A single-serve coffee maker heats water from an internal reservoir and forces it through a coffee pod or reusable coffee basket in seconds. When you close the lid on a pod-based coffee maker like a Keurig or Nespresso, a sharp needle punctures the top and bottom of the coffee pod. The top needle injects hot water and the bottom needle allows the brewed coffee to exit. Models that use ground coffee instead pass water through a mesh or brew basket. The coffee flows through a filter and out the nozzle into your coffee mug or travel mug.

Yes, there are single-serve coffee makers that use ground coffee or whole coffee beans instead of individual coffee pods. Some models use a built-in permanent mesh scoop filter to take care of loose grounds. Other models use a built-in grinder that can grind and brew whole coffee beans directly into your cup. These single-serve coffee makers can help reduce waste that’s caused by the coffee pods after use.

A Keurig coffee maker is a single-serve machine that uses coffee pods to brew one cup of coffee at a time. A traditional coffee maker, like a drip coffee maker, uses a full pot, paper coffee filters and ground coffee to serve multiple people at a time. Keurigs can brew a single cup of coffee in under 60 seconds with no measuring required, while standard coffee makers take longer and require you to measure ground coffee and wash or replace filters.

To use a Nespresso coffee maker, start by removing the water tank, filling it with fresh water and placing it back in the machine. Plug in the machine and turn it on. Wait 25 to 30 seconds until the flashing button lights turn solid. Next, insert the coffee capsule you want to use in the machine and close the head or lever so it’s in position. Place your cup or coffee mug on the drip tray under the dispenser and press the button for your desired cup size. After the coffee finishes brewing and pouring, lift the lever or unlock the head to drop the used capsule into the internal waster container.