Single brew coffee makers

[Noah930]

What's the PPOT experience on these things? I don't drink coffee. Never got into it. But my wife is a coffee-lover. We have a traditional coffee maker, but it seems like a bit of a waste to go through all that effort each morning to make coffee for only one person. So I've been thinking of getting her a single-brew machine. Heck, maybe we can even stash it in our bedroom so I can start it up for her in the morning when I get into the shower to prevent waking up the rest of the family. But as I have absolutely no taste or interest in coffee, any recommendations as to which model to get?

[wdfifteen]

This baby is the tits. I've had three similar coffee machines in the past two years and this one is hands down the best. It's a bit spendy, but it makes the best cup of coffee you can get anywhere.
Saeco Incanto Classic Espresso Machine

[genrex]

Noah, do you want a machine where you can push a button in the morning, and then take a shower while it's making a single cup of coffee?

Like a K-pod machine?

[fanaudical]

On the other end of the spectrum, I recommend a simple, small capacity French press, a teapot to heat water, and a separate coffee grinder. Perfect for small-medium sized batches of coffee or just making tea. No gimmicky little single-serve cups to buy, no expensive coffee maker to break.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by genrex

Noah, do you want a machine where you can push a button in the morning, and then take a shower while it's making a single cup of coffee?

Like a K-pod machine?

yes, exactly

what's a k-pod?

edit: Ahh, got it. K-pod (or T-disc) is the little single-cup "cartridge" of coffee grounds (or whatever you're brewing) you insert into the machine.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

This baby is the tits. I've had three similar coffee machines in the past two years and this one is hands down the best. It's a bit spendy, but it makes the best cup of coffee you can get anywhere.
Saeco Incanto Classic Espresso Machine

Yikes!

I might just buy her the local Starbucks, instead.

[Hodgey]

Single Cup Brewer for Home or Office - Keurig.com

These are the poodle's pink bits....the mutts nuts....the cats meow......

[POORSH]

Got her a Suprema for X-mas and she absolutely loves it. Can't go wrong with this one since it makes everything. TASSIMO Direct - Brewbot Launch

[madmmac]

We have a Nespresso...love it. Easy as there is. Turn it on, drop in a capsule, close it, push a button. Takes a total of about a minute. Get the frother and it heats and froths your milk or flavoring in about the same time. A very intelligent design in all aspects.

Nespresso Limo Black Citiz & Milk Espresso Machine - D120

[genrex]

K-pods (or K-cups) are the little pre-packed individual-serving containers of coffee that are required by the machines I've seen. They are kinda costly, and they are not available at most markets, so you have to stock up when you can. And then there's the question of where to refrigerate the cream in the bedroom.

[Eric Coffey]

Have a Keurig, and it's great for what it is (touchscreen adds to the cool-factor a bit too). Just be aware that the K-Cup "cartridges" can get expensive, especially if she drinks multiple cups a day. Even if you buy in bulk you will be spending around $55/mo. @ 3 cups/day. Although, that's a bargain compared to Starbucks every day.

[Noah930]

Some of the machines also have the ability for you to use your own ground coffee, I understand. (To avoid the cost/inconvenience of having to use K-cups/T-discs exclusively.) So it works just like a traditional coffee maker, as well? Anyone try that feature?

[Gogar]

IMO the ones with the "cups" like Keurig taste better than than the paper "pods."

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by Gogar

IMO the ones with the "cups" like Keurig taste better than than the paper "pods."

That's what Liz commented. She had tried one and noted that there was an odd taste to it.

[Gogar]

Quote de Gogar

IMO the ones with the "cups" like Keurig taste better than than the paper "pods."

That's what Liz commented. She had tried one and noted that there was an odd taste to it.

Well, the thing is you never know "when" the coffee got put in that pod; it's possible the coffee has been ground and in that pod for MONTHS, not to mention how long it was roasted before it got put in the pod. Same goes for the cup, but it seems to me that the cup imparts less of a taste than the filter paper.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Some of the machines also have the ability for you to use your own ground coffee, I understand.

Yep, mine came with it's own little gold mesh filter insert to use normal grounds with. However, it kinda defeats the purpose (convenience) of the K-Cups.

Originally Posted by Gogar

IMO the ones with the "cups" like Keurig taste better than than the paper "pods."

+1

We have a fancy commercial one at the office that uses the pods, and the Keurig at home tastes is better IMO.

[chocolatelab]

if she drinks 1-2 cups per day a krueg is the ticket. More than that stick with the pot. Thats our experience.

[islandnine11]

nespresso is the way to go, easy clean and fast. One of the best home brewed expresso machines around for the price.
used the Kuerig but coffee not as good, and crappy plastic containers left over

[dan79brooklyn]

How about something like this, simple effective and delicious.

http://www.umamimart.com/2009/10/gadget-patrol-hario-drip-coffee-pot/

[widgeon13]

Have a Keurig, very good, not cheap, lots of options on the coffee.