Coffee-Makers

Pod coffee makers split the room. Some people love the convenience. Others think they are wasteful and expensive compared to brewing fresh grounds. Both sides have a case. But if you want one cup at a time without grinding beans, weighing doses, and cleaning a portafilter, a single-serve machine makes sense. We tested 6 pod coffee makers: three Keurig models (the K-Mini Plus, K-Elite, and K-Cafe), two Nespresso models (the Vertuo Next and the Original-line Pixie), and one universal-compatible machine (the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew). We tested each machine for brew temperature, extraction time, crema production (where applicable), cost per pod, and overall convenience. ...

Drip coffee makers don’t get the respect they deserve. Everyone talks about espresso machines and pour-over kettles, but most households still brew their daily coffee from a machine that drips hot water over grounds. The difference between a $50 coffee maker and a $300 one isn’t just build quality — it’s whether the water gets hot enough, whether it contacts the grounds long enough, and whether the brew temperature stays consistent through the whole cycle. ...