Best Moka Pot: Which Stovetop Espresso Maker Should You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

You know what goes with a perfect morning? Yes, That’s right! A strong cup of really good coffee.

Now, as much as we love the flavor and just the overall experience of a cup of coffee brewed automatically using a machine, sometimes you just want to enjoy the manual labor of making your own cup. So, how do you make a strong cup of coffee without the use of an electric machine? One thing to use is a moka pot.

If you haven’t heard of Moka pots, you may have heard of stove top espresso makers. While the two terms do refer to the same device, Moka pots don’t really produce espresso. They just brew concentrated, strong coffee which is very close to espresso.

Moka pot brewing may require a little getting used to before you start brewing perfect cups and that is probably why they have built a bad reputation over time. However, there are some myths to be busted. Let’s start with…

What Really is a Moka pot?

Moka pots originated in Italy in the early 1900s with Luigi De Ponti patenting his new invention which was for Alfonso Bialetti. It is a device that is used to brew commercial-like espresso right at home. It became popular all over Italy pretty quickly and then spread beyond the borders.

How does it work?

Well, it’s not rocket science but it does have some ingenuity behind it.

it basically has three compartments: the top compartment to collect the brew, the filter basket right below it and the water chamber at the bottom. The metal body on these things are made to withstand high heat and consequent corrosion or rusting. The coffee basket or the filter basket is filled with a precisely fine ground coffee. The water in the base is then heated making the steam rise through the grounds and then reach the top compartment. What makes this so close to espresso other than this extreme coffee to water ratio, is that the water boiling in a mostly sealed compartment creates pressure. Sure, the pressure isn’t what is used in commercial espresso machines which is about 9 bar, but it is more than what you can produce with bare hands. The best Moka pots usually have a pressure of about 1-2 bar.

What this pressurized brewing does is, almost doubles the parts of coffee to that of water. While a normal cup of coffee is brewed at about 1:16 ratio of coffee to water, a Moka pot can bump it up to a 1:7. It produces a coffee strong enough to be very versatile. It can be used for many espresso based drinks like the Americano if diluted with more water or cappuccinos and lattes.

But this element of pressurized brewing is mainly what has caused the confusion around the items. As mentioned before, Moka pots don’t produce real espresso, it’s just concentrated coffee. But if you enjoy similar flavor at a much more affordable price, isn’t that what really matters?

Pros vs Cons of Moka Pots:

Although Moka pots have a pretty straightforward brewing technique, it does require some practice to brew a perfect cup. This learning curve throws some people off. But really, it’s not that hard!

The obvious pros include a simple mechanism, easy maintenance, durable, pocket friendly, easy to use, etc. The con being the learning curve. Being a bit careless might make a very bitter and unenjoyable brew.

You might also want to ask yourself if this is what you want before investing your time and money in this. Because, again, it does NOT produce real espresso. So if espresso is exactly what you want you should look for real espresso machines.

How To Choose The Right Moka Pot?

Although the Moka pot itself and its types are important considerations while buying, we will come to that later. Another very important consideration is the coffee you are using. This is not news that coffee is best at its freshest. Even the best beans start losing flavor after a week or two. And ground coffee even faster. So, to get the best out of your stove top espresso maker, you should always use freshly ground coffee.

Now the device itself…

#1 Aluminum or stainless steel

Both these metals are widely used for the body of stove top espresso makers as they are both very durable and can handle heat. However, aluminum is undoubtedly much susceptible to corrosion or oxidation. The aluminum ones will cost a lot lesser but will not be dishwasher safe and you will have to pat it completely and absolutely dry after washing to avoid oxidation. However, even with corrosive tendencies, it will last you one or two decades.

Stainless steel on the other hand are way more durable and will probably last a lifetime, not prone to corrosion, can be washed in a dishwasher. But they will also cost more. Even though stainless steel is dishwasher safe, it is not recommended, to extend the life of your Moka pot. So, while aluminum can cost a whole lot less and still last many years, stainless steel is really durable and much more easy to maintain.

#2 Cup size

It is very important to keep in mind that the filter basket has to be always full to the rim to brew properly. You can not use a bigger pot to make smaller amounts of coffee. So, the size you decide to buy should be really thought out. Common Moka pot sizes are 1 cup, 3 cup, 6 cup, 9/10 cup and 12cup. But you must remember that these cup measurements are not standard cups, they are the same as espresso shots.The 1 or 2 cup ones may be good enough for a single person’s use depending on their preference but a 6 cup pot is usually recommended for two servings so it is perfect for couples or just for sharing with a friend. The larger sizes may come in handy if you are serving a big family, or guests. So, before buying think about how may people one brew will be serving because having to repeat the process over and over can be really frustrating, but
having a bigger than necessary size will result in a lot of grounds an brew being wasted.

#3 Compatibility

Do make sure to check if the model you are buying is compatible with your stove top. most Moka pots that will work for a gas stove may not work for an induction or electric stove as well. Choose one that will best suit your available facilities.

How To Use Your Stove Top Espresso Maker?

Using fresh ground coffee will always help enhance the flavor of your brew. The water used is also important, if the water tastes bad to you, the brew probably will too. Along with the right coffee and right water, keep a damp towel ready and cold.

The coffee needs to be finely ground but not fine enough to be clogging the pot somehow. Once you have the perfect ground, fill the filter basket with but don’t pack it. Make sure there is no ground is stuck between the joints, it may cause problems with the pressure forming inside. There is always a valve in the water chamber to release excess pressure if need be. You need to fill the water up to right below the valve. If the valve is submerged it will not work properly when need. Using boiling water for the bottom chamber rather than normal water is also good as it will avoid the risk of over extracting the coffee when the water is getting heated. Now you have to perform the fairly simple assembly. After putting it on the stove top, it will require about 5-10 mins to complete brewing. At first you might need some trial and errors to find the right temperature and brewing time. Once the brewing is done, wrap it in the cold damp towel to prevent over brewing due to internal heat.

And that’s it! Enjoy your coffee.

Best Moka Pots To Buy:

If you still need some help deciding, here are the best stove top espresso makers that we could find!

The Original Bialetti Moka Express:

This classic item possesses over 80 years of design and elegance. The special 8 sided design helps distribute the heat evenly producing a rich flavored coffee and enhance its aroma. This stove top espresso maker with an aluminum body has a patented safety valve and is very easy to disassemble and clean.

Bialetti Venus Espresso Coffee Maker

This is a more contemporary design by the same legendary company. It is a stainless steel alternative to the previous option and produces a much smoother brew. It also has a heat resistant handle for easier use.

Cuisinox Roma Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker

This option from a different manufacturer is a very versatile one. It has adjustable filter basket sizes and an induction base. It is also compatible with most cooking surfaces. Also, the sleek and fancy design is very eye-catching.

Wrapping the Towel…

The Moka pot or the stove top espresso maker is a real easy way for anyone with a caffeine affinity to have good quality coffee right at home. After a few practice runs, you will never fail to produce rich, strong and flavorful coffee, whether it is to treat yourself or to share a warm cup with a close one.

