Coffee Pods
I bet you’re probably wondering what exactly coffee pods are. Maybe they’re submarines that have lots of coffee in them for the trip down? The term isn’t exactly self-explanatory, is it? Well, let’s take care of that.
Are Coffee Pod Brewers Different?
Basically, coffee pods are small, single serve packages of coffee that come wrapped in their own filter. They can only be used with certain types of coffee makers, called pod brewers, but they can be far more convenient. Imagine not having to worry about buying filters and grind separately, or pouring grinds or water whenever you want just one cup of coffee. Unfortunately, this convenience is a bit more pricey than your standard cheap coffee maker. Coffee pods brewers, while still fairly budget friendly, are not nearly as cheap as the old standard. Also, there are many different manufacturers of coffee pods brewers, and not all brewers are compatible with all pods, so there is sometimes confusion as to which brewers use which pods.
Which Companies Make Coffee Pods?
Fortunately, however, coffee pods are sort of an open format as far as coffee goes. Although they require the special brewers to use, they can be produced by pretty much any company, and many companies to make and sell both pods and brewers, meaning there are quite a few different options when you go hunting for your pods or your brewer. Prices are all over the place, from as little as $5 per package to in excess of $30 per package for the more premium pods. It’s up to you to taste them both and see if it’s worth spending the extra money. There are also ways to make your own coffee pods, and it’s not very difficult, though one of the main reasons people like coffee pods is convenience, and making your own sort of negates those conveniences.
Coffee Pod Brewers: About As Expensive As Regular Brewers
Brewers for coffee pods vary wildly in price, ranging from $10 to well over $400 for personal one cup brewers, and upwards of $1100 for those brewers intended for an office or commercial environment. Although they can be purchased both online, and likely in your regular department store, the best deals will likely be found from online distributors, if you can afford and are patient enough to wait.
Are They Worth It?
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now; yes, coffee pods are quite a bit more expensive than your normal, every day coffee makers. Not only is the brewer itself pretty pricey, but the pods aren’t exactly cheap, and they don’t last nearly as long as your typical coffee grounds in a filter type setup. What you get in return, though, is the convenience of having it all in one package, and the ability to brew coffee that’s much closer to what the retail places have to offer.
Corky likes to write articles about senseo coffee pods and coffee pod machines.
