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<p>Coffee is one of life's cheapest yet most rewarding treasures, especially if you have daily (make it hourly) access to your very own trusted coffee-making companion.</p>
<p>So, if you are on the hunt for a single-serve coffee machine to get you through each day with your sanity still in check - then this article is for you. </p>
<p><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555118786-c6d56f65dc76?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=750&q=80" width="750" height="500"/></p>
<p><center><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/YZRSQ2_i-yI">Image Source - Unsplash</a></center></p>
<p><strong>To help you with your shopping, I have put together the following buyer's guide which summarises some key-notes that you should take into consideration before making your purchase.</strong></p>
<h1>1. Is a single-serve coffee machine definitely what you are looking for?</h1>
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<p>A single-serve coffee maker does exactly what its name expresses it to be – it serves one cup of coffee (or other hot beverages) at a time. This invention made its way on to the market because of the high demand for quick cups of coffee that avoid having to default to instant brands.</p>
<p>While this coffee machine option would certainly be more energy efficient for a smaller household or modest office, it might not quite meet the demands of a bigger family or a home that likes to entertain. Consider opting for a 2-in-1 single-serve and coffee pot brewer if you can foresee your machine being put into action often, by more than one person.</p>
<h2>2. Digital controls and timers</h2>
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<p>If you want to wake up to the smell of coffee already brewing, then you’ll want something that you can program to automatically start at a programmed time, and then switch off again at your convenience. Keep in mind however that this functionality will add to the price of what you are looking for, so if you have a small budget, you might want to skip this digital functionality.</p>
<p>Not having the ability to pre-set your machine is not the be-all and end-all, however. In fact, the added setting options and timers might become too complex and annoying for some users, especially for those who just.want.a.cup.of.coffee – without all of the fuss and frills!</p>
<h1>3. Will you be grinding your own coffee beans?</h1>
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<p>Not all single-serve makes are capable of accommodating just any coffee grounds, in fact, most of the brands tend to lean towards accepting pods and K-Cups only. So, if you plan on brewing your own brand of coffee or purchasing a favorable loose brand, make sure the appliance you choose is compatible with this required feature.</p>
<p>Brands like Starbucks, Maxwell House, Nescafe, Douwe Egberts, and Folgers have managed to “wow” the world with their ground coffee blends and vast varieties of flavors and aromas. If you prefer to go with these options and skip the use of pods and K-cups, which are practical but also costlier, then ensure your machine of choice can definitely accommodate other brands and coffee grounds. </p>
<h1>4. Is a water filtration system important to you?</h1>
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<p>Many of the brands include a water reservoir, but not all of them actually filter the water to remove chlorine and other impurities, which could affect the taste of the coffee (and your health). This could be by-passed if you already have a reliable water filtration system at home, or by using distilled water with your preferred blend.</p>
<p>If, however, you are looking for a machine that requires little additional attention and extended accessories, then you want something that filters the water for you. With the impurities we are finding in our water these days, you definitely want a cleaner fix of coffee come morning time. </p>
<p><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497935586351-b67a49e012bf?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=751&q=80" width="751" height="501"/></p>
<p><center><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/KixfBEdyp64">Image Source - Unsplash</a></center></p>
<h1>5. Are you looking for a built-in grinder?</h1>
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<p>Many people prefer to avoid this feature since it makes the coffee-making process a little more complex and inconvenient - quick pods are the more ideal route for most. A grinder also means that there’d be more cleaning up to do. If you do like to make your own coffee blends, however, this might still be a necessary feature for you. </p>
<p>Built-in coffee grinders are definitely for the more adventurous types, and if you classify yourself as a coffee connoisseur, you probably want to purchase your coffee by the bean instead of buying the mass-produced pods that are currently trending on the shelves of every appliance store you visit. If you want something rawer and more classic, go with the grinder featured models. </p>
<h1>6. Brew-strength options</h1>
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<p>While some like a stronger kick to start their day, others prefer a subtler brew. To assist with the diverse preferences of a household, you might want to opt for a coffee machine that allows you to set the brewing strength, which will influence the flavor of the final cup of coffee delivered. Remember though, the more functionality your appliance has, the costlier it is expected to be. </p>
<p>Brew-strength technology is relatively new to the market and has changed the game of what is expected from more modern coffee makers. With this technology, you can take any flavor, weak or strong, and set your machine to even further perfect the final brew to suit your desired taste. Is this something that sounds like it’s up to your alley?</p>
<h2>7. Do you want your coffee to be kept warm for longer?</h2>
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<p>To save on energy, not all single-serving coffee makers include a heating pad to keep hot beverages warm. If you’re looking for a grab-and-go option then you won’t need this functionality. If, however, you’re one of the forgetful types and only get to your coffee minutes later, then you might want to search for a product with this key feature.</p>
<p>Some of the newer machines available manage to magically keep your coffee warm for a good amount of time while using very little energy – this would be an ideal option and while you might have to fork out more money at first, in the long run, you’ll be saving on electricity and you’ll be a key player in reducing your carbon footprint.</p>
<h1>8. How easy is it to clean?</h1>
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<p>You’re very likely purchasing a single-serve coffee maker for convenience while still aiming for a quality cup of java. This means that you’d want to stick to something that is easy to clean too, preferably dishwashing machine friendly. If this is the case then look out for products that come with minimal parts or parts that are easy to remove and clean before reconnecting them.</p>
<p>Luckily, most single-servers are designed to be minimalistic in design with fewer bits and bobs to get the job done. All in all, a good filter, an accommodating water reservoir, and a cup to hold the gold at the end of the rainbow are the three parts that are mostly desired – extra accessories and side-gadgets can be done without. </p>
<h1>9. Are you trying to keep your energy bill low?</h1>
<p>If you don’t want to face high energy bills or if you are trying to reduce your electricity and water usage, then you’ll want to look for a coffee appliance that uses very little energy and is water-wise, i.e. it doesn’t splutter too much. Luckily, most of the appliances that are new to the market meet these standards.</p>
<p>We’re all on a mission to reduce our carbon footprints, thankfully for us, this doesn’t mean that we have to skimp on good coffee. Look for a machine that has a low wattage, is highly durable and long-lasting and is made primarily out of stainless-steel - if you want to avoid the world’s worst enemy – plastic!</p>
<p><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513663055714-73414173c839?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=750&q=80" width="750" height="500"/></p>
<p><center><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/oOiWArPH5qQ">Image Source - Unsplash</a></center></p>
<h1>10. Durability and warranties</h1>
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<p>Like when purchasing most appliances, you want to make sure you are spending your money on something that lasts for at least a good couple of years (decades if possible). Make sure you know what type of warranty your coffee machine comes with and find out how long it has been on the market for.</p>
<p>While brands that have been on the market for yonks might seem more dependable, not all of these models necessarily feature the latest technologies. It’s worth researching newer companies and giving one of their appliances a go (just double check the customer support and after-sales reviews). </p>
<p><strong>Before you make your purchase, ensure that the brand and model you have opted for has more than one portal of communication with the manufacturers as well as the re-sellers. They should preferably have 24-hour call support, an online query or complaints form and any social media accounts that are active and include an immediate or short response turn-around is a plus. </strong></p>
<h2><center><strong>Much love - @sweetpea</strong></center></h2>
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