As college students leave the “comfort” of their dorm room to make the seasonal pilgrimage back to their respective hometowns for Thanksgiving/Winter break, parents eagerly await their return. Though the stress of finding the perfect gift for the holiday season can become overwhelming, there is something that parents can buy for their college student that is useful, convenient, and fun. A single cup coffee maker, of course.
Not only does a personal brew machine save them enormous amounts of time and money (see article on how much money you can save by making coffee at home), but it is also the gift that will make you a hero. All those late night study sessions followed by early morning classes are much easier to face and get through with a jolt of java close by. No longer will they have to wait in lengthy lines and stress about being late to class. And let’s face it, taking as much stress off a college student as possible is always helpful and appreciated.
So, which single cup coffee maker should you buy? Well, here are a few of the top choices. (Keeping in mind specific dorm room restrictions, which vary from school to school.)
Flavia Fusion Drink Station: This single cup coffee maker is an entire drink station. Within minutes you can create cappuccions, chococcinos, hot chocolate, a bevy of teas…etc. The maker is only compatible with fresh packs, which contain single servings of each beverage. It’s extremely quiet, efficient, and narrow in design. Although this is the most expensive option on the list, (around $125) it’s for a reason. Even after school is over, your student will enjoy waking up every day to make a fresh, quick, personalized cup of coffee for years to come.
Keurig Mini Personal Brewer: A compact single serve coffee cup maker that comes in 3 colors. The great thing about a machine like this is that it is so clean and convenient, no need to deal with messy filters or measuring out ground coffee. Although the maker is only compatible with K-Cups, there are over 200 varieties/flavors offered and the selection is always growing. It makes a cup of coffee in under 3 minutes.
Thinking more long-term though, it may be better to purchase the slightly bigger brewer, the B40. It’s only slightly more expensive, but with a 48 oz water reservoir, it doesn’t have to be refilled for every cup–a very adult machine that will last long after college. B30 is about $90 while the B40 is only around $100.
Black & Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker: After filling the mug with water and pouring it into the water tank, it only takes a filter, ground coffee, and about 3 minutes before a fresh cup of coffee is brewed, drip-style, into it’s accompanying travel mug. The prices runs around $20 and comes with a nifty stainless mug.
French Press: If coffee makers are strictly prohibited, perhaps a more kettle-like maker would be able to pass for approval. This easy-to-use method is preferred by coffee experts as the best way to prepare a cup of coffee. It’s simple enough to use and can be found very cheap—around $25. It takes ground coffee, so your student could fill it with whatever ground coffee they find at the local market.
Melitta Ready, Set, Joe Travel Mug: This old school single cup maker literally is just a funnel on top of a cup. It’s as basic as you can get for making a cup of coffee. Inside the funnel goes your filter and ground coffee. After pouring hot water over the grounds, you have a fresh brewed cup of coffee. This maker is about $7, but you’d still need to find a way to heat the water.
Cafe La Semeuse. If you don’t know this name from the coffee industry, you need to know something. You are missing out! Yes, I hate to push yet another coffee brand in your vocabulary of already over-populated manufacturers, but this is one brand that needs to make its way to the front of your frontal lobe. Cafe La Semeuse produces what they themselves call “a never bitter coffee.” How is that possible? The selectively chosen, delicate Arabica beans are roasted at higher altitudes, which in turn, allows the beans to be roasted at lower temperatures. Translation? No burt beans, no oily residue, no bitter flavor, and surprising (this is not advertised) minimal aftertaste/coffee breath. (This is huge for us who work closely with our co-workers!)
