Customer Reviews

Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer

5 star:		(90)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

I love this little thing!

Originally, we had a very nice KitchenAid 10-cup Coffee Maker in our kitchen. It did its job very well, but for a long time I had been eying a Keurig machine. I'd had Keurig coffee in the past, and loved it. Looking at the machines, you'll quickly see how much of an "investment" it is. First, the machines are incredibly expensive; they make smaller models now, but even those start around $60-$70, and many don't have stellar reviews in terms of longevity. Next, the K-cups are also very expensive. Sure, you can buy the reusable thing, but if I'm going through that hassle, why do I even need a specialized brewer to begin with? It may work fine for some people's lives, but in my own, I wanted a machine that eliminated the mess and hassle of measuring quantities and looking for the "perfect brew".

I purchased the Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer on a whim; it was on sale, and figured, what the heck, I'll try it.

When I first plugged the thing it, and poured some water in the back to cycle through, it immediately spattered at me. Apparently, it can turn itself on when you first plug it in (I've purchased 2, and both did it out of the box, but haven't done it since).

I'm not gonna lie, this isn't some super durable machine; its cheap plastic, but unless you're planning on tossing it across the room, it should get at least a few years life out of it. I've had our machine for about 5 months now (wow time flies), and use it daily without any problems. My wife, whom was always timid of making coffee with our KitchenAid, now likes to make coffee for herself, and sometimes for me as well to start off the morning (tell me THAT isn't worth $20). The Senseo pods are cheaper than K-cups, especially if bought in bulk.

On to the product itself, it looks sleek, but pretty unimpressive. I don't know about you, but that's perfect for my kitchen; every inch of counter-space should be cherished, and this has freed up quite a bit, not to mention the visual space as its half the height of my old coffee maker as well.

Its a simple one-touch operation. To make a brew, slip in a Senseo pod (or 2), add some water to the back, put your mug under the spout, and press the large button on front. That's it.

As for the taste, well that's really a personal preference. I like mild, smooth coffee, which this really delivers. I liked the medium blend (a pack is included free) so much, I ordered a huge box of it! I use a small cup of water (approx 6-8oz; I recommend using filtered water), and one pod, but the machine accommodates 2 if you like it a little more "bold" or have a slightly larger mug (keep in mind, no large mugs will fit in the spout). We received a 6-piece mini-mug kit for Christmas, and those have been perfect for making a small little cup to start the day (it also limits my coffee intake, and I've been good with sticking to it).

Yes, this machine isn't anything fancy, but it does its job day in day out with no issues, and works so well that we replaced a very expensive machine, and we haven't looked back. It worked so well, we ordered one for my parents at their request they were so impressed with it.

If you have a large household of coffee drinkers, this may not be the way to go, but the good thing is it only takes 30 seconds or so to make a cup of coffee, and you can personalize each cup. It would make an excellent personal coffee maker at the office as well. Amazon has a pretty decent selection of Senseo pods as well. If you prefer to buy in-store, Target usually carries the Senseo pods, but doesn't have much of a selection, depending on the store.

As a side note - The medium blend goes really well with Internationl Delight: Carmel Macchiato Creamer (don't get the skinny though, that's pretty...unimpressive). Have it practically every morning; their Chai Latte is pretty good too.

***Edit 10/7/2011***
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Just wanted to say that this coffee maker is still brewing coffee just fine, haven't had a single issue with it yet so far. Still have the daily routine of small cup of coffee with International Delight: Carmel Macchiato creamer, its just such a great way to start the day I don't need to mess with it.

One other note I will mention is that since I have recently started composting, I have found that the coffee pods are perfect for composting! After use, just throw 'em in the bin, that's all there is to it. Not everyone composts, but figure for those that do, it will be good to know; less waste, and the perfect component for growing plants (you could technically just stick a few in the ground and it helps to neutralize the soil Ph; Gardenias love having coffee grounds in my alkaline soil from my experience).

My Senseo finally died and I didn't feel like buying a new one. A friend told me about this little one cup coffee maker that uses Senseo coffee pods so I bought one. So far it works like a gem. Sure it's a bit "plasticy" and cheap feeling but it makes me a mug of coffee on demand and is letting me use my collection of various Senseo (and other) coffee pods. A small mug is the largest you can fit under the spout so be forewarned about not being able to use a tall mug. Device allows for one or two pods. I'm pleased with it.