Which Nespresso Machine Is the Smallest?

Posted on by SuperDee

Nespresso machines are usually the first choice for someone who wants a convenient single serve espresso machine that wouldn’t take a lot of space, either in a kitchen, a dorm room or an office. These machines are mess-free and can be used anywhere!

Although most of Nespresso’s machines are compact in size, they still vary in size and dimensions. So in this post, I will highlight the smallest machine in size, from the Original line or Vertuo Line.

Nespresso Original vs. Vertuo, What’s the Difference?

Nespresso Original is, as the name suggests, the original line of Nespresso machines and capsules. Machines in this line use the original Nespresso capsules and it can only make Espresso and espresso based drinks like Lungo, cappuccino or latte (when combined with a milk frother). Using an Original line machine, you can also use third-party refillable pods that you can fill with your own coffee ground. Machines in this line include: Pixie, CitiZ, Nespresso Creatista and Lattissima Pro.

Vertuo line is the newer line from Nespresso. What’s different here is that a Vertuo machine has completely redesigned capsules and it can make coffee as well as espresso. You’ll find a variety of capsules for from Nespresso for making espresso and coffee, but unlike the Original line, there are no refillable pods available for Vertuo machines.

Which Nespresso Original Line Machine is the Smallest?

The Essenza Mini is the smallest single serve espresso machine by Nespresso. It has been designed to be compact to fit anywhere, without compromising on taste.

Dimensions of the machine are (WxHxD): 3.3 x 12.9 x 8 Inches and it only weighs 5 lbs. This makes it the perfect size to use in any room. Other features:

  • 19-bar high pressure pump for a great espresso extraction.
  • Two programmable cup sizes: espresso (1.35 oz) and Lungo (5oz)
  • 20 oz removable water reservoir.
  • Used capsule drawer holds up to 6 capsules.
  • Heat up time: 25 seconds.

The Essenza Mini is available in two designs, one is manufactured by DeLonghi and another by Breville. There’s no difference in the actual machine and how it works, the difference is only aesthetic.

Which Nespresso Vertuo line Machine is The Smallest?

The Nespresso VertuoPlus is the smallest in the Vertuo line. Although it doesn’t compare to the compactness of a machine like the Essenza Mini, but if you want a Nespresso machine that makes both coffee and espresso drinks, then this would be your choice.

What makes the VertuoPlus unique is its repositionable water reservoir which makes it adaptable to any space. The reservoir can be positioned at the back of the machine or to either side. Dimensions are (WxHxD): 16.2 x 12.8 x 5.6 and it weighs 24 lbs.

Other features of the VertuoPlus:

  • One-touch brewing with automatic capsule recognition. The machine will read the barcode of the inserted capsule and automatically recognize if it’s an espresso or coffee capsule, and will adjust accordingly.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 40 oz.
  • Use capsule capacity: 10 capsules.
  • Brew sizes: espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), lungo (5 oz), coffee (7.7 oz) or Alto – large coffee (14 oz).
  • Heat up time: 25 seconds.

Like the Essenza Mini, the VertuoPlus is also available from either DeLonghi or Breville as its manufacturer. The machines by either manufacturer will only differ in colors and slight design differences.

Video Reviews:

Review and Comparisons of Mr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Cappuccino Maker

Posted on by SuperDee

Making your favorite coffee drinks at home has never been easier thanks to single serve coffee makers such as Nespresso, Keurig or Ninja Coffee Bar. Another brand that has an easy to use, one-touch coffee maker is Mr. Coffee. Their One-Touch CoffeeHouse espresso, cappuccino and latte maker works just as its name suggests, with one touch of a button. No experience required. Also, no continuous pod expenses as this machine uses coffee ground.

What Are The Features of Mr. Coffee One Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Maker?

  • 19-bar Italian pump pressure for full flavorful extraction of coffee.
  • Easy one-touch controls. Select from two pre-set sizes for each drink: espresso, cappuccino or latte. You can also create your own custom settings.
  • Make a single or double shot at the same time.
  • Automatic built-in frother heats and froths milk. Froth level can be adjusted.
  • Milk container is removable so any leftover milk can be stored in the fridge.
  • Adjustable cup tray allows you to fit short or tall cups. It can also hold one to two cups for espresso extraction.
  • Milk tank capacity: 650ml. Enough for 6 cappuccinos or 3 lattes.
  • The machine includes a portafilter with two baskets (single or double), a coffee scoop and a tamper.

Click here to learn more about Mr Coffee One Touch CoffeeHouse, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse vs. Cafe Barista, Are They The Same?

Mr. Coffee has another cappuccino and latte maker named Cafe Barista. How is Cafe Barista different than CoffeeHouse model and which one should you choose?

Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse is the upgraded version of Cafe Barista. It’s designed with a few improvements that make your overall experience better:

  • Capacity: Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse has a capacity to make 6 Cappuccinos or 3 Lattes before refilling water or milk. Cafe Barista can make 4 Cappuccinos and 2 Lattes. The larger capacity of CoffeeHouse can be useful for a larger family, office use or when entertaining guests.
  • Drip Tray Capacity: The drip tray of CoffeeHouse can hold two cups at a time instead of just one like the Cafe Barista. This means when brewing two shots for two cups, you can position them both at the same time. However, when using the frother, the milk will be dispensed one cup at a time.
  • Pump Pressure: CoffeeHouse has a more powerful 19 bar pressure while the Cafe Barista has 15 bars pressure.
  • Thermo Couples: This is the part that is responsible for heating in the machine. The CoffeeHouse has 3 thermo couples while the Cafe Barista has 2. More Thermo Couples means more stable temperature for coffee and milk heating.

Click here to learn more about Mr Coffee Cafe Barista, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Which One Do You Choose? Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse or Mr Coffee Cafe Barista?

Image
Feature19-Bar Italian pump delivers ideal pressure to extract robust coffee flavors
Easy 1-button interface takes the guesswork out of controlling the espresso maker
Select single or double shots of espresso with a simple one-button press
Thermocouple heating system evenly heats the water for piping-hot drinks
Automatic milk frother whips any milk into a light, creamy froth
Removable milk reservoir is easy to fill, clean and store leftover milk in the fridge
Cup tray adjusts to conveniently fit tall and short mugs
Semi-automatic 3-in-1 espresso, cappuccino and latte maker
15-bar pump system brews rich-tasting espresso coffee
Trouble-free automatic milk frother removes the guesswork
One-touch control panel for drink selections; Creates single and double servings
Easy-fill, removable water and milk reservoirs; Programmed cleaning cycle
Cord length: 26 Inches & Watts: 1040
TitleMr. Coffee One-Touch CoffeeHouse Espresso Maker and Cappuccino MachineMr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Red
ReviewsRead ReviewsRead Reviews
LinkMore InfoMore Info

  • The feature between the two models that can make the biggest difference is capacity. Think of how many people going to use the machine or how many people you’ll be serving at a time. The CoffeeHouse model has the larger capacity so it will make a better choice for users who are serving many people.
  • The Thermo Couples on the CoffeeHouse will also provide more stable temperature and probably hotter drinks faster. So if that’s important to you, the CoffeeHouse model is your pick.
  • Other feature differences are somewhat small and shouldn’t effect your experience much.

