Individual Coffee Makers - How to Keep Them Clean

There are many ways to make coffee. Some are quick and easy however, others require a lot of maintenance.

If you're looking to enjoy the convenience of the silky smooth taste of coffee shop brewed brew but without the cost, consider an individual coffee maker. These brewing devices are efficient and easy to maintain, making them ideal for kitchens in offices or dorm rooms in colleges.

1. Easy to clean

A well-maintained coffee maker is an essential tool to make bold, flavorful coffee. Just as you wouldn't cook in a dirty pot or eat food from a plate that isn't clean, your coffee machine should be cleaned regularly to ensure it functions at efficiently and produces the best cup of Joe.

It is easy to clean the single-serve or drip coffee maker. The glass carafe and filter basket can be removed, washed in hot, soapy water and then allowed to dry prior to use. The hot plate can be covered with a towel and left to soak until it is free of any stubborn stains. The majority of the parts that are removable can also be cleaned in the dishwasher (check your coffee maker's manual to make sure it is safe for that).

Depending on the frequency you brew, you might require cleaning your coffee maker more often. For regular users cleaning should be done once or twice every month to ensure it is clean and free of accumulation. Cleaning experts recommend descalers for the majority of appliances. However white vinegar is equally effective and cheaper.

Pour clean a coffee machine by using vinegar, then fill the reservoir with white distilled vinegar and water mixed 50/50. You can remove the vinegar odor by running a brew cycle followed by two or three cycles with clean water that is fresh and clean. The vinegar will wash away any mineral deposits that have accumulated within the internal workings of the machine, and will improve the flavor of your coffee.

For a more thorough cleaning you can substitute the vinegar with baking soda or lemon juice (using equal parts). Once the mixture has brewed, run 2-3 additional cycles of clean water to rinse the machine. You could also try replacing the reservoir's water with tap water that is filtered. The fresh, refilled reservoir can be used to brew your next cup of coffee! The glass coffee carafe as well as the filter that can be reused can be cleaned in the dishwasher or manually. To ensure a thorough cleaning, you can even purchase the cleaning kit that comes with an exclusive cleaner specifically designed for coffeemakers.

2. It is easy to use

A cup of coffee is a great way to begin your day. It removes all the fatigue and gives you enough energy to get through the day. The majority of people buy their morning coffee in a coffee shop near them. However, if you're looking to save time and money, you can make your own delicious cup of coffee at home. All you need is a single coffee machines serve coffee maker, and some coffee pods.

Single-serve coffee makers are the often overlooked heroes of busy mornings. You can sip your favorite blend quickly and easily without having grind or measure coffee beans. They also reduce waste and are usually cheaper than traditional coffeemakers.

Which one should you pick? The answer depends on your drinking habits and what is important to you. If you run out of the door every single day with a mug that you carry around it's possible that you're willing to sacrifice some of your rituals to make it easier. But if you like to start your day with a tasty, freshly-brewed cup of coffee, you may prefer a more hands-on appliance that lets you create your perfect cuppa.

There are several different types of single serve coffee makers that are available, some of which can also make tea. Some are smaller and take up less space, while others come with more features like a clock and a water reservoir. It is recommended to look at all the alternatives and then pick the one best rated single serve coffee machines suits your needs.

If you're limited on space, a small portable, single-cup, coffeemaker is ideal for studios and dorm rooms. It's an ideal option for those who don't want to spend a fortune on coffee while traveling.

Review reviews of single serve coffee makers prior to deciding on one-serve coffee makers to find out which ones are the most easy to clean and use. Also, you should look for a model that can descale, which is a must to eliminate mineral residue from the machine. Most coffeemakers recommend descaling every three to six months. While some manufacturers offer cleaning products specifically for their machines, a basic at-home solution consisting of warm water and vinegar can also be used.

3. Easy to store

A single coffee maker is a great addition to any kitchen, provided you have plenty of counter and shelf space. You can place K-Cups in a counter organizer, or keep varieties in a large lidded canister on the open shelf. Regardless of where you choose to keep your K-Cups make sure you keep them in order so that you can easily locate what you require.

AdirChef is a good option when you're looking for a compact coffee maker that can only brew one cup. It's one of the smaller single brew coffee machines-cup models we tested, and it took up very little space on our countertop. This model has several convenience features including the flip-up/down table which can be adjusted to accommodate any size travel mug and bold or regular brewing strength options.

4. Easy to maintain

An individual coffee brewer coffee maker is a great addition to your kitchen, but it needs regular care and maintenance in order to function effectively. Simple tasks can help prevent your coffee maker from getting filled with mineral deposits that can impact the quality and taste of your coffee. Performing these tasks on a daily basis and once a month for a deep clean will ensure that your coffee maker lasts longer and performs optimally.

First empty the carafe following each coffee pot. After each use, wash both the glass carafe as well as the brewing basket. This will remove any oil residue or set-in stains which could cause your coffee to taste stale. It is also an excellent idea to wash the reservoir of water after each brew cycle to prevent mold and bacteria from forming inside the machine.

Most modern coffee makers feature the ability to descale their machines, which is run at least once per month. This process helps to remove the minerals present in your water, which can block the machine and make it difficult to make a pot of coffee. This cycle is typically as simple as running an ordinary brew cycle using the descaling solution provided by your manufacturer.

If you don't have a solution designed to clean your coffee maker then you can mix vinegar with water to keep it in top condition. The acidity in vinegar helps to get rid of any mineral deposits, coffee oils and stains that have accumulated over time. After cleaning your coffee maker, run a few cycles with clean water, preferably with filtration to remove any remaining cleaning solution or vinegar.

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab since the beginning of 2019. She is responsible for all of our content as well as testing small kitchen equipment and tools, including coffee makers. She has a grand diplome in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and has written about cooking, food and travel for over 15 years. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Good Housekeeping, Food & Wine and Southern Living.