One Cuppa Joe at a Time

Author's Rating:

Pros: great for one cup of good coffee, better than alternatives, space saving

Cons: should allow for brewing a larger cup of coffee

The Bottom Line: 
While I wish this coffee maker allowed for brewing into a taller mug, I still recommend this for brewing one cup of coffee at a time

Author's Review
Before Christmas 2002, I told my mom I would like a small coffee maker that brewed a single cup of coffee. I previously used coffee singles by Folgers and Maxwell House to brew myself one or two cups of coffee a day, since I am the only coffee drinker in my home. However, I wanted to be able to buy higher quality coffees, including packaged flavored ground coffee for automatic drip machines, to brew myself a better tasting cup of coffee.

I do have a full sized coffee maker that yields 10-12 cups for when I have guests or want to drink a few cups (3-4) on a particularly foggy (my head, not the weather!) morning, but in most cases using the full sized machine does not make sense; I end up wasting a lot of coffee and don't care to keep the pot warming all day or reheating the cooled coffee, resulting in a disappointing flavor.

Mom ended up selecting the Black & Decker Cup-at-a-Time coffee maker (model DCM7). At first, I was not sure I would keep it; I had expected to receive a machine that included its own cup, since most of the machines I'd researched online were of that type. But this Black & Decker does not come with a cup or pot in which to brew the coffee; it is brewed into a "favorite mug or cup." I did not use this coffee maker right away; I waited a couple weeks to make sure I did not decide to exchange it for another machine. I was convinced I would not like this model very much.

I was wrong. The Black & Decker Cup-at-a-Time coffee maker does just what I want it to do; it brews a delicious single cup of coffee, and does it quickly and easily.

Components

The main unit of this machine is about 8 1/2 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. The components are the Water Reservoir and cover, the Water Spreader/distributor, the Filter Basket, and the Permanent Filter. The front of the main unit also has a start lever and and on indicator light.

Using the Coffee Maker

Before using the coffee maker for the first cup of coffee, the user must plug it in and pour a mug of cold tap water into the Water Reservoir, and start the machine to brew the plain water through the machine, then discard the water. After that simple task, you are ready to brew your first cuppa joe!

Simply fill your 5-12 oz. mug or cup with cold water. (The mug or cup will be the "pot" you brew your coffee into.) Pour the water into the Water Reservoir. Place the mug/cup on the cup rest. Add your coffee grounds to the Permanent (removable) Filter. Close the Water Reservoir lid. Push the start lever down, the "On" light will glow, and your coffee will soon begin to brew. The coffeemaker and On light will turn off automatically when brewing is done.

This machine brews a good tasting cup of coffee that is better than the alternatives; coffee singles, instant, re-warmed coffee that has cooled in a pot, burned coffee that has warmed too long in a pot, etc. It is an excellent choice for people like me who want only one cup of coffee at a time.

Care and Cleaning

To clean the machine, remove the Permanent Filter and the Filter Basket and wash in hot soapy water or in the top rack of a dishwasher. Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. You may clean the inside of the reservoir cover by pulling the Water Spreader down to unsnap it and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth. Periodically, about every three months or so, a white vinegar and water solution should be run through the machine 2 or so times (plus 1-2 "rinses" of clear water) to remove mineral deposits.

My Experience with the Black & Decker Cup-at-a-Time Coffee Maker

The machine allows for brewing into 5-12 oz. cups/mugs, which includes the standard approximately 8 oz. mug and short, wide mugs (cappuccino/cafe style mugs.) However, it does not allow for taller ceramic mugs or travel mugs. To me, this is its downfall, as I would love to brew into my favorite cup, a larger insulated mug from a defunct bagel shop. In my opinion, it would have made much more sense for them to make this machine a little larger so that users could brew larger cups of coffee.

However, since the machine brews very quickly and is so easy to use, it is quite easy to brew a second cup either after drinking the first, or by quickly rinsing out the permanent filter, adding new coffee grounds and water and a mug, and starting the machine again.

You can also use the machine to brew/heat plain water for use in making hot chocolate, tea, soup, instant oatmeal or noodles, etc.

I prefer using this coffee maker to make single cups of coffee over my previous method, making coffee singles (similar to tea bags) in the microwave. The taste is superior, as you can use any type of coffee grounds you prefer, such as a premium brand or, if you have a coffee grinder, freshly ground beans. I received this as a gift, but recently saw it priced under $15 at WalMart, so if you are looking for a single cup coffee maker, this is a good value and does its job well.

Maria's Ideal Cuppa Joe
1-1 1/2 tablespoons Starbucks House Blend
8 oz. water
1-2 tablespoons non-dairy liquid creamer
2 packets Sweet & Low

Add coffee grounds to the filter of the Black & Decker Cup-at-a-Time Coffee Maker. Pour water into Water Reservoir. Start machine by pressing down start lever. When done brewing, add creamer and Sweet & Low. Enjoy, and fortify yourself for another day of stay-home parenthood!