Individual Coffee Makers - How to Keep Them Clean

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

Consider an individual coffee maker If you're looking to enjoy the convenience of a smooth, silky cup of coffee without the expensive cost. These brewing machines are easy to maintain, reliable and ideal for college dorms or kitchens in offices.

1. Easy to clean

Clean coffee makers are essential to make delicious, bold java. Like you would not cook in a dirty cooker or eat from a dish that isn't clean, your coffee machine should be cleaned frequently to ensure that it is operating at efficiently and produces a delicious cup of Joe.

Cleaning a drip or single-serve coffee maker is easy enough. The glass carafe, or filter basket, can be removed and washed with hot, soapy water. Allow to dry before using. The hotplate can be covered in a towel and then allowed to soak until any stains that remain removed. Most of the removable components can also be washed in the dishwasher (check the manual for your coffee maker to confirm that it is safe for that).

Depending on the frequency you brew, you may have to clean your coffee maker more often. Regular users should clean the appliance once or twice a month to ensure it is clean and free of any buildup. Cleaning experts suggest a descaler on most appliances, but white vinegar is equally effective and more affordable.

To clean a coffee maker with vinegar, fill the reservoir with a 50-50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water. You can eliminate the vinegar odor by running a brew cycle, followed by two or three cycles with clean fresh water. The vinegar will eliminate any mineral deposits that have built up in the inner workings, and it will enhance the taste of your coffee.

To ensure a thorough clean you can substitute the vinegar with baking soda or lemon juice (using equal parts). After the mixture has been made its way through, run a few more cycles of clean water to wash the machine. You can also refill the reservoir's water with water that has been filtered. The fresh, refilled reservoir can then be used to brew your next cup of coffee! The glass coffee carafe and filter that is reusable can be cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand. You can purchase the cleaning set which includes a cleaner designed specifically for coffee makers.

2. Convenient to use

A cup of coffee can be a great way for you to start the day. It removes all the fatigue and gives you sufficient energy to face your day with a smile. But, most people prefer to get their morning coffee from a coffee shop near by. If you want to save time and money you can make your own delicious cup of coffee. All you require is an individual-serve espresso maker and some coffee pods.

The unnoticed heroes of mornings are single-serve coffee machines. You can enjoy your favourite blend quickly and conveniently without the need grind or measure coffee beans. They also reduce waste and are usually less expensive than traditional coffeemakers.

Which one should you choose then? The answer will depend on your drinking habits and what's important to YOU. If you run out the door every day with a mug that you carry around it's possible that you're willing to sacrifice some ritual to save time. If you enjoy having a freshly brewed cup coffee to start your day, you may prefer a more manual appliance that allows you the freedom to make your own perfect cup.

There are several different types of single serve coffee makers that are available and some can also make tea. Some are smaller and take up less space, while others offer more features like a clock and water reservoir. It is best to examine all the options and then decide which one is the best for your needs.

If you're limited on space, think about a small, portable single serving french press-cup coffee maker which is ideal for dorms and studio apartments. It's also a great choice for travelers who want to avoid paying for expensive coffee while traveling.

If you are considering a single-serve machine for coffee, make sure to read reviews to find out which models are the most easy to use and clean. Look for a machine with a descaler, which is necessary to get rid of mineral residue. Most coffeemakers recommend descales every three to six months. Some manufacturers sell cleaning products specifically designed for their machines. However, a basic solution made of hot water and vinegar can be utilized at home.

3. Easy to store

A single coffee maker can be an excellent addition to any kitchen if you have plenty of counter space and shelves. You can keep K-Cups neatly organized in a counter organizer that is vertical or in a large lidded container on an open shelf. Whatever way you decide to keep your K-Cups make sure you keep them organized so that you can easily locate what you require.

If you're looking for a small coffee maker to make one cup at a time, consider the AdirChef. It was among the tiniest models we tested and took up a tiny space on our counter. This model comes with several convenient features like a flip-up/down table that can be adjusted to accommodate any size travel mug, and strong or regular brewing options.

4. Easy to maintain

An individual coffee maker is a fantastic addition to your kitchen, but it needs regular care and maintenance to function effectively. Simple tasks can help prevent your coffee maker from becoming clogged up with mineral deposits that can impact the quality and taste of your coffee. These tasks should be done regularly and a thorough cleaning each month to ensure your coffee maker is operating at its peak and lasts a long time.

First take the carafe out of the dishwasher after each coffee pot. After each use, wash both the glass carafe and the brewing basket. This will get rid of any oil residue or set-in stains that may cause your coffee to taste old. Rinse the water reservoir at the end of each brew cycle. This will prevent bacteria and mold growing within the machine.

Many modern coffee makers come with the ability to descale which should be utilized at least once per month. This process removes the minerals from your water which can clog up the machine and make the process of brewing coffee difficult. The process is generally as simple as running the normal cycle, and using the descaling solutions supplied by the manufacturer.

If you don't have a product specifically designed for cleaning your coffee maker, you can try a mix of vinegar and water to keep your machine in top condition. The acid in vinegar helps to eliminate any mineral deposits, coffee oils and staining that has been accumulating 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.

Since the beginning of 2019 Nicole Papantoniou has been the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab. She oversees all of our content and testing small kitchen appliances and tools, such as coffee makers. She holds a prestigious diploma in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and has written about cooking, food and travel for more than 15 years. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Good Housekeeping Food & Wine and Southern Living.