What Is The Difference Between Coffee Pods And K Cups?
Over the several years, Keurig brewers with k cups have become more popular at home and in the office. Some people consider it “instant coffee,” and we are here to prove them wrong.
Nowadays, it can get confusing with the various types of single-serve coffee; certain things to look for that will help you pick the right one. Both are incompatible, with coffee pods being flat and round, well k-cups come in plastic.
Coffee pods have ground coffee sealed inside a paper filter or larger resealed bag (Often looks like a tea bag) and k-cups have it sealed in a hard plastic or cartridge. The k-cup lids are made of foil top punctured during the brewing process. So, here are the differences between coffee pods and k cups
What Is A Coffee Pod?
A standard coffee pod is 61 millimeters round and contains between 7 – 12 grams of ground coffee, depending on the type of roast and desired strength. They are used for brewing a single cup of coffee in coffee pod brewers, unlike Keurig’s, which requires k cups.
They have been on the market since 2001 when single-serve coffee became more popular, and significant companies began to pick up on the idea. The paper pouch that holds the coffee is 100% compostable, unlike k cups made of plastic.
How Long Do Coffee Pods Last?
On average, coffee pods last between 8 – 12 months adequately stored. Always check the manufacturer’s expiration date printed on the label to ensure coffee pods for shelf life.
Moments after the coffee is ground; it begins to decompose and lose flavor. Each coffee pod is individually sealed for maximum freshness during packaging and flushed with nitrogen. This prevents moisture, oxygen, and light from affecting the ground coffee, ensuring freshness and staying fresher.
How Much Are Coffee Pods
Most coffee pods will cost between $1.50 – $3 per pod; certain factors contribute to how much you will pay for coffee pods; purchasing larger quantities will lower the price of specific name brands. The Kona blend grown on the slopes of Hawaii is the most expensive, on average costing upwards of $3 per coffee pod.
Another option for lower the price is by purchasing Coffee Pod Replacement Filters; it’s a fast and easy way of making your own pods with your favorite ground coffee and one of the most affordable.
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How Does K Cup Work?
Each k cup is packaged and sealed with ground coffee and a paper filter on a smaller scale; it’s the same as a pot of coffee. Once you insert the k cup into the Keurig machine and push the handle down for brewing, holes are punctured on the top and bottom of the k cup.
At this point, hot pressurized water is forced into the k cup between 195°F – 205°F and through the filter into your coffee cup below. The filter acts as a screen stopping any ground coffee from passing through. Brewing is excellent for individual preference or specific tastes as k cups come in various flavors and strengths.
Nowadays, it can get confusing with the various types of single-serve coffee; certain things to look for that will help you pick the right one. Both are incompatible, with coffee pods being flat and round, well k-cups come in plastic.
Coffee pods have ground coffee sealed inside a paper filter or larger resealed bag (Often looks like a tea bag) and k-cups have it sealed in a hard plastic or cartridge. The k-cup lids are made of foil top punctured during the brewing process.
What Is A K Cup?
A K-cup is a single-cup brewing design for ground coffee, generally made from a plastic cup, aluminum lid, and inside lined with filter material. Compatible with a Keurig brewer, two needles puncture the lid and the bottom of the plastic cup. As the water flows into the top, it extracts the coffee passing through and exiting through the bottom puncture. Although many different brands exist, k-cups serve over 60 coffee brands, commonly called Keurig k cups.
How To Remove K Cup Holder 2.0
When removing your k-cup holder, be aware it’s only plastic and, over time, becomes brittle. Brand new k-cups will be challenging to remove and need both hands to do so safely.
1.Place one hand firmly on the bottom of the k-cup holder
2. Position second hand on the top where the arrow is located
3. Pull up with both hands together, tipping forward and back as this will release the corners much easier
4. Once loosened, pulling directly upwards
What Is The K Cup Holder
The k cup holder holds the k cups in place during the brewing process; it’s located directly below the handle of the Keurig machine and holds it steady when the needles puncture both sides of the k cup.
How To Clean Your K-Cup Holder?
K-cups are great for making single cups of coffee, but like anything, over time, they build up spilled coffee grounds causing problems if not properly maintained.
You should clean the K-Cup holder Once A Week and descale the machine every few months. How To Clean Your K-Cup Holder?
