Manual coffee makers offer more control over strength

Today's one-cup coffee makers fall into one of three categories: manual press, automatic drip or pod machines.

Manual press and automated drip coffee makers both require users to measure coffee grounds and use paper filters. Although manual presses don't require electricity, they do require preheating water and using some force to press the plunger down. Coffee lovers with specific tastes say manual coffee makers offer the most control over the resulting coffee strength, especially when using freshly ground beans. Automated drip machines heat water with a flip of a button, but brewing may take longer and cleanup isn't as convenient.

Pod coffee makers, on the other hand, brew a single serving of coffee from premeasured ground coffee sealed in a pod made of paper, plastic or aluminum. These machines can generally brew a cup in less than a minute, and their prepackaged coffees eliminate the need to buy filters or deal with messy grounds. Pod machines can be more limiting, locking users into certain coffee flavors or brands for the sake of product compatibility. The prepackaged containers are also more expensive than buying ground coffee (but less than grabbing a cup at a specialty coffee shop). Some pod coffee makers are criticized for electricity use, as most models need to be on all the time to maintain hot water. However, the large water reservoir and programmable features many pod machines offer make them a popular option.

Here are some other things to know before buying a one-cup coffee maker:

  • Machine size and cup size: A compact coffee maker can be a solid buy if you're strapped for counter space -- but a product's brewing capabilities should also be considered prior to purchase. For instance, some machines brew beverage sizes well short of a small mug, while others output enough coffee to fill a larger container.
  • Brew strength: Although the strength of a brewed cup is largely dependent on the coffee itself, some models do allow users to manually adjust the strength of each cup. Total manual operation, however, means you'll need to accompany your coffee maker during brewing.
  • Temperature control: Not everyone has the same opinion about how hot coffee should be, so having the ability to adjust the temperature is an important feature for some consumers. Additionally, coffee drinkers who add refrigerated creamer or milk may need to start out with a hotter brew.
  • Auto shut-off: This safety feature eliminates the fear that you'll forget to turn the coffee machine off.
  • Energy-saving programming features: Because some coffee makers remain on to maintain water temperature, they can use a lot of electricity. Programmable models, however, can be set to turn on, heat up and brew a cup of coffee at a certain time.
  • Coffee pod compatability: Find out what specific coffees are compatible with your pod maker before you buy. For instance, coffee pods packaged in a paper filter will work with a variety of machines but Keurig K-Cups, Nescafe capsules and Tassimo T Discs don't work in other manufacturers' machines.
  • Eco-friendly options: Pod coffee containers that are packaged in biodegradable paper filters and are more environmentally friendly than plastic or aluminum packets, especially if you brew multiple cups a day. However, pod coffee makers also generate more waste than automatic-drip machines.

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