# Recommend a coffee maker - Keurig? Something else? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** coffee\ **Created:** [February 6, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029 "2012-02-06T23:52:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/1 "2012-02-06T23:52:33Z")
It’s time to retire my Mr Coffee machine. It’s leaking and the burner plate has gotten worn, so it overheats coffee that sits more than 30 minutes in the pot. I drink two cups of coffee in the morning, and very occasionally a cup in the evening. I like strong, just-brewed coffee. I don’t like the “overcooked” taste of the second cup if it’s sat for very long, so I end up throwing out a lot of coffee. I don’t want to spend much over $100. I like the [Keurig](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Keurig-Elite-B40-Gourmet-Single-Cup-Home-Brewing-System/11018144) - makes a good cup of coffee, no mess, and I like that I can also quickly brew tea or cocoa. I’ve owned a French press and a stove-top espresso maker; they have their place but not so convenient for quick, decent-tasting coffee on the morning. What’s your preference for a coffee maker, do you have a Keurig or similar machine? ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/2 "2012-02-07T00:13:31Z")
I have a mini Keurig. If I were buying one again, I’d buy a regular (non-mini) because it has the water resevoir which means one less step. I like the coffee and the convenience, but it cost-per-cup is a factor, it’s pricier than a drip type. I have one of those reuseable adapters that you fill with your own ground coffee, and I really like it–but again, more steps! I switch back and forth between the Keurig and an urn-type drip coffeemaker depending on whether I’m staying home and want, say, 6 cups instead of 1. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/3 "2012-02-07T00:16:04Z")
I just got a Keurig elite @ walmart - best thing I ever bought there. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/4 "2012-02-07T00:21:18Z")
I have [this](http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-484-05-10-Cup-Programmable-Coffee/dp/B0064ONLW0/ref=sr_1_5?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1328573941&sr=1-5) Jura-Capresso drip maker. JC espresso machines can run into the thousands, but their drip makers are reasonable, fast and better-made than other similarly-priced coffee machines. I had a Keurig, which is also fast, but the coffee never impressed me. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/5 "2012-02-07T00:29:49Z")
The Keurig machines are convenient, I have one in the office. At home I have a drip coffee maker. Don’t get a drip coffee maker with a hot plate get one with a thermos carafe. The coffee stays warm for a few hours without the burnt taste. ---
**Author:** ![deedeeknowit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@deedeeknowit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deedeeknowit)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/6 "2012-02-07T00:31:16Z")
We have the Keurig Elite and it’s great for our needs. Got it at Kohl’s, just after Christmas. We caught a sale, along with using a “15% off” scratch card in the store. It was a b-day present from the husband. I also enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee in the morning. There are many different KCup choices. Lots of places sell them now at reduced prices, as well as [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com). You can also read reviews of the Keurig on that site. We found it pretty helpful before picking out which one we wanted to buy. I love Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea and it was included in the box (of assorted KCups) with our Elite. That was a nice bonus. It might not be a bargain for someone who enjoys several cups throughout the day but for a person who drinks one or two, it’s a clean and tasty way to enjoy coffee or just about any hot beverage, for that matter. There’s also several selections of teas, hot ciders and I noticed new KCups of Swiss Miss Cocoa the other day, at BB and B. **Silenus** (the hubster) loves cocoa, so that’s a win for him too. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/7 "2012-02-07T01:52:39Z")
> [@papergirl](#): > > I have a mini Keurig. If I were buying one again, I’d buy a regular (non-mini) because it has the water resevoir which means one less step. Heh. I’d do just the opposite. You can’t drain that reservoir if you need to move it or put it in storage. If cost is not an issue to the OP (and it is, after all, less than Starbucks), I’d recommend Kuerig. It makes very good coffee. Otherwise, I’ll second the notion of getting one with a thermos carafe instead of a hot plate. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/8 "2012-02-07T02:11:55Z")
What do you mean “you can’t drain the reservoir?” The sucker snaps off easily. At least on the “Elite” model it does. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/9 "2012-02-07T02:15:21Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > What do you mean “you can’t drain the resevoir?” The sucker snaps off easily. At least on the “Elite” model it does. There’s an internal reservoir where the water is heated that holds two or three cups worth. That tank cannot be emptied. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/10 "2012-02-07T03:04:42Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > There’s an internal reservoir where the water is heated that holds two or three cups worth. That tank cannot be emptied. haven’t tried it - you could run two or three cups of water with the reservoir empty - and there is bound to be a drain bit somewhere… that is an interesting thought tho… ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/11 "2012-02-07T04:07:52Z")
