Reviews say you should look for the following features when choosing a coffee maker:

  • Consider whether you really need a one-cup coffee maker. Many full-size coffee makers have a "small batch" option, which leaves you with the flexibility of brewing more when needed.
  • Decide how strong you like your coffee. Reviews say that automatic-drip coffee makers don't let you exercise much control over coffee strength. You can make stronger coffee with manual coffee devices, such as the Aerobie AeroPress. You can also experiment with various types of pods to find a brew strength that suits you. Keurig offers a particularly wide variety of coffees.
  • Consider the cost. Pods and K-Cups can cost between 25 and 50 cents each, and some pod coffee makers require two pods to brew an eight-ounce cup. The Tassimo coffee maker requires two pods (one for coffee and one for milk) to make a cappuccino or latte. If you're concerned about the cost, you can purchase a machine with a reusable filter or make your own pods.
  • Consider buying non-proprietary pods. Reviews say that some non-proprietary pods contain higher-quality coffee than pods from the coffee maker manufacturer. Just be sure that the pods you buy fit in your coffee maker.
  • Programmable timers probably aren't necessary, since nearly all single-cup coffee makers brew coffee in 90 seconds or less.
  • If you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, you may want to stick with a standard coffee maker, vacuum coffee maker or French press rather than a single-cup coffee maker. Single-cup coffee makers offer a limited range of coffee selection.
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