For years I made a whole pot of coffee for myself, thinking it was the only way to get a tasty brew. What a waste of money and coffee. Now I use a pod coffee maker and I love it! Here's Why: 

 I found I was throwing out more coffee than I drank, I was stuck with bags of coffee - sometimes in flavors or roasts I discovered I didn't even like. Finally one day after seeing a single pod maker at a Home store, I went online and began to research this new machine.

• In short they are single serve coffee makers using something resembling a tea bag with coffee in it - the coffee goes directly into your favorite coffee mug or 'to go' cup. In many models you can choose the volume of water 6, 7.5 or 9 ounces (of course the Italians have been brewing this way for years)

I bought one, then I bought a bigger one and now my friends are buying them too after seeing mine in action.

There are as many types of makers as coffees available for them.

• I didn't need an espresso maker but with the espresso pods I got one.
• I didn't need a capuccino maker but with the capuccino pods I got one.
• I can make you a decaf, and make myself a creme caramel flavored coffee at the same time.
• I can even make you tea, in your favorite blend.

Can you tell I'm excited?
Now I'm getting great coffee, fast - with no wastage.
My guests all want to make their own coffee and after dinner they can have espresso, medium roast, decaf, or flavored coffee - in their own cups.

I first bought a 'Simple Human' pod maker which makes one cup at a time directly into your favorite mug or car coffee carrier and next I bought a KRUPS 'Home Cafe' which can make two different styles of coffee at the same time.

This the most important advice I can give you -

1. Each pod maker comes designed to accept only certain makes and styles of coffee pods. Find the pod maker which accepts the most different styles, this will allow you greater variety in coffees but it will also make it much easier to find suitable ones in your area. Some pod coffee makers even accept a re-usable pod you can make and re-fill yourself - then you can buy your coffee in bulk and save some money.
2. Make sure the height is tall enough to place your favorite coffee mug or car coffee under the pour spout.
3. Look for a reputable Coffee Maker manufacturer who is also making these pod brewers for better technology and a company who will back their product. Here is a list of some of the companies who make these single serve coffee brewers: Krups Home Cafe, Melita, Braun Tassimo, Bunn, Cuisinart, Senso, Keurig, Simple Human - just to name a few.
4. They come with a water reservoir of varying capacities but look for one which holds enough water that it's not irritating - so you don't have to fill it every time you or your friends want a cuppa joe.

• Above is a photo of a pretty standard looking coffee pod, yup! a lot like a round tea bag, except there's coffee in there....

• This is a photo of my Krups 'Home Cafe' coffee pod brewer, which is capable of making two different flavors at the same time. (I like this one, my neighbor really likes his Cuisinart)
  

 

Online Shopping:
Here is a link to the Coffee Pods available for sale on eBay
'single serve coffee makers' Single Serve Coffee Makers on eBay
'pod coffee makers' Pod Coffee Makers on eBay
 

Downside:

• The coffee pods seem 'expensive' but here's the way I see it, I'm making and drinking 2 cups a day - I'm not making 8 cups and throwing out 6 cups. If you are careful and are buying mostly standard coffee pods they can be as little as 25 cents each. Or buy that environmental pod which you make yourself and reuse.
• They can be a little 'lightweight' in materials so buy a better one if you can - it should last longer.

Have fun and happy brewing! from the mermaid142