Best Reusable K Cup: The Top 5 Eco-Friendly Options

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The convenience of single-serve coffee pods has made it even easier to enjoy a quick cup of coffee anytime. However, the environmental impact of these pods is staggering. This is where the reusable k cup comes in.

Reusable k cups are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-serve coffee pods for those who refuse to give up their beloved Keurig coffee machine. They are designed to be used with Keurig coffee makers and allow you to brew your own coffee using freshly ground coffee beans. This reduces waste and gives you the freedom to choose your preferred coffee blend and strength.

When purchasing a reusable k cup, it’s important to pay attention to a few factors: the material it’s made of, the price, and the ease of use. Here we’ve rounded up a few solid options from Amazon to help you reduce your environmental footprint without making a major investment in new coffee equipment.

But before we get to our top picks, let’s consider why you might want to switch to a reusable coffee pod.

Why Use A Reusable K Cup?

The Keurig coffee maker is a widely popular coffee brewer that uses a K cup coffee pod to brew a single serving of coffee. But is the convenience of an effortless, single-serve coffee maker worth the negative environmental impacts? Here are a few reasons why we think switching to a reusable k cup is worth considering:

Environmentally friendly: Despite what Keurig claims, K cups are not easily recyclable in most communities via curbside recycling bins. They are made from polypropylene #5, which, for recycling purposes, means they are not curbside recyclable in many communities. And, unlike Nespresso, Keurig does not offer a recycling program to assist consumers with recycling efforts.

So this means that K cups end up in landfills by the billions. Yes, BILLIONS. In fact, the number of K cups in landfills could circle the earth 11 times. So using a reusable K cup can help reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly. 

Cost savings: While K cups are convenient, they can also be expensive. A pack of 24 K cups can cost anywhere from $10 to $20, depending on the brand and flavor. If you drink coffee every day, those costs can add up quickly. Using a reusable K cup can save money in the long run. Simply fill the K cup with your favorite freshly ground coffee, and you’re good to go.

Customizable: With a reusable K cup, you can customize your coffee to your liking. You can use your favorite ground coffee, adjust the strength and flavor to your liking, and experiment with different blends. It also ensures your coffee will be fresh versus ground coffee that’s been sealed in a K cup for who knows how long.

Easy to use: Using a reusable K cup is easy. Simply fill it with your favorite ground coffee, place it in the Keurig machine, and brew your coffee as you normally would. It’s a simple and convenient way to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Best Reusable K Cups

Looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying a delicious cup of coffee? Look no further than reusable K cups! 

These eco-friendly alternatives to disposable K cups allow you to brew your favorite coffee without creating unnecessary waste. Below are our top picks for the perfect pod for your coffee needs.

MaxRona Reusable K Cups

Pros

• The newest cup lid design allows for compatibility with Keurig 2.0 and 1.0 brewers and Breville K Cup machines.
• Made with high-quality 304 metal mesh, these reusable K cups are sturdy and tight, always ensuring great-tasting coffee.
• Environmentally friendly and economical, using MaxRona K Cups can save you up to 80% compared to regular K Cups.

Cons

• Not compatible with K-mini plus, K-Duo/plus, Keurig K-Supreme/Plus/Smart, or K-Slim.
• Some users have reported difficulty with Keurig 2.0 machines, but turning the cup 90 degrees can solve this issue.
• The lids can be slightly flimsy, but they still do their job.

The MaxRona Reusable K Cups are affordable, easy to use, and clean. Simply fill the cup with your desired coffee grounds, brew, and then dispose of the grounds and wash the filter. These cups are also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.

The MaxRona Reusable K Cups are a great option for anyone who wants to save money and reduce waste without sacrificing the convenience of their Keurig machine.

Kicovitifa Reusable K Cups

Pros

• Compatible with a wide range of Keurig brewers, including the 1.0 and 2.0 models, as well as Breville and Mr. Coffee K Cups.
• Made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, dishwasher safe and free of hazardous substances.
• Ridge-less design on the inside makes cleanup a breeze.

Cons

• It may not work as well with certain types of coffee grounds.
• It can be a bit finicky to get the hang of at first.
• It may not be as durable as other reusable K Cups on the market.

The Kicovitifa Reusable K Cups are compatible with a wide range of Keurig brewers, so they’re likely compatible with whichever machine you’ve got. They’re also made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel that is safe for you and the environment.

We noticed they can be a bit finicky to get the hang of at first. You need to ensure you’re using the right amount of coffee grounds and that they’re packed in tightly enough. But they’re pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that they may not be as durable as other reusable K Cups on the market. They feel a bit flimsier than some of the other options out there.

Overall, though, we think the Kicovitifa Reusable K Cups are a great option for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee.

GoodCups Reusable K Cups

Pros

• The micro-mesh technology ensures maximum flavor extraction from your coffee.
• The durable design is eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
• The set of 4 K-Cups is perfect for preparing different flavors of coffee without the need for transition or cleanups in between.

Cons

• The lid can be hard to open at times.
• Some users have reported that the lid doesn’t close properly.
• The filter might not fit all Keurig machines.

