with the machine.
- Very limited selection of coffees at this time.

Pods

Pros:
- Makes coffee and tea
- Widest variety of machines available. Prices range from under $50 to over $200.
- Widest variety of pods available. Pods sometimes available at regular grocery stores.

Cons:
- More complicated to use. Pods come in various sizes and weights that may not be compatible with some brewers, and the correct "pod holder" must be used for a given pod type.
- Somewhat messier than the other systems in that wet pods must be disposed of rather than dry k-cups or t-disks.

Keurig (k-cups)

Pros:
- Makes coffee and tea
- Easiest system to use. No worry about compatability. No need to choose and load into a pod holder. The k-cup is simply inserted into the holder. The Keurig brewers are now in their 3rd generation and they are very solid and reliable machines.
- Least mess. After brewing, air is blown through the k-cup so it is dry and easy to dispose of.
- K-cups are injected with nitrogen so the coffee stays fresh and has a long shelf life.
- Wide variety of coffees and teas available. Coffee is available from about 5 roasters and in general the quality of the coffee offered in k-cups is top-notch.

Cons:
- The Keurig system is a proprietary system with brewers currently available only from Keurig. (Currently 4 are offered with prices ranging from $99 - $249) K-cup producers must be licensed by Keurig.
- K-cups are currently not available in grocery stores. They can be ordered by phone or internet. A few retail outlets carry them.
- K-cups are bulkier than pods. They also create more waste.

Here is my take on the audience for each system:

Tassimo: You want the ability to make drinks like cappucino and hot chocolate. The limited choice of coffees is acceptable to you. You are willing to put up with the quirks of the current machine that is offered.

Pods: You only need to brew coffee and tea. You want the widest selection of brewers and coffees/teas possible. You are willing to spend extra time and effort to find the machine that is right for you and the pods that work best with it. You are also willing to spend a little extra effort in loading the pods and clean-up to gain this flexibility.

Keurig: You only need to brew coffee and tea. You want ease of use, easy clean-up and consistant quality. You are willing to give up a little flexibility in terms of brewer and coffee/tea selection to get this.

For you, it sounds like a pod brewer or Keurig system would be the best bet. Which one depends on whether you want the simplicity of the Keurig or if you like to tinker and experiment with the various pods that are available.

I have the Keurig B50 (about $150) and I'm very satisfied with it. On the pod side the Bunn (about $200) is very well respected, although there are less expensive options. Take a look at the reviews on this site to find out which one is right for you!

Also in your first post you said:

The only draw back is you have to buy the little "K-cups" which are about $8-10US for 25. So it's a bit more expensive than instant coffee, but still cheaper than going to Timmys.

If your object is just something as convenient as instant coffee and you don't care about the coffee itself, then you are better off with instant. Single serve coffee is beyond the realm of your average cuppa joe. The variety and quality of the k-cups and pods avaliable push it well within the realm of the coffee connoisseur. Of course it wont match fresh ground gourmet beans in a french press or a shot of good espresso done by an experienced Barista, but there is no comparison what so ever with Instant or even drip-filter coffee.

So if you care about the coffee, and want the instant coffee convenience, then single serve is a no-brainer.

Thanks for all the info and feedback porphyra.

I'm going through reviews on Amazon on the machines they have listed here
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...rent-id=289744

Haven't been too impressed with the Melitta or Senseo reviews, but they are both fairly cheap ($50-60US) compared to the other ones.

I will go through some of the other ones and hopefully make my purchase today or tomorrow

Originally Posted by B40

Thanks for all the info and feedback porphyra.

I'm going through reviews on Amazon on the machines they have listed here
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...rent-id=289744

Haven't been too impressed with the Melitta or Senseo reviews, but they are both fairly cheap ($50-60US) compared to the other ones.

I will go through some of the other ones and hopefully make my purchase today or tomorrow

Honestly, I have a Melitta and it works just fine. You cannot find a Senseo in Canada, so unless you plan on bringing one back with you across the border, its a moot point. Of course the Bunn My cafe is a better machine, brews better cups and has more options etc. etc. But it also costs $199 US. The Melitta I got from Zellers for $50 CDN. So you always have to take that into consideration.

The senseo has perhaps the largest userbase and most feedback. However it sucks that Philips are not bothering to introduce it in Canada. Its also the only machine that produces faux-crema ( that some people foolishly cherish).

I wouldn't go with the procter-silex/hamilton-beach model or the Black & Decker model. Both have numerous issues with them.

If you can spend and have the money to spend, then definately go with the Bunn My cafe. Its an incredible machine.

I have the Black and Decker single cup brewer. Works pretty good. Got it from CT on sale, for $9.99. I use paper filters instead of the provided nylon(?) reuseable one, because it's supposed to be healthier. Coffee may be a little weaker than store-bought ones, but I don't need it to be that strong. Maybe I need to use more coffee grinds, but my coffee needs aren't that fancy. My only complaint with this one is not all my mugs fit under it, as it is a little snug.

I may try the Black and Decker 2-cup brewer, on sale at CT for $20. It also comes with 2 travel mugs.

Originally Posted by porphyra

Honestly, I have a Melitta and it works just fine. You cannot find a Senseo in Canada, so unless you plan on bringing one back with you across the border, its a moot point. Of course the Bunn My cafe is a better machine, brews better cups and has more options etc. etc. But it also costs $199 US. The Melitta I got from Zellers for $50 CDN. So you always have to take that into consideration.

The senseo has perhaps the largest userbase and most feedback. However it sucks that Philips are not bothering to introduce it in Canada. Its also the only machine that produces faux-crema ( that some people foolishly cherish).

I wouldn't go with the procter-silex/hamilton-beach model or the Black & Decker model. Both have numerous issues with them.

If you can spend and have the money to spend, then definately go with the Bunn My cafe. Its an incredible machine.

I know someone in the states coming back for a visit soon so I can get anything from Amazon with the $25 off $125 deal.

Some of the reviews on Amazon say the Senseo's coffee is not strong enough or not hot enough...

The Bunn Mycafe is $175 on Amazon, the Keurig B50 is $125. I don't want to spend $175 US on this, even $125 is pushing it a little, but I don't mind spending a little more for quality.

The one big advantage the Senseo has is the pods are a lot cheaper. $17US for 72 ($0.236 each) vs. $10US for 18 ($0.555 each).

I might just get the Senseo and load up on pods to bring it over $125.

Bought this Black & Decker Cup-at-a-time at Canadian Tire for $10 a couple of years ago:

Originally Posted by teknoluv

Bought this Black & Decker Cup-at-a-time at Canadian Tire for $10 a couple of years ago:

I bought the same one during the same deal for $9.99 at CT a few years ago. Its a great little thing, and ideal for a single person. But it doesnt really qualify as a pod/k-cup single serving coffee machine. Its basically a drip filter coffee maker for 1-person. Still a great coffeemaker. After 3 years its still working strong. A great investment for $10..

I bought the same B & D coffee maker years ago. I love it. I keep it in my suitcase for travelling as the coffee makers in hotel rooms are cess-pools of germs. Housekeeps use their cleaning rags to spot clean the machines and pots, only the coffee cups go through a dishwasher.