Single-Serve Coffeemakers Compared

The single-serve coffeemaker has recently become the must-have kitchen gadget on every home chef’s list, but who’s to know which one to buy? We tested four different models to help you decide which one is best suited to your lifestyle, budget, and caffeine needs.
 

The Suprema model has all the great features of the original TASSIMO, but with advanced water filtration. Special features include reduced noise levels as well as no taste transfer between drinks. And with dozens of varieties of T DISCs to choose from, everyone in the house can have their own cup of coffee (or tea…or hot chocolate…or cappuccino) just the way they like it.

Coolest feature: With only one button to press, this machine truly is no fuss to use.

Ideal for: Those who are not morning types. In less than 60 seconds, and with virtually no effort, you’ll have yourself a good cup of joe to get you revved up to start your day.

 

$189.99; Visit www.tassimo.ca for retailers

 

Keurig Mini Brewer

With no water reservoir, this machine is the smallest and most compact of the four we tested. It brews one 8-ounce cup of coffee in under three minutes. Clear indicators light up to prompt you through the brewing process from start to finish, and an autooff feature automatically shuts the unit off after each brew. There’s also a cup sensor that prevents brewing without a cup in place.

Coolest feature: A special, reusable My K-Cup® Filter (sold separately) that can be used to put ground coffee beans in lieu of using custom K-Cups.

Ideal for: Those with small kitchens or work spaces who want a compact machine that brews a solid cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

 

$99.99 for machine; $16.99 for My K-Cup® Filter; Visit www.breville.ca to locate a retailer near you.

 

Krups NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto™ Machine

Don’t be fooled by its sleek and funky design—this coffeemaker means business. The Dolce Gusto makes lattes, espressos, cappuccinos, and iced coffee drinks too. Its other features include heating the water before each use to ensure the freshest taste, and an adjustable drip tray to accommodate tall and small mugs alike.

Coolest feature:  A custom lever to control the strength of your coffee drink.

Ideal for: Those who want to make a variety of espresso-based drinks, hot or iced, mild or strong.

$249.99 at Sears, Home Outfitters and The Bay
 

 
Cuisinart Cup-O-Matic™ Single Serve Coffeemaker

Brew great coffee with any kind of pods or grounds, or make a cup of tea with this machine, and select your desired cup size from 4- to 12-ounces. Thecoffeemaker automatically shuts itself off two hours after its last use, and a water level indicator on the front makes it easy to see when the reservoir needs to be refilled.

 

Coolest feature: A large water reservoir (60 ounces) thatallows you to make ten 6-ounce cups of beverages before requiring a refill.

Ideal for: Those who want to continue purchasing their coffee and teas in bulk, rather than in separate capsules.

$189.95 at CityChef.ca