I love my little Hamilton Beach one-cup coffee maker. No, it's not the absolute best cup of coffee I've ever had, but as a casual coffee drinker who doesn't really drink more than one cup at a time, it's perfect.

It did take several cups before I figured out how to make a good cup. I almost sent it back after the first couple cups. However, I found that if you make sure the edges of the coffee pod make a good seal in the bottom of the basket, it greatly improves the quality. Otherwise, the water runs around the pod and you get a VERY weak cup of coffee. I've heard pre-wetting the coffee pods helps, but I don't usually worry with that step.

Since figuring out how to make a good cup with the machine, the quality has been both consistent and good. I've had it for about a month and am getting ready to order my second bag of coffee pods. I would recommend to the casual coffee drinker.

You get what you see with this item and that's a one cup coffee maker. Where the more expensive makers have a detachable water reservoir this one does not which can be a bit annoying considering that each time that I want to make a cup I have to pull it away from the wall. Which brings up the next point about this making, the cord is very short on it. Last, the pod holder is very difficult to open and replace, I guess with use and time it will loosen up and not have the feeling that I will break it whenever I put/remove a pod. But as stated in other comments it is a cheap little personal maker that can make an okay cup of coffee but if you are looking for a maker that will make a great cup of coffer choose another one.

I bought this coffee maker for myself for Christmas because I wanted a single serve maker, but I didn't want to pay the money for a Keurig. Imagine my surprise when I got a Keurig from my husband for Christmas....but I also got this. So we set up the Keurig and I put this away. Shortly after Christmas my grandfather who lives with me entered his final journey with cancer. I moved into his apartment to care for him 24/7, and I opened the Hamilton Beach so I could make a quick cup of coffee during the night while sitting up with him. I was shocked to discover that this little $20 coffee pot makes just as good coffee as my $150 Keurig.

1. It doesn't brew as fast as a Keurig that is "ready to go"...but it takes the same amount of time to brew a cup of coffee as a Keurig that has been "off" over night and you have to wait for the water to heat up. In my opinion, it is still faster than brewing a "traditional" pot of coffee.

2. I don't like really strong coffee, so if I'm using a smaller mug I can get away with using 1 pod of medium roast coffee. I've read some reviews of people who think 1 pod is too weak...I think that is a taste preference, and also depends on if you are using more water for a larger mug or not. Just my opinion and not a criticism of people who like really strong coffee. If you like coffee really strong, then 2 pods of medium roast might not work for you. Hard to say. :)

3. The pods are cheaper than a Keurig. We use this coffee maker along side our Keurig, and it helps us to save a little money by alternating machines. Both make good coffee, but each machine's coffee tastes different...this tastes more traditionally brewed than our Keurig. I know that might sound odd, but that is the only way I can describe it (and if someone else knows that I'm talking about and knows the answer to this mystery, I'd love to hear it!) Because of the taste difference, I prefer flavored coffees on this machine rather than the Keurig for some reason. Again..not sure why, but I do.

All in all, this holds it's own against a coffee maker 5 times the price. For someone who is looking for a single serve without the single serve price, this is a really good coffee maker!

I just got this little maker and so far am pleased with its ease of use and the coffee it produces.
It will not fit a tall mug as already stated, but I have a 12oz mug that is short enough to just fit under. I have used 1 and 2 pods... I like the 12 oz 2 pod coffee better. I am using the Senseo pods it came with and look forward to getting other strengths and flavors to check out.

I was hopeful that it would have its own little basket to be able to use my own coffee, but I have not been able to locate one, even going to the Hamilton Beach site to look for an accessory. If anyone knows how I can use my own coffee in this device, please let me know.

Over-all a great little daily use coffee maker.

