Posts Tagged ‘coffee’

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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.

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Posted in Coffee Capsules, Dolce Gusto, One Cup Coffee Makers | 1 Comment »

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…

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Posted in Keurig Brewers, One Cup Coffee Makers | No Comments »

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

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Posted in Coffee Pod Brewers, One Cup Coffee Makers | 1 Comment »

A one-cup coffee maker, with no plastic parts, for under $20.

Saturday, January 16th, 2010
A simple filter cone coffee maker, with coffee pot.

A simple filter cone coffee maker, with coffee pot.

I know, it doesn’t have any buttons or flashing lights.

And it doesn’t come with pods or K-Cups, or capsules or anything like that.

You just place an old-fashioned paper filter in the porcelain cone, add coffee grinds, and then pour in the hot water.

The result? A coffee pot filled with perfect coffee.

This is the dirty little secret of the coffee business. If it’s a perfect cup of coffee you want, this is as fancy as your coffee maker needs to be.

Really, it’s true.

When you spend more and buy one of those flashy, super convenient single cup brewers, you’re not getting a better cup of coffee. You’re simply making life a teeny bit more convenient for yourself.

But if you think about this porcelain coffee cone a little more, you’ll see that it comes with several advantages.

It’s environmentally friendly. Nothing to throw away. Just dump the used filter and grinds in your compost.

There are no plastic parts. This means no yukky plastic taste, and no exposure to weird and possibly dangerous chemicals.

It takes up almost no space.

It doesn’t have any tubes or lines to get plugged up if you live in an area with hard water.

Really, the only reason there is a market for super-sophisticated single serve coffee makers is that 1) We are lazy, and 2) We are addicted to gadgets.

Disclaimer: I am lazy, and appear to be addicted to gadgets, because I have a Keurig B60, and use it.

But it’s just crazy.

You can buy this cone and pot at Amazon.com for just $15.99.

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Posted in One Cup Coffee Makers | No Comments »

Is Starbucks VIA Ready Brew instant coffee as good as fresh-brewed coffee?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee

Earlier this year Starbucks launched its own brand of instant coffee, VIA.

Not surprisingly, coffee lovers were scandalized by the fact that Starbucks, of all companies, would launch an instant coffee. It didn’t seem to make much sense.

Starbucks countered by saying that their instant coffee was different, and would deliver the same great Starbucks taste as you get from their fresh-brewed coffee.

If the taste is really that good, then VIA would offer the ultimate in one cup coffee making.

Each box contains 12 small sachets of coffee. You simply pour the contents into a cup or mug, then add hot water, and cream and sugar to taste.

The great thing about VIA is that you can put these sachets in your pocket, purse or laptop bag and have them at hand while traveling, or even when at work.

Everything hinges on whether the Starbucks promise holds up.

Is VIA as good as fresh-brewed coffee?

In our humble opinion, it is not. We did some blind comparisons — VIA versus fresh-brewed — and everyone identified which cup contained the instant coffee. There is something about the taste of any instant coffee that always seems to be there.

Granted, if the coffee you get at work or in a hotel is either weak or over-brewed, a cup of VIA would probably be better.

But it does taste like instant coffee, and it isn’t as good as a well-brewed pot of fresh-ground coffee.

Sorry Starbucks, but it just isn’t.

You can buy Starbucks VIA Ready Brew at Amazon.com…

Disclaimer: One Cup Coffee Reviews has an affiliate relationship with Amazon.com

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