Tempest in a K Cup

cusinart coffee maker

After years of scoffing at the single cup brewers as inferior to the many brewing devices I already own (a French press, a grind and brew automatic drip, a siphon pot, and an espresso machine) I broke down and got a single cup brewing machine yesterday.

It seemed like the logical choice after buying a Cuisinart Grind and Brew that had grinding problems right off the bat and needed to be exchanged twice in the span of three months. I know the third time is supposed to be the charm, but I wasn’t about to get yet another one of the same models and risk similar problems.  And it was an even exchange to get the Cuisinart/Keurig Single Cup Brewer.

Although my experience with that particular model of the Grind and Brew was frustrating, I wasn’t ready to give up on Cuisinart. Previously, I had a less expensive version of the Grind and Brew. It lasted more than years with no problems until the grinder finally gave out. I thought I was upgrading with the bigger, more expensive machine (it held a half pound of beans rather than just what I planned to grind at that time), but I just wasn’t satisfied.

I also stuck with Cuisinart because I really loved their customer service.  I live in California, and at least for resident of this state, you simply bring any Cuisinart product into a store that sells that product (whether you bought it at that store or not) and they will give you a replacement – no questions asked. I didn’t even have to show receipt or give my name or tell them what was wrong with it. The good folks at Bed, Bath & Beyond just gave me a new one even though I purchased it from another retailer.

I was compelled to make my first cup 10 minutes after I set up my new machine, which was really simple.  It came with a 12 pack of K Cups in a variety of flavors. I like the idea of trying out some different blends before I buy a huge batch of one kind. Also, if my hubby likes a different kind (although, we are usually on the same page when it comes to roasts – dark and strong) he can have his preference too. My first cup was the Green Mountain Dark Magic Extra Bold. I thought it was pretty good.

I still haven’t decided whether I’ll use the store bought K Cups or settle on the reusable filter that came with the machine and load my favorite Peet’s grind.  I like the idea of not washing out a filter every time I brew one cup, but I also try to do my part for the environment and it seems like there is a lot of packaging and waste associated with all of those little plastic K Cups. I’m torn.

Truthfully, my devotion to Peet’s and the company’s lack of presence  in the K Cup space is what held me back from buying a single cup brew station over the last few years There was an announcement about 18 month ago that Peet’s entered into an agreement to acquire coffee distributor Diedrich in order to get into the K Cup business, but I’m not sure what ever happened.  Then just a few months ago, there were reports that Peet’s was entering into a deal with Green Mountain to deliver K Cups.  The market is too big and too lucrative for Peet’s not to try and stake a claim. But I guess I’ll have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

Meanwhile, I’ll need to figure out over time how much coffee we’re drinking with the new brewer. We used to run through about one pound of bean every 7 to 9 days. I’m not sure what that translates to in K Cup land.

So much to figure out for such a simple machine.

2 comments

  • Vinny

    Welcome to the dark side of coffee drinking!

    When I first started with the K Cups in use to order directly from Green Mountains site. They have a huge selection and if you order 4 boxes and join their club you get free shipping. They also have automatic delivery which I liked. It was about $55 though and when you order a box and you don’t like it it ends up sitting in the house bordering on clutter.

    What I do now is get a 80 count from Bj’s or Costco for $35. I am a Green Mountain Breakfast Blend guy and will switch it up and get Coffee People Donut shop also. Donut shop is similiar to Dunkin Donuts coffee which I like also. It may pay for you to order some coffee from Green Mountain just to get on their mailing list and get the catalog.

  • lisa

    thanks for the info on pricing and ordering. if i do the math it looks like it comes out to just about the same cost per week as getting whole beans. i’m a costco member, so next time i’m there, i’ll check out what they have.

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