Great for singles, small spaces
I love this little coffee maker! People who complain about not being able to use “K-cups” are just not paying attention because it CLEARLY states, several times, that this is an ALTERNATIVE to K-cups, as in, this machine has an “alternative” method for making coffee—not the cups. I love that I can make one cup of coffee without the wasteful packaging of Keurig cups and I can customize how much coffee I want to use. I can also use it to just heat water for tea, if I want to do that.
Two minor drawbacks prompt me to give it a 4-star rating, but I am not complaining. I was disappointed to discover that, despite the photos, there is actually NOT enough room for me to put my insulated travel mug under the spigot; however, I did find another cup that will work. (Although the description says that it comes with a “ceramic cup” mine did not.) Another minor quibble is the fact that it does not have an automatic shut-off but I do not feel this makes it “dangerous” as another reviewer has claimed. You just have to use five more brain cells to remember to turn it off manually after the brew is done. No big deal.
I refute another reviewer’s complaints about the filter and leftover water in the tank. The filter is fine, and it is super easy to wash and rinse. It even has a small handle that makes it easy to lift out and dump the grounds without getting your fingers dirty. You cannot expect a “gold” filter in a mostly-plastic product that sells for $20! As for the water issue, um, making coffee involves the use of water! Full sized coffee makers also have water left inside their reservoirs after the brewing is completed due to the steam and condensation from the process. This is unavoidable! When I am done making my coffee I simply toggle the switch to the “off” position, dump the grounds, unplug it, and gently pour the lingering droplets of water into the sink. I then leave the cover open so it can dry out, but this is not absolutely necessary. Easy peasy.
In short I think this is a great product for singles, for offices, for small spaces, maybe even for travel if you will be somewhere with access to an electrical outlet. Unless you still think it will work with K-cups, you won't be disappointed!
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