I bought this because I got fed up of my drip coffee maker leaving behind extra coffee that couldnt fit in my cup and coming back to burnt coffee taste with the second cup. I wanted something that would make the exact amount of coffee, but I didnt want to spend the money on and expensive Senseo and buy those ridiculously priced coffee pods.
I bought along with those reusable coffee filters that look like senseo pods, and I must say that I love this this gizmo! I dont have to wash or soak any pot and no more burnt coffee.
Before purchasing I read some reveiws on weak coffee and it only makes the coffee the way you want it to. It comes with a pack of senseo pods, so if you like a lighter tasting coffee use one pod with a fill tank of water, for richer, darker coffee, use two pods(which is the max it can use) with less water in the tank. Just do the math to your taste choice.
Wehn my senseo pods were done, although there was also a coupon to get a discount off of new pods, I just use my cheap Folgers Hazelnut coffee in the eco-pods, also purchased here on Amazon which works just as good as the senseo pods, and you fill it up with your scooped finely ground coffee, and then rinse out the pod filler after.
I thank whoever created this product for those who want quality for a great price.

I'm a caffeine-dependent teacher and have been looking for an easy way to make coffee in my classroom. I picked up one of these at a local retailer (sorry, Amazon) for less than $20 and had very low expectations. At home we drink expensive coffee from an expensive automatic espresso machine. And some of the reviews indicate the coffee would be watery, stale, or otherwise not worth drinking. But I am pleased to say that this machine makes a really decent cup of coffee. I use two of the medium roast Senseo pods and that makes a perfect cup... smooth and at the perfect temperature (nice and hot.) I signed up for more Senseo pods with Subscribe & Save and am looking forward to trying more varieties and hopefully enjoying more good, convenient coffee for as long as the machine lasts.

My mother is an avid coffee drinker, so my family recently surprised her with a big Keurig machine for Christmas. I've had a chance to get myself a couple of cups here and there, and I really enjoyed how quick and easy it was. I just graduated high school and I'm currently purchasing things for my dorm, and I really wished that I had enough in my budget to get a small Keurig of my own for college, since the only options on-campus for coffee was Starbucks (out of the question for a poor student like me) and nasty cafeteria boiled water. I couldn't have a "real" coffee maker because it was considered an open heating element and therefore banned.

On a whim, I decided to walk through the small appliances section of Wal-Mart, and imagine my suprise when I saw a one-cup maker for only $12. I thought it was a typo at first, honestly. After shopping for everything else I needed, I bit the bullet and bought this tiny wonder. As soon as I got home, I unpacked it and tested it. It's wonderful! Here are some key points about the machine versus similar others.

* This little thing is well... very tiny. It was a smidge too short for some of my tall mugs, but I found that if you "hook" a mug in, ran it, and then pulled the Senseo tray out with the mug, it will fit pretty tall mugs. It also keeps the Senseo pods from dripping on your machine, since you can just convey the mug-tray combo over to the trash can and dump out the used pod.

* The pods are basically two filters sewn in a circle around some grounds, so they do heat up more than a Keurig cup when it's ran. The good thing about that is it seems to me to be more eco-friendly than plastic and foil cups.

* This is a literal one-cup coffee maker. It's a tiny machine, so it has to heat up the water before running it. It works the same as a regular coffee maker, except there's no heating elements exposed, and it won't warm your cup for you. It takes a little bit of time, but it's really not bad. It shuts off automatically after brewing, so it fits all of my college dorm requirements.

* The coffee is actually pretty good! It's comparable in quality to what you'd get for a Keurig - the difference is that the selection is a bit smaller, and the pods are cheaper per unit to buy than a K-cup. I'm in love with the French Vanilla.

* You do have to add water every time you brew, and the water unit isn't detachable. What's nice about that is that it uses every drop of water that you put in there, so you can regulate how much or how little you want to brew. I just filled a measuring cup and poured it in there - no fuss, no mess.

* The tray allows for doubling up the pods, which is convenient for those who enjoy the strong stuff. :)

If you need any other recommendation - my mother tasted one cup of coffee from my little monster machine and said that she will get one for her workplace. She's a coffee snob, so it's a compliment of the highest kind, I can assure you! For the price, this machine gives you a lot.

If you are accustomed to drinking coffee with any flavor at all, don't be duped by this product. Unlike other one cup brewers, there's no pressure system, this is just a conventional drip coffee pot that has gotten shrunk down to one cup. Frankly, I'm not sure what the problem is, but I've tried different brands of pods (Senseo medium roast, Melitta buzzworthy) and my coffee is universally weak and tasteless. While normally I would say you get what you pay for, this coffee pot is not worth $30! If your preference is for a rich, flavorful cup of coffee, try something else.