Pod Coffee Maker - What's the Buzz?

10. Stays fresh longer - the freshly roasted and ground coffee beans are sealed into specifically measured pods which remain fresh for at least 6 months.
9. Great tasting coffee - with coffee pods it's easy to get consistent quality with no grinds in your cup.
8. Easy to try different flavored coffees - each serving is individually wrapped, no need to finish one large bag of coffee.
7. Simple - all you need to do is to insert the capsule into the machine, perfect for your morning routine.
6. Convenient - no need to measure out ground coffee for each brewing, just pop in a pod.
5. No hassle cleaning - just remove used pod and throw away.
4. Fresh coffee - the coffee is made one cup at a time, right when you are ready to drink it.
3. No wasted coffee - make only as much coffee as you need.
2. Versatile - make coffee, tea, cocoa or soup.
1. Household Harmony - coffee just right for each member of your family. Not too hot, not too cold.

The pod coffee maker is growing in popularity because of its unmatched convenience and quality. Their modern designs add beauty to many kitchens, but which one is right for you? These fantastic machines cannot be judged on looks alone.

Many factors should affect your decision. Cost of course will always be a factor. Other features to consider:

*Can the pod coffee maker accept different types of pods?
*Does the machine allow the user to select the cup size?
*Is the water temperature adjustable?
*How fast will the machine brew a cup of coffe?
*How many people will be using this single serve coffee maker?
*Are the user reviews favorable? What do other users think of the flavor of the coffee?

If price is your primary concern you will need to sacrifice some of the other features. There are many inexpensive models that will make a single cup of coffee however you will likely be dissatisfied with many of them. If you're willing to spend around $70 you can get the Senseo SL7810/65 Single Serve Coffee Maker that will:

1. Brew up to 8 ounces in less than a minute.
2. Make up to 5 4-ounce cups with one reservoir of water.
3. Work with any brand of sealed pod.

You will sacrifice some of the features of the pricier models as this model does not include the following:

1. No timer
2. No auto shut-off
3. No removable water tank
4. No adjustable strength settings
5. No adjustable temperature settings
6. No cord storage
7. No adjustable cup sizes

If you're more flexible with your budget, the Keurig B60 Pod Coffee Maker will give you much more features including:

1. Patented K-Cups that virtually eliminate cleaning.
2. An optional Pod Holster that allows you to use any brand pod in your Keurig machine.
3. Removable 48-ounce water reservoir.
4. An auto on/off time option.
5. Three cup sizes including a 9.25 ounce serving for travel cups.
6. Adjustable temperature controls.

Although this model has more features than the Senseo, you will still find the following issues with this machine:

1. The "quiet brew" technology is only available in the "special edition" models of the B60, meaning that the less expensive models may be noisier than some people would prefer.
2. From the "off" setting it takes about 4 minutes to power up before the water is warm enough to brew that first cup.
3. If you're trying to brew many cups in a row, it will take a couple of minutes per cup, since it does need to heat the water in between cups.

If you're willing to spend more for a great cup of Joe, you will enjoy the Bosch Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Maker. The features that set this machine apart from its competitors are:

1. T-Disc technology that uses barcoding to identify the optimal brewing time, temperature and amount of water needed.
2. Over 40 beverages from 12 name brands, including Starbucks. Choose from coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino and lattes with real milk.
3. Customizable cup size and coffee strength.
4. Very quick warm up time from the "standby" setting.
5. Considerably quieter than many other pod coffee maker models.
6. Integrated storage compartment for T-Discs, cord and the cleaning disc.
7. One of the smallest footprints available, saving space in your kitchen.
There are a few things you should consider about this model though:

1. Brewing takes longer to complete than with the Keurig.
2. T-Discs are not readily available in stores. Joining the monthly shipping club will help ensure you don't run out of your favorite flavors.
3. This machine must be cleaned more frequently than other modes. If you don't clean before switching from different types of beverages, the tea will taste like coffee and your coffee will taste like tea. When using the milk discs you must clean the machine after each use.

While nowhere near the "top of the line" (you can literaly spend thousands on one machine) the Breville K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker will give you all the features for a reasonable price (if you consider $350 for a coffee maker "reasonable"). With this machine you will find:

1. Brushed stainless steel that is both durable and easy to clean.
2. Four cup sizes.
3. Adjustable temperature settings.
4. A 60-ounce removable water tank.
5. An auto on/off time option.
6. Able to use K-Cups instead of the more expensive T-Discs.
7. A fast brewing time: less than 2 minutes to "ready to brew," then just 9 seconds between each cup and only 38 seconds to brew the largest cup.

Before you get out your credit card though you should know:

1. This machine can be noisy, like many of the single serve coffee makers.
2. Although this coffee maker is stainless steal, there are plastic parts on it so do not expect it to be 100% stainless.

Finally, if you are not the only coffee drinker in your household, you might want to consider a dual coffee maker. Cuisinart offers a Commercial 2-cup pod coffee maker in stainless steel that is available for as little as $55. This model doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Breville model however it does:

1. Allow users to brew either one cup or two cups simultaneously.
2. Use any brand coffee pod.
3. Use any standard size cup or mug.
4. Have an auto shutoff when the water reservoir is empty.

If you're willing to forego some features, the dual coffee maker prevents the need to wait for your coffee if you're not the first one up in the morning.