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Go Green with Reusable K-cups
Reusable coffee pods are a better choice- here's why.
Published October 25, 2021
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Asharita D'Silva
Coffee experts@Era of We
Coffee pods revolutionized the coffee industry when they first hit the market. Automatic brewers like the Keurig bought us convenience, ease of use, and reduced the need for expertise while brewing. However, single-use coffee pods have become a global waste problem and many coffee-lovers are starting to want better- something more eco-friendly and that can brew better coffee. Enter reusable K-cup pods that can help you make better coffee while staying environmentally conscious.
What Are Reusable K-cups?
Reusable K-cups are simply coffee pods that can be refilled and reused multiple times. They are made of a stainless steel mesh and a pod enclosure. These are a much more sustainable choice than single-use coffee pods and even end up being cheaper in the long run. Additionally, it allows you to experiment with your coffee and try new things.
Why Should You Choose Reusable K-cup Pods?
Reusable coffee pods give you the opportunity to experiment with different coffees while reducing waste and saving you money in the long term. Here are 3 reasons you should switch to reusable K-cup pods:
- Reduce waste production
Every single-use coffee pod is made of plastic and will be disposed of, ending up in landfills. This only adds to the global waste crisis. By switching to a reusable K-cup, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Billions of single-use K-cup pods are sold each year, and this is just from one brand. As you can imagine, this creates a huge waste problem that you can avoid being a part of. A reusable coffee pod can last forever if cared for properly and most will give you at least one year of use.
- Spend less
Since you only purchase them once and use them for years, reusable K-cup pods are the more economical choice. Instead of spending money every month to stock up on single-use pods, you spend less by buying one reusable pod that will last for years if cared for. This also means that you can spend that money elsewhere, perhaps on buying more coffee.
- Control and customize your cup
There’s nothing like freshly roasted and ground coffee. Reusable coffee pods let you select exactly what coffee you want to use so you have many options. Most single-use pods have lower quality coffee so with reusable K-cup pods, you can choose to fill the pod with high-quality, ethically sourced coffee.
You can even choose to buy from local roasters or from online stores that focus on fair trade. If you grind the beans yourself, you can even customize the taste of the coffee by varying the grind size. The grind size determines the final flavor in your cup by controlling how water moves through the powder and how much coffee is extracted. By experimenting with different roasts and grinds, you can get a better understanding of the coffee you love.
How To Use Reusable K-cups
Reusable coffee pods are designed to work effortlessly with specific brewing methods (like K-cups and a Keurig brewer). Here is a quick step-by-step guide for first-time users:
1. Grind your coffee
There isn’t anything that comes close to the freshness and quality of freshly-ground coffee. If you have the time, consider investing in a coffee grinder so you can keep your beans fresh longer (coffee starts going bad as soon as it’s ground) and brew fresh coffee every day.
For reusable K-cup pods, a medium grind works best. A fine grind can clog the filter so it’s best avoided. When picking a roast type, choose dark roasts for a full-bodied flavor and rich aroma. A lighter roast can also work if that’s your preference.
2. Fill the pod
Designs vary for coffee pods depending on the brand but most have the same general structure. To fill the pod with coffee, you need to unscrew the top lid and add the ground coffee up to the indicator mark. Don’t overfill the pod or press down on the coffee grounds as this could damage the filter. Screw the lid back on before inserting it into the brewing machine.
3. Brew your coffee
Once the lid is securely shut, place the coffee pod in the assigned slot on the machine. These instructions may be specific to your machine, so always read the user manual from that particular brand. Follow the instructions that come with the machine and enjoy your coffee!
4. Don’t forget to clean
Keeping the reusable K-cup clean means you get better coffee and the pod lasts longer. Wait for the pod to cool down, disassemble the pod and remove the used coffee grounds. Then rinse the pod with soap and warm water or put it in a dishwasher.
Common Problems with Reusable K-cup Pods
There are two major issues people face when brewing with reusable coffee pods:
1. The coffee is too weak
Coffee that is too weak is often a result of under-extraction. This happens when the water to coffee ratio is incorrect, the roast is too light, or not enough coffee has been used. Solve this by adjusting the roast type and filling in the correct amount of coffee in the pod. In some cases, the issue might be with the machine itself, so regular maintenance is key.
2. There is sediment in the cup
Sediment or ground in the final cup indicates an issue with the filter. This can happen if you use the wrong pod with the wrong machine (the brands don’t match) or the filtration system in the machine is inefficient. Make sure you use the correct reusable coffee pod with the correct machine.
Reusable K-cup pods are truly life-changing for those with automatic brew machines. Consider making an eco-friendly, economical, and ethical choice by switching from single-use pods to reusable coffee pods.
About the author
Asharita D'Silva
Join me in discovering the wonderful world of coffee! As a writer, coffee is my fuel and newfound passion. I love writing about new coffees, sustainability, and coffee culture around the world. I'm always discovering new things about coffee and the industry, which I share with the great community here at Era Of We.
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