Is a Keurig Worth It – All Critical Factors

Is keurig worth it? Keurig machines have become popular in recent times. And the hype of these K-cup makers is ever increasing. Moreover, social media influencers have highlighted it more. And the most important perk of all is that it is a single-serve no-hassle coffee maker. Nowadays, mostly all coffee lovers use Keurig machines. Additionally, it takes less effort and gives you more in turn.

However, some of the coffee fans are not in favor of Keurigs, as they have some significant cons. Plus, it is costly and has an adverse effect on the environment. Keeping in mind all these things, the coffee lovers ask one question, is Keurig worth it?

Major Perks of Keurig Makers – Keurig worth

1- Keurigs are convenient

Keurig’s are simple, and they are convenient as it is a single-serve machine. Moreover, you don’t have to fuss about grinding your beans and adding it to the machine. Therefore you can simply buy cartridges and install them into the machine. Besides, you can fill the water tank simply and start. In less than 60 minutes, your coffee will be in front of you. Hence, you will not have to wait for the brewing up of the coffee pot that takes more time. Convenient make keurig worth it.

2- A good investment

Keurig machines are expensive, no doubt about it. For instance, any good Keurig machine is more or less above $150. But the thing is if you are going out to buy coffee two times a day. The investment in a Keurig seems to be a better option as it will save you a trip to the coffee shop and save your money daily. Hence, if you look it at from this side, Keurig makers seem to be a pretty good investment.

3- No expertise is necessary.

To make coffee in a Keurig machine, one doesn’t need to have additional expertise. As compared to other high-end coffee makers, Keurig is pretty simple to use. Besides, regular coffee machines have an option that might muddle with your brain, and you will find it difficult to control. So to get the coffee of your choice Keurig seems to be a good option.

4- Taste

Although no one can deny that the taste of freshly brewed coffee is amazing, Keurig k-cups also come in pretty good flavor profiles. The k-cups are available in so many flavors and blends, you will have a hard time to chose. Hence, you can experiment with your palate and try different flavor coffee in less than a minute of brewing.

5- New sustainable k-cups

The sustainability of the k-cups has always been in question. However, in recent times with the introduction of the reusable k-cups, this has also been answered. That is right, folks. The recyclable k-cups are in town. Surely, this is a major innovation in Keurig history.

6- Maintenance

The Keurig machine’s maintenance is super easy as it is the most simple machine to keep clean and intact. There is no heavy washing and rinsing daily. Additionally, there is no hassle of the coffee spilling. As you just take out the pods and trash it. Or, if you are using reusable k-cups, you can lightly rinse it after use. Easy maintenance is easy to make keurig worth it.

Although the oils from the coffee and debris do build up after some time. Yet it is easy to clean. As you only have to detach the k-cup holder and clean it after a couple of days.

The side-effects of Keurigs – Keurig worth it?

The Keurig machines may have the upper hand on other machines in some cases, but its adverse points can not be overlooked. Hence, after listing down the advantages, we have the following disadvantages of Keurig’s that you might want to keep in mind when buying one. These side effects will make you better decide about that is keurig worth it?

Health risks of K-cups

We all know most k-cups are made up of plastic, isn’t it? Although most of the products in the market are nowadays made up of plastic, they are not heated. And heating plastic releases harmful chemicals. As the food is inside the plastic, therefore these chemicals settle on the food. Now, this doesn’t just stop here. The hot water, rays, light, and pressure multiplies the effect of chemicals. As we already know that during the brewing process, the food undergoes heat increase and acid production, the chemicals from the covering of the k-cup may release and attach on the coffee. And in turn, they will shift to your cup and your body. These chemicals are harmful to you and your health. Some of these chemicals include BPA, BPF, BPS, etc. Most importantly, these chemicals affect your hormones and cause everlasting problems. Similarly, polystyrene is an agent of cancer-causing carcinogen.

The adverse effect of BPA

BPA is said to be the replica of estrogen. As estrogen is a hormone of sex and aids in the evolution of female attributes, its disruption can harm the body. As a result, females may find unfavorable body deformities. For instance, changes in the shape of breasts, an increase in hair on unnecessary parts of their body, and abnormal menses. It will affect their fertility level as well. Moreover, women often face miscarriages due to the increase in BPA in their bodies.