Watch How The Mr Coffee CoffeeHouse Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Works:

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System Review – Should You Buy It?

Posted on by SuperDee

When looking for a pod-free single-serve coffee maker, a lot of people consider the Ninja Coffee Bar to be their best bet. It’s a coffee maker that not only does single-serve without pods, but also many serving sizes up to a full 10-cup pot. It’s a great option for someone who needs a variety of serving sizes and no commitment to any type of pods. But I’m not here to discuss the Ninja coffee bar, but another member of the Ninja family; The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System. This system not only offers a variety of pod-free serving sizes, but also expands the variety of drinks you can make to coffee and tea, hot or cold!

Features of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System:

  • Brew types: Coffee and Tea using ground coffee, tea bags or loose tea. No pods required.
  • Brew sizes: single serve, XL cup, travel cup, Multi-serve, half pot and full pot.
  • Brew styles: classic, rich, over ice, cold brew or specialty.
  • Smart basket recognition: system includes two labeled baskets for coffee or tea. The system automatically recognized the inserted basket and displays the menu accordingly.
  • Tea brew Selection: Herbal, Black, Oolong, White and Green.
  • Upon tea selection, the system automatically adjusts the water temperature and steep time for the best results per tea type.
  • Built-in milk frother for creating specialty coffee drinks like cappuccino or lattes.
  • Comes with a 50 oz carafe. You can choose from glass or thermal options.

Click here to learn more about the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Watch How The Brewer Works:

What Is The Cold Brew Option in the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System?

In the Hot and Cold Brew system, there’s two type of cold drink options: Over ice and Cold brew. Over Ice is just what its name indicates, you brew your coffee or tea hot over ice to make your iced drink. But how does the Cold Brew option work?

Cold Brew is the process of making coffee using cold water instead of hot, and letting it steep for over 8 hours. The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system doesn’t do that, but it does something similar to the process. When selecting the Cold Brew option, your coffee or tea will brew at a lower temperature of 110F. The steeping time is from 10 to 15 minutes. Brewing coffee or tea at lower temperature usually results in a smoother non-bitter flavor. The brew is also stronger, so as the ice melts, it does not get diluted but the water only adds to the flavor and coldness of the drink.

Serving Sizes of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System:

Like mentioned above, one of the great features of Ninja’s brewing systems is the variety of serving sizes. Here’s the sizes you’ll be able to brew (volumes vary slightly from one brew type to another, these volumes are for Classic brew type):

  • Cup: 9.5 oz
  • XL Cup: 11.5 oz
  • Travel Mug: 14 oz
  • XL Multi-serve: 18 oz

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System vs. Ninja Coffee Bar, Which Do You Pick?

In the beginning of this post, I mentioned that the Ninja Coffee Bar is a popular choice for a machine that does it all serving sizes, including single-serve, without the use of pods.

Between the Ninja Coffee Bar and Hot and Cold Brewed System, which do you choose?

  • As a coffee maker, there’s no difference between the two brewers. Both can make the same serving sizes and same brew types (Except for Cold Brew).
  • The biggest difference here is that the Ninja Coffee Bar is a coffee maker only. The Hot and Cold Brewed system is a coffee and tea maker.
  • With the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system you can select from 5 coffee types (strength) and 5 tea types. The Ninja Coffee Bar has 5 coffee selections only.

So your choice is rather easy here. Do you need a coffee maker or a brewer that can does both coffee and tea drinks? Also, would Cold Brew be appealing to you as a drink option? Since it’s only available in the Hot and Cold Brewed System.

You can learn more about the Ninja Coffee Bar here.

Keurig K Mini Plus vs. K15 vs. K-Select, Which Is Best?

Posted on by SuperDee

For the longest time, we’ve known the K15 to be Keurig’s smallest brewer. It’s been favored by people who have small spaces, students and as a coffee for a one-person use. But we’re glad that a new version of the K15 has been released and the upgrade is getting a lot of rave reviews.

Keurig K Mini PLUS:

At first sight, you can totally see just how nicely the design of the new K-Mini Plus has improved over the K15 model. It’s thinner, taking up even less space. It’s sleeker with a matte finish and nice metal accents. But that’s not all there is to it, so let’s have a look at its improved features:

  • Less than 5″ width. Fits perfectly anywhere.
  • Choose from four cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Brew any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable pods.
  • Strong Brew option allows you to make a stronger brew.
  • Removable water reservoir.
  • The one-cup reservoir needs to be refilled for each brew.
  • Pod storage holds up to 9 K-Cups and fits into the brewer. Great for when using the brewer on the go.
  • Available in black or red.

Click here to learn more about K-Mini Plus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What K-Cup Pods Are Compatible with K-Mini Plus?

The K-Mini Plus is one of those versatile K-Cup brewers that won’t limit you to branded pods. You can use any type of K-Cup pod, either branded or generic. You can also use a refillable filter pod to use your own coffee ground. You can also brew other beverages like hot chocolate, tea and any other beverage available as a K-Cup pod.

Keurig K Mini Plus vs K15, What’s The Difference?

This is the K15. As you can see, there’s quite a difference in design. It’s been truly modernized and slimmed in width to fit any countertop even better. Although the K Mini Plus is slimmer in width, it’s taller in height.

Other difference is that the K Mini Plus now has an additional cup size, it brews up to 12 oz while the K15 brews up to 10 oz. And thanks to the Strong Brew option, you can brew an even stronger and bolder tasting cup that the K15.

So to recap, the K Mini Plus has:

  • an additional cup size, a total of four cup sizes, 6 to 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option.
  • Less than 5″ wide.

Should You Upgrade Your Old Keurig K-Mini?

If you already own a Keurig K15, is it worth it to upgrade to the newer version, K-Mini Plus? The answer to this would truly depend on what you really need. If the additional 12 oz size and Strong Brew option will make a difference to you, then it’s totally worth the upgrade for sure. Otherwise, if your K15 is still working and you don’t need anything additional out of it, an upgrade shouldn’t be necessary.

Watch How It Works:

Keurig K-Mini Plus vs. K-Select, What’s The Difference?

K-Select is another upgraded release from Keurig replacing the K55 (now called K-Classic). The K-Select is what we can call the blown up version of the K Mini Plus, it’s bigger in size, and more suitable to a family use:

  • It has a water reservoir of 52 oz capacity, so no need for refilling at every brew.
  • It has the same four serving sizes as the K Mini Plus: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew Option.
  • Compatible with all K-Cup Pods.
  • Includes a water filter handle and one water filter cartridge.

With the K-Select, you’re getting nearly the same features as the K-Mini Plus, but in a larger form. The water reservoir allows you to brew up to 5 cups before refilling, the water filter ensures a better tasting coffee and less need for descaling.

If the brewer is going to be used by a family, or if you brew lots of cups throughout the day, the K-Select is probably better suited for you for its large reservoir.

Click here to learn more about K-Select, read the customer reviews and buy it.

