Archive for the ‘One Cup Coffee Makers’ Category

Want a single serve coffee maker that looks different? Get the Krups Dolce Gusto Circolo.

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
Krups Dolce Gusto Circolo Single Serve Coffee Maker

Krups Dolce Gusto Circolo Single Serve Coffee Maker

Yes, it’s a coffee maker, even if it does look like a high-tech donut.

Actually, I’m being unfair. This is a beautifully designed machine, available in a red or platinum finish.

It first caught my eye in a kitchen store recently. There is no question that it stands out from other coffee makers. And it’s a nice solid machine too. When I was in the store, they were demonstrating the machine, so I was able to see it in action, play around with it a little, and sample one of the drinks.

More on that in a minute.

This is a newer, and very different version of the Dolce Gusto One Cup Coffee Maker, which we reviewed last year.

The workings are the same, pretty much. It’s just the look and styling that are so very different.

The Gusto Circolo uses proprietary coffee capsules. Like K-Cups and T-Discs, these are sealed and contain just the right amount of coffee for a single serving. And you have to use the capsules. Unlike with K-Cups, there are no reusable filter options.

But this could be a great choice for you if you really enjoy coffee house concoctions like Cappuccino, Caffè Lungo, Latte Macchiato and so on. It also makes hot chocolate, teas and a variety of cold beverages.

Back to my tasting in the kitchen store.

I asked for a cappuccino. For this, two separate capsules are inserted in to the tray. One for the coffee and one for the milk.

The result? Pretty good. They claim it’s as good as a coffee shop cappuccino. And that is probably true of many coffee shops. I had no complaints, but couldn’t honestly say it was as good as the best cappuccinos I have enjoyed.

But then again, I’m fussy.

Any day of the week I would be more than happy with a cappuccino from this machine.

And I like the fact that you can make such a variety of beverages with it. I don’t drink coffee all day, so would be happy I can use the same machine for tea and hot chocolate.

If you are going to buy a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine, should you buy this one?

Well, it’s all about the design. If you love that unique, circular look, go for it. Otherwise you can always choose the slightly more traditional look of the original Dolce Gusto One Cup Coffee Maker. Although even that one looks different from most coffee makers.

Get the Krups Dolce Gusto Circolo at Amazon for just $149.99.

Share

Mr. Coffee Single Serve K-Cup Brewing System.

Monday, October 25th, 2010
Mr. Coffee Single Serve K-Cup Brewing System

Mr. Coffee Single Serve K-Cup Brewing System

Well, here is a surprise.

Mr. Coffee has made a K-Cup coffee maker.

From what we can tell, although the design is all their own, its functionality is very similar to that of the Keurig Mini.

In other words, it has a small footprint, doesn’t have a water reservoir, and you add a mug of water to the machine each time you brew.

I must say, we like the look and lines of the machine. It has a different look compared to the older Keurig line of brewers.

And, of course, it works in the same, simple way. Add the water, drop in a K-Cup and press the brew button.

If you have been waiting to get yourself an entry-level K-Cup brewer, and prefer the look of this Mr. Coffee model, or simply like the brand, give it a try.

It’s priced pretty much identically with its Keurig equivalent, the Mini. So you’ll neither lose nor gain by going for Mr. Coffee.

Ultimately, it’s all down to the looks and the brand.

You can learn more and buy the Mr. Coffee Single Serve K-Cup Brewing System at Amazon…

Share

Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer — probably the least expensive coffee pod brewer.

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

hamilton-beach-one-cup-pod-coffee-maker

If you are looking for a one cup coffee maker and are happy with the coffee pod format – but have limited money to spend – this may be the brewer for you.

It doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles of the more expensive single serve brewers.

You just add water to the reservoir each time you want to make coffee, add a coffee pod to the tray, and press the brew button. If you want stronger coffee, you can add two pods instead of one.

User reviews are mixed.

The general consensus is that it makes OK coffee, but not great coffee. And several people use it as a second brewer, to take to work or when staying in hotels.

In other words, it’s small, convenient and inexpensive.

Not a great choice for true coffee lovers, but a decent option for when you are away from home and want to be able to make coffee for yourself, with no fuss or bother.

Here’s what you get:

* Includes 18 Senseo coffee pods
* Fresh coffee made fast
* Brews up to a 12 oz. cup
* Choose regular, decaf, & a variety of coffee blends & flavors
* Brew basket is dishwasher safe

Buy the Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer from Amazon for just $19.95

Share

Cuisinart SS700 Single Serve K-Cup Brewer

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Keurig Cuisinart K-Cup Brewer

First, there were the Keurig brewers. Then Breville made a K-Cup brewer. And now you can get the SS700 from Cuisinart.

Why choose the Cuisinart SS700? There are a couple of reasons.

First, the company has a great reputation for making reliable coffee makers. So hopefully you can use this brewer for years to come without any problems.

Second, and this could be a very good reason to choose this brewer over other K-Cup brewers, the water reservoir is huge. This is an attractive feature, because while using K-Cups is very convenient, repeatedly refilling the water reservoir can be quite a pain.

For myself, if my Keurig brewer dropped dead today, this is the K-Cup brewer I would choose.

Here is the full list of features, according to the Cuisinart website.

  • Hot Water Button lets consumers enjoy their favorite instant coffee, soup, tea, and hot cocoa, in no time.
  • Rinse Control instantly cleans the inside of the brew chamber to keep every cup as delicious as the first.
  • Extra Large Removable 80 oz. Water Reservoir offers impressive capacity, eliminating the need for frequent refills.
  • Fully Programmable full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off and adjustable temperature control.
  • Blue Backlit LCD w/Digital Clock brightly displays information, at an easy-to-read glance.
  • 5 Cup Sizes including an iced beverage setting.
  • Quiet Brew Technology lets you enjoy every cup more peacefully than ever.
  • Removable Drip Tray allows extra space for travel mugs.
  • BPA Free (all parts that come in contact with water or coffee).
  • My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter can be filled with any gourmet ground coffee, to suit personal tastes, and conveniently stores right in the unit.
  • 12 K-Cup® Portion Pack lets consumers enjoy a varied sampling of all that Keurig K-Cups® have to offer.
  • Charcoal Water Filter removes impurities that could interfere with taste.
  • Limited 3-Year Warranty

You can buy the Cuisinart SS700 online at Green Mountain Coffee…

Share

The Kug, a cunning combination of a kettle and a mug.

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

The Kug, a portable beverage maker.

The Kug, it heats the water and serves as a mug.

When you think about it, it’s surprising that nobody has done this before.

Designed by a pair of students at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, the Kug was originally intended for people suffering from arthritis. The observation being that people with arthritis find it hard pouring boiling water from a full kettle.

You also have to keep in mind that in Ireland and the UK, a lot of people still favor instant coffee. So you simply add water to the Kug, put it in its base, twist to the on position, and then wait for the water to boil. Then add the instant coffee, with cream and sugar to taste.

Of course, the Kug can also be used for making tea and instant soups.

Although designed for people with arthritis, the Kug will doubtless be popular with everyone who wants to make one beverage at a time, within minimal hassle.

Want one now? You’ll have to wait. The designers are still talking to manufacturers about mass production of the Kug, and it will likely be the end of the year before they are found in any stores.

Share