Adverse effects of Aluminium

Just as the cartridges of the k-cups are made up of plastic, its lid is made up of Aluminium. And aluminum is not good for your health either. The heat and the acidity cause the imbalance of this element as well. And this time, the effect will be on your brain as aluminum targets the brain. For instance, it may be the reason behind your unnecessary anxiety and depression. Similarly, it may cause Alzheimer’s as well.

Unclean Keurig Machines

The unclean Keurig machines are a big nuisance. That is because it contains germs and bacteria. As the Keurig is regularly heated and brewing up takes water. These conditions are ideal for bacteria to breed. For instance, algae, mold, spores, fungi, etc. grow and spread in wet and warm unclean Keurig machines.

These bacteria once enter your drink, and your body can wreak havoc. They will start harming you with only a single sip of a coffee. Hence it is always advisable to clean the machines regularly and efficiently.

Expensive

Keurig machines are quite expensive. Although they are a good investment and save you money by not going to a coffee shop every time, you need a coffee. However, not only the machines are expensive, but the k-cups are pretty costly too. Moreover, the more exotic flavors of k-cup are more expensive than regular ones. The beans and even ground coffee does not cost as much as the Keurig machine and k-cups cost.

Effect on environment

The major effect of the Keurig are on the environment. Plastic k-cups are basically trash after use. And if you drink coffee every single day, that is 364 plastic cartridges a year you dispose of in the environment. Not to mention if you prefer to drink more than one cup a day. The plastic harms your environment so much that the founder of the k-cups Sylvan apologized for inventing them.

K-cups are non-recyclable, the plastic ones. And hence, it becomes the major cause of a decrease in marine life and ozone depletion.

Over-all the pros and cons of Keurig – Worth of Keurig

Here we have for you the general summary of all the pros and cons of the Keurig machine. Whether you should go for it or not?

Pros of keurig

• The Keurig makes coffee in a jiffy.
• A large variety of flavors is available.
• It can make a variety of drinks. Examples include hot tea, cold tea, iced tea, lemonade, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, etc.
• The cup size in the Keurig machine is adjustable.
• It is a perfect machine for late-risers who might need coffee instantly because of less time.
• The coffee beans are measured, and you just have to put them in the pod.
• Hassle-free coffee. No coffee spills.
• The water heats up instantly.
• The reusable filter is available in markets now.
• Airtight pods. Hence, they stay fresh for a longer period.
• The method to make the coffee is pretty simple.
• Even a layperson can easily make the coffee in the Keurig machine.

Cons of keurig

• The k-cups are expensive as compared to the ground coffee or coffee beans.
• The Keurig maker is costly as well.
• As the Keurig machines are mostly single-serve, they are not handy for a large family. Additionally, they are not advisable for any coffee party.
• In-expensive Keurig machines do not have any worthy features.
• The coffee is not fresh at all.
• Most k-cups are not recyclable.
• Major health problems occur due to the use of plastic in k-cups.
• There is no velvety flavor to the coffee.

Hamilton Flexbrew vs Keurig

Hamilton and Keurig are both leading coffee makers in town. However, both the coffee makers can make the coffee by cup and carafe. Yet certain differences make or break the deal between the two coffee makers.

First of all, let us look at the Hamilton model. We have taken up a Hamilton Flexbrew machine to compare with a Keurig single-serve model.

The Hamilton Flexbrew – Keurig worth

Is hamilton coffee worth it? Hamilton flex brew can not only make single-serve coffee but a full carafe as well. Hence, it is good for an individual as well as family use. It is affordable, as well.

Highlighting Features

• It can be used both for single-serve use or for a pot of coffee.
• It is user-friendly. You can program it to your liking.
• The brewer has an up to date water reservoir.
• You can pour coffee by pausing even if the carafe is not full.
• It has an auto-off switch.
• You can either make k-cup coffee or ground coffee. It has both options.
• It is easy to clean and maintain.
• It has an additional carafe as well.
• It is not very expensive.

Keurig 250

Is keurig 250 worth alot? Keurig 250 is a model that is more or less similar to Hamilton Flexbrew. Hence, this is a good option for comparison. This coffee maker can make a single-serve or a whole carafe as well.

