Individual Coffee Makers - How to Keep Them Clean

There are a lot of ways to make coffee. Some are quick and simple, but others require a lot of maintenance.

You should consider a personal coffee maker (this) If you're looking to enjoy the convenience of a silky, smooth cup of coffee without the high price tag. These brewing devices are low-maintenance, efficient and ideal for college dorms and kitchens in offices.

1. Easy to clean

A clean coffee maker is essential to make delicious, bold coffee. You wouldn't cook or eat from a dirty dish or pot and your coffee maker should be cleaned regularly.

It is simple to clean the single cup coffee-serve or drip coffee maker. The glass carafe or filter basket can be cleaned and washed using hot, soapy, water. Dry it off before using. The hot plate can be covered with a towel and left to soak until it's free of any stains. The majority of the parts that are removable can also be washed in the dishwasher (check the manual of your coffee maker to confirm that it is safe for that).

You may have to clean your machine more frequently depending on the frequency you make your brew. For regular users cleaning your machine is recommended to be done at least once per month to keep it clean and free of accumulation. Cleaning experts suggest a descaler on most appliances, but white vinegar is equally effective and much less expensive.

Pour clean a coffee machine by using vinegar, then fill the reservoir with water and white distilled vinegar mixed 50/50. Run a brew cycle and then follow it with two to three times with clean, fresh water until you can no longer smell the vinegar. The vinegar will eliminate any mineral deposits that have accumulated in the internal workings and it will enhance the taste of your coffee.

You can also make use of equal amounts of baking powder or lemon juice to clean the machine more thoroughly. Once the mixture has made its way through, run a few more cycles of clean water to rinse the machine. You can also replenish the reservoir's water with filtered water. The fresh, refilled reservoir can be used to brew your next pot of coffee! You can also wash the glass coffee carafe, or filter that is reusable in the dishwasher. For a more thorough cleaning, you can purchase an item for cleaning that comes with special cleaners that are specifically designed for coffeemakers.

2. It is easy to use

A cup of coffee can be a great way for you to start the day. It will give you enough energy to make it through the day. The majority of people have their morning coffee at the nearest coffee shop. But, if you want to save your time and money, you can make a tasty cup of coffee at home. All you require is an individual-serve espresso maker and some coffee pods.

The unsung heroes of the morning are single brew coffee-serve coffee machines. You can enjoy your favorite blend quickly and easily without the need grind or measure coffee beans. Plus, they help cut down on waste and are usually less expensive than traditional coffee makers.

But which one cup coffee machines should you pick? The answer is contingent on your drinking habits and what's 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 ritual to save time. If you like drinking freshly brewed coffee to begin your day, you may prefer a more manual device that gives you the flexibility to make your own perfect cup.

There are many types of single cup coffee machine-serve coffee makers available on the market, with some which can also make tea. Some are smaller, take up less space, whereas others include more features such as water reservoirs or a clock. It is recommended to explore all options and then decide which one best meets your needs.

If you're limited on space, a small portable, single use coffee maker-cup coffee maker is ideal for studios and dorm rooms. This is also a great option for those who don't want to pay for expensive coffee while on the road.

Read reviews before deciding on one-serve coffee makers to determine which are the easiest to clean and use. Look for a machine with a descaler, which is needed to remove mineral residue. Most coffeemakers recommend descaling every one to three months. While some manufacturers offer cleaning products specifically designed for their machines, a simple solution of vinegar and warm water will also work.

3. Easy to store

If you have plenty of space for counters and shelves and counter space, a separate coffee maker can be a wonderful addition to your kitchen. You can put K-Cups in a vertical counter organizer, or keep a variety on hand in a large lidded canister on the open shelf. No matter how you decide to keep your K-Cups be sure to organize them so that you can easily find the item you're looking for.

If you're looking for a small coffee maker that can brew just one cup at a time, you should consider the AdirChef. It's among the smallest single-cup models that we test and 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 regular or bold brewing strength options.

4. Easy to maintain

An individual coffee maker is a great addition to your kitchen, but it needs regular care and maintenance to ensure it functions efficiently. Simple tasks can help prevent your coffee maker from getting blocked by mineral deposits that could affect the quality and taste of your coffee. Performing these tasks on a regular basis and once a month for a deep clean will ensure that your coffee maker lasts longer and performs optimally.

First take the carafe out of the dishwasher after each cup of coffee. After each use, clean both the glass carafe as well as the brewing basket. This will remove set-in stains and remove any oil residue that could cause your coffee to taste old. Rinse the reservoir of water after every brew cycle. This will keep bacteria and mold growing inside the machine.

Many modern coffee makers have a descaling cycle that can be run at least once a month. This process removes the minerals in your water, which can clog up the machine and make the process of brewing coffee difficult. This cycle is usually similar to running a normal cycle and using the descaling solutions provided by your manufacturer.

If you do not have a solution made for cleaning your coffee maker, you can try a mix of vinegar and water to keep your appliance in top condition. The acid in vinegar helps to remove any mineral deposits, coffee oils and staining that has built up over time. Make sure to run several times of clean water, preferably filtered or distilled through your coffee maker to get rid of any remaining vinegar or cleaning solution.

Since 2019 Nicole Papantoniou has been the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab. She is responsible for our content and testing of kitchen appliances that are small including coffee makers, tools and kitchen appliances. She holds a master's degree in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and has been writing about cooking, food and travel for more than 15 years. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including Good Housekeeping Food & Wine and Southern Living.