 

Keurig K-Elite vs. K-Select – Which Do You Buy?

Posted on by SuperDee

I talked about the Keurig K-Select model in a previous post and mentioned that it was a direct competitor to the Keurig K55 (K-Classic). The K-Elite is another model was released around the same time as the K-Select. The shiny and sleek design catches your eye right away, but that’s not all there is to it. The K-Elite is a step up from both K-Select and K-Classic, just keep on reading to find out how they’re different…

Features of Keurig K-Elite K-Cup Brewer:

  • Compatible with all K-Cup pods: branded, non-branded and refillable pods.
  • Brews five cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option for increasing the strength of your coffee brew.
  • Iced Setting: brew over ice without losing the full flavor of your coffee.
  • Programmable settings: auto on/off, clock, temperature control and high altitude settings.
  • How Water on Demand: hot water always ready for instant meals or soups.
  • Water reservoir capacity: 75 oz.
  • Easy to use control buttons with small display for programming/displaying clock.
  • Premium brushed finish with metal accents gives the machine a more modern look.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Elite, read the customer reviews and buy it.

K-Elite K vs. K-Elite C, Is There a Difference?

You might find the K-Elite available under two names, K-Elite K or K-Elite C. There is no actual difference in the machine itself, but what’s bundled with it:

  • The K-Elite K includes a pack of 6 K-Cup pods, a water filter hand and a water filter cartridge.
  • K-Elite C includes: 15 K-Cup pods, My K-Cup refillable filter, water filter handle and one water filter cartridge.

Video Review of the K-Elite:

Keurig K-Elite Pod Compatibility:

K-Elite model, like the K-Select and K-Classic, allows you to brew any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable pods. However, it’s not compatible with pods made for Keurig 2.0 that are labeled K-Mug or K-Carafe, since those are bigger and designed differently.

How Is K-Elite Different Than Other Keurig Brewers?

K-Elite vs. Keurig K575:

  • K575 is a Keurig 2.0 brewer, so it’s in a different category than the K-Elite.
  • Keurig 2.0 machines are designed to brew single cups, mugs and carafe sizes.
  • They use branded K-Cup pods as well as refillable pods.
  • Available pods for Keurig K575: K-Cup, K-Mug and K-Carafe.
  • Serving sizes vary from 6 oz to 16 oz for a cup/mug, and 30 oz for a carafe.
  • K575 uses a colored touchscreen for controls. You can use the screen to adjust size, strength and temperature of your drink.
  • K575 has a large 80 oz water reservoir.

Which do you choose?

  • The Keurig K575 is for anyone who wants to brew a single cup or a full carafe. The fact that it can only brew branded K-Cups can limit your options, but you can still use My K-Cup refillable filter (also available from other brands).
  • If you don’t need to brew a full carafe, the K-Elite should be enough. It has many of K575’s best features (strong brew, temperature control, hot water on demand), yet, it still only brews single-serve cups. And the best part is that it’s compatible with all available K-Cup pods.

Click here to read our full guide and comparisons of Keurig K575

K-Elite vs. K-Select:

The K-Select, like the K-Elite, has some really good features, but it lacks the ‘next-level’ features that the K-Elite packs:

  • For serving sizes: K-Elite has five cup sizes (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz) while K-Select has four (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz).
  • Both models have Strong Brew option for increasing the strength of your drink.
  • Temperature control is only available in K-Elite, and it allows you to brew between 187-192 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Iced setting is only available in K-Elite, too. You can still brew over ice using all Keurig brewers, of course. But the idea behind the Iced setting is that is brews a more concentrated drink so when the ice starts melting, your drink does not taste watered down.
  • Programmability is a feature of K-Elite that the K-Select does not have. Using the clock on the K-Elite, you can set it to go on or off at a certain time. The K-Select has auto off option only, which is an energy saving feature.
  • The water reservoir on the K-Elite is 75 oz and 52 oz on the K-Select.

Which do you choose?

If temperature control and auto on are important to you, then it’ll make sense to go for the K-Elite. If you’re not fussy about the exact temperature of your coffee and don’t need the extra programmability, the K-Select is a great option.

Click here to read the full guide on the Keurig K-Select.

K-Elite vs. K55:

K55 (K-Classic) is quite comparable to the K-Select. So, what you read in the previous comparison applies here. The K-Classic still lacks some of the K-Select features though:

  • It only has three serving sizes: 6, 8 and 10 oz.
  • It does not have the Strong Brew option.

The K-Elite is quite a step-up from both the K-Select and K-Elite. But when you choose between them, it always comes down to what you need in a brewer.

Click here to read the full guide on Keurig K55.

K-Elite vs. Ninja Coffee Bar System:

The Ninja Coffee Bar is an entirely different system than Keurig K-Elite (than all Keurig machines, really). Ninja’s Coffee Bar is available as a single serve or a carafe system, but what sets it apart is that it’s more like a traditional coffee maker, in the sense that it only uses coffee ground to make coffee (no pods, whatsoever). Also, it only makes coffee, unlike a Keurig, which can make a lot of other drinks, too.

If the Ninja Coffee Bar is of interest to you, then you can read our full guide on it here.

Review of Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker

Posted on by SuperDee

I’ve always seen questions from customers asking whether Keurig machines can make Latte and Cappuccino drinks. My answer was always that you could make a latte or cappuccino using a K-Cup pod for those drinks, however, those are always packed with artificial ingredients and crazy amount of sugar. They’re never as fresh as coffee house quality.

The answer to that question has changed now with the release of Keurig K-Cafe, a single serve coffee maker that can make coffee as well as specialty drinks. It even has a built-in milk frother, so now you can create your own coffee, cappuccino and latte without the addition of unhealthy ingredients.

What Is Keurig K-Cafe and How Does It Work?

K-Cafe is a single-serve coffee maker that works like any previous Keurig machine. It uses K-Cup pods to brew a cup of coffee in minutes. But new features have been added to this model to make it perfect for Latte and Cappuccino lovers:

  • It can make an espresso-like concentrate for making specialty coffee drinks.
  • It has a built-in milk frother for heating and frothing fresh milk. It prepares cold froth for iced coffee drinks, too.

This is the first time Keurig makes a coffee maker of this kind. And of course, like any other Keurig, you can still use the K-Cafe to make other drinks like tea, hot chocolate, hot cider and more!

Features of Keurig K-Cafe:

  • Make coffee, cappuccino, latte and many other drinks using K-Cup pods.
  • Brews cup sizes: 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz for coffee.
  • Special SHOT size for preparing a coffee shot to use for specialty coffee drinks.
  • Strong Brew options steeps your coffee longer for a bolder taste.
  • Easy to use button controls
  • Water reservoir capacity: 60 oz.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Cafe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

See How It Works:

What Pods Are Compatible with Keurig K-Cafe?

K-Cafe is compatible with any type of K-Cup pod, including refillable My K-Cup pods (Sold separately). This gives you the option to choose from a really wide range of pods, as well as your favorite coffee ground.

Does K-Cafe Make Espresso?

