The Keurig coffee maker has become a household name among coffee lovers. There's no denying that Keurig's single-serve brewing systems make delicious coffee with an incredibly fresh taste. The entire experience not only satisfies your taste buds and your caffeine cravings, but is also very efficient and convenient.
A little history
The Keurig was the brainchild of John Sylvan. His goal was to solve the centuries-old problem of workplace coffee turning bitter and stale while sitting in the office kitchen all day.
John Sylvan first intended to make coffee pods that would be used to make a fresh, delicious cup of coffee at a time. He then invented the Keurig machine to brew coffee with those single-serve coffee pods.
Thus was born the Keurig company. John Sylvan and his college roommate, Peter Dragone, founded it in 1992 in Massachusetts. The fundamental reason behind the name was a search for the word "excellence" in Dutch. The translation of Keurig into English is neat, exquisite, and elegant.
The Keurig isn't just known as a stylish home/commercial coffee brewing system. It also comes with a wide variety of coffee flavors in the form of K-cups. So how do K-cups brew so quickly? After all, it's definitely not the same as instant coffee.
What is a K-CUP?
The best thing about a Keurig is that it offers its users a sort of personalized experience. They do this by having a variety of flavorsβmore than 200 to be exact. This way, Keurig users can select a unique variety of flavored cups based on their needs. In addition to this, Keurig also offers a range of licensed suppliers such as Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and Peets. Green Mountain Coffee is also a popular choice.
Keurig designed K-cups not only for brewing coffee, but also has pods for hot chocolate, tea, and other hot beverages. No matter what your palate prefers, there's a convenient flavor for your cup just by adding hot water.
How do K-CUPS work?
K-cup coffee comes in small, disposable cups sealed with a foil cover. Inside these disposable coffee pods are an additional filter and ground coffee.
Before sealing the K-cups, all oxygen is removed, helping to preserve the contents. The purpose of this seal is to reduce exposure to moisture and heat that could compromise the quality of the brewed coffee .
Combine them with a little hot water, and you've got a convenient way to make a quick cup of coffee. You hear a click as the machine closes. From there, it seems as if it's just waiting for the hot water to infiltrate the K-cup and pour liquid gold into the coffee cup below.
But what actually happens in this process?
First, the coffee maker pierces a hole through the foil and then forces hot water through the ground coffee. After that, the beverage is pushed through the paper filter. Another hole is pierced at the bottom of the K-Cup, allowing the beverage to flow into your cup. You'll have a fresh cup of coffee or tea ready to start your day.
These coffee makers are ideal for people who live alone, need a quick bite before work, or are simply looking for a single-serve coffee, as each K-cup brews a single cup of coffee or tea.
How do K-cups make so fast?
The secret to your quick cup of coffee is that Keurig keeps hot water in a reservoir at all times. In an automatic drip machine, the water only starts heating when you turn on the machine. Plus, you save a lot of time by not having to measure coffee grounds. Simply insert a K-Cup and it'll be ready in no time.
There are many controversies involved, especially when it comes to both consumer health and our environment. Another thing to consider when talking about K-cups is that they're not just a toy for the coffee elite. You can find a Keurig in most hotels and office buildings.
If you like your coffee brewed simply, this might be the way to go. But as with any coffee-related decision or experimentation, keep in mind how you typically experience coffee. If you live for the detailsβchoosing the beans, feeling them grind and brew as you get ready for your dayβa Keurig might not be for you.