Highlighting Features

• Its design is sleek and smart. Hence, it will save your counter space.
• It is adjustable to any type of k-cup.
• It can brew coffee in less than a minute.
• The water reservoir is quite large. It is almost up to 40-ounces.
• Keurig 250 has a touc creen display.
• There is a choice of different cup sizes in this model as well.
• It comes with a reusable filter as well.
• You can tweak with the setting. You can set your language and change some other settings as well.
• The strength of the brew will be in your control as well.
• The Keurig machine comes in funky and likable colors. They will match your kitchen decor perfectly.
• It is less expensive than most other Keurig machines.

Over-all comparison

The Hamilton Flexbrew is a simple machine. It does not have that much functions. Also, the design is pretty simple, as well. Hence, if you are not much concerned about your kitchen decor, you can buy it. In comparison, the Keurig machine is expensive than the Hamilton Flewbrew. There is no additional carafe with the Keurig 250. to sum up, the Keurig 250 has more options than Hamilton. And it is good looking as well. But it is more expensive than Hamilton’s.

Keurig vs. Regular Drip Coffee

There is a difference between the regular coffee and the Keurig coffee, no doubt. We are here to tell you how both of these coffees ae different.

Taste

The Keurig machines use k-cups. And they come in an abundance of flavors. They are flavorful and yummy. Besides, the k-cups are in airtight cartridges, so they stay fresh for longer periods. The grinding is also even. All these factors make the taste of the Keurig coffee quite good.

The drip coffee maker requires the coffee to be ground. Hence, you’ll want to have a grinder at hand. And you don’t need to get the right grind every time. Similarly, once the packet of coffee is opened, it must be consumed quickly. Although keeping all this in mind, no one can deny that the

Brewing Time

The brew time of drip coffee is more than the Keurig. Keurig will decrease your efforts and will ready your coffee in no time. However, many coffee drinkers claim that the Keurig does not take enough time to take the necessary flavors from the coffee during brewing. Hence, this may be one of the reasons for its weak taste. At the same time, drip coffee takes ample time to brew and extracts all the flavor.

Health matter

As explained above, the Keurig uses k-cups which is harmful to your health. On the other hand, drip coffee uses no such thing. Hence, this point goes in favor of drip coffee. Although one must note that if you use the coffee beans that are stale and not fresh, they may pose health threats.

Cost

Keurig machines are quite expensive. Similarly, the k-cups are costly as well. But drip coffee machines have a variety of cheap and expensive coffee machines. You can choose among them to satiate your coffee needs.

Environment friendly

The main issue is the toll on the environment. The Keurig wastes alot. The plastic of the k-cups is harmful to the environment. At the same time, drip coffee uses no such thing and is safe. However, with time the eco-friendly recyclable and reuseable k-cups are being produced for sustainability.

Can Instant Coffee Be Used in a Keurig?

The perks of instant coffee are endless. It can be made in no time at all. Instant coffee melts effortlessly in the warm water. The processed coffee beans are small and turn to dust in your hands. The best part about the coffee is that it leaves no residue. However, if you are thinking of combining the Keurig machine with instant coffee, abort the mission. The instant coffee melts in hot water, and as soon as the machine gets a little hot, it will melt right through the filter. And this isn’t only for a Keurig machine. Instant coffee can not be made in any coffee machine. The only way to have or prepare instant coffee is manual.

Also, read recipe about keurig cold coffee and espresso.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1- Is Keurig a good investment?

Suppose you are into exotic coffee flavors or go to a coffee shop daily to have your coffee. Keurig machines might be an investment. It will help you have the delicious flavors of coffee and save you the trip and money spent on coffee from coffee shops and baristas.

2- Is Keurig better than a regular coffee maker?

It depends. Keurig is expensive than any other regular coffee maker. Moreover, it only is a single-serve machine. But it is cheaper if it saves you the visit to the coffee shop every time you crave a cup of joe.

3- Is using Keurig bad for use?

Keurig does have major health issues. These are mostly related to the plastic and aluminum present in the Keurig cartridges. However, with an increase in recyclable k-cups, this can be eliminated as well.

4- What is the lifespan of a Keurig coffee maker?

The lifespan of a Keurig maker is from 5-6 years, depending on the level of good maintenance and daily use.

5- Can your Keurig make you sick?

Indeed, if it is not cleaned properly and the plastic of k-cups can cause harm to your body. The molds and bacteria in an unclean machine can enter into the coffee and from there to your system and make you sick.