The GoodCups Reusable K Cups micro-mesh technology ensures the coffee is brewed perfectly, with little to no grounds or residue left behind. The stainless steel mesh is non-reactive, so it doesn’t alter the taste or aroma of the coffee in any way.

The unibody construction of the K-Cups ensures that the lid won’t break, which is a common problem with cheaper options. We appreciate that these K-Cups are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, as they should hold up better over time than some of the less expensive options.

The set of 4 K-Cups is perfect for preparing different flavors of coffee without the need for transition or cleanups in between. We’ve found that the K-Cups are easy to clean and can make thousands of coffees, making them a great investment for any coffee lover.

We highly recommend the GoodCups Reusable K Cups to anyone looking to save money and reduce waste. They’re easy to use, eco-friendly, and produce great-tasting coffee.

Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Filter MultiStream Technology

Pros

• The Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Filter MultiStream Technology extracts full flavor and aroma each time you brew.
• It is the only Keurig-designed reusable coffee filter approved for all Keurig home brewers.
• It is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, making it easy to clean.

Cons

• The design is not particularly foolproof for older Keurig Pro models needing the extra grey clip.
• The paper instructions are not very helpful and may require resorting to watching a video tutorial.
• It is only designed for ground coffee, so tea leaves, hot cocoa, and other powdered beverages are not recommended.

This is the only Keurig-designed reusable coffee pod approved for all Keurig home brewers, making it a versatile option. While not the cheapest option out there, the fact that it is made by Keurig provides peace of mind that it will work as intended.

However, we did find that the design is not particularly foolproof for older Keurig Pro models needing the extra grey clip, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the paper instructions are not very thorough, but video tutorials on YouTube are super helpful.

Fill N Save Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup

Pros

• The Elite Series is made of high-quality stainless steel built to last and can outlive your Keurig machine.
• The patented Gold Mesh Technology ensures maximum flow, allowing the coffee to heat properly and flow through the K cup for a more flavorful coffee.
• The Elite Series has no hinge, which makes the top removable and easy to clean. The patented Gold Mesh Technology ensures a better brew, and the O ring is the highest quality available on the market.

Cons

• The Fill N Save Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup is incompatible with Keurig K Supreme.
• The product is only sold in a single piece, which may not be ideal for those who need multiple K cups for their daily coffee routine.
• Some users may find the Fill N Save Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup slightly more expensive than other reusable K cups on the market.

This K cup is made of high-quality materials and built to last, which is a huge plus for those tired of constantly buying disposable K cups. We love the patented Gold Mesh Technology, which ensures your coffee is flavorful and properly heated. The K cup is also easy to clean, which is a huge plus for those who don’t want to spend much time cleaning up after making their coffee.

Remember that the Fill N Save Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup is incompatible with Keurig K Supreme, so if you have that model, this product may not fit your machine. 

Additionally, the product is only sold in a single piece, which may not be ideal for those who need multiple K cups for their daily coffee routine, and it is more expensive than other reusable K cups that come in multi-packs.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a reusable K cup, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look at:

Compatibility

First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the reusable K cup you choose is compatible with your coffee maker. Check the product specifications to ensure that it will fit your machine.

Material

Reusable K cups can be made from various materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and silicone. Each material has pros and cons, so consider which would work best for you. For example, plastic is lightweight and easy to clean but may not be as durable as stainless steel.

Capacity

Consider how much coffee you typically make at once and choose a reusable K cup with a capacity that matches your needs. Some products can hold up to 20 grams of coffee, while others may only hold 10 grams.

Filter

The quality of the filter in your reusable K cup can impact the taste of your coffee. Look for a product with a fine mesh filter that will prevent grounds from slipping through but allow water to flow easily.

Ease of Use

Choose a reusable K cup that is easy to fill and clean. Some products have a hinged lid that makes filling and emptying the cup a breeze, while others may require more effort.

Price

Reusable K cups can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a product. Remember that a higher price tag may indicate a higher quality product, but it’s not always the case.

Overall, choosing the best reusable K cup for your needs comes down to considering your personal preferences and needs. By keeping these features in mind, you’ll be able to find a product that works well for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reusable K Cups worth it?

Yes, reusable K Cups are worth it. They are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable K Cups. A refillable K Cup can reduce your environmental impact and save money in the long run.

Do reusable K Cups work in all Keurigs?

Reusable K Cups work in most Keurig machines, but checking if your specific model is compatible is important. Some older Keurig models may not work with reusable K Cups.

What type of coffee is best for a reusable K Cup?

Any type of ground coffee can be used in a reusable K Cup, but medium grinds work best. Avoid using finely ground coffee, as it can clog the mesh filter and affect the taste of your coffee.

Do reusable K Cups need filters?

Most reusable K Cups have a built-in mesh filter, so you don’t need additional paper filters. However, some users prefer to use paper filters to make cleaning easier.

How many times can you reuse a reusable K Cup?

Reusable K Cups can be reused multiple times, but the exact number of uses depends on the quality of the K Cup and the type of coffee used.

How do you use a Keurig Duo reusable pod?

To use a Keurig Duo reusable pod, remove the regular K Cup holder from the machine and insert the reusable pod. Add your desired amount of coffee and close the lid. Select your preferred brewing size and press the brew button. Once the brewing is complete, remove the pod and rinse it with water.