The Daughter had a Mister Coffee with the thermal carafe. I did NOT like it. The coffee was only hot immediately after brewing. The inside of the thermal carafe got grungy after a while. I had to fill it with bleach water and let it soak for a while. I’m thinking of a Keurig or clone for my next coffeemaker. The Son has a Keurig and LOVES it. I’m also considering trying some of the quality coffees. I don’t have a refined palate, but I think I would enjoy sampling different kinds. Is their a large selection of gourmet coffees in K-cups? ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/12 "2012-02-07T04:23:50Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > Is their a large selection of gourmet coffees in K-cups? There seems to be. Enough to keep you sampling for awhile, at least. ---
**Author:** ![Zulema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/db5fbb/32.png) [@Zulema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zulema)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/13 "2012-02-07T04:35:09Z")
I also do not recommend the carafe type makers, the coffee just isn’t really hot like I’m used to. Every nice coffee maker I’ve ever bought has broken within a year (except the carafe one) so I stick with the $14.00, 4 cup Mr. Coffee. I have 2 mugs in the morning and that’s the whole pot. The coffee tastes perfectly fine to me and I drink it too fast to worry about it tasting old. I’m tempted by the Keurig but I’m way too cheap to buy the pods and too lazy to do the refills. I’m also sure if I bought one it would break one day after the warranty has expired. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/14 "2012-02-07T04:52:26Z")
I bought a Keurig a month ago- [this one,](http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchen/top_brands/keurig/keurig1/brewers/PRD~500275/Keurig+Elite+Coffee+Brewer.jsp) on sale at Kohls (using Kohls card, which has a discount) for just under $100. While that sale is off, they’re always on sale someplace. As mentioned, it was only a month ago but I absolutely love it. It’s as close as you’ll get to the Enterprise food generator for coffee. I live alone and between this and to-go coffee cups it is the least trouble of any appliance ever; the only clean up is I’ll occasionally run hot water through it. I do wish there was a place that sold variety packs of K-cups, which it’s surprising there isn’t. There are lots of brands I’d like to try or keep on hand but don’t want to buy in packs of 18 or more. But so far two big thumbs up. ---
**Author:** ![Sleel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sleel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleel)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/15 "2012-02-07T05:38:46Z")
Go minimal. Buy a plastic or ceramic cone for the top of your old Mr Coffee carafe, or buy a combined cone-carafe. Heat hot water in a kettle and pour through. Your coffee will probably taste better. Most drip coffee makers don’t get the water hot enough for good brewing, or it cools too much by the time it drips through, resulting in more bitter coffee. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/16 "2012-02-07T06:12:58Z")
I don’t understand your assertion that a French press is too, what, complicated? Messy? Keurigs are, IMHO, a waste of resources (all that trash) and the resulting coffee isn’t very good. What do you expect, with not-hot-enough water running over the grounds for a short amount of time? Buy a nice electric kettle (very useful) and a French press. ---
**Author:** ![Prox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/da6949/32.png) [@Prox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prox)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/17 "2012-02-07T06:28:55Z")
I agree; K-cups don’t make great coffee. If a French press takes too long or is too much a mess, try an [Aeropress](http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK). It takes on about 45 seconds to brew a 10 oz cup, and there’s no metal filter to clean up. Quick and easy, and the coffee from it tastes great. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/18 "2012-02-07T06:35:17Z")
I hate the Keurig-type machines. I don’t have two minutes to wait every time I want to refill my mug! And I don’t want four lousy ounces, either! Give me a nice glass carafe style Mr. Coffee with a timer. I set it to turn on 15 minutes before I awake, and then I can pour a nice 8-ounce mug whenever I need it. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/19 "2012-02-07T11:31:24Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > I don’t understand your assertion that a French press is too, what, complicated? Messy? Keurigs are, IMHO, a waste of resources (all that trash) and the resulting coffee isn’t very good. What do you expect, with not-hot-enough water running over the grounds for a short amount of time? > > Buy a nice electric kettle (very useful) and a French press. That’s fine for coffee later in the day, or at night (I’ll use my stovetop espresso maker for a nice shot then) but frst thing in the morning I don’t want to faff about boiling water and so on. I either want the coffee ready when I get up, or I want to press a button, nothing more. Otherwise, I agree - a French press or oil-style boiling water through the filter does indeed make a nice cuppa. I’ve bought a thermal carafe coffee maker, and it didn’t make the coffee hot enough for me. It was weak. Online review sites are rife with similar comments about those, so I’m not inclined to try another. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029/20 "2012-02-07T13:48:46Z")
I was lusting after that Keurig, but I got a cup of hot chocolate from one recently and it was downright nasty. Even my kids wouldn’t drink it and they are not very particular. To be fair, it may not have been the Keurig. The chocolate was infused into a paper/plastic cup, was very hot, and may have picked up some off-flavor from the cup. Anyone have an opinion as to if it was the coco or the cup? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-coffee-maker-keurig-something-else/612029.md?page=2)