1.Remove the K-Cup holder from the machine by using both hands
2. Detach the funnel from the K-cup holder by pulling on the sides
3. Take a paper clip and insert it into the exit hole on the bottom side
4. Wash entire K-Cup holder under running water
5. Reattach K-cup and funnel back together and place into position with arrows facing up
6. Run 2 water only cycles without K-cups
Best Reusable K Cups For Keurig
If you are the type of person who prefers ground coffee from your favorite roaster, don’t worry. We have a solution. Using reusable filters that Keurig doesn’t supply and come in all shapes and sizes allows you to enjoy a fresh cup, built economically smart and environmentally friendly.
Avoid filling past the max indicator and never compress the coffee grinds, on average holding 2.5 tablespoons. If you see Brew Interrupted, the filter may be overfilled, and If you’re grinding your coffee beans, use a coarse grind similar to a French press, as finer grinds can clog the filter.
Are K Cups Cheaper Than Ground Coffee?
No, on average k-cups cost 2 – 9 times more than ground coffee, depending on the brand’s purchase. K-cups only work in Keurig machines; this limits your options on different brands and paying the price for individual packaging.
Are All K Cups The Same Size?
Yes, a standard k-cup has specific dimensions to fit all Keurig machines. Whether it’s an older model or a newer 2.0. What Are K-Cup Dimensions?
Top Diameter – 2′ / Height – 1 13/16′ / Bottom Diameter – 1 3/8″
Do K-Cups Expire? – How Long Do K-Cups Last?
Specific questions should be asked when purchasing k cups, especially in bulk, Do K-Cups Expire? or How Long Do Keurig Cups Last? Most k cups are sold in large quantities with misleading labels and dates on different packages.
During the packaging process, k cups are flushed with nitrogen preventing moisture, oxygen, and light from affecting the ground coffee. This ensures its freshness and stays fresher longer than regular packages of coffee.
As long as the seal isn’t punctured or broken, k cups can last a very long time; plastic is a solid but has microscopic breathing gaps” that allow oxygen to penetrate in over a long period. Ground coffee won’t go bad but will lose flavor and aroma with this happening.
How Much Coffee Does One K-Cup Make?
Each k-cup allows you to make three different sizes for a standard Keurig 2.0; these sizes range from small 6 oz, medium 8 oz, or large 10 oz per cup of coffee. The machine will indicate this by pushing buttons showing different cup sizes. The great thing is all these sizes only require one k cup at a time.
Can You Reuse K Cups?
Yes, but technically k-cups are designed for one use only and then thrown away. Reusing a K-cup for a second cycle will produce a weaker coffee. So if your preference is a light roast, give this method a try.
What Are Other Reasons For Re-using K-Cups?
- Easier on the environment – The plastic used in making k-cups takes years to decompose, and so many Keurig’s every year add up.
- More affordable – If you love the convenience and simplicity but are on a budget, then using them twice will save you money.
How Much Coffee Is In A K-Cup?
Each type of roast affects the number of grams it takes to brew a cup of coffee. On average dark roast will take more than light roast blends. It takes more coffee grounds to brew a stronger cup of java,
Light Roast Or Breakfast Blend – has between 9 – 9.5 grams
Medium Roast – has between 10 – 11 grams
Dark Roast – has, on average, 11 – 12 grams; keep in mind specific blends contain as much as 14 grams. This would be considered “Extra Bold‘.
How Many K Cups In A Pound Of Coffee?
Each K-cup has, on average, 11 grams of coffee, taken into consideration between light-dark roast varies. There are 453 grams per pound, making 41 K-Cups per pound of coffee.
How Much Does A K-Cup Weigh?
A k-cup weighs between 12 – 16 grams, depending on the brand—dark roast weighs slightly more due to more coffee grounds to make a stronger roast.
On average, the packing for a k-cup weighs around 3 – 4 grams, and the remaining weight is from the coffee grounds. Converted to ounces weighing 0.4 – 0.6oz
Kona Coffee K Cups
For a quick and easy way of preparing Kona coffee, brewing with k cups or coffee pods are great. Light with a complex aroma, well-balanced, and rich in flavor are some characteristics that make Kona coffee a favorite for many people.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying a k-cup for the first time or recently purchased a Keurig Elite and looking to maintain the equipment. We answer those questions in this blog post.