One of the bigger problems with single serve coffee makers is that you can only brew with whatever pods work with that one specific machine. But there are several Pods Coffee Makers that all take the same "generic" type of coffee or tea pod, giving you a little more flexibility between machines.
The Coffee Pods that these brewers use are the simple gauze type, that look like a round tea bag filled with coffee grounds (or tea leaves). Because the pods themselves are not copyright protected (like the Keurig K-cups or Tassimo T-discs are), many different manufacturers have made their own line of pods. That means lots of choice and selection for you.
Senseo Pods Coffee Makers
The first machine that used this type of pod brewing was the Senseo. They now have a few models to choose from but they remain one of the simplest machines out there to use. Their newer models do have some more sophisticated features, such as the milk reservoir for the Latte Select version. It lets you add foamed milk to your coffee, so you cam brew up lattes and cappuccinos as well as plain coffee.
The controls are basic, allowing you to adjust your cup volume and the strength of your coffee.
Bunn My Cafe Pods Coffee Makers
Bunn isn't generally a maker of single-serve coffee makers, but they do have one model that works with generic coffee pods. It's a small model which easily tucks away in the corner of the kitchen counter, compared to some other machines that are pretty large.
Settings allow you change the brewing process between coffee and tea pods for the ultimate flavor in either case.
Krups Home Cafe Pods Coffee Makers
Yes, even Krups has joined the single-serve industry. Their Home Cafe machine is their only pod brewer and it is designed to allow for brewing 2 cups at a time so it may be a nice choice for couples who both want a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
It has a large water tank, and an auto-shut off feature. The controls let you choose between coffee and tea brewing styles, and whether you want to make 2 cups or not (you'll need 2 pods)
Melitta One:One Pods Coffee Makers
Melitta's entry into the single-serve arena is the One:One. Their latest model offers controls for the volume of your cup (choose from 5, 8 or 14 oz) so you can tailor your drink to your liking. It has a double-pod holder, for the larger pods or when you want a stronger cup of coffee.
My Invento Pods Coffee Makers
The sleek and modern look of the new My Invento will appeal to anyone who likes their kitchen appliances to look as good as they work. The flat design takes up less space than most though you will have to refill the cannister a little more often. With 2 pods, you can brew 2 cups at a time and it will produce a good crema layer even with 2 pods in place.
Any of these machines can run with the long line of "Senseo-type" generic coffee pods, so you will have plenty of options.