Espresso is the base of every specialty coffee drinks. To be made authentically, it requires the machine to have a high pressure pump to make it. Since a Keurig does not have that, it uses low pressure to make 2 oz coffee concentrate that is similar to espresso. This is a similar method to Ninja’s Coffee Bar system.

How Does the K-Cafe Frother Work?

The frother has a base that is built into the machine, so it uses the same plug as the machine to run. The jug of the frother is detachable, so you can pick it up to pour the milk into your cup. Using the button controls, you can choose Cap, Latte or Cold:

  • Cappuccino option should create a denser foam,
  • while the Latte option makes a more creamy and less foamy milk.
  • Cold is for iced drinks, so the frother will only froth the milk without heating it.

You can use any type of milk you choose: full fat, half and half, skimmed or any type of milk alternatives (almond, rice, soy milk and so on). But do note that the results in froth will vary, since not all milk types foam the same way.

The milk frothing jug is dishwasher safe.

Keurig K-Cafe vs. K-Classic (K55), Keurig 2.0 and Keurig Mini, How Is It Different?

Image
TitleKeurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker, Makes Your Favorite Latte and Cappuccino Beverages, Comes with Dishwasher Safe Milk Frother, Strong Brew and Coffee Shot Capability, Dark CharcoalKeurig K55 Single Serve Programmable K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, BlackKeurig K-Select Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Machine, Matte BlackKeurig K15 Single Serve Compact K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, BlackKeurig K575 Single Serve Programmable K-Cup Coffee Maker with 12 oz brew size and hot water on demand, Platinum
FeatureCOFFEE, LATTES & CAPPUCCINOS: Use any K-Cup pod to brew coffee, or make delicious lattes and cappuccinos.
COFFEE SHOT FOR SPECIALTY DRINKS: Press the SHOT button to brew a concentrated shot of coffee from your favorite K-Cup pod to make delicious hot or iced lattes and cappuccinos.
DISHWASHER SAFE FROTHER: Froth fresh milk, including skim, soy, and almond. The frother is dishwasher safe for easy clean up after use.
STRONG BREW: Increase the strength and bold taste of your coffee.
4 CUP SIZES: 6, 8, 10, and 12oz.
SIMPLE BUTTON CONTROLS: Just insert any K-Cup pod and use the button controls to brew delicious coffee, or make hot or iced lattes and cappuccinos.
LARGE 60oz WATER RESERVOIR: Allows you to brew 6 cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. Removable reservoir makes refilling easy.
SMART START: Your coffee maker heats, then brews in one simple process. No need to wait for it to heat before selecting your cup size.
ENERGY EFFICIENT: Programmable auto off feature automatically turns your brewer off 2 hours after the last brew for energy savings.
TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.2" tall and is top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
The Classic Keurig K-Cup Single Serve Coffee Maker. Includes 4 K-Cup pods and a water filter handle + 2 water filters to help your beverages taste their best
Brews multiple K-Cup Pod sizes (6, 8, 10 oz.) - the most popular K-Cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6oz brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
A large 48 oz. water reservoir allows you to brew 6+ cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to.
Simple button controls make it easy to brew your favorite beverage. Just insert a pod, select your desired brew size, and brew a fresh, great-tasting cup in under a minute
Dispense hot water only by opening and closing the brewer handle (without a pod), and selecting your desired brew size. A removable drip tray at the base of the brewer catches drips and makes for easy clean-up
Auto-off: An auto-off feature is easily programmed to turn off your brewer after it has been idle for two hours, helping to save energy
The Keurig K-Select Single Serve Coffee Maker includes a bonus 6-count K-Cup pod variety pack, one water filter handle, and one filter to help ensure your beverages taste their absolute best.
Brews multiple cup sizes: (6, 8, 10, 12 oz.). Enjoy the most popular cup sizes all with quiet brew technology, minimizing noise during use.
Strong brew: kicks up your coffee's strength and intensity.Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.4 inches tall
Simple button controls: just insert a Pod, select your desired cup size, and brew a great-tasting cup in under a minute.
Large 52 oz. Water reservoir: allows you to brew 5 cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. Removable reservoir makes refilling easy.
Brewer maintenance reminder: alerts you when it is time to Descale your Coffee maker. Descaling is an important process that removes built-up calcium deposits, ensuring the best-tasting brew possible.
Small and compact; easily fits in tight spaces.
Brews multiple K-Cup pod brew sizes (6, 8, 10 oz.) - the most popular K-Cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6oz brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
There is no water reservoir, which helps with portability - just add the exact amount of fresh water that you need for each brew. A removable drip tray at the base of the brewer catches drips and makes for easy clean-up
Simple button controls make it easy to brew your favorite beverage. Just insert a pod, select your desired brew size, and brew a fresh, great-tasting cup in under two minutes
Available in multiple fun colors to complement a variety of décor
Automatically turns off after 90 seconds of inactivity, helping to save energy
The ultimate Keurig coffee maker. Includes 6 K-Cup pods and a water filter handle + 2 filters to help your beverages taste their best
A large 80oz water reservoir allows you to brew 10+ cups more before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to, and on the K575, you can choose from several different nightlight colors to illuminate your kitchen at night.
Brews multiple K-Cup pod brew sizes (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 oz.) and brews a Carafe (22, 26, or 30oz) using K-Carafe pods, to give you more coffee when you need it (Carafe sold separately)
Strength Control: A strength control setting allows you to brew a bolder cup using any K-Cup pod brew size. Plus, five temperature settings allow you to enjoy your favorite beverage at your desired temperature
Hot Water on Demand: Press the hot water on demand button and select your desired brew size in order to dispense hot water. A removable drip tray at the base of the brewer catches drips and makes for easy clean-up
An extra-large color touch screen with a digital clock makes it easy to brew a fresh, great tasting cup in under a minute. Plus, program your brewer to turn on or off automatically at set times, so that it is ready to go when you want it, and turns off to conserve energy.
ReviewsRead ReviewsRead ReviewsRead ReviewsRead ReviewsRead Reviews
LinkMore InfoMore InfoMore InfoMore InfoMore Info

Each of these models has its own pros and cons, and has its own features that make it special. What sets the K-Cafe apart is its ability to make specialty coffee drinks in addition to regular coffee and other hot beverages.

Using the other machines, in order to make a Cappuccino or Latte, you could have used a Cappuccino or Latte K-Cup pod, which is quite similar to those instant drink packets that include ingredients like sugar, oils, glucose syrup and loads of unhealthy ingredients. Using the K-Cafe, you can finally make a cappuccino or latte using coffee and fresh milk and adding your own ingredients.

The K-Cafe model can make:

  • Coffee and hot beverages in brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Shot size for specialty drinks makes concentrated 2 oz of coffee as a base for your drink.
  • Built-in milk frother heats and froths milk. It also creates cold froth.

What K-Carafe does NOT do:

Who Should Buy Keurig K-Cafe? Is It The Right Choice For You?

This Keurig model is aimed at anyone who loves their K-Cup pod but wants to make specialty coffee drinks, too. You’ll be able to make your favorite specialty drinks while controlling what you add to it. No more artificial or high calorie ingredients (well, unless you want to add them yourself!). The milk frother is a great addition to the machine. It heats and froths your milk for you, and you’re free to choice the type of milk you want.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Cafe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Keurig K-Select Review and Comparison To K55 (K-Classic)

Posted on by SuperDee


Keurig K-Select is a new addition to the Keurig family (added 2018). Like we’ve always known, Keurig are always quick on their feet when it comes to responding to their customers feedback. They offer the carafe option in Keurig 2.0 machines for anyone who wanted more than just a cup, made the machines compatible with refillable pods to avoid the DRM issues that customers didn’t like, and now, in K-Select machines, they added the biggest feature customers have requested in their single-serve machines, which is a new serving size.

Let’s have a look at the features of Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker:

  • Single-serve Keurig brewer, compatible with all K-Cup pods including branded, non-branded and refillable pods.
  • Brews multiple sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
  • Strong Brew option for making your coffee taste bolder and stronger.
  • Accommodates different cup sizes, including travel mugs up to 7″ tall.
  • Button controls, with a dedicated button for each cup size, as well as Strong Brew.
  • Brews fresh cup of coffee in under a minute.
  • Removable large 52 oz water reservoir.
  • Indicators for adding water and brewer maintenance.
  • Available in three colors.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Select, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is New In Keurig K-Select?

This new model is most comparable to the Keurig K55 in looks and features. The K55 is now called K-Classic, so if you read the name, you know which model it refers to.

Additional Cup Size:

The biggest difference in the K-Select model is the fact that it can brew an additional cup size, which is 12 oz. K-Classic, as well as older models of single-serve brewers by Keurig, only brew up to 10 oz. Only Keurig 2.0 brewers were able to brew larger sizes.  So now with the K-Select, you can get a single-serve K-Cup brewer that can brew 12 oz and accommodates travel mugs.

Design:

Keurig also updated the design of K-Select to make it more sleek and modern. Control buttons remain the same, to keep it simple and complicated to use. Need a cup? Just press on the size you want, and that’s that.

Design difference doesn’t stop at looks though. Keurig has also changed the material finish on the K-Select to make it more resistant to fignerprint smudges, and it has a matte finish, too.

Reservoir:

Keurig did not add an additional cup size without increasing the water reservoir. Naturally, the water tank on the K-Select is larger than its counterparts. It has the capacity of 52 oz, you should get five cups out of it before having to refill.

Strong Brew:

This is actually a great addition to a classic Keurig model like K-Select. Before, this feature was only available on premium Keurig 2.0 machines, and maybe some K-Cup brewers from other brands. The Strong Brew option allows the coffee in your K-Cup to steep longer before being dispensed into your cup. This kicks up the taste of your coffee into a bolder and more flavorful cup.

K-Select vs. K-Classic (K55), What’s The Difference?

Like mentioned above, the biggest competitor to the K-Select is in fact, K55 classic brewer. So, how do they compare to each other?

Image
TitleKeurig K-Select Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Machine, Matte BlackKeurig K55 Single Serve Programmable K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Black
FeatureThe Keurig K-Select Single Serve Coffee Maker includes a bonus 6-count K-Cup pod variety pack, one water filter handle, and one filter to help ensure your beverages taste their absolute best.
Brews multiple cup sizes: (6, 8, 10, 12 oz.). Enjoy the most popular cup sizes all with quiet brew technology, minimizing noise during use.
Strong brew: kicks up your coffee's strength and intensity.Accommodates travel mugs up to 7.4 inches tall
Simple button controls: just insert a Pod, select your desired cup size, and brew a great-tasting cup in under a minute.
Large 52 oz. Water reservoir: allows you to brew 5 cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. Removable reservoir makes refilling easy.
Brewer maintenance reminder: alerts you when it is time to Descale your Coffee maker. Descaling is an important process that removes built-up calcium deposits, ensuring the best-tasting brew possible.
The Classic Keurig K-Cup Single Serve Coffee Maker. Includes 4 K-Cup pods and a water filter handle + 2 water filters to help your beverages taste their best
Brews multiple K-Cup Pod sizes (6, 8, 10 oz.) - the most popular K-Cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6oz brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
A large 48 oz. water reservoir allows you to brew 6+ cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill whenever you need to.
Simple button controls make it easy to brew your favorite beverage. Just insert a pod, select your desired brew size, and brew a fresh, great-tasting cup in under a minute
Dispense hot water only by opening and closing the brewer handle (without a pod), and selecting your desired brew size. A removable drip tray at the base of the brewer catches drips and makes for easy clean-up
Auto-off: An auto-off feature is easily programmed to turn off your brewer after it has been idle for two hours, helping to save energy
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LinkMore InfoMore Info

Serving Sizes:

K-Select has the additional serving size of 12 oz, which K55 does not have. So K-Select offers four serving sizes in total, while the K55 offers three.

Water Reservoir:

K-Select has capacity of 52 oz. K55 has 48oz.

Cup Size Accommodation:

Both models have a removable drip tray that allows you to accommodate travel mugs up to 7″ tall.

K-Cup Pod Compatibility:

Both models are able to accommodate all type of K-Cup brands and refillable pods.

Strong Brew Option:

This option is only available on the K-Select.

Should You Buy Keurig K-Select? Is It Worth It?

K-Select is the option option for someone who is looking for a single-serve K-Cup brewer that is simple and straightforward. Nothing fancy and nothing high-tech. It’s a simple push button operation and you’ve got yourself a fresh cup of coffee (or any other drink in the form of K-Cup really!). The fact that it can now brew 12 oz is very convenient, and something that a lot of Keurig fans wanted for a long time. And for its price, K-Select makes a really good purchase.

Video Review of Keurig K-Select:

French Press For One – Your Ultimate Guide For Buying and Making The Best French Press

Posted on by SuperDee

What Is French Press Coffee?

One of the easiest manual methods for brewing a nice cup of coffee is to use a French Press, or as it’s also known, a Press Pot.

A French Press is portable, non-electric and takes a few minutes to make cup or few. All you need is to add your coffee ground, add hot water, wait a few minutes for the coffee to brew, press down the filter and start enjoying your coffee!

French Press pots are available in many sizes, starting from a single-cup press to a 12-cup capacity. So whether you want to enjoy a cup for yourself, or use it to serve friends and family, you’ve got many options to choose from.

One of the great benefits of using a french press as your method of brewing is that it is relatively cheaper than other brewing methods:

  • The pot itself can be quite affordable, as low $16 or so. But can also go as high as $100 and more. It all depends on the brand, material and size of the press pot you choose. So you have a lot of options to choose from.
  • It’s non electrical, so no energy costs.
  • A press pot is also easy to pack and keep clean. The only messy thing about a press pot is having to discard the coffee ground in a bin, since dumping them in the drain can eventually clog it up.

In this post, I’ll be talking about every aspect to help you decide whether using a french press is the right method for you or if you should go for something else. I’ll also compare french press to other brewing methods like a moka pot, pour over or a percolator.

How To Choose The Best French Press For You:

There are a few things to consider in order to pick the right french press:

Which Size Do Need?

French press pots are available in many sizes, a one-cup, 4-cup, 8-cup and 12-cup capacity. But you have to keep in mind here what a ‘cup’ really is. As some, if not most brands use the term cup to refer to 5 oz capacity. So if you’re using a large 12 oz mug, or a 14 oz travel mug, then you can’t go for anything less than a 3-cup capacity. Or better yet, make sure to choose your french press based on ounce capacity and not the labeled cup size.

Which Material Do You Prefer? Glass or Stainless Steel?

There are two materials to choose from: glass or stainless steel.

  • Glass press pots are the most common and they come in different styles. Some glass pots are complemented with plastic handles or exterior decoration. Others have stainless steel accents, and these are often more stylish.
  • The other kind of press pot is a double-walled or vacuum insulated stainless steel press pots. This material is often more expensive, however, it is preferred for someone who wants to keep their coffee hot for a longer time.

Choosing between these two materials comes down to one thing:

How long do you want to retain the temperature of your coffee for?

  • If you’re the kind of person who likes to enjoy their coffee one cup at a time, or let it sit for longer than ten or fifteen minutes, then you’ll definitely want a stainless steel press pot.
  • If loss of temperature isn’t an issue for you, then you can choose the material that appeals more to you aesthetically or that’s more in line with your budget.

Best French Press Pots For Home Or Office:

Best Glass French Press Pot:

The SterlingPro Glass French Press is made of durable borosilicate glass. Available in different capacities, this press pot features:

  • Metal exterior accents and lid,
  • Double screen filtration
  • Includes 2 extra filter replacements

The double filtration system solves an issue that some french press pots have, which is that the screen isn’t always able to filter out coffee grounds. With double-filtration, the SterlingPro is able to provide you with a clean cup of coffee.

Click here to learn more about SterlingPro Glass French Press, read the customer reviews and buy it.

The Bodum Chambord is quite the classic. Bodum is a well known brand when it comes to french press pots, and Chambord model is by far their most elegant one. The pot is adorned with copper colored stainless steel exterior parts as well as lid. This premium design has been, and still is, crafted in Portugal for over 30 years. Other matching accessories are available such as cups, creamer and sugar set, and storage jars.

Click here to learn more about Bodum Chambord French Press, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Best Double Walled Stainless Steel French Press Pots:

CoffeeGator’s vacuum insulated stainless steel french press makes the best value for your money. This highly rated press pot keeps your coffee hot for a long time, thanks to its double-walled stainless steel construction. It keeps your coffee hot for at least 60 minutes over glass press pots, and it remains cool to touch from the outside. It is available in four colors, and it includes a mini storage jar.

Click here to learn more about CoffeeGator’s French Press, read the customer reviews and buy it.

This SterlingPro double-walled french press is another great and highly rated option for a stainless steel press pot. It has more of a classic look than the CoffeeGator with polished stainless steel exterior. Like their glass pot, this too has double filtration and includes two additional replacement screens.

Click here to learn more about SterlingPro’s Stainless Steel French Press, read the customer reviews and buy it.

What Is The Best Way To Make French Press Coffee?

As you know by know, French press is the easiest way to make coffee. Most of the time, you really can’t go wrong. But if you want to make a superior cup of coffee, there are a few things to keep in mind:

It All Starts with The Coffee Grind:

You’ve probably heard this before… a good cup of coffee starts with a good grind. If you think this is some unnecessary step that won’t make a difference, just think about this for a moment:

Why does the coffee you buy from your coffee shop taste better than what you make at home?

  • Because they grind the beans right before brewing
  • Because they use commercial conical burr grinders

So, How Do You Grind Coffee For French Press?

I’m not saying that you should rush a bring a commercial grinder to your home. Not at all.

However, I do recommend these two things:

  • Always use fresh coffee ground. Grind your coffee right before brewing. For french press, use a coarse grind.
  • Use a conical burr grinder. Never a blade grinder. Burr grinders make a consistent grind which give you the best results. Blade grinders, on the other hand, make an inconsistent grind and you have no control over the coarseness of your grind. Most of the time, it results in a bitter cup.

I understand that buying a conical burr grinder can add quite a lot to a buyer’s budget. But there are some quite affordable options to consider…

Use a Manual Burr Grinder:

A manual burr grinder is quite an affordable as well as portable option. It can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 and more. That’s way cheaper than electric grinders that go over the price of $100.


Manual grinders have adjustable steps that allows you to adjust the coarseness of your grind. So it’s perfect to use as a grinder for french press as well as other methods (not espresso though). The downside of a manual grinder though is that it’s quite an exercise and it can get boring of a task after a while.

Don’t Want To Buy a Grinder? Here’s Your Second Option…

If you’re not entirely sold on the fact that you need to grind your coffee before brew time, or can’t afford to buy a grinder right now, your second option is to ask your local coffee house (or wherever you’re getting your coffee beans from) to grind it for you. That way you’ll still get the consistent grind of a burr grinder, but on the other hand, you’ll lose some of the freshness of the coffee. This is still a better option than using a blade grinder.

How To Brew The Coffee:

Now we got the coffee ground part covered. Here’s what else that makes a french press brew:

  • Before you start, it’s always a good idea to pre heat your press and your mug. Stir some of the boiled water in the pot to make it hot, then discard before adding your coffee ground.
  • Use water that is JUST off the boil. Let the water sit for a few seconds before pouring it into the pot.
  • Pay attention to your water to coffee ratio. As a rule, you’ll want to use 6 oz of water for every 2 tablespoons of coffee. But you can always experiment to find out the ratio you prefer.
  • Brew time: This is a crucial part of brewing the best pot of french press. Ideally, the coffee should sit to brew for exactly 4 minutes. So, start with that using a timer. If you find the taste to be not bold enough to your taste, add a minute or two to brew time.

Comparing French Press To Other Brewing Methods:

French Press vs. Percolator:

A Coffee percolator is another easy way of doing your coffee. Actually, it’s quite a classic way of doing it. It was a popular method back in the 70s, and to this day, some people still prefer it as their method of choice for brewing coffee.

Of course, coffee percolators have witnessed some improvements. Back in the day, a percolator required a stovetop to bring the water and coffee to boil. Now, both stovetop as well as electric percolators are available.

How Does a Coffee Percolator Work?

a percolator is a pot with a filter/chamber on top that holds the coffee ground. A pipe-like element in the pot works on circulating the boiling water from bottom to top and through the coffee grounds. This process continues until the desired coffee strength is achieved.

How Is It Different From French Press?

The brewing process of a percolator is entirely different than french press coffee. With a percolator, your coffee grounds are boiling with the hot water, circulating through until you take it off the stovetop or unplug it, in the case of using an electric percolator. This may result in a stronger coffee flavor, but it can also be more bitter due to the fact that the water is boiling through the coffee grounds. With a french press, the hot water (just off-boil) is mixed with the coffee ground, then it sits for a minutes until you press it down.

Pros of Using a Coffee Percolator:

  • It is easier to clean. Since the coffee grounds are in a separate chamber, you simple detach that chamber and toss out the grounds.
  • Whether it is a stovetop or electric, it is still fairly affordable.
  • It keeps the coffee hot for a longer time, since all percolators are made of stainless steel.

Cons of Using a Percolator:

  • It takes longer than a french press to brew coffee, up to 10 minutes or more.
  • Most electric percolators don’t have a switch or auto-off. You have to time your brew and manually unplug them.
  • It is not as portable as a french press. With a press, you simply add the hot water and let it sit. But with a percolator, you need either a direct source of heat or electricity for it to keep percolating.

French Press vs. Moka Pot:

A Moka pot isn’t far off from a coffee percolator, but they make different types of coffee. With a moka pot, there are two chambers, at the bottom chamber, you’ll add your water, then on the top chamber goes your coffee ground. Once the water is boiled, it starts to move to the top chamber to immerse the coffee grounds. And when the top chamber fills up with coffee, that’s when you take it off the stovetop.

A moka pot creates a rather strong cup of coffee that is more in line with espresso. And it is usually enjoyed using smaller cups. Moka pot uses fine coffee ground, just slightly more coarse than espresso’s. It is usually preferred by people who want a coffee drink almost as strong as espresso, but without the need for an espresso machine.

That said, moka pot coffee is entirely different than french press:

  • It produces a very strong cup of coffee, similar to espresso.
  • It requires a stovetop.
  • Moka coffee is usually enjoyed in capacity of 2 oz cups.
  • You have to keep an eye on your moka pot to know when it’s done and ready to drink.

If you enjoy your coffee in larger capacity, a moka pot isn’t the right option for you. But, if you fancy an espresso-like drink, it is the method to go for.

French Press vs. Pour-Over:

Pour-over coffee is increasingly getting popular. Manual coffee drippers like Chemex or Hario V60 are more popular than ever, even though it is not as easy of a method as french press and it requires some practice.

With pour-over, precision is the key to success. If you’ve got the right grind, measure your beans and time, you’ll get a nice cup of coffee.

Doing pour-over, you have to attend the brew process from start to end. So, unlike french press, you can’t just let it sit until it’s ready. The water has to be poured slowly over the coffee ground and little by little, until you’ve brewed your desired amount. Since pour-over drippers use paper filters, the coffee it makes is cleaner than that of a french press, since most coffee oils and all grounds get trapped in the filter.

To get the best results, it is recommended that you use a scale to measure the coffee grounds and amount of water you’re adding to your pour-over. Medium-coarse grind is used for pour-over.

So, should you choose pour-over instead of french press?

Only if you don’t mind all the work.

French press is much easier to do. It’s as simple as adding water to a pot and waiting for a few minutes. And the results are consistently good.

Pour-over can’t be done in a rush. It takes time and you have to keep at it until you get it right. It could be a fun thing to do over the weekend, but it’s not a practical method for someone who wants a quick cup of coffee. There are automatic pour-over coffee makers that automate the whole process for you, but they’re not as affordable as manual pour-overs.

Is Moccamaster Cup-One Worth It As a Single-Serve Coffee Maker?

Posted on by SuperDee

When considering the purchase of a new single-serve coffee maker, many user would prefer a compact machine with a budget friendly price and quick brew time. But when it comes to Technivorm’s Moccamaster Cup-One single serve coffee maker, it doesn’t meet any of that criteria. Yet, it is still one of the best rated single-serve machines out there. So, what makes it worth it? And should you buy it?

Features of Technivorm Moccamaster Cup-One:

  • Single-cup coffee maker that uses ground coffee only, no pods or capsules.
  • One-button operation. Simply turn on the power switch.
  • Simulates pour-over brewing method but in an automatic way.
  • Copper boiling element rapidly heats water and maintains temperature at 195F to 206F, which is the optimal temperature for coffee extraction.
  • Pre-immersion system with precise pulse action ensure the perfect coffee bloom for an even extraction.
  • Brews 10 oz of coffee in 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Water reservoir holds 10 oz of water, enough for a single cup brew.
  • Removable cup holder allows machine to accommodate different cup sizes.
  • Approved by ECBC & SCA Approved to meet and exceed Gold Cup Standards.
  • Made from durable metal housing. All plastic parts are BPA-free.
  • Handmade in the Netherlands.
  • Covered by a 5-year warranty.

Click here to learn more about Moccamaster Cup-One Coffee Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Why You Should Consider Moccamaster Cup-One?

Quality, Quality, Quality: Yup, this piece of appliance is the highest quality you can ever find. While most major brands take their manufacturing overseas, Technivorm still makes all their coffee makers by hand in the Netherlands. And their machines are covered by an industry-leading 5 years warranty.

Superior Coffee Result: Thanks to its ability to regulate the water temperature at an optimal degree, and the pre-infusion cycle that preps the coffee ground before brewing, you can rest assured that you’re going to get a fine cup of coffee. Yes, it’s going to take a bit longer (4 minutes), but the coffee is going to taste better than any machine’s that brews in less than a minute.

Beautiful Design: Now, let’s get a little bit superficial, but the machine looks stunning. As an appliance that sits on your countertop on display, a beautiful design matters in a coffee maker. The Moccamaster Cup-One has a cool retro style to it.

Simple Operation: Since the Moccamaster Cup-One does coffee pour-over style all automatic, you know you’re not going to mess up any of the steps. All you have to do is add your coffee ground, water and switch the machine on. Unlike manual pour-over where you have to measure everything yourself. It can be used by home baristas and beginners alike.

Cons of the Moccamaster Cup-One:

Although the Moccamaster Cup-One is praised for many things, there are a few cons to consider:

  • The drip tray can be removed to accommodate different cup sizes, but it can’t fit larger travel mugs.
  • It only brews a max of 10 oz. While it’s enough for most people, some users would prefer a 12 oz or 14 oz capacity.
  • The brew basket can get clogged up easily if some coffee grounds has escaped the filter. So always make sure there’s no coffee ground outside of the filter to avoid overflowing.

Click here to learn more about Moccamaster Cup-One Coffee Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Common Questions About Moccamaster Cup-One:

What Kind of Filters To Use with Moccamaster Cup-One?

It uses cone shaped #1 filters. The machine comes with 80 filters to get you started.

What Is The Capacity of the Water Reservoir?

Since it’s a one cup coffee maker, the reservoir only holds as much as you’re brewing. So the max it will hold is 10 oz of water for a full cup. You’ll have to fill it up at every use.

Does the Moccamaster Cup-One Have Auto Start?

No, it does not. You’ll have to start the machine manually. It does have auto shut off though.

Where Is The Moccamaster Cup-One Made?

It is handmade in the Netherlands.

What’s Included With the Machine?

With the machine, you’ll get 80 paper filters, coffee scoop and a cleaning brush.

Does It Have a Heating Element To Keep The Coffee Hot?

No, as any other single-serve coffee maker, there is no hot plate as it’s not really needed. You’ll brew your coffee into a cup and enjoy it hot right away.

Watch How The Moccamaster Cup-One Works: